Happy November, HMS Families!

As the leaves fall and we step into the heart of autumn, the pace of life has most definitely picked up at our school. November traditionally brings a focus on gratitude, kindness, service and community – values we are working to teach and celebrate in our classrooms and hallways. This month, we transition to our 2nd Quarter of the school year, honor the veterans in our lives, do our part to raise resources for the community food banks through Foodball, and try to focus on the everyday things in life we should be grateful for. Whether you're joining us for fall activities, cheering on our student athletes, or taking part in helping your student with their homework, we thank you for being an essential part of our school community. We hope November offers you and your families things to be grateful for. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns that we need to be aware of. Our office phone number is 360-538-8220.

For over 40 years, the students of Hoquiam and Aberdeen have taken part in a food drive unlike most others. Once a competition between both schools, since the pandemic the schools have optedto collaborate their efforts. Basically, beginning November 1st, students from both high schools will be taking part in a series of events designed to raise money and food donations. All of the donations go to local foodbanks, which means 100 percent of the donations stays right here in the west Harbor. Here is a list of the events planned for Foodball 2024. All are open to families:

Friday, November 1

• HHS Community Parade (collecting donations) 4:00-5:30

• Grizzly Den Takeover 5:30-8:00 (The Den donates a percentage of profits to HHS Foodball)

Saturday, November 2

• Mr. Villarreal's Teriyaki Dinner & Auction 6:00 p.m. (The teriyaki chicken is amazing, and the auction usually has some awesome stuff)

Sunday, November 3

• Luncheon @ HHS 1:00 pm

Monday, November 4

• AHS/HHS Community Dodgeball @ Sam Benn Gym (There will be an Aberdeen bracket and a Hoquiam bracket, with the winners playing each other) 6:00 pm

Tuesday, November 5

• Volleyball: Battle of the Classes @ HHS: 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 6

• HBC Trivia Night @ Hoquiam Brewing Co. 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Thursday, November 7

• Domino's Takeover & Dunk Tank 4:00-7:00

Friday, November 8

• Hoquiam's Got Talent, 6:00 p.m. HHS Little Theater

Saturday, November 9

• Community Blitz Night; 12-6:00 pm

• Party for the Pantry 8:00-11:00 HHS Student Center

Sunday, November 10

• Swansons Bail Out 10:00 a.m.

• Basket Bingo 6:00-8:00 HHS Student Center

Monday, November 11

• Final Weigh in @ Grays Harbor PUD-5:30

During the week, students from both schools will be doing storefront canvassing in front of Hoquiam Rite Aid, Bi-Mart, Safeway and both Swanson's stores.

Good Luck!!

8th Grade

Akeakamai Kendall,Ashlynne Carpenter, Ashton Jacobs, Bella Garcia, Cesar Gonzalez Nieto, Cristian Nieto Sanches, Christofer Rodriguez,Enrique Juarez, Felicia Watkins, Iker Garcia-Boyzo, Ivy Fairbairn, Izabell Deason, James Judd, Julietta Del Cid,Kane Mondragon, Kenneth McCoy III, Kenny Canel Huinil, Konor Lilananh, Maci Ramiskey, Madelynn Strickland, Maggi Quigg, Makai Stum, Maria Torres, Micayla Hynson, Owyn Golder, Raelynn Nielsen, Rinzy Hunt, Rodney Chapman, Ryder Arnold, Samuel Billie-Luna, Skye Heath-Russell, Tanner Shaw, Teagan Bradshaw Pigott, Ty Thao

7th Grade

Adrian Servin, Aeriauna Shapansky, Alan Hernandez Nieto, Alani Manoi, Amadeus Robison, Amelia Lenz, Andres Carrada-Morelia, Anthony Gunter, Ash’lynned Donovan-Iverson, Benjamin Silva, Brandon Frost, Britton Maxfield, Brycen Bagley,Cari Spellman, Carter Granberg, Charles Montoure-Hathaway, Charlotte Morris, Chase Mealey, Christopher Acuna, Davyn Stewart, Declan Potter, Donovan Bach, Elizabeth Rohrer, Fenix Aguilera, Grace Whitespeare, Grayson Black, Hunter DeWald, Jasmine Johnson, Jaycee Eddy-Hathaway, Jillian Watkins, Juan Rodriguez, Jr., Kamryn Arnold, Kanon Larsson, Katie Mondragon, Kenzie Stankavich, Kyron Calica, Landon Henson, Leviathan Larrson, Lincoln Antonson, Logan Bloom, Logehn Bergsma, Luis Chavez Torres, Lyric Ramstein, Maverick Tilley, Meilin Just, Melanie Calderon, Natalie Bojorquez, Nayeli Mendoza Hernandez, Noah Longenbaugh, Paisley Shaw, Patience Foster, Payton Nowak, Peyton Tobias, Ryan Roberts, Ryder Lorton, Santiago Garcia, Thaddeus Koth, Zayden Grant, Zoey Shope

6th Grade

Achilles Holcomb, Alexander Mooney, Alivia Bell, Allie Smith, Amadora Chapman, Avery Smith, Ayla Walker, Brayden Mills, Brook Wilson, Brooklee Coleman, Cassidee Matsen, Clayton Holt, Cloe Spellman, Colin Jordan, Colin Martin, Damon Linker, David Osorio, Dessa Orris, Dimitri Cruzan, Eden Park, Esmerie Phansisay, Ezra Eaton, Gracie Jahner, Harper Niemi, Harrison Dejka, Jayce Membreno-Paulsen, Jerai Enriquez-Rivera, Kail Vaughn, Kenneth Howard, Layna Bozich, Leila Booth, Levi Tillery, Lucas Mousely, Jr., Luis Vazquez, Madilynn Damaske, Maliyeah Underwood, Mason Dhooghe, Mathias Bentley, Metra Belcher-McCrackin, Nation Davies, Noah Jackson, Owen Sharp-Silveira, Ryan Quigg, Rylee McCollum, Serena Matthews, Sofia Membreno, Talen Lash, Willow Hartman, Willow Levesque, Zaryiah Stone

We will work to highlight information that we hope is useful for parents/guardians as they walk the middle school pathways with their students. A tradition in our family (and I'm sure in many of yours) is that we ask each member to share what they are most grateful for, before we tuck into our holiday dinner. It started as a reminder to our children to take stock of all they have and be appreciative of it. It has turned into a powerful, reflective, and sometimes emotional part of our Thanksgiving holiday. This month we put the highlight on practicing gratitude, and the good effects it can have. Let's start with the benefits studies have found in people that regularly practice gratitude.

• Physical

  • Stronger immune systems

  • Less bothered by aches and pains

  • Lower blood pressure

  • Exercise more and take better care of their health

  • Sleep longer and feel more refreshed upon waking

  Psychological

  • Higher levels of positive emotions

  • More alert, alive, and awake

  • More joy and pleasure

  • More optimism and happiness

  • Helps us to magnify positive emotions and block toxic emotions

  Social

  • More helpful, generous, and compassionate

  • More forgiving

  • More outgoing

  • Feel less lonely and isolated. You become aware of the many people in your life who are working to support you.

What really is gratitude? The best definition I have come across comes from Robert Emmons, a researcher who has dedicated his professional life to researching gratitude. He says that gratitude is the acknowledgement that there is good in our lives, and that there are people or things in our life that give us many gifts, big and small, to help us achieve the good in our lives.

Yes...I want grateful children! What can I do as a parent?

Childmind.org is a great website for all kinds of useful resources for parenting. This is taken from one of their articles "10 Tips for Raising Grateful Kids."

1. Set an example-Kids learn a lot from watching their parents. Show them what it means to be grateful by offering a genuine “thank you!” to a waitress who serves your food, a helpful neighbor, someone who holds the door open for you. But don’t stop there — include your kids, too. Thanking children for doing things that are helpful, even when they are chores like putting away clothes, reinforces the behavior and lets them know they’re appreciated.

2. Point out generosity

Call attention to it when people (including your kids!) do things that go beyond what’s expected — helping without being asked, being especially thoughtful, or taking extra time to do something because it’s important to someone else. Send the message that you will notice if they knock themselves out for you, or for someone else.

3. Have a talk

For some kids, especially young children or those who have trouble understanding emotions, it can help to have a talk about how showing appreciation makes other people feel. Try asking your child how they feel when people say thank you to them for doing something nice, and then how they feel when they don’t. Going over his own feelings will help them understand how his behavior affects others and make it easier for them to understand the emotional benefits of being grateful.

4. Find fun ways to say thanks

There are lots of ways to show gratitude. If your child isn’t comfortable talking to strangers or has a hard time expressing themself in writing, work together to come up with a different way for them to show their appreciation. They could try giving a smile or a thumbs up if someone holds the door, or show grandma how much they love their new coat by drawing a thank you picture (or taking a smiling selfie!) instead of writing a card.

5. Share the love

Encourage kids to think of people who help them, from coaches to neighbors to the local firemen, and say thanks with cookies or cupcakes. Making them and giving them are fun, and they help kids see how connected we all are.

6. Put things in perspective

Talk to your kids about those who are less fortunate. Don’t scare them, but don’t keep them in the dark either. Understanding that not everyone has the same advantages will help them develop compassion for others and gratitude for their own privileges.

7. Let kids choose

Encourage kids to turn their interests into action. Whether it’s a fundraising drive at school, a bake sale, or a run for charity, expressing their interests and using their skills for a good cause is a great way to boost their confidence and give them a chance to give back at the same time.

8. Get involved

If kids are too young to go alone or aren’t comfortable dealing with strangers solo, make giving back a family affair. Find places where you can volunteer together or let your child choose a charity to donate to. Giving and gratitude go hand in hand, and doing it as a family will bring everyone closer and help you make some great memories.

9. Make gratitude part of bedtime

When you tuck them in at night, ask your child to tell you three things they’re grateful for. Even if they’ve had a bad day it will help them—and you—end each day on a positive note.

10. Give kids credit

Be mindful of the fact that your child may have their own way of expressing gratitude, even if it doesn’t fit your expectations. Different kids communicate in different ways. For example, your child may be more comfortable giving a hug than a verbal thank you, or might show their appreciation by helping out around the house or drawing you a picture. Tuning in to your child’s unique way of being thankful will let them know that even as they’re learning new ways to give back, you see and appreciate the thoughtful person they already are.

And to practice what I preach, thank you all for the jobs you do in your children's lives. I am grateful for the hard, sometimes gut-wrenching work you do to be a parent.

Some big changes in our Music Program this year. We have two new music teachers in the Hoquiam School District: Drew Shipman is our 6-12 band teacher, and Anna Messenger is our 6-12 Choir teacher. We are excited to welcome these two talented musicians to our community!

Another change is that this year we are asking Band and Choir families to sign up their child in Final Forms. This is due to the travel that both programs have, and the need to have student information if medical attention is required.

If you are looking for Final Forms, you can find it at this web address: https://hoquiam-wa.finalforms.com/

Parents need to create an account. Here is where you can find directions for making an account: https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/sportshub2-uploads-prod/files/sites/2656/2020/12/14094353/Hoquiam-FinalForms_ParentPlaybook.pdf

And that is the end of October!  Every school year I hope things will slow down, but it seems to go by faster.  We are on the brink of the holidays.

This past month for Counselor Talk was all about attendance and adult relationships at the school.  One of the top reasons students come to school is to see and talk to their favorite adult.  These relationships are important, as is attendance.

Washington state has truancy laws that we have to follow as a school.  The Becca Law states:

1) One excused absence, the school will inform the parent/guardian.

2) Three unexcused absences within a month, the school is required to request a conference with the parent and student to discuss the causes of the unexcused absences and solutions to prevent further absences.

3) Five unexcused absences in one month, a referral to the Community Engagement Board (CEB) happens.

4) Seven unexcused absences within a month, or ten unexcused absences in a school year, the school district is compelled to file a petition of truancy with the juvenile court.

Currently, when students reach 20 days of excessive excused absences, families will get letters to meet to discuss the excessive absences.

Please if your child cannot attend school, call in (360-538-8221) or email (hms.attendance@hoquiam.net)  We want to work with you and your child.

Students also took a survey asking questions about their attendance, if they feel safe at school, and who their adult person is at school.  I will be compiling that data and sharing it with staff.  If we are missing a connection with a student, we want to do better.

Hope Squad

This past month we have been working on our HOPE training.  For the first time, Hope Squad is changing its training from QPR to HOPE.  The HOPE approach:

Head's up! Look for those who may be struggling with concerns or                feelings.

Offer support, listen attentively to concerns and be accepting.

Provide information about available resources.

Empower the peer to seek support and stay connected.

We will be practicing skits on how this works and looks.

Attendance

Missing school means missing opportunities to learn and connect. #ShowingUpMatters #AttendTodayAchieveTomorrow

Reminder!!  Parents/guardians have 48 hours to call and excuse your child.  Per the state, students should not have excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused.  Letters are going out for excessive absences.  Make sure you are calling your child in for absences! It is important to be in school!

Last month Mr. Pelan, Jr.'s homeroom class with the most students in attendance!!  

We love seeing your child(ren) at school!  If they are absent, make sure you are calling the school to excuse them.  If they have a doctor's appointment, bring in a doctor's note to excuse.  If you are planning a vacation, contact the office to set this up in a timely manner.  Mrs. Glasgow is our attendance person, 360-538-8221 or hms.attendance@hoquiam.net.