May 26, 2023
Dear HMS Parents and Guardians,
We hope this update finds you well. Just like that, May is coming to an end. HMS students and teachers have been busy engaged in a variety of learning activities, and some of those activities have taken student learning out of the building. Our 6th graders enjoyed their trip to Raptor Falls Mini Golf and are now designing a new hole for a mini golf course as part of a unit of geometry. Our 7th graders enjoyed a trip to the Sea Dogs where they learned about Eco Maine and considered ways that baseball connects with probability. Our 8th graders, as mentioned in our last update, took their learning up to the University of Maine at Orono where our students enrolled in STEAM this trimester competed in the Windstorm Challenge (pictured above). Each of these trips were made possible with the support of all of you and the fundraising you do for our PTO. Thank you, thank you for the many ways you support our school community!
In this update you will find information about the following topics:
Counselors’ Corner
State Testing: Update
Step Up Information
Dates to Date
HMS Update #20 will be sent on June 9, 2023, and this will be the final update of the year. Please continue to reach out with any questions.
With Gratitude,
Mandy Lewis and Tom McDowell
HMS Administrative Team
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Counselors’ Corner
It is hard to believe another school year is ending as we rapidly approach June. It has been a lot of fun sharing information with you through the Counselors’ Corner throughout this school year. Please reach out if there is a topic that you would like more information on! This week, we would like to share some information on vaping. Below are some of the important takeaways from the CD4C website:
-The most common reason U.S. middle and high school students give for trying an e-cigarette is: “a friend used them.”
-The most common reason youth give for continuing to use e-cigarettes is: “I am feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed.”
-Youth e-cigarette and cigarette use have been associated with mental health symptoms such as depression.
Scientists are still learning the long term effects of vaping. When talking with your student, know the facts, try to have a conversation, and avoid lecturing. The MaineQuitLink (https://mainequitlink.com/) has great information and resources regarding teens and vaping.
Have a healthy and happy summer! As always please reach out to us anytime with any questions or concerns you have.
Catherine Nein-School Counselor, catherine_nein@yarmouthschools.org
Chelsea Collupy-Social Worker, chelsea_collupy@yarmouthschools.org
Michelle Napoli-Social Worker, michelle_napoli@yarmouthschools.org
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State Testing: Update
All HMS students thoughtfully engaged in state testing throughout the month of May. As we shared in an earlier update, because this is the first administration of the Maine Through Year, we will not receive results until late summer or fall. When we receive results, we will be sure to share them with you as quickly as we are able.
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Step-Up Day
On the afternoon of June 13th, our students will “step-up” to next year’s classrooms.
-Our 8th graders will walk with their current teachers to Yarmouth High School after lunch that day. The students will meet with their high school advisor, tour the building, and go to each of their 9th grade classes. The 8th graders will end their school day at YHS.
-Our 6th and 7th graders will “step up” to their 7th and 8th grade homeroom classes later that afternoon, while the 5th graders will walk to HMS and “step up” to their 6th grade homeroom classes.
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Dates to Date
May 29: Memorial Day - no school
June 13: Yearbook Assembly; Step-Up Day
June 15: Last day of school (half day - dismissal at 11 AM)