MS Newsletter – March 2020
Greetings,
First of all, I wanted to start off with a Construction Update: We are thankful that the construction project is still running on schedule! To ensure it continues to be on schedule for the new school year, Middle School students’ last day will be on May 27 with a full day of school. Thank you for your understanding.
One of the most enjoyable parts of being the principal of the middle school is observing teachers in their classrooms. It is a joy to observe each teacher in the ways they impact students. In addition, we are able to think about and discuss what is going well in each classroom and what can be done to improve a students daily experience.
In the middle of January, five of our MS teachers and myself were able to attend the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta. We made this trip so we could get even more ideas about how to improve our school culture, how to be more effective teachers, and how to increase the rigor of the academics of our school. Each of us came back with new ideas that will affect individual classrooms. We were impressed by the energy that each teacher and student brought to the school day and we observed students with high levels of engagement as teachers used their instructional minutes very effectively.
As part of our professional development day that we had together on Friday, February 14 teachers shared what they had learned from the Ron Clark Academy with the rest of the staff. Each teacher was able to take a lesson and work together with others to find ways it could be improved. As we look forward to having a renovated school and two thirds of our students being new to middle school next year, I am excited to work on how we can improve the educational experience at HCMS.
Tom Strikwerda
Principal
/ March at HCMS
Seussical Jr. Tickets!
Tickets are available for HCMS’s Musical, Seussical JR. Come join us on an adventure through some of your favorite Dr. Seuss stories and see some of the beloved characters come to life on stage! Performances will take place in the High School Auditorium on March 6 at 7:00 PM & March 7 at 2:00 and 7:00 PM. This musical is perfect for the whole family! The show lasts about an hour and a half, which includes a 15 minute intermission. Purchase your tickets now on the online HCS ticketing website. Can’t wait to see you there!
Calling All Colors
HCMS is excited to begin a chapter of Calling All Colors! Calling All Colors is founded by Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance. The group offers a safe space to students of all races and ethnicities to engage in open, honest dialogue about race issues within the school context. The groups follow a carefully designed set of activities and materials that prompt discussion throughout the year. After identifying areas of concern in their school, students develop and implement action plans to address the identified issues.
Near the end of the year, student groups from area schools gather at a college/university for a conference in which student groups present their projects and outcomes. They also hear a keynote speaker, participate in additional dialogues, and engage in cooperative activities. High School students who have been involved in Calling All Colors will be leading our middle school group alongside Ms. Travers, our School Social Worker. We will be meeting each Wednesday at 7:45-8:25am. All are welcome!
MS Skating Party
Come on out on March 12 from 6:00-8:00 PM to our MS Skating Party! Admission will be $5.50 which includes skate rental and it’s only $1.00 extra for blade rental. See you there!
Lunchtime Coverage Help Needed – March 18
Our Teacher Collaboration Lunch happens once a month on a Wednesday. Are you available to help monitor students? We need teacher rooms and break time covered during this time (11:15-11:50). Feel free to contact Carla from the parent board (cchase@hollandchristian.org) with questions.
We are SO grateful for your help. Thank you for volunteering. By doing this, you allow our faculty time to meet as a staff. (Just a reminder: we need a background check on file in the office before volunteering. Most families filled one out at the beginning of the year – but if you are unsure, feel free to check in the office. Thanks)
/ Important Dates
March
5 – Parent Teacher Conferences, 5:30-8:30
6 – MS Ski Club
6 – MS Play – Seussical JR., 7:00
7 – MS Play – Seussical JR., 2:00, 7:00
12 – MS Skating Party
16 – Spring Sports Begins (Boys Tennis, Boys/Girls Track, Girls Soccer, Boys Baseball)
17 – Band Extravaganza
20 – Q3 Ends
23 – Q4 Begins
27 – 8th Grade Shadow Day
April
3 – Spring Break Begins
13 – Classes Resume
14/15 – 8th Math MAP Test
21/22 – 8th Reading MAP Test
21/22 – 7th Reading MAP Test
23 – 7th Language Usage MAP Test
28/29 – 7th Math MAP Test
24 (or 17) – 8th Language Usage MAP Test
29 – HCS Athletic Physicals
28/29/30 – 8th Spanish Placement Test
30 – HCMS Choir Concert, 7:30
May
7 – Grandparents Day
12 – HCMS Orchestra Concert, 7:00
13 – 7th Grade Camp
14 – 7th Grade Camp
15 – 7th Grade Camp