Greetings HFMS Families,

And just like that we have almost completed half of our school year together!  I hope that everyone had a nice Thanksgiving Break and the time was well spent with friends and family near.  As we wrap up the first semester, please take a minute to review your child’s progress with them and discuss any potential improvements that can be made or new goals for the second semester.

I also want to take this time to wish all of our students, families, and the entire HFMS community Happy Holidays and brightest wishes for the coming New Year.  It is my sincere hope that we all continue to work together towards our goal of providing all of our young people with the best education possible in a safe and caring environment. 

As always, please do not ever hesitate to reach out to myself or our admin team if there are questions or concerns you have at any time throughout the school year. 

Take care,

Eric R. Vandell
Principal, HFMS
evandell@k12.wv.us

Next week, December 8-12, HFMS will be hosting a Scholastic Book Fair. The fair will be open daily from 8-3, with evening hours available on Tuesday and Thursday from 5-8. We will be participating in "Share the Fair" by rounding up totals to the nearest dollar. The money collected will help support the library to buy new and replace old books.  It will also make for a smoother distribution of change when students pay with cash. Online shopping also available from Dec. 8-Dec. 21 at this link - https://www.scholastic.com/bf/harpersferrymiddleschool. Many more options and shipping straight to your house! Thank you for your support.

The PTO is asking for volunteers to help with Basketball Concessions. If you would like to sign up to work the concession stand, please use the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CA4AD22A5FEC16-60711450-basketball

Just a few friendly reminders:

Parent notes- Jefferson County School’s attendance policy allows a student to be absent from school ten days a school year for illness verified by a parent and/or guardian. Any absence due to illness beyond ten days must be confirmed in writing by a physician for the absence to be excused within three days of the student returning to school.  

Extending vacations- With the holiday season upon us, many families consider extending holiday vacations. We appreciate you communicating with us to let us know your student is under your care, but keep in mind travel days are still unexcused absences. The second nine weeks will close on December 19th, 2025, and teachers will be providing high-level, high-quality instruction in the weeks before and after Christmas break. If you plan for your student to be out, contact the office by submitting the absence online and reach out to your student’s teachers to make arrangements to complete work before your trip to end the nine weeks strong. 

Happy Holidays, 
Mrs. Waller
Assistant Principal 

Math Tutoring begins December 2nd. Students wishing to attend may stay after school. Transportation is NOT provided and parents must be able to pick student up by 4:00pm. The schedule is as follows:

-Tuesdays, 3:00-4:00pm with Mr. Propst (Room 134)
-Wednesdays, 3:00-4:00pm with Ms. Williams/Ms. Amoroso (Room 307/309)
     *Teachers will alternate weekly)

Winter Break is from December 22-January 5th. Students return on January 6th.