
Hawk Nation
October 2021
The official monthly newsletter of Horning Middle School
Contact Us
Main Office
Principal: Mr. Robert Blessington 262-970-3305Principal's Secretary: Ms. Jodi Aylsworth 262-970-3305
Assistant Principal (6B, 7B, 8B, Dual Language 6, 7 and 8) and Athletic/Activities Director: Mr. Bryan Lyday 262-970-3311
Dean of Students (6A, 7A, 8A, FLIGHT) : Ms. Susan Inkmann 262-970-3450
Attendance/Associate Principal Secretary: Ms. Pamela Craig 262-970-3317
Attendance Line: 1-866-490-7371 or 262-970-3316
School Resource Officer
Officer James Wolbert, 262-970-3304
Student Services
Counselors
Mrs. Angie Jackson (6A, 7A, 8A, FLIGHT), 262-970-3327
Ms. Natalie Ramirez (6B, 7B, 8B, Dual Language 6, 7 and 8), 262-970-3326
Student Services Secretary: Ms. Sue Miller, 262-970-3303
Social Worker: Ms. Angie Krueger, 262-970-1699
School Psychologist: Ms. Lindsey Lemus 262-970-1093
Health Room: Ms. Olivia Trejo 262-970-3315
Email: rblessin@waukesha.k12.wi.us
Website: https://sdw.waukesha.k12.wi.us/horningms
Location: Horning Middle School, Wolf Road, Waukesha, WI, United States
Phone: 262-970-3305
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HorningMSHawks/
Twitter: @HorningMiddle
Mark your Calendar
October 27: Early Release Day: School ends at 12:35
October 28-29: No School
November 18: Family/ Learner Conferences, 3:30-6:30 PM
November 19: Picture Retake Day.
November 24-28: No School: Thanksgiving Break
December 23-January 2: No School: Winter Break
January 17: No School
January 24: No School
February 17: Early Release Day: School ends at 12:35
February 18: No School
March 17: Family/ Learner Conferences, 3:30-6:00 PM
March 21-27: No School: Spring Break
April 15-18: No School
May 19: Showcase of Learning, 3:30-6:00 PM
May 27: Early Release Day: School ends at 12:35
May 30: No School
June 9: Last Day of School
Picture Retake Day
8th Grade Washington DC Trip
At the end of this school year, 8th grade students have the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C. on June 16th-19th. We will see iconic and historic locations like Arlington National Cemetery, the Holocaust Museum, the Pentagon Memorial, the Iwo Jima Memorial, the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Museum, Ford’s Theater, Korean, Vietnam, and World War II Memorials, and so much more!
Please join us in the Horning Auditorium for our parent meeting on October 20th at 5:00pm to hear more about the trip from the travel company themselves. Students will also have the opportunity to start fundraising on this night. There is no obligation to register on this night and there is no commitment needed to attend.
Parent & Student Information Meeting
October 20th, 2021 at 5:00pm in the Horning Middle School Auditorium
In addition, you can also fill out the form below to receive upcoming information:
If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Meredith Sweeney (msweeney@waukesha.k12.wi.us) or Dave Riley (driley@waukesha.k12.wi.us).
Integrated Math Launch
Over the past three years, the High School Math Department has been looking into and evaluating our current math courses. After researching our course offerings, learning outcomes, and piloting various resources, we were excited to recommend the adoption of Agile Mind as our curricular resource to support our shift to an integrated math sequence. The Board of Education approved the new course sequence and the adoption of Agile MInd. We will be rolling out our first new course titled “Integrated Mathematics I” this school year in replacement of Algebra I. For students currently enrolled in Geometry or higher, the changes will not impact their course sequence and their experience will remain consistent.
Throughout the spring and summer, our mathematics teachers have been preparing for the new course by studying units and developing common assessments to be used throughout the district. It is an exciting time for our students, teachers, and our community as years of hard work will finally reach the classroom.
The main purpose of this memo is to further communicate about the changes and provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding our first year of Integrated Math I.
What is an integrated math sequence? How does Integrated Math compare to Algebra?
Integrated mathematics is nothing new. Rather than teach only one main topic of mathematics in a given year, like with Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra II, an integrated sequence mixes those topics within each course. For example, Integrated Math I students will not only be learning about algebraic topics but also work with statistics and geometry. By the end of the first three year of high school mathematics, students will experience all of our state standards but in a different order to help maximize learning and engagement.
Integrated math courses are universally recognized at the collegiate level just like Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra II.
How will Agile Mind support learning?
Agile Mind’s programs, with online tools and comprehensive print resources, support the clear presentation of mathematical concepts using a combination of written descriptions, illustrations, animations, and interactive activities. In addition, students have the opportunity to engage in online and offline math activities outside of regular class time—to solve problems, to assess the progress of their learning, and to prepare for the coming high-stakes exams. In short, these programs will both challenge and support all of our students, helping them to understand mathematics in a deeper, richer way. For after-school instructional support, students can access the online program from home, the school computer labs, the library, or any device connected to the web. To learn more about Agile Mind, visit www.agilemind.com.
New Fee Payment Method in Infinite Campus
Please be aware that there is a new way to pay fees in Infinite Campus. RevTrak no longer functions; this new tool must be used. Please see the attached document HERE to view instructions on how to pay fees through Infinite Campus.
School Bus Tracking App Available
Dear SDW Eligible Bus Families,
As the colder weather approaches, we would like to remind you about the continued partnership with our transportation provider. FirstView is a bus tracking and parent communications app for your smartphone or desktop.
In order for you to track your student’s bus you will need the following information:
- Your student’s ID
- Your student’s FirstView Security Code
Please click on the links below for more information about FirstView and step by step directions on how to get started.
FirstView_Parent-App_FAQ-FINAL.pdf
Once you have the above information, you are ready to download the app. Here are some of the current features the app has to offer:
- Live Tracking
The FirstView map screen shows you the live location and direction of your student’s bus, your student's stop schedule for the current day, and timestamps for school arrivals and departures. You’ll know when the bus gets to school in the morning and leaves in the afternoon!
- Predictive Stop Arrival Times
Analyzing route and real-time GPS data, it determines an estimated time of arrival to your stop provided on the FirstView map.
- Custom Alerts and Messages
Set up push or email notifications alerting you when your student's bus is a chosen distance or number of minutes away from your stop.
FirstView requires a password-protected account for app set-up. This way, only you can view your student’s stop!
One last reminder, parent cooperation, and support is the foundation of a successful ride. We ask that you review the COVID-19 Information and School Bus Safety Rules with your child(ren).
Thank you,
School District of Waukesha - Transportation Office
COVID-19 testing and quarantine procedures
We have had multiple questions about the proper procedures if a family chooses to test for Covid-19. While I am certain this will not be the definitive answer, I will attempt to shed some light on the subject.
The Too Sick for School Guidelines handout is still our "go to" for deciding whether or not to keep a student home and when to seek medical attention. When it comes to Covid-19, we know things have changed frequently over the past year or so. We have all become pretty good at "pivoting"...
So now that quarantines and Covid-19 tests aren't mandatory, what do you do if your student has had an exposure? Believe it or not, it is pretty clear cut for us -
If your student is symptom free:
- Your student can continue to attend school and participate in extracurricular activities.
- It is not required that your student quarantine, although parents may choose to self quarantine. If you choose this route, please contact attendance at 262-970-3317.
- If a parent/guardian chooses to self quarantine their student after a potential Covid-19 exposure, they may return at any point during their quarantine if they do not have symptoms; they are not required to remain out for a full 10 days of self quarantine.
- If your child does NOT have symptoms but you chose to have them tested (or needed to have a COVID test for any other number of reasons), they may still attend school while awaiting results
What if after this COVID exposure, your child develops symptoms, and you decide to have them tested for COVID - can they return to school in the meantime?
- If your student has symptoms that would keep them home according to the "Too Sick for School Guidelines", then they would need to remain home until their symptoms have improved, even if the COVID test is negative.
- If the results come back positive, your student must be out for 10 days from symptom onset. If they do not have symptoms, they must stay home for 10 days from the date of the positive COVID test.
There is some BRAND NEW INFORMATION to the last page of our TSFS Guidelines - be sure to check that out!
As always, if you have any follow up questions in the realm of COVID or other health related situations and absences - please feel free to contact the health room at 262-970-3315.
Robotics Club starting September 28th
Horning Robotics Club is starting soon!
Are you interested in technology, robots, design, building, working with gears, or motors? Do you like to be challenged? The Horning Robotics team may be the club for you! Our informational/starting meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 28th, from 2:45 - 3:45.
If you have any questions, Please see Mr. Kind in room 142.
Gardening Club Starting September 28th...Join In!
Join Student Council!
Student Council will be meeting for the first time this year on October 5th in the library from 2:45-3:30. We meet every other Tuesday throughout the year. Students who wish to join Student Council should fill out and return an application to Mrs. Voskuil in Room 211 or Ms. Ramirez in the office. Throughout the year, Student Council plans and implements events such as dances, spirit days, community service, school assemblies and so much more. We are always looking for new ideas and new hands to help make our school a better place to be!
Art Club is Starting Soon!
Join GSA!
Students: Are You Interested in a Career in Public Safety?
The Waukesha Police Department Public Safety Cadets Program is accepting applications for new cadets. The cadet program prepares young adults (14-20 yrs) for careers in public safety.
Cadets attend regular meetings hosted by WKPD personnel where they learn the knowledge, skills, and practical experience in the law enforcement field. The Waukesha Police Cadets also participate in local and statewide competitions.
If you are interested, please contact Lt. Chad Pergande at (262)524-3763 or email Police@waukesha-wi.gov
If you have any questions you can reach out to Officer James at school, by phone at (262)970-3304 or by email jwolbert@waukesha.k12.wi.us
ONLINE CHRISTMAS CLEARING COUNCIL APPLICATIONS - APPLY TODAY
For more detailed information, see the attached flyer HERE.
Substitutes Needed
Library Volunteers Needed
Looking for a Tutor for your Student?
Please see THIS LIST of individuals who have requested that their information be provided to families looking for a tutor.
Please be advised:
The information contained in the tutor list is provided by the private tutors, and the School District of Waukesha makes no guarantee as to the accuracy of such information. Further, the District does not make recommendations or endorsements regarding the listed private tutors.
The listed private tutors may or may not be employees of the School District of Waukesha, and the District makes no warranties and gives no assurances as to the character or qualifications of the tutor, the quality of the services provided, or the safety of those who use the services of any listed tutor.
The School District of Waukesha assumes no responsibility to any person for any loss, damage, cost or expense, to include any physical or pecuniary injuries incurred or arising as a result of any information contained in this list of private tutors. It is recommended that persons interested in using the services of any private tutor identified in this list verify the qualifications of the person.
Fees, session times, etc. are handled directly between the tutor and the family.
Locks for Street Lockers
We are short combination locks from last year. The locks that are issued to students at the beginning of the year belong to Horning, and should be returned at the end of each school year. If you happen to have a combination lock at home that was issued by Horning last year, please send it with your student to be returned to the office. Thank you for your help!
Parent Login Tutorial for Blackboard
If you are unsure how to log in to Blackboard, or if you are having trouble, please see THIS VIDEO for a tutorial.
SDW Family & Community Literacy Series
SDW Writers' Network for Grades 6-12
Free Meals for the 2021-22 School Year
Tutor Request 2020-2021
Join Horning Site Council!
The 2nd Thursday of each month starting in September is reserved for our Horning Site Council meetings. The monthly meeting will be offered virtually via WebEx. Please look for an email invite that will be sent monthly to all families that will allow you to RSVP.
Horning Site Council's mission is to build community among families, learners, teachers and staff. We WANT people like you to get involved to help improve communication, support school needs, and plan activities to bring the Horning community together.
Site Council was formed in the 2016-17 school year, so we’re fairly new and trying to build our family involvement here at Horning.
Please join us at any meeting, or contact us any time for more information!
We look forward to seeing you!
Athletics and Activities
Our website, https://sdw.waukesha.k12.wi.us/domain/398 will have a current calendar of our co-curricular activities for your planning purpose and a Guidebook that will help you learn more about our offerings.
Please contact Mr. Lyday with questions at blyday@waukesha.k12.wi.us
Email: blyday@waukesha.k12.wi.us
Phone: 262-970-3311
Connect With Us!
Horning Website: https://sdw.waukesha.k12.wi.us/horningms
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HorningMSHawks/
Twitter: @HorningMiddle