HMS Update

HMS Update #1: August 15, 2025

Greetings from HMS! This will be the first of several "back to school" communications. We hope you have had a wonderful summer and look forward to welcoming our students back on Tuesday, September 2 for our first day. In this update you will see information about new staff members, school supplies, the academic calendar, and more. As we gear up for 2025-2026, please be in touch with any questions! Our next HMS Update will be shared on Thursday, August 28. Respectfully, Mandy Lewis and Tom McDowell HMS Administrative Team
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Get Ready For "School Time"!

It is never too soon to start planning for school attendance. In the next few weeks, if you have not done so already, start helping your child prepare for the first day of school by setting an alarm and getting up at the "school time" - arrival at HMS by 7:55am. Your child's attendance matters EVERY DAY, and the data below provides a snapshot into the importance of school attendance.

  • Academic Achievement:

    • Research shows that each additional day of attendance can positively impact a student's academic performance.

  • Long-Term Success:

    • Consistent attendance is linked to higher graduation rates. Students who miss more than 10% of school days are significantly less likely to graduate on time.

  • Social Skills Development:

    • Regular attendance fosters better social interactions and helps students develop essential social skills. Missing school can lead to feelings of isolation and difficulty in forming friendships.

  • School Engagement:

    • Students who attend school regularly are more engaged in school activities, which can lead to a more fulfilling educational experience. Engagement is often linked to motivation and enthusiasm for learning.

  • Career Readiness:

    • Good attendance habits established in school translate to the workplace. Employers often view regular attendance as an indicator of reliability and commitment.

  • Health Benefits:

    • Regular school attendance can promote better physical and mental health. Students have access to school resources, such as counseling and health services, that can support their well-being.

  • Community Connection:

    • Attending school helps students connect with their community, fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility.

  • Statistical Insights:

    • National data shows that students who miss 10% or more of school days (18 days in a typical school year) are at risk of falling behind academically.

School Supplies

The Yarmouth School Department will be providing students with school supplies for the 2025-2026 school year. The list of what will be provided is linked here.

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School Calendar and Schedule

The 2025-2026 school year calendar is linked here. The first day of school is Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Students should arrive at HMS by 7:55am, and students will start dismissal at 2:45pm. Specific arrival and dismissal information will be shared in our next update.

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New to Yarmouth Student Orientation

We look forward to welcoming students who are new to the Yarmouth School Department! New students entering grades 6, 7, and 8 and their parents/guardians are invited to join us on Monday, August 25 from 9-10am. The event will include a welcome and building tour led by current students, introductions to some of our staff members, and time for questions and answers.

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Voluntary Student Insurance

For parents and families interested in student health or accident insurance, please review the information linked here.

School Nutrition Information

New for the 2025-2026 school year: If your child is bringing a lunch from home and would like a milk from school, the milk is free. If your child would like two milks, the cost of the second milk is 75 cents. As noted on our menus, only the first milk is free. If a student would like a free milk at breakfast, they must get a meal. For more information about our nutrition program, review the letter linked here.

Please reach out to Blair Currier, Direction of School Nutrition, with any questions: Blair_Currier@yarmouthschools.org

lunch
classroom

6th Grade Meet and Greet

On Thursday, August 28, all 6th graders and their parents/guardians are invited to stop in to HMS between 10:45-11:30am and visit their homeroom teacher's classroom. This is a helpful opportunity to meet teachers and get a sense of the building again before the first day of school.

7th and 8th Grade Athletics

  • Registration for 2025-26 Athletics is open under a new format. Review registration information on this website. Registrations for HMS Athletics should be completed by August 19th to ensure that the coaches have the most up-to-date information.  If your student-athlete is not registered, they cannot participate.  If you find yourself having difficulties completing the registration, please reach out to the athletic department to schedule a time to register.

  • Physicals are due every 2 years; please review the expiration date on your PowerSchool Portal for each of your student-athletes.  Should you need to update your records, please have your provider complete this YSD Physical Form - hard copies are also located in the main offices.  

HMS Fall Athletic Teams:

Cross Country

Football

Field Hockey (girls)

Soccer

Tennis

Volleyball (girls)

New to HMS Staff

We are excited to welcome the following new staff members:

Jake Haugevik - 6th Grade Math and Science

Lexie Drew - 7th Grade Language Arts and Social Studies

Molly Small - School Nurse

Amanda Robson - Gifted and Talented Teacher, Language Arts

We will have a few more new staff members to share in our next HMS Update.

Dates to Date

Monday, August 25: New Student Orientation 9-10am

Thursday, August 28: 6th grade Meet and Greet from 10:45-11:30am

Tuesday, September 2: First day of school

Wednesday, September 17: Open House at 6:00pm