The Heritage Herald

Hello HMS Families!

It's hard to believe that it's already November! It's even harder to believe that we've almost completed one whole quarter of the school year. I'd like to commend all of you for managing through remote learning. All of us at HMS miss our students terribly, and encourage our Summit community to continue to wear your masks and practice social distancing so that we can return to school safely.

Please continue to monitor the district website for updates. Also, please call the school office (708-458-7590) if you need help with Schoology and/or PowerSchool. Also, remember to ask your child to see their online Schoology calendar. You'll be able to see all assignments your child is working on. If you're having tech/chromebook issues, try troubleshooting using this link: http://cookcountyil.apptegy.us/o/summit-sd/page/tech-tips--9

If you're still having trouble, bring the Chromebook to the HMS office with a note including your child's name and an explanation of the issue.

Finally, I'd like to take this time to wish all of our HMS families a very Happy Thanksgiving. Although it might look different this year, I think we can all find something to be thankful for.

Mrs. Malone

Principal

Heritage Middle School

November 3, 2020 ~ Election Day--NO SCHOOL

November 18, 2020 ~ Report Cards mailed home

November 23, 2020 ~ Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences (more info below)

November 24, 2020 ~ Teacher Institute Day--NO SCHOOL

November 25-27, 2020 ~ Thanksgiving Break--NO SCHOOL

Below is a link to sign up for 10 minute conferences with your child's teachers. If you are not available during any of these times, please email the teacher or call the school to set up an alternate time.

*6th Grade Parents, please sign up for your child's homeroom teachers.*

https://sd104-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/g/personal/pmalone_sd104_us/EY47PZ47glNIt6Dx-WIy9qsBjib3lUP3TzSixZ9_smyVvw?e=b1zr38

As we approach the 9th month of battling the Covid-19 Pandemic, we have learned that the recommendations must be strictly followed. Handwashing increased dramatically after the start of the pandemic. Hopefully, this will continue to be of high importance, since it is a basic way to ward off many infectious diseases.

Masks are also important. A study from August showed that 85% of Americans wore masks most of the time in public. To be safe it is recommended that everyone were a mask outside of their home at all times.

That leaves physical distancing, which is probably the most difficult. Public health experts advocate to avoid crowds and large gatherings. Let's all do our part and self-quarantine if we are not feeling well. If a household member has gone for Covid-19 testing, stay away from the community until you know the result. Anytime you are awaiting test results you should limit contact with your family as well. Assume you are sick until you know you are not. Protect your family and the community to limit the spread and contribute to ending the pandemic for everyone. Together we can make a difference!

Find free Covid-19 testing at chicagocovidtesting.com. Enter your zip code to find testing sites near you. These sites change weekly and some require preregistration, but all sites will take patients without insurance information. All ID and health insurance types accepted and asked for but not required. These are the mouth swab tests, with results in 72hours.

~Nurse Anita K.

Thanks for participating in the Family Pumpkin Carving Contest! Up next--Holiday Lights/Decorating Contest. Snap a picture of your HMS student and family in front of your holiday decked out house. Send your picture to solson@sd104.us -- REMEMBER TO INCLUDE YOUR CHILD'S/CHILDREN NAME!

PICTURES ARE DUE: DECEMBER 11, 2020

Winners will be announced on December 18, 2020. Happy decorating!