A Note From The Principal

Dear MHMS Families,

 

Last week, all of our bands participated in their Annual Band Assessment.  Students played pieces for an adjudicator who gave them feedback and who worked with each band in a “Master Teacher” format.  All of the band performances were excellent.  It was great to see so many families and friends in attendance to support this live performance.  Our orchestra and choral groups will be engaging in a similar assessment for their groups in the coming weeks.  

 

Congratulations to all of our February Student of the Month recipients.  Students were announced on MHTV last week, and they all received a certificate that is also on display in the cafeteria.  Keep up the good work. 

Sincerely,

Lisa R. Smithson  

Principal

Murray Hill Middle School

Important Dates:

MHMS News:

MHMS Expectations and Reminders:  This particular expectation was shared in a previous Murray Messenger.  The expectation was recently reiterated with our students, so I wanted to reshare the information with families.  Students are expected to arrive to school on time, daily, and to arrive to each of their classes on time throughout the day.  Our doors open to students who wish to obtain breakfast, starting at 8:10 a.m., and doors open to all students starting at 8:15 a.m.  Students are considered tardy to school if they arrive after our late bell rings at 8:25 a.m.  It is important for students to arrive to school prior to the late bell ringing, as period one instruction begins promptly at 8:25.  

 

Between classes, students have a total of three minutes to transition from one period to another.  Students need to consider the quickest route from class to class, and take that path to ensure that they arrive to class on time.  Now that students are allowed to carry their backpacks throughout the day, this should lessen their need to go to their lockers between classes, and should assist in arriving to classes on time.

 

Each individual teacher keeps track of students who arrive to their class tardy.  After a student arrives tardy to any one class four times in a quarter, they will receive a Tardy Referral.  Once a student receives a Tardy Referral, parents will be contacted by administration and the student will be assigned and expected to attend either an a.m. detention or a p.m. detention for three days.  

 

In addition to individual teachers keeping track of the students who are tardy to their classes, administration also conducts random “On-Time Checks.”  During our “On-Time Checks,” at the sound of the bell, teachers are instructed to close their doors, and all students who have not arrived to class on time, must check in with administration, at a designated location.  Students who have to report administration for on-time checks will receive a warning the first and second time, a lunch detention the third time, and then a parent conference will be scheduled if the tardy to classes continues.    

 

MHMS Memory Books:  Students have been working hard to create a great keepsake from this school year.  A variety of events, student groups, and activities have been included!  The online ordering system is open and you can place your order now to reserve your copy of the 2021-2022 MHMS Memory Book. The cost of our Memory Book is $18.  Memory Book sales will close in early April.  To ensure you get a copy, purchase it now!   

 Directions for ordering online: 

1. Go to ybpay.lifetouch.com 

2. Enter our Yearbook ID Code: 13198622 

3. Enter your student’s name and complete the payment

Spring Picture Day:  Spring pictures are scheduled for March 30th.  Only students who place an order online before picture day, or bring payment on the day of picture day will be photographed.  To place an online order, prior to picture day, visit mylifetouch.com, and enter our Picture Day ID: EVTPR78F3.  Order forms will be sent home prior to March 30th, for those who wish to provide payment on picture day.  

PBIS Gift Card Donations:  We are looking for gift card donations to offer as prizes for students who exhibit our expectations of being RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, and READY.  Please consider donating gift cards in denominations between $10.00 and $25.00.  Gift cards can be from any location that a middle school student may enjoy!  Some businesses to consider are 5-Below, Target, Chick-Fil-A, SweetFrog, Amazon, McDonald’s, Apple, Playstation, X-Box, Barnes and Noble, etc.  Gift cards can be placed in an envelope, labeled PBIS, and delivered to the MHMS Front Office.  This is an ongoing initiative, so we will receive gift cards throughout the entire school year.     

 

Volunteers Needed:  Our 8th Grade Careers classes need volunteers who are excited about their career and want to share their experience with students!  Volunteers are needed from 10:15 a.m.-11:05 a.m. and 2:20 p.m.-3:10 p.m. (dates are flexible).  Please contact Kristan Bond, at kristan_bond@hcpss.org.  

 

MHMS Volunteers and Chaperones Vaccine Requirements:  All volunteers and chaperones who interact with students, and parents/guardians who are conducting classroom observations will be required to use the PinPoint platform to show proof of full vaccination at least five school days in advance. Learn how to access and use the PinPoint VaccineCheck platform.  Parents entering the school for short periods of time (i.e. to sign-out a student for early dismissal, to drop something off for a student) do not need to follow this procedure at this time.    

 

Absences To School:  If your student is going to be absent, please send a message to MHMSAbsence@hcpss.org.  The message will go directly to Ms. Speiser, who manages our daily attendance.  Please take time to review HCPSS’s Attendance Policy 9010.

 

Quarantining Students:  If your student is required to quarantine as a result of established COVID procedures, please be aware of the following:

• Absences will be coded as excused.

• Families will continue to receive a daily, automatically generated, email stating that your student is absent.

• Students can do the following to stay up to date academically:

  • Access assignments through Canvas for each course.

  • Log in to individual teachers Google Meet Support Sessions, specifically established to assist students who are quarantining.  Information can be found on Canvas Homepages.  

  • Contact teachers via email with questions about assignments.  

  • Engage in academic support through HCPSS Evening School (for more information contact our MHMS Point of Contact- lauren_heiserman@hcpss.org) 

Also, be reminded that if your student has a medical condition that presents like COVID-like symptoms, a doctor’s note can be provided stating the details of the condition; this could prevent possible repetitive quarantining.  If you have questions or would like more detailed information about this, please contact our Cluster Nurse, jennifer_gundrum@hcpss.org.  

 

Clothing To Cash Recycling Program:  MHMS is a part of the Clothing To Cash Recycling Program.  The program not only supports environmental efforts, it also serves as a fundraiser for our school.  MHMS earns a cash payment for every pound of collected items.  So please, bring your used clothing, shoes and other items in plastic bags, and place them in our collection bin located at the entrance of our parking lot.  Please see the attached flyer to learn about all of the different items that can be donated. MHMSClothingToCash.jpg 

 

Weis 4 School:  MHMS has recently registered with the Weis 4 School program.  By participating in the program, you can help us earn money for our school.  See the attached flyer for details and information, and be sure to share with your family and friends! Weis4School (2).pdf 

 

Stay Connected:  Please stay connected to our Murray Hill Middle School Community by visiting our website frequently- MHMS Website.  You can also follow our school community on Twitter- @hcpss_mhms.  Also stay connected with all HCPSS news and information by visiting the HCPSS website and following @HCPSS on Twitter. 

MHMS PTA News:

2022-2023 Executive Board Member Nominations:  The MHMS PTA Nominations Committee wants to share that all positions for the MHMS PTA Board are vacant for the 2022-2023 school year.  If you have a nomination for or would like to nominate yourself for President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer, please complete the google form at https://forms.gle/Gzrnc7h9TJtdk1rs8. We also welcome any additional questions concerning the election process or responsibilities of any of the offices.  The election will take place during a future PTA meeting. Please don't hesitate to contact us.

 

-With MHMS Mountain Lion Pride,

The 2022 MHMS PTA Nominating Committee

Kristy Castonguay kristycastonguay@gmail.com 

Shona Pascarello shona.pascarello@gmail.com 

Maly Poon malykpoon@gmail.com 

 

PTA 2021-2022 Membership:  Please visit https://mhms.new.memberhub.store/store to obtain your MHMS PTA membership for the 2021-2022 school year.

 

MHMS Spiritwear:  MHMS Spiritwear is available to order online!  Support our MHMS PTA and show your MHMS pride by purchasing today!  Spiritwear can be customized and features both glitter and non-glitter options.  All merchandise will be mailed directly to the address of your choice. 

 

April PTA Meeting: The PTA would like to invite you to our next virtual PTA Meeting.  It will be on Tuesday, April 5th at 7 PM.  Use your child's chromebook. The code is MHMS-PTA.   We hope you can make it.

HCPSS News:

Upcoming Listen and Learn Sessions: Students are encouraged to join the HCPSS Listen and Learn Sessions to share their experiences with HCPSS Central Office leaders.  

• Area 2: March 16 and May 25

  • HCASC Listen & Learn Flyer-Area 2

  • Wednesday, March 16 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Google Meet joining info: Video call link: https://meet.google.com/jon-mmtt-rxv (Note: Students must use HCPSS accounts to join)