The Heritage Herald

I hope everyone is enjoying the crisp fall weather. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, call the HMS main office at 708-458-7590.

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.

Mrs. Malone, Principal

Heritage Middle School

• 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)
• October 26 ~ Picture Retake Day
• October 26 ~ Large Taffy Apple Order Pick Up
• November 7 ~ SOS Presentation-8th Grade (additional information below)
• November 14 ~ Coffee with the Principal-1:00

During our October Coffee with the Principal, we discussed improvements we've made because of the input of our parents. Our parents signed up to help the HMS PTO make Boo Grams! They even came back to help sell during lunch periods. Do you want to help support HMS ? Come out to our next Coffee with the Principal (November 14th).

A special thanks goes out to our PTO Presidents: Mrs. Dominguez and Mrs. Lopez!

We're seeing a slow decrease in students arriving late to school. Please continue to make sure your child arrives to school on time.

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

Thank you so much to all the families who sold Taffy Apples! Proceeds from the Taffy Apple sales support PBIS at HMS. Winners will be announced soon.

On Thursday, October 26th between 9:00 am to 11:00 am and 3:15 pm until 4:00 pm, please stop by to pick up large orders at door 13, the HMS front office door. Students will bring smaller orders home.

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!

• • 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.

  • Illness season is upon us! Along with practicing good hand hygiene, talk to your doctor about vaccines against influenza and covid-19.

  
  

  • “Once a week, take a peek” Please check your child’s hair weekly to prevent a lice outbreak in your home. We are seeing an increase in cases of lice.

  • 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.

  • On November 2nd and 3rd Hearing and Vision screenings will he happening at Graves/HMS.

  • If your child wears glasses, please make sure they bring them these dates!

    
    

  Nurse Anita, Nurse Tina & Ms. Oli

  
  

  *Please send copies of school physicals/immunizations/dental & vision exams with your students as soon as possible if due.

  See the below the state mandated requirements:

  Sixth Grade

  History/Physical/Immunizations Form

  Dental Examination Form

  New to District

  History/Physical/Immunizations Form

  Dental Examination Form

  Vision Examination Form

  
  

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