Holdrum Middle School

Committed to Excellence

  
Holdrum Middle School
"Home of the Hawks"
 

August 2024

Holdrum Hawks,

I hope you continue to have a fun and exciting summer filled with adventure and learning.  We are looking forward to seeing you back at Holdrum Middle School in September, where you will no doubt continue to excel in your classes, sports and extracurricular activities. We are counting on you to continue making a Holdrum a better place each and every day.

Although Holdrum received major upgrades last summer, we have new construction projects occurring on campus this summer as well. Internal upgrades to our electricity grid required with the new HVAC units is underway. Our new roof HVAC units are being connected with completion of our roofing and tying into our current system. Our Main Office and foyer are currently under construction including a new canopy and clearly defined entrance for all. We continue to complete these projects throughout the month in preparation for our September start.

Listed below are some friendly reminders in preparation for the start of the school year:

New Medical Forms/ Fall Sports
Incoming 6th Grade Medical Requirements
A friendly reminder that all incoming 6th grade students must hand in medical paperwork by August 9th. This includes a valid physical exam as well as proof of vaccinations: Tdap (Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis) and Meningococcal. Please reach out to our nurse Phyllis Gerber ([email protected]) if you have an appointment that falls after August 9th for these requirements. More information about incoming 6th grade health requirements can be found here.

Fall Sports - All Grades
As you may be aware, our fall sports season begins at the start of the school year. In an effort to make sure all students who wish to try out for a fall sport have the opportunity to do so, we are getting a head start on the process. All students interested in trying out for a fall sport should have signed up on the Fall Sports Interest Survey, by August 9th. If you missed this deadline, please email the nurse: [email protected].

As you know there are certain forms mandated by the State of New Jersey for students to be able to participate in interscholastic sports. 

In order for your child to be able to sign up for a fall sport, in addition to having a current physical examination on file, they must complete the following forms and turn Forms # 2-5 below as a complete packet to Holdrum Middle School by August 9th. These forms can all be found on the HMS website.

It is extremely important that these forms are turned in as soon as possible. Our nurse and district physician must clear each student upon review of the above-mentioned forms.  We are unable to know ahead of time the district physician's schedule, meaning that turning in forms close to the beginning of the fall sports season does not ensure that the physician will be able to clear your child before the season starts. We understand some physicals may be scheduled for dates after August 9th, but before the start of school. If you fall into this category or have any other special circumstances, please reach out to our nurse, Phyllis Gerber ([email protected]) so you can work together to make sure your child is cleared for try-outs.

Lock Orientation and Computer Pick Up Times for Sixth Grade and New Students

You will receive your combination lock and Chromebook during this pick up time, provided the Chromebook Accidental Damage Fee has been paid. Information regarding payment of this fee will be sent out in a district email on August 14th (more on the Technology Fee below). The pickup is not mandatory, as students can get these items on the first day of school. *Location of the Chromebook and Lock pickup will be determined based on construction completion. This will be shared with affected parties at a later date.

Technology Fee
On August 14th you will receive notification in the portal for payment of Accidental Protection Fee for Chromebooks. A fee of $30 is required each year to protect the investment of new technologies to accidents consistent with day to day use and should be paid by August 27, 2024. Please sure to pay for the 24-25 school year. This fee must be paid before computer can be picked up at 6th grade distribution or the first day of school. If the $30 fee is not paid students will not be able to pick up devices or devices can be disabled if not paid by the first day of school. Please review the Student Device Handbook Sections 6.1, 6.2 for additional and more specific information concerning repairs, fees, and fines,

Summer Mailing
 In mid-August you will receive a summer mailing from HMS via USPS! In this envelope, everyone will receive a welcome back letter from Holdrum administration, advisory teacher/room and locker location. This summer mailing will also direct you to the website where more important information will be located. Any students who qualify for the bus will receive the details for bus stop and pickup time. Eighth graders will also receive a diploma form along with information about preparations for eighth grade promotion.

Summer Reading
Please do not forget to complete your summer reading provided by the River Vale PTA before the start of school.

The HMS Main office has been temporarily relocated to the Roberge Annex at 609 Westwood Avenue. Our phone number remains the same. We are hoping to return to Holdrum Middle School later this month and will share information when it occurs.

Have a safe, relaxing summer and we will see you on the first day of school: September 9th, which is a full day of school.

Yours in Education,