Parent  Newsletter  –  April  26,  2018    Dear  HMS  Community,       This  week  we  offered  a  motivational  MCAS  Breakfast  to  students  in  all  grades  as  we  prepare  for  the  MCAS  Math  assessments  scheduled  for  all  grades  next  week.  The  plan  for  next  year  is  to  hold  these  breakfast  sessions  once  again,  and  add  a  component  that  includes  celebrating  student  success.       Our  spring  sports  season  is  now  well  underway,  and  the  baseball,  softball,  and  lacrosse  teams  are  all  playing  well.  Don’t  forget  to  follow  us  on  Twitter  @HurleyMiddle  for  updates  about  the  games,  including  player  highlights.       This  past  Tuesday,  April  24th,  we  held  a  fire  drill.  The  Seekonk  Fire  Department  was  very  proud  of  our  students,  citing  that  “the  students  and  staff  dif  very  well  during  this  drill  with  no  obvious  delays  or  problems  noted.”  This  was  our  third  of  the  four  required  fire  drills  held  at  our  school  every  year.         Students  in  science  classes  across  all  grade  levels  participated  in  Google  Expeditions  Augmented  Reality  “adventures”  this  week.  This  edition  of  the  newsletter  includes  more  information  from  our  HMS  Librarian,  Mrs.  Jennifer  St.  Michel.         The  HMS  Math  Team  is  competed  against  other  Massasoit  League  schools  today  at  Somerset  Middle  School  and  finished  in  fourth  place.  Thank  you  to  Mrs.  Costa  for  doing  a  great  job  training  our  mathletes  this  year!  I  know  that  all  of  the  students  had  a  blast  and  learned  a  lot.       The  Cookie  Dough  Fundraiser  Delivery  Date  is  next  Thursday,  May  3rd.  Students  will  be  allowed  to  carry  smaller  orders  home  on  the  bus.  Larger  orders  must  be  picked  up  at  our  front  entrance  between  2:30  pm  and  4:30  pm.       There  is  PTO  meeting  next  Tuesday  evening,  May  1st,  at  6  pm  in  the  HMS  Library.       The  final  parent  meeting  for  eighth  grade  students  going  on  the  class  trip  to  Washington  DC  will  be  held  Thursday,  May  17th  at  6  pm  in  the  HMS  Cafeteria.       The  8th  Grade  Semi-­‐formal  dance  is  scheduled  for  Friday,  May  18th  at  6  pm.  Students  must  hand  in  the  required  permission  form  in  order  to  attend.  This  is  a  PTO  sponsored  event.  Transportation  to  this  event  by  limousine  is  strongly  discouraged.  Please  remember  that  students  must  be  present  in  school  for  three  period  in  order  to  attend  an  after  school  event  on  any  given  day.       Yesterday  we  held  a  “Faculty  Meeting  Breakout  Session!”  Thank  you  to  Mrs.  Handfield,  Mrs.  Thivierge,  Mr.  Dilworth,  Mr.  Coury  and  Mrs.  Miller  for  planning  and  facilitating  sessions  for  their  colleagues  in  order  to  share  best  practices.  These  sessions  are  a  great  opportunity  for  our  entire  faculty  to  participate  in  free  in-­‐house  professional  development  from  our  own  HMS  experts  that  are  eager  and  willing  to  share  with  their  colleagues.       Congratulation  to  all  of  our  students  that  earned  a  place  on  the  3rd  Quarter  Honor  Roll!  The  Honor  Roll  in  included  in  this  edition  of  the  newsletter,  and  can  be  found  on  the  Principal’s  Page  of  our  website.    Sincerely,  Dr.  William  V.  Whalen  III  Principal  

   Hello  Hurley  Families,  

It  has  been  a  great  week  back  from  April  vacation!  I  have  enjoyed  the  MCAS  breakfasts  with  all  three  grades  this  week,  and  I  was  able  to  share  a  few  thoughts  regarding  MCAS  and  The  Warrior  Way  with  students.  I  mentioned  to  students  the  importance  of  finishing  strong  and  keeping  the  same  mindset  and  focus  with  math  MCAS  next  week.  I  heard  nothing  but  great  feedback  from  both  teachers  and  students  regarding  the  level  of  effort  during  ELA  MCAS.    

   Prior  to  April  vacation  I  spoke  to  students  about  finishing  strong  when  we  

return  for  the  final  stretch.  As  you  know  the  end  of  the  year  is  challenging  and  also  exciting  with  fun  events  planned  for  students.  I  reminded  students  of  our  core  values  of  The  Warrior  Way,  and  the  importance  of  following  them  to  ensure  a  successful  positive  end  of  the  year.  We  have  brought  back  our  Warrior  Shout-­‐out  walls  in  the  cafeteria  in  which  students  and  staff  members  can  recognize  anyone  in  the  HMS  community  for  one  or  more  of  our  core  values.  The  participation  so  far  has  been  outstanding!  These  warrior  way  shout-­‐outs  are  a  great  opportunity  to  recognize  someone  and  reinforce  the  importance  of  who  we  are  as  a  community.  As  always  it  is  greatly  appreciated  if  you  could  also  have  conversations  at  home  regarding  the  importance  of  The  Warrior  Way.  

Yesterday  I  enjoyed  attending  all  the  breakout  sessions  during  our  faculty  meeting.  Thank  you  to  Mrs.  Handfield  and  Mrs.  Thivierge  for  sharing  their  practice  with  flexible  seating.  Senor  Dilworth  provided  a  very  enthusiastic  informative  session  on  restorative  discipline  practices,  while  Mr.  Coury  shared  the  power  of  student  surveys.  Mrs.  Miller’s  was  the  last  session  I  was  able  to  attend  in  which  she  shared  strategies  to  inspire  students  in  writing  for  success.  This  in-­‐house  free  professional  development  is  a  best  practice  in  itself  as  it  empowers  teachers  and  we  are  able  to  learn  and  grow  from  one  another.  

Earlier  in  the  week  we  had  a  fire  safety  drill,  and  I  am  proud  to  report  that  the  entire  building  evacuated  in  under  two  minutes.  In  addition,  all  students  and  staff  were  quickly  accounted  for.  Thank  you  to  the  Seekonk  Fire  Department  for  all  that  you  do  in  our  schools.  

With  the  warmer  weather  approaching  I  have  included  the  student  handbook  policy  regarding  student  appearance  as  well  as  a  helpful  visual.  These  visuals  are  posted  throughout  the  building  to  also  remind  students.  

STUDENT  APPEARANCE:  Students  shall  keep  themselves  well-­‐groomed  and  neatly  dressed  at  all  times.    Wearing  clothing  that  creates  a  risk  of  substantial  and  material  disruption  or  disorder  within  

the  school  is  not  acceptable  or  that  violates  reasonable  standards  of  health,  safety,  and  cleanliness  is  

not  acceptable.  Athletic  uniforms  worn  during  the  school  day  must  also  adhere  to  these  standards.  Any  student  who  wears  one  of  the  items  below  will  be  asked  by  a  staff  member  to  change  or  cover-­‐

up  the  article  of  clothing.  Students  who  refuse  to  remove  or  cover  the  item  will  be  referred  to  the  Main  Office.  

 Examples  of  unacceptable  attire  include:  • Blouses,  shirts,   sweaters,  halter-­‐tops,   tube-­‐tops,   tank  tops,  T-­‐back  shirts,  muscle  shirts,   jerseys,  

pants,  and  midriff  shirts  that  do  not  cover  the  stomach,  back,  chest  or  undergarments  (including  camisoles)    

• Flip  flops  (sandals  must  have  a  heel  strap)  • Pants  may  not  extend  below  the  sole  of  the  shoe  • Low  riding  pants  or  jeans  that  display  underwear  • Revealing   shorts,   “pencil   skirts,”   or   skirts   -­‐   Legs   should   not   be   exposed   above   fingertip   length  

when  a  student  stands  with  arms  fully  extended  downward.  • Clothing  depicting/referring  to  alcoholic  substances  and/or  illegal  substances  • Gloves  and  wristbands  • Pajamas,  slippers,  etc.  • Clothing  with  spikes  or  chains  of  any  kind  • Clothing   with   holes   (including   pants)   which   expose   areas   of   the   body   that   should   be   covered  

under  the  provisions  or  clothes  with  excessive  rips.  • Metal  taps  or  cleats  on  shoes  and  shoes  with  wheels  • Hats,  caps,  visors,  bandannas,  hoods,  and  other  forms  of  outdoor  headgear    • Jackets   and   outer   coats   are   not   to   be   worn   during   the   day   except   for   medical   reasons.    

Administrators  can  waive  this  if  building  conditions  warrant  warmer  clothing  • Sunglasses  unless  required  for  certified  medical  reasons  

It  is  highly  recommended  that  spandex,  leggings,  and  yoga  pants  be  worn  with  a  long  shirt.  

Shoes  should  be  "floor  friendly"  so  as  to  not  have  a  sole  which  leaves  marks  on  the  floor.  

Repeated  violation  of  the  dress  code  will  result  in  disciplinary  action.  

                             

   Have  a  great  weekend,    Ms.  Bouchard  Assistant  Principal              

2018  –  Quarter  #3  Dr.  Kevin  M.  Hurley  Middle  School  Honor  Roll      

                     

 High  Honors  –  3rd  Quarter      

         

 Honors  –  3rd  Quarter      

         

 

                               

 

     

                       

     

               

HEALTH OFFICE NEWS o Please be sure to provide a copy of your child’s PE to the nurse to have

on file for sports and to support the recommended requirements. Also, at any time please update the nurse with any new health issues.

o Those students who have seasonal allergies/asthma and using an inhaler be sure to inform the nurse.

o Dental health – Polished, a program providing preventative dental health will be at the HMS on Thursday, May 3, 2018. If you want your child to be seen by the dental hygienist please call the school nurse if your child does not bring home an informed consent form that will explain the services and requirements. This form will need to be completed and returned prior to May 3, 2018. Any questions please feel free to call the school nurse.

I have started to see a few students who have rashes due to poison ivy. The following information is a good resource for treatment and how to prevent exposure.

A rash from poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac is caused by an oil found in these plants called urushiol (you-ROO-shee-all). When this oil touches your skin, it often causes an itchy, blistering rash. Urushiol can stick to almost anything. If you touch a pet's fur, gardening tool, or sports equipment that has the oil on it, you can get a rash. Dogs and other animals do not get this rash. Only people get this rash. Is the rash contagious?

It is not possible to get this rash from touching someone who has the rash. The skin absorbs the oil too quickly. You cannot get a rash from getting the fluid in the blisters on your skin. POISON IVY, OAK AND SUMAC: SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Itchy skin. • Redness or red streaks. - It forms within 24 to 72 hours of contact, depending on

where the plant touched you. It usually peaks within a week, but can last as long as 3 weeks. A rash from poison ivy, oak, or sumac looks like patches or streaks of red, raised blisters. The rash does not usually spread unless urushiol is still in contact with your skin.

• An outbreak of small or large blisters, often forming streaks or lines. • Crusting skin (after blisters burst).

What causes this rash? There are 3 ways to get this rash:

• Direct contact • By touching poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, you can get a rash. Every

part of these plants — the leaves, stems, roots, and flowers — contains the oil. • Indirect contact • Airborne contact • Burning these poisonous plants releases particles of urushiol into the air. These

airborne particles can land on the skin.

Most people can safely treat the rash at home. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, go to the emergency room right away.

• If you have any of the following, go to the emergency room right away: • You have trouble breathing or swallowing. • The rash covers most of your body. • You have many rashes or blisters. • You experience swelling, especially if an eyelid swells shut. • The rash develops anywhere on your face or genitals. • Much of your skin itches, or nothing seems to ease the itch • if you develop a fever or have pus, pain, swelling, and warmth around the rash.

 If you have a serious reaction, you will likely need prescription medicine. Your dermatologist may prescribe a steroid ointment that you can apply to the skin. To treat a severe case, a strong medicine like prednisone may be necessary.

To treat a rash from poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac and help stop the itch, dermatologists recommend the following:

• Immediately rinse your skin with lukewarm, soapy water. If you can rinse your skin immediately after touching poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, you may be able to rinse off some of the oil. If not washed off, the oil can spread from person to person and to other areas of your body.

• Wash your clothing. Thoroughly wash all of the clothes you were wearing when you came into contact with the poisonous plant. The oil can stick to clothing, and if it touches your skin, it can cause another rash.

• Wash everything that may have the oil on its surface. Besides clothing, the oil from poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can stick to many surfaces, including gardening tools, golf clubs, leashes and even a pet’s fur. Be sure to rinse your pet’s fur, and wash tools and other objects with warm, soapy water.

• Do not scratch, as scratching can cause an infection. • Leave blisters alone. If blisters open, do not remove the overlying skin, as the

skin can protect the raw wound underneath and prevent infection. • Take short, lukewarm baths. To ease the itch, take short, lukewarm baths in a

colloidal oatmeal preparation, which you can buy at your local drugstore. You can also draw a bath and add one cup of baking soda to the running water. Taking short, cool showers may also help.

• Consider calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. Apply calamine lotion to skin that itches. If you have a mild case, a hydrocortisone cream or lotion may also help.

• Apply cool compresses to the itchy skin. You can make a cool compress by wetting a clean washcloth with cold water and wringing it out so that it does not drip. Then, apply the cool cloth to the itchy skin.

• Consider taking antihistamine pills. These pills can help reduce itching, however use with caution. You should not apply an antihistamine to your skin, as doing so can worsen the rash and the itch.

 How to protect your skin from poison ivy, oak, and sumac Sometimes you cannot avoid these plants. When you find yourself in this

situation, there are some precautions you can take:

• Use a skin-care product called an ivy block barrier. This helps prevent the skin from absorbing the oil (urushiol), which causes the rash. These products usually contain bentoquatam. You can buy these products without a prescription. Be sure to apply the block before going outdoors.

• 2.)Wear long pants, long sleeves, boots, and gloves. Even when you apply an ivy block barrier that contains bentoquatam, you need to cover your skin with clothing.

If you find yourself in an area with poison ivy, oak, or sumac, it helps to know the following:

• All parts of these plants contain urushiol. The leaves, the stems, and even the roots contain urushiol. Touching any part of the plant can cause an allergic reaction.

• Touching anything that has urushiol on it can cause an allergic reaction. You can have an allergic reaction from touching gardening tools, sporting equipment, and even a pet’s fur.

• Burning these plants releases urushiol into the air. You can have an allergic reaction if airborne particles land on your skin.

What do the plants look like? Poison ivy is the only one that always has three leaves, one on each side and one in the center. They’re shiny with smooth or slightly notched edges. Poison oak looks similar, but the leaves are larger and more rounded like an oak

leaf. They have a textured, hairy surface. There may be groups of three, five, or seven leaves. Poison sumac leaves grow in clusters of seven to 13 leaves, with one by itself at the end.                    

From  the  Library…    Teaching  Students  to  be  Digital  Citizens  With  increasing  access  to  computers,  it  is  important  that  our  students  know  the  rules  and  guidelines  of  interacting  in  a  digital  world.    Part  of  the  sixth  grade  library  curriculum  includes  lessons  pertaining  to  safe  and  respectful  behavior  when  using  digital  devices.      These  lessons  pertain  to  topics  such  as  cyberbullying,  copyright,  citation,  and  online  safety.    Students  in  all  grades  who  are  in  my  library  skills  classes  receive  additional  instruction.        This  instruction  can  continue  at  home.    The  Common  Sense  Media  website  has  a  page  dedicated  to  parent  concerns  regarding  safe  online  activities.    Please  click  on  the  link  below  to  learn  more:      https://www.commonsensemedia.org/parent-­‐concerns    Dinosaurs  (and  More)  Invade  the  HMS  Library!    On  Thursday,  a  representative  from  Google  brought  Google  Expeditions  AR  to  the  middle  school.    This  is  an  augmented  reality  experience  in  which  students  can  view  objects  via  a  cell  phone.    Teachers  signed  up  when  we  were  first  given  this  opportunity  a  few  months  ago,  and  were  able  to  choose  from  a  variety  of  topics  to  present  to  their  classes.    Students  appeared  to  be  engaged  and  were  able  to  better  conceptualize  topics  through  this  experience!