January 7, 2021
Dear HMS Families,
We are continuing our work on the placement process for the 2021 - 2022 school year. Laura Mike, School Counselor, and our 5th, 6th, and 7th grade teachers will support students through this process, which we will complete by February break.
Thank you in advance for guiding your child to make these important decisions regarding the options for next year’s classes. The following information will assist you with these conversations at home. You can reach out to your child’s teachers, Laura Mike, Joan Adler, or Tom McDowell with any questions.
Course options:
All students will decide whether or not they want to take band and/or chorus next year. Students who do not take band and/or chorus will have a study hall during the time(s) these classes meet.
Students currently in 5th grade will sign up for one quarter of French or one quarter of Spanish for their 6th grade year.
Information for students currently in 6th grade: We offer the first half of high school level French 1 and Spanish 1 to our 7th grade students. The second half of both languages is offered during students’ 8th grade year. World language in 7th and 8th grade is an additional, year long class, which is different from the exploratory world language options offered in 5th grade and 6th grade. Students who do not sign up for a language will have a study hall when these classes meet. There is no language requirement in middle school. Please talk with your child about these options to determine which one will work best.
Students currently in 7th grade will decide whether to continue with the second half of French I, Spanish I, or study hall during their 8th grade year.
Students currently in 7th grade will also decide whether to take CMP Math or Algebra 1 during their 8th grade year. We will provide specific information about these options at a virtual parent information night in January. We will share details about this virtual meeting soon.
Again, please contact your child’s teachers or Laura Mike, Joan Adler, or Tom McDowell with questions.
Thanks very much-
Laura Mike
School Counselor
Joan Adler and Tom McDowell
HMS Administrative Team