Greetings HFMS Families,

And just like that we have completed the first semester.  Believe it or not we are actually halfway through the third nine weeks, so things are really rolling along regardless of all the winter weather.  Speaking of that, winter is not over yet and with the possibility of more snow in February and/or March, let’s recap where we are with our situation.  Basically, we’ve used up all of our “free days” (there were 5) and so far we’ve completed two virtual days which means we have three left.  After that we have to start adding days to the end of the year, but we don’t like talk like that around here.  So, let’s just hope the groundhog was a little off this year.

Since we are now well into the second semester, please take some time to review your child’s progress for the year to date.  This can be a critical time if a student is struggling in a particular class or if they have low grades which could lead to potential summer school or even retention.  In almost every case, the culprit is missing work.  Zeroes kill grades and it is often difficult to recover from multiple zeroes.  Encourage your child to complete all of their work and to always turn it in on time.  This practice guarantees a passing grade even when the subject in question may not be a student’s strong suit. 

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

February 2-6th is National School Counseling Week and it is no secret that HFMS has two of the absolute best School Counselors. School Counselors work tirelessly to help students reach success, learn about future careers, and provide day to day supports for all students. Please take a moment to send them a note of thanks for all they do for our students, families, community, and school.

Ms. Zoe  zoe.dreflak@k12.wv.us

Ms. H.   jhimelrick@k12.wv.us 

The West Virigina School Learning Environment Survey (WVSLES) is a tool used to gather feedback from our stakeholders. This survey takes roughly 10 minutes to complete. Please consider taking a moment to complete the Parent/Guardian Climate Survey for Harpers Ferry Middle School. Click here to complete: https://forms.office.com/r/mXGLXGUApV

Please reach out to the administration with any questions you may have!

By the Numbers

150 students with perfect attendance/Straight A's
76 students with 2.5 or less absences earning All A's and B's
56 students with 2.5 or less absences earning A's, B's, and C's

Establish Bedtime and Morning Routines to Reduce Absenteeism 

According to the book School Leader’s Guide to Tackling Attendance Challenges, parents should consider establishing bedtime and morning routines to help reduce absenteeism. One suggestion is to create a checklist to help your child become more organized at night and avoid scrambling in the morning.  

Before Bedtime 

Charge Chromebook 
Pack school bag: homework, Chromebook, charger, binder, pencil 
Pack lunch
Set out clothes (include any clothes/shoes needed for after school practice) 
Set alarm (avoid using a cell phone as it shouldn’t be kept in their room at night) 
Brush teeth 

In the Morning 

Get up with alarm (no snooze) 
Shower and get dressed 
Eat breakfast 
Brush teeth 
Put lunch in bag 
Get to the bus 

Consider using a positive reinforcement if your child uses the checklist and gets to school or the bus on time after a specific number of days. Establishing routines can help reduce stress and anxiety associated with getting to school for both parents and students. Accomplishing goals teaches your student responsibility and builds confidence.  

_{Sprick, J and Sprick, R. (2019). School Leader’s Guide to Tackling Attendance Challenges. Ancora.}  

Thank you, 

Mrs. Waller, 
Assistant Principal