The Heritage Herald

Happy Fall!

As we approach cold weather, please continue to remind your children of appropriate school uniforms. As we know, our middle schoolers often wear hoodies in the summer and shorts in the winter. With this, please encourage your child to dress appropriately for the cooler temperatures. Order forms for District 104 hoodies and crewnecks are due Wednesday, October 11th.

A few reminders:

• Make sure your child charges his/her chromebook each night.
• Students should be in uniform each day (Jeans can be worn on Fridays.)
• School starts at 7:50; 8:50 on Wednesdays.

If you have any questions, please call the main office (708-458-7590).

Mrs. Malone, Principal

Heritage Middle School

• TODAY ~ Progress Reports Sent Home
• October 9 ~ NO SCHOOL-Indigenous Peoples/Columbus Day
• October 17 ~ Coffee with the Principal
• October 25 ~ Say No To Drugs Presentations
• October 23 ~ SOS Presentation-6th Grade (additional information below)
• October 24 ~ SOS Presentation-7th Grade (additional information below)
• October 25-31 ~ RED RIBBON SPIRIT WEEK (additional information below)
• November 7 ~ SOS Presentation-8th Grade (additional information below)

Parents, we have noticed an uptick in students arriving late to school. School starts at 7:50 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and 8:50 on Wednesdays. When students are late for school, they are missing valuable instruction.

Excessive late arrivals to school may result in the following consequences:

• 5 late arrivals - warning by school administration

• 10-15 late arrivals - detention

• 15-20 late arrivals - extended detention or alternative consequence

• 20 late arrivals or more will result in further disciplinary consequences including but not limited to social suspension, and a parent meeting with school administration

• Hand washing is the single most important way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Use soap, warm water and disposable paper towels and wash your hands frequently. Teach children to wash their hands, too. Hand washing reduces the number of microorganisms on hands that can spread communicable diseases.
• Flu season is upon us! Along with hand hygiene, talking to your doctor about the influenza vaccine can help protect you and your family against the Flu!

• “Once a week, take a peek” Please check your child’s hair weekly to prevent a lice outbreak in your home.
  

• Open the window to let the fresh air in! Well-ventilated rooms help reduce the numbers of airborne germs inside. Airing out the rooms is important, even in the winter. Respiratory diseases easily spread from coughs and sneezes. Opening the window at least once a day lets the germs out and fresh air in.

  
  

• As a reminder, 6th grade students without a current health exam and proof of 6th grade immunizations will be excluded from school on Monday 10/16/2023 per Illinois State Board of Education school code.

  
  

Enjoy the long weekend!

Nurse Anita, Nurse Tina & Ms. Oli

HMS will have it's first Coffee with the Principal meeting of the year on October 17th! Please join us at 1:00. Enter through door 13, and check in with the secretaries. We can't wait to see everyone!

Wednesday 10/25: Red Out Day: Wear Red for Red Ribbon Week

Thursday 10/26: It Takes a Team to be Drug Free: Wear your favorite sports attire

Friday 10/27: Wear Plaid because drugs are BAD!

Monday 10/30: Sailors Always Say No To Drugs: Wear any HMS gear

Tuesday 10/31: You Can Be Anything You Want When You're Drug Free: Costume Day

*School Appropriate clothing is still required during Red Ribbon Week. Jeans/Pants with exposed skin are not allowed on any day at HMS.

**Participation in Red Ribbon Spirit Week is not mandatory. If your child chooses not to participate, they should wear their school uniform.

HMS students will be allowed to wear costumes to school on Tuesday October 31st. Your child’s safety is our first concern. We ask that you guide their selection of costumes and accessories in a manner that will allow them to comfortably work and learn throughout the day. If your child decides not to wear a costume, they can wear a school appropriate Halloween themed shirt (one that does not encourage violence) with their jeans.

Any items/costumes that encourage violence are inappropriate for children at school. Therefore, students will not be allowed to bring toy guns, swords, pitchforks, or other toy weapons. Students are not allowed to wear masks; however, students may paint their faces. Face paint should be appropriate and not include fake blood or inappropriate symbols or words.

Finally, please do not allow your child to bring candy on Halloween, or the day after.

Thank you for your cooperation. We are looking forward to an enjoyable day!

Once again, HMS students will be participating in the SOS (Signs of Suicide) program here at school.

Through the program, students learn:

● that depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help

● how to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend

● to ACT (Acknowledge, Care and Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend

● who they can turn to at school for help, if they need it

Please click the button below to read the parent letter. Your child will also bring this letter home today.

October 11, 2023 at at Graves/HMS

November 8, 2023 at Walsh School

December 13, 2023 at the Admin Center

January 10, 2024 at Walker

February 14, 2024 at the Admin Center

March 13, 2024 at Wharton

April 10, 2024 at the Admin Center

May 8, 2024 at Graves/HMS

June 12, 2024 at the Admin Center