students walk in hallway
August 18, 2020

HMS Weekly Update

Welcome to the 2020/21 School Year!
Important Information for face-to-face  and online learners.

This is sure to be a learning experience unlike anything we have ever seen. Our passionate Middle School staff is excited to see students again and we are working hard to make sure that we have the safest and most effective learning environment possible.   Whether you have chosen in-person or online, our goal is to do everything in our power to support your family and prepare your child  for high school and all of the opportunities beyond.


FACE-TO-FACE LEARNERS:

 

Tour the Building
August 20 | 9am-4:30pm

(For Entering 6th Grade Students & new to HMS families.)

This is an opportunity to come to tour the building for possibly the first time! 50 people at a time will will be allowed in the building. Tour guides will assist students as they learn where to enter in the morning, practice the routine of walking to each class, and to address FAQs. You will not meet your teachers this night or go into classrooms. Bring your schedule, a map, and a mask!

Meet Your Teacher - Open House 
August 24 (last names M-Z) & August 25 (last names (A-L) 
4:30-6:30p

Teachers will be spaced out around the track at the middle school. Families of face-to-face learners can come introduce themselves to their teacher. For safety, we will reduce this to 50 families entering at a time. We will ask for the safety of our staff that face masks are worn.. You will not be  able to walk through the school to the classrooms. You will get your schedule at this event. Bring your schedule, a map, and a mask!

First Day of School
August 26 | 7:30am - 2pm

See you then!

Picture Day
August 27 & 28

Mark both dates on your calendars.  We will move through first period classrooms to get pictures of all students that are face to face. Students cannot pick their day. Please be prepared for both dates.

Chromebook Distribution for Face to Face learners
First week of school

ALL face-to-face students will be assigned a computer the first week of school.  It is their responsibility to bring it to school EVERY DAY and to bring their charger.  Extras will be limited. Students will not get one if they have not turned theirs in from the spring. 


ONLINE LEARNERS:

Chromebook Distribution for Online Learners
August 20| 9am-6pm
August 21 | 9am-3pm

Drive-thru Chromebook & Ipad Pick-up for online learners

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Online Learning:

  • How will my student access the material?
    Your student will go through a site called Odysseyware. Your student’s mentor will help get them acquainted with the site and provide support in getting started.
  • What will be the role of the student and the mentor?
    Each student will get a mentor who is a Holland Employee, but NOT a tutor. The mentor must be in 2 way communication two times a week (teacher reaches out and student responds 2 times a week) They will also assist with help in coaching your student with pacing. Please check your student’s schedule to see who their mentor will be. They will be listed as the teacher. Students will need to keep up with all 7 classes on their own and will receive a letter grade.
  • What is the recommended pacing for online?
    The average student in our online alternative option work 35 hours per week, so 5-6 hours per day. This pace is highly recommended because student must complete the full course by the end date of semester 1. Students who do not complete the course will not receive credit and will receive an E for the course on their report card and transcript.
  • How will IEPs and 504s look?
    IEP and 504 supports will be explained further to those families by email/phone call
  • Can students pick their own classes?
    You will not be able to pick the classes that your student will take. They are aligned as close as possible to the offerings at school.
  • What is the Educational Development Plan (EDP)?
    Your student’s EDP will be emailed to you. This is required to be enrolled in the online platform. It is a contract for the programming. You can return this via email, in person during chromebook delivery, or any other day between 7am-3pm Monday- Friday. We will have additional copies printed at the school if needed. This is due by AUGUST 23rd.