Volume I, Issue 6

HERO

NEWS February 11, 2014

Pursuing Excellence, One Hero at a Time

Important HERO Dates

02/04/14 PTO Meeting (8:30am)

02/13/14 Hero Hangout (3:15-5:00pm)

02/11/14 Central Junior High Information Night for Upcoming 8th graders (6:00-8:00pm)

02/14/14 Valentine’s Day —Students attend for makeup day

02/14/14 Dress for Success Celebration

02/21/14 Club Day (PM Activity Schedule)

02/25/14 HMS Skate Night @ Roller City

03/03/14 HMS Book Fair (entire week– ends Saturday, March 8)

02/26/14 Student CAP (Career Action Plan)

03/03/14 Parent Teacher Conferences (3:30-6:30; Last Names A-L)

03/04/14 Parent Teacher Conferences (3:30-6:30; Last Names M-Z)

03/08/14 Saturday School —Students attend for makeup day

Since we are all thawed momentarily, we have finally been able to get the February newsletter printed. It has been a rough winter so far, and we still have some time to go before warm weather arrives. Please review the Inclement Weather Update (left) so that you can plan spring and summer vacations appropriately. We would like to congratulate our Drama team who recently performed Attack of the Killer Grasshoppers at the Arkansas State Thespian One-Act Preliminary in Jonesboro. HMS was the only middle school compet-ing against high school students and wowed those high schoolers! Students also performed Monologues, Duet Scenes, Group Scenes, Solo/Duet/Group Musicals, and competed in the Tech Challenge– all categories were rated superior! Again, congrats to Mr. Hobson and the Drama department! Next, we want to inform you of upcoming events to prepare students for the 2014-15 school year. Hellstern Middle School 6th grade teachers will be meeting with 6th grade students during “Advisory” on February 26 to review their Career Action Plan (CAP) and Pre-Registration for 7th grade. On this day, students will indicate the classes they are most interested in for next year. Teachers will keep these in hand and go over the form with each parent during Parent Teacher Conferences on Monday, March 3 (Last name A-L) or Tuesday, March 4 (Last name M-Z). During conferences, parents may make changes if they wish and sign off. Completing this step will allow HMS plenty of time to develop the best schedule for our student body. HMS will also send home "Enrollment Cards" and "Health Cards" on February 26th to be returned the next day. Parents/students may bring their cards to P/T conferences on either March 3rd or 4th, as well. Also on February 26, 7th grade students will meet with Central Junior High counselors and HMS 7th grade teachers during Advisory to select courses for the 2014-15 school year . Prior to any courses being placed on a student’s schedule, parents will meet with CJHS to complete and make final course selections. The meeting between parents/students and CJHS will be on April 2nd (Last name A-L @ 4:30-7:30) and April 3rd (Last name M-Z @ 4:30- 7:30); April 4th will be an open date from 7:45-3:15 should you be unable to meet on dates prior. Finally, we would like to welcome our newest school partner, Lewis and Clark Outfitters. Along with Lewis and Clark we are also partnered with ARVEST Bank in Tontitown, Springdale Senior Center, and Roblee Orthodontics. We are always looking to add partnerships to support our school vision of encouraging Hellstern Middle School to give back to the community. If this is something you are interested in please give us a call. We would be more than happy to visit on ways HMS and students can be of assistance in our community. Stay Warm! Snow Stay Away!

Principal’s Message by Dr. Loftin

*If you would like to sponsor an edition of the HMS Newsletter, your name/organization goes here*

Inclement Weather Update Springdale Public Schools have missed five (5) days beyond the

built-in five (5). At the present, our last day of school for students will be June 3rd. By policy, the district will use the following

schedule to make-up snow days:

Friday, February 14th (Converted Teacher In-Service day)

Saturday, March 8th (Second Saturday of March)

Monday, March 24 (First day of Spring Break)

Tuesday, March 25 (Second day of Spring Break)

We want students and parents to be aware that should Springdale Public Schools be closed any additional days due to inclement

weather, days will be recouped in the following order by policy:

First Saturday in April (April 5th)

Days added to end of year– beyond June 3

Hellstern Middle School teachers and administrators felt it important to communicate the policy for make-up days in order to allow our families time to plan. We appreciate your support, and

please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions.

Volume I, Issue 6

Pursuing Excellence, One Hero at a Time

February Character Word

Integrity Doing what you know is right;

Uprightness of character

December/January Heroes of the Month

7th Grade Patriots: John Glenn

Explorers: Gabrielle Verucchi Champions: Kaitlyn Shriver Titans: Drake Fredricksen

Mrs. Kirk: Derek Sims

6th Grade All-Stars: Natalie Hardin

Avengers: Alex De La Cruz Olympians: Citlali Cruz-Jimenez

Legends: Holt Ross Defenders: Samuel Campuzano-Coria

CANDY-GRAMS for SALE!

On Valentine’s Day, send a sweet message to someone

you care about! Students can purchase CANDY-GRAMS during

lunch every day during the week of February 10th. CANDY-

GRAMS are $1 each and will be passed out on Friday, February

14th during advisory. Dressed for Success Day

February 14th

Students meeting the requirements

below will receive a bow-tie to wear all day and

be treated to a movie and popcorn!

2nd Quarter Criteria:

No lost agenda

No more than 7 Absences

Less than #4 on Behavior Marks

Less than #4 on Missing Assignments

No OSS or ISS

Have C’s or better in all classes

Gained 3 pts on MAP scores (any subject) OR

Hit Target Growth Score (any subject)

Many will notice the art along the wall on

the 6th grade side of the building.

This was a direct result of the Everyartist

Live! event. This event, involving students

from Hellstern Middle School and around

the country, enabled the display of art

inspired by the word Gratitude.

Students, your artwork is not only

displayed on the walls of Hellstern

Middle School but also displayed at The

Jones Center for Families, Crystal Bridges,

The Walton Arts Center, and on the

Razorback Greenway. You were part

of an incredible experience. If you and

your parents get a chance, go by the

Jones Center for Families, Crystal Bridges,

The Walton Arts Center, or walk the

Razorback Greenway to see your artwork

displayed for ALL THE WORLD TO SEE.

Tips to Help Your Child Maintain a Healthy Weight

Encourage healthy eating habits. There's no great secret to healthy eating. To help your children and family develop healthy eating habits:

Provide plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain products.

Include low-fat or non-fat milk or dairy products.

Choose lean meats, poultry, fish, lentils, and beans for protein.

Serve reasonably-sized portions.

Encourage your family to drink lots of water.

Limit consumption of sugar and saturated fat.

Look for ways to make favorite dishes healthier. The recipes that you prepare regularly and that your family enjoys, with just a few changes can be healthier and just as satisfying.

Remove calorie-rich temptations! Although everything can be enjoyed in moderation, reducing the calorie-rich temptations of high-fat and high-sugar, or salty snacks can also help your chil-dren develop healthy eating habits. Instead only allow your children to eat them sometimes, so that they truly will be treats!

Help kids stay active. Children and teens should participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate intensi-ty physical activity most days of the week, preferably daily. Remember that chil-dren imitate adults. Start adding physical activity to your own daily routine and encourage your child to join you.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011). Tips for Parents– Ideas to Help Children to Maintain a

Healthy Weight. View the entire article at http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/children/index.html.

If you would like to sponsor an edition of the HMS Newsletter, your name/organization goes here…