Dear HMS Students Parents and Families,

As I reflect on our accomplishments, past and present, I can truly say, because of your unwavering support, Parents, Community Stakeholders, Faculty and Staff: “We are One Hand and One Voice, Serving Every Child, Every day.” Through collective impact, and collaborative practices, we at HMS do promote appropriate recognition for our young Hornets, as they epitomize the tenets of Hornet Pride: Personal Responsibility, Respect, Individual Readiness, Demonstrated Learning and Effective Behavior. It is well known, that Hand is often regarded as the middle school, where students will succeed in high school, and beyond, particularly in academic achievement, and college and career success. Truly, at HMS, we are responsible to our students, for Inspiring, Informing, Educating, and Promoting the Joy and Happiness of Learning- in a safe, caring and positive environment. This is our common purpose, and this, as well as you, our HMS family, are our top priority! We are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of our students, and in the Spirit of our HMS Community!

But there are great expectations we have of our students, and this includes you, our Hand Middle School Hornets, individually and collectively. It is the responsibility you have for your education, and the responsibility you have for yourself. To be successful in school, HMS students are expected to attend school every day, to pay attention in all classes, to demonstrate the tenets of Hornet Pride, and to put in the time it takes to study, to learn, to achieve academic success.

Remember: We’re on this journey together; and, as such, we believe: 

• Fostering relationships is the foundation to children reaching their fullest potential in an environment conducive for learning;
• Elevating expectations is the foundation for children developing honorable character, achieving academic success, and becoming productive citizens in an environment conducive for learning; and
• Promoting pride in each other and in our school, is the foundation to educating the whole child.

Finally, HMS family and students, to quote our beloved Dr. Seuss, whose words captivated the hearts and minds of children, past and present: He says: “You’ll be on your way up! You’ll be seeing great sights! You’ll join the high fliers, who soar to great heights!” And, “The more you read, the more things you will know; the more that you learn the more places you’ll go.”

Again, Welcome, and Thank you,

Dr. Patrice T. Green, Principal

Hand Middle School, Richland School District One

Hand Spotlights

Check out our New Page..."For Students" which hosts former spotlights. 

Studying and Collaborating before the school day starts

This is HAND ... This is US!

 Staff working on R1 Micro-credential Poverty assignment during PLC time

 Congratulations to University of South Carolina Professional Development Schools Network.

Hand was the 1st Midlands middle school to participate. There are 21 Midland P-12schools in the network. 

Received this award at the National PDS conference on February 15, 2019.

 Annual Midnight Hoops events at Bibleway Church of Atlas Road on February 22.

Over 300 youth attended. Dr. Green was the guest speaker. 

 HMS Parent University sponsored by SIC. Topic: Vaping

 Thank you Dr. Thrasher for the very informative presentation

It was another great year for Hand MS Orchestra students. 

Out of 68 seats in the Richland 1 Honor Orchestra, Hand MS has 30 of them!

~ Including (3) 1^st chairs, (3) 2^nd chairs,

and (2) 3^rd chair players (the higher the chair number, the better the result).

Sarah Bobertz, a 6^th grader is the 1^st chair cello player; Diego Thrasher, a 7^th grader, is the 1^st chair 1^stviolin player;

Elizabeth Nobles (All Star already) is the 1^st chair bass player.

THANK YOU Mr. McCants for all of your dedication!!!

 On February 28, PEARLs and Queen Hornets took a tour of the

new Richland County Public Library TEEN CENTER. 

  Freestyle Friday was a BLAST! The students, USC volunteers,

and Counseling Department :) all enjoyed themselves! 

Announcements

Hand's Education Foundation

The Foundation currently is recruiting new members.  Please consider joining the Hand Educational Team!  The commitment entails attending a one-hour monthly evening meeting, held at the school. Check out the Foundation page under Parent Resources.  If you have any questions or if you are interested in joining, please contact John Meyers at meyersjohnm@gmail.com. 

 **2018-2019 Cell Phone Policy**

Student phones are expected to remain in their locker

from 8:40 am - dismissal

Click HERE to view the rules

**2018-2019 Dress Code Policy**

Please click HERE to view expectations

 Student IDs

Richland One requires all students and staff members to wear IDs around the neck everyday for safety and security. By the middle of September, all students will receive IDs. Please remind your student to keep it their bookbag after school so he/she will have it for school. Students who meet expectations will be eligible for an incentive.

Cafeteria Procedure

All students have access to free breakfast and lunch each day of the school year. The standard lunch includes a choice of meat or other protein, two vegetables, fruit or fruit juice, bread and milk. Students also have the option of the salad bar. There are two meat/protein options for students to select. If one meat/protein option is not available, a student will have access to the other available option. Please visit SNS website for more details:

http://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/index.php?sid=2110122009427796

Golden Pass for Senior Citizens

Richland One offers a complimentary Golden Activity Pass to district retirees and senior citizens ages 60 and older who live in the Richland One school attendance zone. Seniors may pick up a Golden Activity Pass from the Richland One Office of Communications, located on the second floor of the Stevenson Administration Building at 1616 Richland Street. Passes will be issued on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a. m. – noon and 2-4 p.m. Link for more information: Golden Pass Info

Returning Student Enrollment Verification

Beginning May 1, 2018, you will be able to verify student enrollment for 2018-2019. You will verify contact information, complete the bus transportation application, as well as other annual forms at your Parent Portal site.

Current Proof of Residency will need to be submitted by all students for 2018-2019. Submit your lease or mortgage and one current utility bill. You may bring your documents to the school or submit them by email (registrationhms@richlandone.org). 

Supply Lists for 2018-2019 

Click here to see the class supply lists for the upcoming school year. 

 2018-2019 District Calendar

Community Partnership: Urban Cookhouse

Hand Middle School is excited to partner with Urban Cookhouse to celebrate the great things our students and faculty are doing through the PRIDE initiative. Each month, students who display PRIDE behavior will be placed in a drawing for a free cookie. Faculty and staff also have the chance to win lunch from Urban Cookhouse. 

Hornet Pride!

Personal Responsibility

Respect

Individual Readiness

Demonstrated Learning

Effective Behaviors

Students can earn Hornet PRIDE coupons for displaying positive behavior. Students can place coupons in a Hornet PRIDE box for a monthly drawing for an incentive sponsored by the PTO!

Parent Portal is available!

https://powerschool.richlandone.org/public/ 

 Please follow us on Twitter: @HandMiddleSC

to receive the latest Hornet News!