August 3, 2016

Hello Hercules Junior Titan Families

With the close of the 2015-2016 school year we are sad to see our 8^thgrade students leave, however we are excited for the beginning of their high school years. We send them off knowing that we have prepared them to be competitive and successful. So as we wish the best of luck to our 8^thgrader students we also are prepared to welcome in the start of the new school year.

I am excited to begin my third year here at Hercules Middle School. This is a special year for me, as the 6^th graders I began my journey with are now entering their final year of middle school. I look forward to reconnecting with all of our returning students. We are also happy to receive a new group of enthusiastic 6^th graders, as well as some new 7^th and 8^th graders who are new to our school community.

Walk-through Orientation

Our front office staff is preparing our Walk-through Registration for you to participate in. This is an important part of our school culture and process as it will allow you an opportunity receive a class schedule, ID card, get the yearbook picture taken, purchase gym clothes, planners, 8^th grade activity bundle, yearbook, and get their school books and lockers. We will have locks for sale, or students can reuse their locks from previous years.   Most importantly, we have several forms that are imperative such as the emergency card. At this point, you should have received a packet with detailed information, if you have not received the information, please contact Ms. Petroni in the main office.

New Student and Parent Orientation/Registration

Middle School Gym

Tuesday August 9, 2016 from 10:00 – 11:30

Parents who attend will be able to complete walk through orientation beginning at 11:35.

Walk Through Registration

Middle School Cafeteria

Grade 7

Tuesday August 9, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Walk Through Registration

Middle School Cafeteria

Grade 8, New Students who enroll after August 5 and Make up day

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (last name A – L)

11:30 – 1:30 p.m. (last name M – Z)

This school year will usher in some great opportunities for your student.

Expanded Learning Program (after school program): This year we aim at offering a variety of new activities for students after school including academic support and enrichment activities, computer coding, robotics, dance, sports, and more.

Robust Music Program: This program under the direction of Ms. Calonico is an award winning program. We are the only middle school in the district with an orchestra program. These award winning groups have performed in performances at Six Flags and a host of other venues.

No Place for Hate: The No Place for Hate® initiative provides schools and communities with an organizing framework for combating bias, bullying and hatred, leading to long-term solutions for creating and maintaining a positive climate. No Place for Hate schools receive their designation by:

• Building inclusive and safe communities in which respect is the goal, and all students can thrive.
• Empowering students, faculty, administration and family members to take a stand against hate and bullying by incorporating new and existing programs under one powerful message.
• Engaging schools and communities in at least three anti-bias activities per year, which ADL helps to develop.
• Sending a clear, unified message that all students have a place to belong.

MESA: The Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) program has a proven track record in producing math-based graduates by providing support such as classes, hands-on competitions, counseling, transfer support and a community environment to students from middle school through four-year college. If your student is excited about science and math, then they should become a MESA student.

Academic Focus

This year more than ever, we will have a firm focus on Academics and our continued pathway towards Common Core alignment. We will continue using data to look at student success and reflect on our practices, adjusting it to meet the needs of all of our students.

Parents, we need you in this process. Please partner with your child’s teachers to keep aware of what the expectations and assignments are for your student. Use PowerSchool to check on progress, attendance and to email teachers with questions. Be sure to check-in with your child daily to assure that they are reading and have a solid mathematical foundation. Ask for help if you need it. Do not assume that just because they are getting older, they don’t need as much oversight. Middle School years are difficult for students. The expectations are greater but with help, they will meet the demands and grow academically.

Safe Campus for All

We will continue to focus on maintaining a safe and secure campus. This includes making sure that the campus is a welcoming place for students and adult allies that can support students when they need it. We are here to guide students during these years and understand that kids make mistakes. It is our jobs to assist students in making good solid decisions, and need continued support from families and the community to help us with this task.

• All students must wear their student ID card while on campus. This will help identify anyone who shouldn’t be on our campus.
• Parents/Guardians are welcome on campus, but must sign-in with the front office and display the proper visitor’s identification. All visitors must adhere to WCCUSD policy. Parents are welcomed to visit student classrooms but must inform your child’s counselor 24 hours prior to the intended visit. Parents are observers and not allowed to interact with the teacher or students during these visits
• Any parents who wish to volunteer on campus must complete the districts volunteer process through Beamentor.org. They must also resister with Ms. Chen and discuss the types of activities they are willing to volunteer to support.

I am so excited for the start of this school year. I believe in the students and staff at Hercules Middle School. Hercules is a welcoming community, together; we can help your student be successful in middle school. Our goal is to prepare our students for high school and beyond. I am here to support you feel free to contact me, email is best at llama@wccusd.net.

On behalf of my Assistant Principal Ryan Shaw, the faculty and staff of Hercules Middle School, and the WCCUSD, welcome to the 2016-17 school year.

In partnership,

Renee Lama

Principal, Hercules Middle School

Home of the Junior Titans