Waggoner's Word - February 26, 2016

Friday, February 26, 2016

Dear Parents,

Calendar of Events for the Week of February 29^th-March 4^th:

Saturday, February 27^th: Cheerleading FUSION event at the RRISD PAC

Monday, February 29^th: New Cheerleader Parent meeting in the Lecture Hall 6-7PM

Tuesday, March 1^st: Band Pre-UIL

Wednesday, March 2^nd: Early Release at 1:30 PM for teacher professional development.

Thursday, March 3^rd: 7^th & 8^th Girls and Boys Track at Canyon Vista MS 4-8PM

Friday, March 4^th: Principal’s Coffee 9-10:30 AM in the Lecture Hall.  Presentation: The negative impact of social media and your teen.  Presented by, Hopewell MS Resource Officer Logan HarperHill.

PRINCIPAL’S COFFEE PRESENTATION ON THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR TEEN:

I actually have two Principal’s Coffee programs set up for the next couple of months dealing with your teen, social media, and growing up emotionally healthy in today’s complicated world. Our first principal’s coffee and program is on Friday, March 4^th in the Lecture Hall from 9-10:30 AM.  Our Hopewell MS Resource Officer will present information on the negative and legal impact of social media and your teen.  They will cover an array of topics from a legal perspective and will answer any questions on the matter that you may have.  At the conclusion of our program, our current Hopewell PTA will hold a brief meeting to nominate new officers for next year’s PTA.  Principal's Coffee 1.pdf

Our second Principal’s Coffee program, HELP ME, I HAVE A TEENAGER, will be held on Friday, April 1^st from 9-10:30.  The presenter will be Annie Drake who is an author and family/ adolescent therapist and counselor.   She will be discussing the challenging adolescent period for both teens and parents.  Both events will give you some additional insights to help both you and your teen navigate through these sometimes trying times. One thing is for sure before you know it your middle schooler will be a senior in high school getting ready to graduate and go off to college.  That’s what’s happening in theWaggoner household this year.   Hope to see you there if you can make it.

Please follow Karl Waggoner on Twitter@KarlWaggoner.

Reminder:

Early Release on Wednesday, March 2^nd @ 1:30 PM.

Stony Point Flyer for Vet Clinic PET.docx

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Karl

Waggoner's Word - February 19, 2016

February 19^th,  2016

Dear Parents,

Calendar of Events for the Week of February 22^nd – 26^th:

Monday, February 22^nd: Early College High School Information 5:30-6:30PM in the Lecture Hall

Tuesday, February 22^nd: Pre-UIL Orchestra Concert @ Hernandez MS 7:00PM

Wednesday, February 24^th: Future Tiger Night for 8^th graders and parents @ Stony Pt. HS 6-8PM (Future Tiger Night 2016 (1).doc  )

Thursday, February 25^th: Boys and Girls Track vs. Ridgeview MS 4-8PM at Cedar Valley MS

Friday, February 26^th: GO GREEN CELEBRATION for grades 6-8 during all three Advisory & Lunch periods

Friday, February 26^th: Winter Dance sponsored by Student Council. 6^th grade-6:00-7:30PM/7^th & 8^th grades-7:30-9:00PM

2016 Yearbook BUZZ:

Don't miss out on your chance to own a copy of this The Buzz Yearbook for 2015-2016. Last year, they sold out, so don't miss this important opportunity. To purchase, go to  Yearbookforever.com and search for our school.

I AM THAT GIRL CLUB MEETING:

The I Am That Girl Club will be meeting Next Tuesday, February 23rd from 3:30-4:40 in Ms. Baldini's room #460. 

This club is open to ALL Hopewell MS girls.   If your daughter has not attended a meeting yet this year but thinks she might be interested then she is more than welcome to come next Tuesday!  For more information on the mission and spirit of this girls club please go to www.iamthatgirl.org.

LINKS TO PARENT CLIMATE SURVEY BELOW-COPY AND PASTE INTO YOUR BROWSER:

Here are links to the online parent survey: English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/rrisdparenteng & Spanish:https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/padesp

Please take time to fill them out at your convenience in order to give us feedback to better serve our community.  Thanks!

LINK TO OUR HOPEWELL MIDDLE SCHOOL TEA REPORT CARD:

Please copy and paste this link:  https://drive.google.com/a/roundrockisd.org/file/d/0B2y3YTH_krHlb3ZhbnZuY1RuZ1E/view

into your browser to view our Hopewell MS report card from last school year.  We have made some gains but of course still have some work to do.  The good thing is that your children are continuing to get a solid education at Hopewell Middle School and in RRISD!  We have identified the areas that need attention and will continue to build on our strengths.  We never shy away from these challenges and work hard to make the necessary changes.  Your children are in GREAT hands here at Hopewell MS!

   Hopewell School Report Card 

From our Hopewell MS school nurse Jamie Mayfield regarding the flu:

First of all, I would like to thank you for calling in and reporting confirmed flu results you’re your doctors.  The few cases thus far have been reported in all 3-grade levels.  We urge all of our students and staff to take extra precautions in order to decrease their risk of getting the flu. Remember to cover your cough and sneeze with your arm, and protect your immune system by eating a balanced diet and getting plenty of rest. Above all, I cannot stress enough the importance of hand washing.  We are having our wonderful custodial staff work extra time to sanitize the common areas such as restrooms, cafeteria, locker rooms, door handles, etc…to help do our part to minimize germs.  Thank you!

PTA NEWS:

PTA General Meeting / Call for members of a Nominating Committee

Each year prior to PTA elections taking place we need to form a Nominating Committee to call for and oversee the applications for the position of PTA: President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary.

We need a committee of three people with one alternate to form our Nominating committee, once formed the committee calls for nominations for the positions available.  Once nominations have been received the Committee Chair announces the slated nominees at a General meeting to be held in May and at this time elections will take place.

This role is very important to the PTA process but only takes about 2-3 hours of your time total.  If you feel you could help with this role please attend our next scheduled PTA General Meeting which will take place on March 4th, 2016 prior to Mr. Waggoner's 'Principal's Coffee'.

Thanks

Joanne Georgeson, PTA President

Healthy Living Celebration
RRISD will be holding a Healthy Living Celebration on Saturday, March 5th at Purple Sage Elementary. See the flyer attached for more details. Everyone is invited!

Hopewell PTA wins awards and it’s all thanks to our Members!

This week we received the following notifications from Texas PTA.

Congratulations on earning the 2015 President’s List Award!

This significant award represents that by December 19, 2015, Hopewell Middle School PTA had achieved Active Status with Texas PTA and recruited more members than we had all of last year!

Congratulations on earning the Fall Membership Increase Award!

Our efforts to recruit more than 100 percent of last year’s total membership before November 30, 2015 show that we are dedicated to making every child’s potential a reality in our community!

We couldn’t be more proud of Hopewell Middle School PTA.

In honor of our accomplishment, Hopewell Middle School PTA will be recognized on Texas PTA’s social media outlet and be entered into a drawing to win a prize, to be announced at Summer Leadership Seminar in July.

Welcome to the 250+ CLUB, Hopewell Middle School PTA has been named to the Fall Honor Roll!

By increasing our membership over last year and hitting the significant milestone of 280 members by October 31, 2015, Hopewell Middle School PTA earned this esteemed award. Being part of the 250+ CLUB reflects that our PTA engages and empowers families and the community to advocate for all children in our community!

BOX-TOPS Contest

ATTENTION HOPEWELL HORNETS …. We really NEED your help in collecting MORE boxtops – only 3 people turned in BOXTOPS this past week and they ALL earned a KITE on the wall. 

TWO of those students will receive their HOPEWELL Hornet cup filled with SWEET Treats – Melissa R in Mrs. Alavarez’s class & Trinity G in Mrs. LeSane’s class – congratulations ladies. 

Remember ANYONE turning in 50 valid boxtops WINS a CUP of Sweet Treats and other PRIZES include bowling, pizza, and Yogurt vouchers! 

Healthy Lifestyle PTA (English)   Healthy Lifestyle PTA (Spanish)

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
Karl 

Waggoner's Word - February 12, 2016

February 12, 2016

Dear Parents,

Calendar of Events for the Week of February 15^th-19^th:

Sunday, February 14^th: VALENTINES DAY!!!

Monday, February 15^th: President’s Day Student Holiday/Staff Professional Development

Tuesday, February 16^th: Stony Point HS International Baccalaureate (IB) meeting for 8^th grade parents and students 7-8PM Hopewell MS cafeteria

Friday, February 19^th: Movie Night-Orchestra at Hopewell MS

Education: Go Get It Week (EGGI week) is coming

The week of March 7^th –March 11^th has been designated as “Education: Go Get It Week” for RRISD.  The purpose of this week is to provide both information and encouragement to all students in regards to pursuing post-secondary education.  Listed below are some of the activities that will occur during this week. Other classroom activities can be found on the HWMS counselor’s website. Hopewell Middle School is arranging a possible visit from an Austin Community College representative to talk to your 8^th grade students about college awareness, career exploration and tips on being academically successful.   We are also arranging for students to have some information to take home and share with you about planning for college. 

HOPEWELL HORNET JAZZ BAND PERFORMANCE RECAP:

Our Hornet Big Band (Jazz Band) did a great job this past Saturday performing as one of only three middle school jazz bands at Texas State's Hill Country Jazz Festival.  Dr. Jack Burt, from the University of Maine, came onstage and talked with the band and stated we had a great overall band sound, a strong fundamental sense of how to play jazz and complimented our program on having jazz as part of what we do. It was great validation for our efforts.  The kids were also excellent guests of the University while visiting the student union, campus bookstore and enjoying performances by Brennan High School, Canyon High School and our neighbors, Hernandez Middle.  We're so proud to have such great representatives of our program and outstanding musicians.

It should be possible to access recordings of our performance with this link:

Hornet Big Band Recordings

5^th Grade Student/Parent Night Recap:

We had an incredible turnout at our 5^th grade student/parent night Tuesday, February 9^th from 6:00-7:30PM in the cafeteria and lower commons areas.  We estimated that we had about 500 in attendance to hear information on the core academic and elective course offerings, choice sheet review, and meet with our 6^th grade elective staff.  Parents and students also heard presentations from our WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) teacher sponsors and 8^th grade WEB leaders as well from members of the I Am That Girl club.  The evening was very positive and gave our 5^th graders and their parents a great view of the programs within our great school.  We are excited about having all our incoming 5^th graders at Hopewell MS next school year and look forward to the WEB back to school event at a TBD date in August. 

Twitter@KarlWaggoner for exciting Hopewell news.    Sign up today and follow our principal on Twitter!

Monday’s President’s Day Teacher In-Service Agenda for your information:

We will have three 40 minute rotations on instructional technology on Monday morning for our Hopewell staff.  Teachers will be teaching teachers on the following: iPad 101, Snap and Read (a text to speech extension tool for all teachers, students, and subjects), and  debrief on the Texas Computer Educator’s Conference.  In the afternoon, teachers will be in their grade level Professional Learning Communities planning lessons, supporting activities, and analyzing student assessment data to help our students be more successful.  A full day is on tap Monday but one that will prove to be beneficial to our staff as they prepare for our students. 

STUDENT SAFETY REMINDERS:
Parents, please talk with your children about the importance of using marked cross-walks and to be diligent when walking home from school.  It’s important for our students before crossing roads, to stop, look, and listen as sometimes cars simply are going too fast or the drivers are not paying attention.  Make sure that you as parents when driving around school zones slow down, not text or talk on the cell phones, and be alert for our kids!  Thanks!

6^th Grade Choral Fest RECAP:

On Saturday, February 6th, the 6th Grade Girl's and Boy’s Choirs attended the Round Rock ISD 6th Grade Choral Festival.  Each middle school in the RRISD brings their 6^th grade choirs to perform 3 selections for judges to critique.  The festival seeks to prepare 6th graders for UIL contest that they will be a part of in 7th and 8th grade.  Both the Girl's Choir and Boy's Choir received superior ratings in their performances.  It was a wonderful opportunity for our Hopewell MS students to share their musical talents with family and friends, and other schools in the district! BRAVO Hopewell 6^th grade choirs!

WINTER DANCE SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26^th:

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Our next school dance for 6^th – 8^th graders sponsored by the Student Council  is on Friday, February 26^thin the cafeteria.  6^th graders will have their dance separately from the 7^th and 8^th graders from 6:00-7:30PM.  7^th and 8^th graders will have their dance from 7:30-9:00PM.  Admission is $3.00 and all students must have their Hopewell MS ID in order to be admitted.  Please make sure that your child has a ride immediately after their dance is over either at 7:30 or 9:00PM. This dance is only for Hopewell MS students.  Information will be posted throughout the school and website beginning next week.   If you want to help chaperone this dance, please email Bernice Alvarez (Student Council Teacher Sponsor) at: Bernice_alvarez@roundrockisd.org.  Thanks!

PTA NEWS:

BOXTOPS CONTEST

BOX TOPS pick up is today ... hope you got yours turned in!  Let's see how many kids will win a cup of sweet treats.  You still have 2 more weeks to turn them in. The more you turn in the more prizes you win. 

REFLECTIONS

On Wednesday February 3d, Hopewell MS joined with Hernandez MS and Stony Point HS to celebrate our Reflections entries for the 2015/16 school year.  The following students received gift cards, spirit sticks and certificates along with a specific medal or ribbon for their entry into the competition.

Jenise D - Grade 8 - for her Photography entry named 'Morning Sunrise' received an Award of Excellence,

Hannah W - Grade 7 - for her Visual Arts Entry named 'The Different Tree' received an Award of Excellence,

Aairah G - Grade 6 - for her Visual Arts Entry named 'Bluejay in the Trees' received an Award of Merit,

Trinity G - Grade 7 - for her Visual Arts Entry named 'Rainbow in the City' received an Award of Merit and 

Alyson F - Grade 7 - for her Visual Arts Entry named 'Teleportation' received Honorable Mention.

On Tuesday February 9th, three of those students went on to receive awards at the RRISD Council of PTA's level with a ceremony held at the Performing Arts Center at McNeil High School.

Hannah W and Jenise D received an Honorable Mention at District level and Trinity G received an Award of Excellence at District.  

Congratulations to all the students who entered the Reflections contest for this year, the theme for next year is "What's YOUR Story' so put your thinking caps on now and enter in November for the 2016/17 school year.

Please view the attachments and flyers attached to Waggoner’s Word.

Take Time to Attend our February Educational Presentation.docx

PTA.docx

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Karl

Waggoner's Word - February 5, 2016

February 5^th, 2016

Dear Parents,

Calendar of Events for the Week of February 8^th- 12^th:

Monday, February 8^th: 7^th and 8^th Boys BBall vs. Grisham 5:30PM 7^th away/8^th Home

Monday, February 8^th: Cheerleading parent informational meeting 6-7 PM in the Lecture Hall

Tuesday, February 9^th: 5^th Grade Parent Night & Elective Fair 6:00-7:30PM in the cafeteria and Lower Commons area

Tuesday, February 9^th: I Am That Girl Meeting in room 460, 3:30PM – 4:30PM

Wednesday, February 10^th: 7^th and 8^th Girls BBall vs. Grisham 5:30PM 7^th away/8^thHome

Thursday, February 11^th and Friday, February 12^th: 8^th grade A Boys Basketball Tournament @ Hopewell MS after school

Monday, February 15^th: President’s Day Student Holiday/Teacher In-Service Day

6^th GRADE WEB & WEB LEADER PICNIC LUNCH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10^th:

Our 8^th grade WEB leaders will be joining our 6^th graders during their lunch time.  The WEB leaders and Mr. Morgan and Mrs. Listi will talk to them during lunch about how their school year is going, if they are having any problems or issues and also what some of the great things that have been happening this year.  It’s more of a touch-base see how you’re doing informal conversation with the 6^th graders.  Again, WEB is about making sure that everyone belongs and this is one informal strategy to help our 6^thgraders adjust to middle school life.

TERAVISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LEADER IN ME SHOWCASE ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4^TH, 2016:

I had the honor and privilege to attend my first Leader In Me Showcase at Teravista Elementary school.  It was absolutely incredible to see the confidence and poise that those K-5^th graders displayed during classroom visits.   It was in incredible turnout with parents, RRISD administrators and staff, as well as other community members. We all toured the campus, visiting classrooms where students in various grade levels showed us their leadership notebooks and learning.  We concluded the Showcase by assembling in the cafeteria for a follow up presentation.  Two of my current 6^th graders were there to present how the Leader In Me program has helped them succeed in middle school.  There are 7 elements to the Leader In Me program: Be Proactive, Set Goals, Prioritize, Think win-win, Listen, Synergize, and Be Balanced.  Great attributes to live by for anyone!  Thanks Mr. Wakefield for inviting me, I truly enjoyed it and it made my day!

SUPERINTENDENT’S SHOWCASE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2^ND, 2016:

We had our own mini-showcase at Hopewell where local business members, board members and former board members came by this past Tuesday.  I had four 8^th grade WEB leaders as well as Mrs. Listi one of our WEB teacher sponsors talk about this important 6^th grade transition program, how it has helped the culture of our school, the upcoming events, and other reflections on it.  I also had two of our I Am That Girl club members along with Ms. Baldini our teacher sponsor do a presentation on this important club for our Hopewell girls.  They talked about Alexis Jones www.iamthatgirl.com and how she and the girl power movement has affected their lives.  Our visitors were very impressed  and complimentary with these two programs and asked a lot of great questions to our students and sponsors.  It is always great when people recognize the great things that are going on at Hopewell---too many only point out and dwell the negative things in life.  So many great things going on at our school with a school full of terrific middle school kids! 

PTA NEWS:

It's Time for HOPEWELL'S Next BOX TOPS Contest!  From Feb 8th - 26th, anyone turning in 50 VALID BOX TOPS will win a sweet treat. Top individuals in each GRADE level will WIN some GREAT prizes - yogurt, pizza, free bowling & more! Overall WINNER will win a BUY 1 get 1 FREE Pizza gift card - unlimited amount for 6 months!  Ask your grandparents, your neighbors, and your coach or music teacher to CLIP for you!  SEND in those BOX TOPS Hornets !  Turn them into your homeroom teacher TODAY! 

Follow Karl on Twitter@KarlWaggoner

I post pictures of Hopewell School life weekly!  Another way to find out what’s going on at your child’s middle school.  We work hard at good communication here at Hopewell through my newsletters, website, Twitter, Remind 101 and other means.   Hopewell—Where Everyone Belongs!

CONGRATULATIONS TO MONICA BALDINI OUR HOPEWELL MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR!

Ms. Baldini has been elected by her peers at Hopewell as out Teacher of the Year!  She is the ultimate professional who works very hard each and every day for her students.  Her positivity, creativity, and empathy for her students are unmatched.  She is our I Am That Girl sponsor and Cross-Country Coach along with her duties as one of our Special Education teachers.  She is a true asset to our campus, has the utmost integrity and character, and is beloved here at Hopewell by students, staff and parents.  We are so fortunate to have Ms. Baldini on our staff! If you get a chance, please shoot her an email of congratulations at: monica_baldini@roundrockisd.org!

HOPEWELL STUDENT PTA REFLECTIONS RECOGNITION:

On February 3^rd 2016 the Reflections committee held a ceremony to recognize the students who participated in this year’s contest.  The theme was Let Your Imagination Fly.  The schools that participated were: Hopewell Middle School, Hernandez Middle School and Stony Point High School.  The ceremony was opened by beautiful live performances that were written by students from Hernandez Middle School. Two of Hopewell’s artists were recognized and awarded in the visual arts category for their artwork.  The students are Trinity Rose Georgeson, and Hannah Presley White.  They will also be receiving district awards and recognition for their artwork on the ninth of February.  Janice Davis, an eighth grader at Hopewell, also won an award and was recognized in the photography category.  The ceremony closed with desserts and refreshments along with an open invitation to all guests to browse the gallery filled with student work.  Congratulations Trinity and Hannah!

TEEN NIGHT LIVE @ THE CHASCO FAMILY YMCA:   Teen Night Live Flyer

Please encourage your middle schooler to attend “Elevating Saturday” from 7-10PM at the Chasco Family YMCA on February 27^th, April 23^rd, and May 14^th!  This event is open to both boys and girls and is a great opportunity for your child to hang out with their friends and make new ones at the Y.  There are lots of great activities such as basketball, swimming, video games, scavenger hunts, DJ and Dance off and other fun sporting events for the students to engage in.    The Y also has a concession stand as well.  Cost is only $5.00 per Saturday night! (Sounds like a date night opportunity for the parents if you ask me!!)

Hope everyone has a great Super Sunday weekend!

Karl
 

Waggoner's Word - January 29, 2016

January 29, 2016

Dear Parents,

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 1^ST-5^TH:

Monday, February 1^st: Boys BBALL vs. Chisholm Trail 5:30PM.  7^th Home/8^th Away

Wednesday, February 3^rd: Early Release 1:30PM/Staff In-Service 1:30-4:00PM

Wednesday, February 3^rd: Stony Point HS Academy Night for 8^th grade parents and students 6-7:30PM

Wednesday, February 3^rd: Girls BBALL vs. Chisholm Trail 5:30PM. 7^th Home/8^th Away

Friday, February 5^th: Hopewell hosted Boys BBall Tournament 5:30-8:30PM

Attachments:

Future Tiger Night   2016 STEAM

I AM THAT GIRL CLUB HAD A VISITOR AT THEIR CLUB MEETING ON TUESDAY:

Thirty members of The I Am That Girl Club had a surprise visit on Tuesday from their inspiration Alexis Jones.  Alexis was scheduled to Skype from Los Angeles but was in town so made a special surprise visit after school and did a presentation to help our girls promote self-confidence, empowerment, and a healthy self-image.  At the conclusion of her presentation, she answered a series of questions from the girls and signed autographs.  If you would like more information on this important initiative and girl’s movement please go to: www.alexisjones.com or www.iamthatgirl.com  Alexis has expanded her message to include a presentation to college and professional sports teams on how to appropriately treat women.  She has spoken to the University of Iowa, Texas, USC, and Florida men’s football teams to name a few. 

CHEERLEADING PARENT MEETING FOR 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR:

Is your child interested in being a Hopewell Cheerleader for the 2016-2017school year?  Come to the informational meeting on Monday, February 8th at 6:00 pm in the lecture hall to get the details of how to apply for the Hopewell cheer squad for next year.  It is required that you and your student attend this meeting if you would like to apply.  Questions: email Ms. Kosh at kelley_kosh@roundrockisd.org.

TWITTER

Karl Waggoner our principal is on Twitter@KarlWaggoner.  Follow me for interesting Hopewell school life events and photos throughout the school year with some personal touches as well. 

STONY POINT HIGH SCHOOL 8^TH GRADE PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT ON INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16^TH FROM 7:00-8:00PM IN THE HOPEWELL CAFETERIA:

This evening is designed to provide both 8^th grade parents and students information on the Stony Point HS International Baccalaureate (IB) program that is offered.  If you are interested or think you might be interested this would be a great opportunity to gain some insights into the IB program to help you make that decision.  Thanks! 

MIDDLE SCHOOL 101 5^TH GRADE PARENT NIGHT:

On Tuesday, February 9^th, we will hold our second annual 5^th grade parent/student night in the Hopewell MS cafeteria and lower commons areas.  ALL Hopewell feeder elementary 5^thgrade students and their parents are invited to join us that evening from 6:00-7:30PM to hear about the core academic course choices, elective choices, and to mingle and chat with our elective teachers about their course.  We will start out with a general meeting in the cafeteria then adjourn to the lower commons where Hopewell elective staff will be there to help with elective choices.  

STONY POINT HS 8^th GRADE PARENT ACADEMY NIGHT @ HOPEWELL MS 6:00-7:30PM IN THE CAFETERIA

Mr. Johnson, one of the Stony Point HS Assistant Principals will be here along with Academy Directors to discuss with you and your 8^th grader information on the five Academies next Wednesday night, February 3^rd from 6:00-7:30PM in the Hopewell cafeteria.  Did you know that your 8^th grader will need an endorsement to graduate? What are some of the supporting programs and courses that are offered at SPHS?  Did you know that Stony Point offers welding, computer maintenance, and has the only solar car racing team in Central Texas?  Come spend some time next Wednesday evening and find out some answers to those questions and much more.  Thanks!

REMINDERS and EXPECTATIONS FOR OUR STUDENTS REGARDING: Hover Skateboards, Cell Phones, Books to Advisory/Class, Homework completion

We are making announcements in the morning this week for the following that we want to remind our students about.

1. For safety reasons, beginning immediately, battery powered hover skateboards will not be allowed to be brought to school or used on Hopewell MS grounds. This item is to be left at home.
    
2. Please remember that your cell phones are to be turned off and put away during instructional time during all your classes throughout the school day unless it is being used for instructional purposes with teacher permission. We want you as students to concentrate on the information your teachers are teaching you and not on your cell phones.  Students that have cell phones out during class-time without   teacher permission will have them picked up by your teacher and taken to the office. Your parent will be called and will need to pick up your cell phone in order for you to get it back. Teachers, please remind your students today in your classes regarding this cell phone policy.  Cell phones out in class are a distraction to both you and the other students.
    
3. Remember to bring your library or a book from home to Advisory during our designated reading days and also to your classes to read in case you get finished with your required class work before the bell rings. This is not optional. Teachers, please reinforce this with your students in your advisories and classes today.  Please inform your grade level Assistant Principal during Kid Day on Mondays any students that consistently don't have their books in Advisory.
    
4. Lastly, it's important that you complete and turn in all assigned homework in all your classes. Homework is meant to practice skills you have learned in your classes in order to prepare you for learning checks such as quizzes, projects and tests.  Homework is also used as a way to finish up daily work not finished in class. Incomplete homework will negatively affect your grade and test performance.  We offer Homework Hive after school Monday's through Thursdays for any students that need a quiet place at school to complete their homework. Ask your grade level Assistant Principal for Homework Hive information and room numbers.

PTA NEWS:

Are you ready for the next BOXTOPS contest in February? - “SOARING HIGH with BOXTOPS” starts Feb 8^th– 26^th.  This time the contest will REWARD the TOP 3 STUDENTS in “EACH” GRADE level.  ANYONE turning in 50 valid boxtops gets a small prize and a kite up on the game wall.  Please make sure to put your name & teachers name on your boxtops bag when you turn them in.  Who wants to win a PRIZE? ….turn in your boxtops and when you hit 50 you get a kite.  The more boxtops you turn in the higher your kite goes and in the END, we will see who has SOARED the highest.  Check out SAMS CLUB for bonus BOX TOPS !!!!!   Their Bonus BOX TOPS promotion is ALL year long: 100 BONUS box tops for every 3 box top items purchased.  Turn your receipt in when the contest starts or you can process it yourself.   Either way, it's a BONUS and money for the school.
http://www5.samsclub.com/Featured-Brand/general-mills/box-tops-for-education/?xid=a_02_GMS_96568_GMBoxTops

Will you SHOPAROO ????? This is an easy way to raise MONEY for Hopewell.  Download a FREE phone app from your app store and ALL you have to do is take a picture of any receipt and push send.   Grocery stores, CVS, Walgreens, Target, Sam's Club, Costco to name a few - all earn points.  Restaurants and other stores like JC Penney & Home Depot EARN a sweepstakes entry.  Every month Shoparoo draws 1 receipt and that school wins $1,000. Hopewell would LOVE to put that money to GOOD use. We are up to 72,000 Roo points = $140.00. Currently, we have 68 supporters doing a fantastic job raising FREE money for Hopewell BUT we would LOVE to have MORE!   http://app.shoparoo.com/charity

Do You Work for a STEAM Company?  RRISD is looking for community partners who would like to help out at the upcoming STEAM Conference on Saturday, February 27th from 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.  The purpose of the conference is to increase student exposure to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math beyond the classroom; encourage interest in new and upcoming technologies; explore STEAM careers; and allow for student collaboration within the district. Assistance can be provided by setting up a company booth with an interactive activity or hands-on demonstration, donating a prize, judging and providing supplies for a team challenge, or providing items for registration bags.  If your organization is interested, sign up at https://goo.gl/VMtWCl by Monday, Feb. 1st.  Click on the attachment to Waggoner’s Word for additional details and contact RRISDYouthInSTEAM@gmail.com with any questions. Thank you.   

We Need Help with Basketball Concessions
Hello, Hornet Parents. Please click on the link below to help out with basketball concessions. If you have a child on A team, you can help out while B team is playing and vice versa. Thank you!
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10c044fa9af2fa5ff2-girls1/1085421
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10c044fa9af2fa5ff2-boys2/1085421

Have a great weekend!
Enjoy the great weather—what a nice gift this time of the year!
 

Karl