December 3, 2021
Dear HMS parents, guardians, and caregivers,
We hope this message finds you well as we all embrace the month of December. Students and educators at HMS have been busy this week as the first trimester comes to an end. The next few weeks will certainly move quickly as December break approaches!
In this update, you will find information about the following topics:
SEL Resource: Grit
Preble Street Teen Shelter - Opportunity to Donate
End of Trimester 1
Holiday schedule for pooled testing
Health Updates: Vaccinations
HMS Library - Book Gifting Recommendations
Powerschool: Update Information
Lost and Found - Reminder
PTO Update
Dates to Remember
HMS Update #10 will be sent on December 17, 2021. Please continue to reach out with any questions.
With gratitude,
Mandy Lewis and Tom McDowell
HMS Administrative Team
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SEL Resource: Grit
Grit is defined as possessing courage and resolve, the ability to persevere. Educators at HMS often find ways to help students build their grit while engaging in their learning. This Ted Talk from Angela Lee Ducksworthy (linked here) has helpful information for parents and guardians as well.
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Preble Street Teen Shelter - Opportunity to Donate
The Joe Kreisler Teen Shelter is an emergency overnight shelter in Portland, and our Student Leadership Team is gathering donations that will help those in need of a warm, safe space by accessing the Teen Shelter. They are currently most in need of new or gently used:
Hoodies (especially sizes m-2x)
Sweatpants
Jeans, especially men’s sizes 28-34
Mittens/gloves
Art supplies
Backpacks
Underwear
Sneakers and boots (all sizes and genders)
Winter jackets (all sizes).
If you have items to donate, please bring them to HMS by December 21, 2021. Thank you so much for your help and support.
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End of Trimester 1
Trimester 1 ended on December 2, 2021. Teachers are finishing and reviewing grades and standards, and as this happens, Powerschool information may be in flux. All Trimester 1 assessment information will be finalized by 3pm on Thursday, December 9, 2021.
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Holiday schedule for pooled testing
Reminder: Concentric will not be conducting pooled testing in the Yarmouth schools during the week of December 20, 2021. The last testing day before the December Break will be December 13th.
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Health Updates: Vaccinations
This week Superintendent Dolloff shared an opportunity to participate in a webinar on Covid 19 vaccination information, and that message is linked here. HMS has an upcoming Covid 19 vaccination clinic on December 20, 2021 for students ages 5-11 years old. Students who received their first dose at HMS on November 19 will automatically be registered to receive their second dose on December 20. For students who have no yet had a first dose, parents/guardians may register a child for their first dose at our vaccination clinic on December 20 by emailing Kristina Truesdale: kristina_truesdale@yarmouthschools.org.
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HMS Library - Book Gifting Recommendations
Brandie Burrows, HMS Librarian, wanted to share 10 young adult book recommendations for this gift giving season. View the presentation linked here for more information. Happy reading!
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Powerschool: Update Information
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Lost and Found
Reminder: Our Lost and Found repository is growing daily! If your child is missing an item, please ask your child to look through our Lost and Found. All unclaimed items will be donated on December 22, 2021.
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PTO Update
- Missed our November Newsletter? You can find it here!
- 12/8 - Next Hannaford Gift Card load. Thank you to everyone who participates in this free-to-you fundraiser!
- 12/16 @4pm - December PTO Meeting. All are welcome! A zoom link will be posted on social media.
- 1/14-1/26 - The Boosterthon Glow Run is returning to HMS! Stay tuned for more information.
- 1/25 @6pm - We are excited to offer a free zoom presentation for parents and caregivers by National - Education Consultant Kristi Bush on navigating the current social media landscape. To sign up for this event and learn more, click here: Social Media 101
- Questions - Please reach out to Kim Tyau and Elaine Hughes at yarmouthpto04096@gmail.com
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Dates to Remember
December 14, 2021 - 5th/6th Grade Band and Chorus Concerts
December 15, 2021 - 7th/8th Grade Band and Chorus Concerts
December 23-31, 2021 - December Break - No School
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