Waggoner's Word - August 26, 2016

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE:

Hello Hornet Families!

Hopewell’s principal, Karl Waggoner, will be away from the campus for a week or two.  The district has sent me, Rebecca Haynes, to be the “substitute” principal.  I retired as an RRISD principal a couple of years back and I have missed it so much!  I was so excited to be  asked to come help out here for a while.   My purpose is to support the staff and students as they continue to keep things running smoothly.  If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at rebecca_haynes@roundrockisd.org, or call me at 512-464-5215.

Looking forward to a great week two!

Rebeccca

 

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, August 30th: Girls Athletics Parent Meeting; 5:15, Cafeteria

Thursday, September 1st-Friday, September 9th: Book Fair, Hopewell Library

Thursday, September 1st: 7th and 8th grade Open House 6-8  PM

Thursday, September 1st: Girls Volleyball Scrimmage at Deerpark Middle School

Thursday, September 1st: Hopewell Pizza Night at Papa John’s

Monday, September 5th: Labor Day Student/Staff Holiday

Tuesday, September 6th: 6th Grade Open House 6-8 PM

Tuesday, September 6th:  Hopewell Pizza Night at Papa John’s

Wednesday, September 7th: Football Scrimmage

HOPEWELL OPEN HOUSE SEPTEMBER 1ST AND 6TH

7th & 8th Grade Back to School Night is Thursday, September 1st from 6-8 PM.  Our Library will be open at 5:00 PM if you would like to visit our campus Book Fair prior to Open House.

We will have a general parent meeting in the cafeteria beginning at 6:00 PM then off to follow your child’s schedule from 6:20-8:00PM.  Please make sure that you bring your child’s schedule with you so you will be able to navigate through the building and find their classes.  We will have eight, seven minute teacher briefs with four minute passing periods.  Teachers will be giving a general overview of their class, expectations, and curriculum activities that they will be covering this year.  The spirit of the evening is to get to know your child’s teachers and get a general sense of what the class is about and will cover.  It’s not a parent teacher conference night.  If you want to schedule a time to meet with the teachers or team of teachers you may do that at any other time.   PTA will also have a table set up for you to purchase any Hopewell Spirit wear and sign up for volunteer positions for various events this school year.  We’re off to a GREAT start this year with a fantastic staff on board to provide a wonderful learning experience for your children.  The Back to School Night Schedule is attached to this Waggoner’s Word.

HOPEWELL 6TH GRADE BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT SCHEDULE.pdf

HOPEWELL 7TH.and8THdocx.pdf

HOPEWELL BOOK FAIR SEPTEMBER 1ST-9TH

The library will have a book fair beginning September 1st and running through September 9th.  The book fair will be open throughout the day and during both Open House nights (doors will open at 5:00 PM). There will be a large selection of middle school books, posters, school supplies, and required reading for Language Arts, as well as something for our younger friends.  Please come out and support your Hopewell Library!

HOPEWELL MIDDLE SCHOOL PIZZA NIGHT- SEPTEMBER 1ST and 6th
Pizza night is where students, parents, and teachers order pizzas on a specific night at your local

Papa John’s. Papa John’s gives 25% of the proceeds, based on school orders, back to the school.

Papa John’s is committed to supporting Hopewell Middle School Order online with code Hopewell25. This code is only for tracking. You may use any of your favorite coupons in addition to the tracking code. If you call your order in instead, please let us know you are with Hopewell!

Papa Johns Night Out (3).pdf

MESSAGE FROM LADY HORNETS  ATHLETICS

Girls Athletic Parent meeting - Next Tuesday, August 30th @5:15pm in the cafe.  In this meeting you will find out the rules and information for your daughter to participate this year.  Game day shirts can be purchased for the second (and final) order.   Don't forget to sign up for Remind101 to get important messages about the class.  To receive messages via text, text @e684c7 to 81010 or to receive messages via email, send an email to e684c7@mail.remind.com (leave the subject blank).  Please check our website for more information.  http://ladyhornetathletics.weebly.com/

MESSAGE FROM HOPEWELL PTA

The PTA is here to enrich the lives of the students & staff at Hopewell MS and be a resource for you, our parents!  We had a wonderful turnout for the 6th grade HORNET HELLO and enjoyed meeting and welcoming our new families to Hopewell MS.   We were able to fill many of the vacant PTA positions but have a positions remaining including President, Communications Chair and Parliamentarian.  If you would like to know more about these positions, please contact our Vice President Laura Chambers at chamberslaura87@gmail.com.  

Last year our PTA sponsored many great things for the students & the staff at Hopewell.  Spirit sticks, teacher appreciation, Go Green are just a few of them. The PTA contributed time for events such as GO GREEN, HORNET HELLO, Parent Open House, PTA school dances & we opened the concessions stand more times than we can count.  We recently provided breakfast for the Teachers and staff and sold spirit wear & PTA memberships in preparation for this year.

One Team – students, teachers, parents & family  One Goal – HMS Success ….. NO LIMITS !!!!

We want EVERYONE to be a part of our PTA and our school community.  100% membership from staff & family is our GOAL – help us achieve that goal & JOIN!  If you are unable to join the PTA, we welcome your help and partnership as we serve our wonderful school.  

PTA will be available to answer your questions, help you sign up for PTA memberships and will be selling spiritwear at both Parent Open House events.  We look forward to a great year working alongside you and meeting the needs of HMS!

If you have not yet joined our supportive Hopewell PTA please do so ASAP!  You too can do your part by joining PTA for only $8.00 per person.  

You may drop off your membership form and $8.00 to our main office or have your child bring it in.  Thanks in advance for your support! We just simply cannot do what we do for our Hopewell kids without PTA!

REMINDER OF HOPEWELL STUDENT PHONE and ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY:

This is a reminder that we are requiring ALL students to have their cell phones turned off and put away from the time they enter the building in the morning until dismissal at 3:30.  Students may use their phones during lunch periods to play games and listen to music or when a teacher allows it for instructional purposes such as research using the internet.  Please do not call or text your child during instructional hours.  If you need to get a hold of them or get them a message, please call the main office at: 512-464-5200.

HOPEWELL LOCKER & BACKPACK POLICY

Every student has been assigned a locker. Students are also allowed to carry backpacks throughout the day.

STUDENT AGENDAS

All 6th and 7th grade students are required to have an agenda to write down assignments, due dates, and keep organized. Agendas can be purchased in the front office for $7.00. Students who are eligible for free and reduced lunch may purchase an agenda for a reduced price of $3.00. Agendas are optional for 8th graders. Parents may purchase agendas elsewhere but it is highly suggested that students have the agenda created specific for Hopewell with reminders of school policies and expectations.

PARENT PICK-UP/DROP OFF & BUS LANE

This is a reminder that parent pick up and drop off is on the south side of the building between 7:50 am - 8:20 am. Please do not drop off or pick up student in the bus lane or the front of the building in the fire lane. This is for the safety of our students.

Student with large band instruments (bass, cello, tuba, etc.) can be dropped off at the band hall entrance. After school, all students must exit through the parent pick up area (south side of building) or near the bus lane. Students are not to exit through the front doors of the school.

Waggoner's Word - August 12, 2016

August 12^th, 2016

Dear Parents,

IMPORTANT UPCOMING HOPEWELL MS EVENTS:

Tuesday, August 16^th: ALL Hopewell staff returns from summer vacation

Wednesday, August 17^th: Football equipment handout: 8^th graders 8:30-11:30 & 7^th graders 1-4PM in the lower commons/gym areas. 

Monday, August 22^nd: 6^th Grade WEB orientation 8AM-Noon in the gym.

Monday, August 22^nd: 6^th Grade parent meeting in the cafeteria 8:30 AM

Monday, August 22^nd HORNET HELLO Schedule pick up in the lower commons:

          6^th Graders: Noon-2PM

          8^th Graders: 2PM-4PM

          7^th Graders: 4PM-6PM

Tuesday, August 23^rd: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Thursday, September 1^st: 7^th/8^th Grade Open House 6-8PM

Monday, September 5^th: Labor Day Student/Staff Holiday

Tuesday, September 6^th: 6^th Grade Open House 6-8:00PM

HORNET HELLO INFO:
All students will be receiving their class schedules and locker assignments/combinations in the lower commons. Students will be able to find their classes and walk their schedules according to the times for each grade level listed above.  We will be asking that every 6^th and 7^th grader have a student planner to keep their assignments, projects, quizzes and upcoming tests documented and organized.  Planners will be sold at Hornet Hello in the lower commons for $7. 

PE uniforms  will be on sale for $10 in the lower commons.  Access to online registration will be available from noon to 6PM in the library. The school nurse will be available to collect immunization records.  Please remember that ALL 7^th graders must have updated immunization records turned in prior to the first day of school.  All library and textbook obligations must be cleared in order to receive a class schedule.  The cafeteria manager will be available for parents who want to put money in student lunch accounts. I have asked RRISD Transportation to also send a representative to answer any of your transportation questions.  We will not be taking picture IDs at Hornet Hello.  We will be doing that the first week of school.  New students and incoming 6th graders will receive a free ID with lanyard.  Returning students who wish to update/replace their ID, they will be charged $2.00 the first two weeks of school and then $5.00 beginning the 3rd week of school.  If you are unable to escort your child to Hornet Hello then you may have your child go with a friend and their parents.  We will not be issuing any student schedules prior to Monday, August 22^nd at Hornet Hello.  If you or your child cannot make the event, we will be passing out schedules the first day of school beginning at 7:45AM.  Hope to see you all there!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL:

Our doors will be open the first day of school beginning at 7:45AM.  PLEASE consider carpooling with neighbors and friends as traffic the first week of school will be very heavy.  Unfortunately, there is really only one way in and one way out by car at Hopewell MS.  With the Union Hill Elementary school traffic that week coupled with our own traffic, it will be VERY congested.  I suggest that you leave early ALL week, drop off your child and beat that traffic.  The earlier the better!  Just a head’s up!  Student drop off is on the East side of our school by the gym area.  We again will have a crossing guard staff member on duty both mornings and afternoons to ensure that your child is able to cross that road safely.   Students will head to Advisory class once they arrive on campus.  We will be on a regular bell schedule for the first day of school and the rest of the week.

INTRODUCING NEW HOPEWELL STAFF AND ASSIGNMENT:

Keri McCarty- 6^th Grade Assistant Principal

Ashley Ruhl- Spanish Teacher

Kadia Koch- Technology Applications Teacher

Kim Kennemer- Special Education FAC Teacher

Babs Campopiano- Special Education FAC Teacher

Hannah Tolleson- Orchestra Director

Rebecca Fleet-Texas History Teacher/Girl’s Athletics

Melanie Moore-7^th Grade Language Arts Teacher

Margret Schaefer-ESL Teacher

Julie Barnes-6^th Grade SPED Math Inclusion Teacher

Jessica Elrod-8^th Grade SPED Language Arts Inclusion Teacher

Jo McGinnis-7^th Grade SPED Language Arts Inclusion Teacher

HOPEWELL MS LEADERSHIP RETREAT & CAMPUS GOALS FOR 2016:

Last week, our Hopewell MS campus leadership team met for our leadership retreat at Top Golf near the Domain for a day of collaboration, a Fajita lunch, and some Top Golf fun.  Our leadership team at Hopewell is made up of the following staff and parents: Julie Fleischmann-Assistant Principal, Laura Chambers-PTA Vice President, Denise Rangel-PTA member, Eric Sosa-SST Department Chair, Kristina Moyer-Math Department Chair, Pat Reese-Science Department Chair, Sherrie Maupin-Language Arts Department Chair, Terry Mireles-Special Education Department Chair, Margret Schaefer-Former RRISD Instructional Coach and now Hopewell ESOL teacher, Doug Morgan-Fine Arts Teacher, Kevin Crawford-Fine Arts Department Chair, Gilberto Herrera-PE Department Chair, Max Hargrove-Math Teacher, Melanie Moore-Former RRISD  Instructional Coach and now Hopewell Language Arts Teacher, Heather Byrd-TAG Coordinator, Laura Stegall-Science Instructional Coach, and myself, KarlWaggoner-Principal.  We worked in groups to develop Hopewell MS campus goals that are directly aligned to the RRISD goals approved by RRISD Board of Trustees earlier in the summer.  We have many exciting initiatives and goal action steps that will be implemented this school year to help continue moving our school in a positive direction for our students.  In the next month, I will be posting our Campus Goals on our website for your review and will be discussing them in more detail in future Waggoner’s Word newsletters. 

HOPEWELL BOOK FAIR COMING IN EARLY SEPTEMBER:

The library will have a book fair beginning September 1st and running through September 9th.  The book fair will be open throughout the day and during both Open House nights (doors will open at 5:00 pm). There will be a large selection of middle school books, posters, school supplies, required reading for Language Arts, as well as something for our younger friends.  Please come out and support your Hopewell Library!

Lastly, my wife and I are currently in the process of getting our daughter ready for college.  We shove off this weekend for Columbia, Missouri as she starts her new life as a nursing student.  It’s definitely bitter-sweet as we head into one of life’s transition periods.  We will miss her greatly but we also take great comfort in the fact that she is truly ready for this next big step in her life and she is excited to get on with it.  As parents, what more can you ask for?  

Hope everyone has a great end to the summer!
See you all at Hornet Hello!

Karl

Waggoner's Word - August 2, 2016

August 2^nd,  2016

Dear Parents,

I hope you all are having a great summer.  As we approach the first day of school on Tuesday, August 23^rd, I have listed below some dates, events, and reminders to mark on your calendars prior to school starting.

1. ONLINE REGISTRATION OPENS MONDAY, AUGUST 15^th for ALL returning Hopewell 6^th – 8^th graders.  ALL 6^th – 8th-grade students will be required to register for school online via the RRISD website.  Go to:https://roundrockisd.org/enroll/ and click on Returning Students.  Make sure that you completely fill out the forms and submit them online prior to the first day of school on Tuesday, August 23^rd, 2016.
2. New Student Registration: All students new to RRISD will need to register online via the RRISD website https://roundrockisd.org/enroll/ and click on New & Pre-K /Students.  Following completion of the online registration, bring the following documentation to Hopewell to finish the registration process.  Tuesday thru Thursday from 9:00AM to 11:00AM or 1:00PM to 3:00PM.  Proof of residency (utility statement, copy of lease or mortgage contract), immunization records, birth certificate, social security number, and withdrawal form from child’s previous school/or report card stating promoted grade. We are so glad to have your child with us next school year!
3. School supplies: Please refer to the school supply list broken down by grade level on our school website. 
4. Immunizations:  ALL students entering RRISD must have their shot records up to date.  ALL 7^th graders must have their immunizations current and on file with Jamie Mayfield our school nurse.  If you have any questions, please contact Jamie at: Jamie_mayfield@roundrockisd.org
5. Football Equipment Distribution Wednesday, August 17^th in the gym & lower commons areas:

8^th Graders: from 8:30-11:30AM  

7^th Graders: 1:00-4:00PM

Make sure that you have your athlete’s physical completed prior to the first day of practice. 

6. WEB 6^th grade orientation: will be held on Monday, August 22^nd from 8:00-Noon in the gym.  Please drop off your 6^th grader on the East side of the building at the student drop off area. WEB stands for Where Everyone Belongs and you can get more information by Googling the BOOMERANG PROJECT and click on the WEB info link.  This will be a terrific start for our incoming 6^thgraders with the morning events led by our current 8^th graders.   Our two Teacher Sponsors: Doug Morgan and Jessica Listi have attended extensive training, have spent last spring and this summer planning this event, and will be ready for your 6^th graders! Please only drop off your 6^th graders and not follow them in—I promise, we’ll take great care of them and get them into the swing of Hopewell school life.   We will have a parent meeting starting at 8:30AM in the Lecture Hall.  Parents will be able to begin picking up their child’s schedules with their 6^th grader beginning at noon until 2PM. 
7. Hornet Hello Event: Will also be held on Monday, August 22^nd.  Schedule & Locker Pick Up, walk their schedules, re-acquaint with friends. 
   1. 6^th Grade: Noon – 2PM
   2. 8^th Grade: 2PM-4PM
   3. 7^th Grade: 4PM-6PM
8. Open Houses for 2016-2017 school year are now set:  We will begin in the cafeteria with a general parent meeting then parents will be released to follow their child’s schedule periods 1-8 for the balance of the evening.  Teachers will give a brief 7 minute presentation then parents will move on to the next teacher.  We should be finished around 8PM both nights.
   1. 7^th and 8^th grades: Thursday, September 1^st  from 6-8PM
   2. 6^th grade: Tuesday, September 6^th from 6-8PM
9. Again, please make sure that ALL outstanding library book obligations are taken care of prior to Hornet Hello on Monday, August 22^nd!  You will need to satisfy those obligations prior to your child getting their schedule and locker. 
10. FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: Tuesday, August 23^rd: First Period begins at 8:20AMand the day ends at 3:30PM. If you are dropping your child off by car located on the east side of the building then you will want to give yourself an extra 30 minutes due to the heavy car traffic that will occur the entire first week of school.  You will be navigating both Union Hill Elementary and Hopewell MS traffic.

Hope you all have a great last few weeks of your summer!  See you in a few weeks for the start of another GREAT Hopewell school year!

Sincerely,

Karl Waggoner

Principal-Hopewell MS

****Agendas and PE Shirts will be on sale at the Hornet Hello and at the Open Houses.  Agendas are $7, PE Shirts are $10.  Check or cash only. ****