Tuesday, November 29, 2016

November 2016 HMS Newsletter


November 2016
HMS Principal’s Newsletter
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Veterans Day Celebration

On November 10, 2016, the HMS students and staff celebrated our veterans during our annual Veterans Assembly.  We were honored with our guest speaker Lieutenant Colonel Howard Steadman, a Hampstead local veteran, and Director of the Jr. ROTC program at Pinkerton Academy.  The HMS chorus and band performed patriotic songs at the assembly and the VFW Patriot Pen essay contest winners were announced by Lt. Col. Steadman.   The following students were recognized with certificates, and cash prizes.  The top six were: Alexander Gilbert, Kiyoshi Dustin, Mary McCarthy, Macy Graves, Evan Samiotes and Madison Finocchiaro.  Students were also recognized at the Hampstead Veterans Ceremony on November 11, 2016.

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HAWK AWARDS
Quarter One

On November 15th, the entire middle school student body celebrated students who received the "HAWK" award given by teachers for students demonstrating exemplary character traits such as, Respect, Responsibility, and Friendship.   Students received compliments, certificates and gift cards.  The HMS student council also organized an all school activity after the awards.  


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The Prince and the Pauper Performance

November 17th, fifth and sixth grade students watched a live performance of the Hampstead Stage Companies Mark Twain's The Prince and the Pauper.  

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Hawk Talk


On November 17th at 6:30 pm HMS held its second "Hawk Talk".   Administrators and staff led an open-forum with parents on topics such as, cyber-bullying and media safety.  Our next "Hawk Talk" will be held on January 19 at 6:30 pm in the library.  Topics will be posted on our website.  

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HMS Winter Band Concert

The HMS Winter Band Concert will take place on Monday December 5 at 7 PM.  Featuring performances from the 6th Grade Band, 7th and 8th Grade Band, and Jazz Band, a wide variety of music will be presented.  The public is welcome and there is no admission charge.  All performers will wear their Hampstead Musician shirts with khaki (or similar) pants and clean shoes.  Please avoid jeans and gym wear.  6th grade performers will report to the band room at 6:40, 7th and 8th grade performers will report by 6:45.


Grammy Award winning music educator works with HMS 7th and 8th grade band.


On Monday November 21, Grammy Award winning music educator, and director of fine and performing arts for the Salem, NH School District Jared Cassedy was at HMS to work with the 7th and 8th grade band as we put the final preparations on our Winter Concert.  In his ever excited manner, Mr. Cassedy offered many suggestions for improvement to the group and the group took away many ideas to take their performance to the next level.  





6th Grade News



On November 17th, the sixth graders enjoyed a fantastic performance of Prince and the Pauper right on our own stage. Two talented actors portrayed all of the characters in the play. Students and staff alike were thoroughly entertained!



In writing class, students have begun a new unit on informational writing. We will read three texts about mountain biking, synthesize the information, and write informational essays based on the criteria used to evaluate the quality of mountain bike trails.

In science class, we have been learning about energy and the Law of Conservation of Energy through various inquiry activities. Thermal energy is our next topic to explore.

Grade 6 Reading Students are learning Literary Elements through the work of renowned author, Margaret Peterson Haddix.  We also continue our study of Greek and Latin roots.

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The Hampstead Middle School Nurse would like to share important information with you in regards to unused and expired medications that you may have at home.  This information is provided by the Southern Rockingham Coalition for Healthy Youth. 

Prescription drugs are often misused due to increased availability and easy access to a variety of unused medications in the home.   You can dispose of unwanted, unused, and expired medications (prescription and over the counter) at the following local police stations.  Please see attached pdf


Medications should not be discarded in the trash or down the sink where they could potentially contaminate drinking water.
Library Updates

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Grades 7 & 8 have gone through 4 library centers.  All students analyzed online profiles and considered what it means to create and maintain a positive digital footprint.  Other stations:  makey makey, snap circuits, and science videos.  Links on the library website.

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Grade 5 Book Party meets during lunch at the start of each month.  In Nov., we also watched a few book trailers.

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Notes from Chorus...
HMS Jazz Choir Coffee House Fundraiser
November 28th - 6:30 pm
HMS Cafeteria

Group numbers, solos, raffles, refreshments, and fun! 

HMS Winter Choral Concert
Grades 5-8
December 7th,2016 at  7 pm
HMS Gymnasium

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NJHS NEWS

     The NJHS members have been very busy helping this holiday season.  Whether it be at the Health Fair or the PTSA Halloween Party in October, or The Mother's Club Craft Fair, the dances, the parent/teacher conferences, or Adopt-A-Highway in November, these students have been offering their time to help in the community!

     In the up coming month, the students are looking forward to helping the PTSA with the Polar Express movie night, the Jingle Bell Shop, and maybe the Santa Breakfast.  The students should be proud of the examples they are setting and the help they are offering.  At this busy time of year, lending a helping hand is sometimes all we can do and all we need.   

SLIDE SHOW ALL CALL FOR PICTURES

     Mrs. Howard is looking for Remember When photos of the 8th grade class!!!  Please send in photos of kids who are toddler age or older.  Any grade is fine and any activity is fine!  The more pictures, the better the show!  Also, the more pictures you send in without them seeing, the better the show too!  
     The photos can be sent in either hard copy, CD, flash drive, or (preferred last) e-mail.  Please make sure your child's name is on what they are giving to Mrs. Howard to make sure they are returned properly.  These photos will be returned at the end of the year before graduation.