HMS Renaissance Program
Renaissance is a concept developed by Jostens to recognize students for academics and behvaior. Each year our school designs a theme around the needs of our students. We use that theme throughout the year in designing activities and rallys. These events help bring an excitement to school and work to create an environment that is inclusive and rewarding. Our 2011-12 theme is "Make It Matter" We want our students to know that what they do..matters. The same goes for our parents, faculty, staff, and community. This page will highlight many of the activities we do throughout the year. They will be listed chronologically.
Rock My Locker!!
Students have an opportunity to select their locker at HMS. This is a big deal, as students begin to line up hours before they actually go on sale. One thing we added this year was an opportunity for students to sign-up to have their locker ROCKED! Each student who was interested was given a form that listed hobbies, favorite color, sports theme, movie, design, etc. We then drew 9 names - three from each hall - and rocked their lockers the night before school. No one knew the winners until they found out the first day of school.
Opening Day Rally
As students arrived, there were 3 big boards with "You Make It Matter" painted across the front. Students were allowed to sign the boards. Students were then ushered into the gym with music blasting. On the big screen scrolled all of our students who scored a 3 or 4 on the ARMT test last Spring. Students were allowed some time to socialize and pick up their updated schedules. After a welcome and discussion of a few changes from Mr. O'Rear, students were dismissed to the floor by homerooms for a "Homeroom War". The contest included identifying faculty/staff baby pictures, unscrambling faculty/staff names, and identifying elementary school pictures of their classmates. Those texting the answers to Mr. O'Rear the quickest would receive a point. The winning homeroom would receive a Pancake Breakfast catered by the principals. Mrs. Farris's homeroom edged Coach Ball's in a tiebreaker! At the conclusion of the homeroom war, 7th and 8th grade students were dismissed while the 6th graders remained in the gym. Mr. O'Rear went over some things specific to our newcomers while all students, faculty, and staff formed victory lines outside the gym all the way to 6th grade hall. The 6th graders had no clue. When the victory line was set, Mr. O'Rear released the 6th graders and they were greeted as they went to their classroom. Our goal on the first day is to create an experience - one where our students will talk about it for days to come. Students having fun....we make it matter!
Each day, students, faculty, and staff go above and beyond to impact others. At Haleyville Middle School, we make those actions matter by recognizing special individuals and honoring their efforts to make a difference for someone else. Recently, we recognized our first group of students. Chloe Jordan, BreaAnna Lovett, Zach Marbutt, Lauren Belcher, and Jarad Brimer were identified by staff members as they worked hard to help new students at HMS feel welcomed. The process of identifying those who make a special impact involves submitting a small impact card that talks about how that person has made a difference. From those entries, a few are chosen to be recognized at break or lunch on the stage. Complete with air horns and loudspeakers, students are surprised to learn that another member of HMS will be honored. The honoree is called to the stage, greeted with confetti, and given a shirt as the faculty sponsor reads the impact card submitted.
If you know of a student, faculty, or staff member that has had an impact on you or someone you know please fill out an impact card located in the counselor's office. Not all entries can be chosen, however, every person who is nominated will receive the impact card to remind them that they are making a difference!
HMS Students Make An Impact
Resources
The 2011 Halloween Dance was a hit! Students enjoyed food, fun, games, and music as they were rewarded for good attendance, grades, and behavior. Those who met the criteria received a discounted admission ticket. A costume contest was held with Hayden Kelly and Aleah Bishop receiving the Best Costume Award. We want to thank all of those who helped organize the event. Many volunteers were involved in making goodies, bringing drinks, loaning decorations, helping with set-up and clean-up, and working as chaperones. It was a great night as HMS students had a blast!! Check out even more pictures on the student page!
HMS Holds Annual Hawaii 5-0 Event
The annual Hawaii 5-0 event was once again a HUGE success!! Students who had perfect attendance for the first "50" days of school were treated to a luau, complete with a smoked pig, lots of food, and great music! HMS honored 192 students, almost half of our student body!! Thanks to ALL the volunteers who provided food and drinks. You can see more pictures on the student page!
Parenting Day A Huge Success
With over 100 parents attending classes at Haleyville Middle School, students were able to display their work, share their projects, and work with their parents in an effort to "show" parents some of the great things they are doing! On October 12th, grade levels adopted a theme and worked across the curriculum as each of the core classes presented lessons related to the topic.
The 6th grade took a trip across the border and studied the culture of Mexico. They turned their hallway into a Mexican village. In their village, they learned about Mexico's history, holidays, religion, and daily life. The village included a market, a travel agency, and El Pollo Loco (a Mexican restaurant). Students also presented power points on the culture of Mexico and wrote poetry to demonstrate their knowledge of the country.
The 7th grade hall was based on the 1960s. In English, the classes had just finished reading the novel, The Outsiders, which is set in the 1960s.
In Social Studies, the classes were studying Civil Rights and in Science the classes were studying scientific breakthroughs from the 1960s The math classes compared prices from the 1960s with today's prices and calculated the percentage of increase. A 1960s timeline ran down the hall. The timeline contained important events and pictures from the 1960s. There was also an interactive computer timeline in the hall. Parents could come by and use the computer and could also listen to music from the 1960s. The parents were also treated to chocolate cake and tang.
The 8th grade teachers all collaborated to teach students about the Holocaust. In Ms. Kizzire’s English class, they read The Diary of Anne Frank and had the choice of making a power point presentation, making a slideshow with music, acting out a newscast, writing a newspaper, building a replica of the of
the attic the Franks and Van Pels hid in, or acting out scenes from the play.
They presented their projects in class on Parent Day. Parents and students took a quiz about the Holocaust also to see who knew more! In Mrs. Arnold’s Teen Connections class, the students made life-sized displays of Hitler, Anne Frank’s bedroom, Nazi soldiers, the Frank and Van Pels families, etc. It was quite a sight! In Coach Ball’s Science class, the students and parents learned about atomic bombs! In Mr. Faircloth’s Math class, the students and parents learned about the population of minorities who were killed in concentration camps. In Coach Rushing’s History class, students and parents got an overview of the history of the Holocaust.
This parenting day was one of the most successful we have had. It was very informational and educational, and the students really enjoyed "showing off" their work. Be looking for the follow-up edition next semester and we encourage ALL of our parents to get involved and be a part of what is taking place at HMS!
HMS Students "Chillin" Out
As a reward for such a great start to the year, parents and grandparents brought homemade ice cream for HMS students as they "chilled out" and took a break! Mountain Dew, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Key Lime Pie, and Blue Cream Soda were the front runners for most unique recipe. Most students, however, stuck to the basics as chocolate and vanilla were the top two choices! Great job HMS students!! YOU are the BEST!!
Keith Nord Brings Important Message
Keith Nord, former player for the Minnesota Vikings, delivered an important message for both parents and students. Keith travels coast to coast speaking to students and parents about leadership, character, and decision making. He spent seven years with the Vikings, was a team captain, and was named the March of Dimes Citizen Athlete of the Year. On Tuesday, October 11th, parents were invited to hear a message of equipping our children to make quality choices through building relationships. He talked about how our words impact how our children respond. The following day he spoke at a student assembly bringing a message of responsibility and accountability. He encouraged each of our students to be leaders and have a positive impact on those around them. Mr. Nord is scheduled to return two more times during the year, keep watching for dates. We would love to see you there!
