HMS Update

Dear HMS parents, guardians, and caregivers,

It was wonderful to see so many families at our spring concerts this past week! Our students played and sang their hearts out, and they showed so much growth from their December concerts to now. Spring concert season is one of our favorite times of the year. It also means that the school year is winding down at a rapid pace. There will be end of year information shared in the next few updates as we prepare for summer vacation.

Our next HMS Update will be shared on May 30, 2025. Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Be in touch with any questions or concerns.

With Gratitude,

Mandy Lewis and Tom McDowell

HMS Administrative Team

Counselors' Corner

Hello and Happy May!

Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? Founded by Mental Health America in 1949, MHAM highlights the importance of mental wellbeing, educating the public, reducing stigma, and promoting support for those affected by mental health conditions.  Each year, individuals and organizations come together to raise awareness and advocate for better mental health care and resources. 

To commemorate, each Wednesday this month at HMS we will be sharing tips to support student wellness. We’ve encouraged students to improve their own practices in self-care by completing as many activities as they can throughout the month of May from the Bingo card below. Now is also a great time for families to strike up conversations about emotional well-being and take proactive steps to support each other. Prioritizing mental health is a lifelong journey, and it starts in childhood with open discussions and parental support. We hope you will also be able to take advantage of some of the wellness activities below this month!

As always, please reach out anytime with any questions or concerns you may have. 

Catherine Nein - School Counselor, catherine_nein@yarmouthschools.org 

Chelsea Collupy - Social Worker, chelsea_collupy@yarmouthschools.org 

Sam Durham - Social Worker, samantha_durham@yarmouthschools.org 

bingo

Bike and Pedestrian Safety

We are thrilled to see the number of students biking, scootering, and walking to school each day. For the past few weeks, we have shared information about bike and pedestrian safety in our daily announcements. Despite these efforts, we continue to receive reports of bikers making unsafe choices on the roads near HMS. If you have a child who bikes or scooters to school, please take some time to review essential safety information. The visual below is one way to review safety tips with your child. You may find more resources on the Yarmouth Bike and Pedestrian Committee website and the Bicycle Coalition of Maine website.

Safety tips
bikes

Active Travel Survey (reminder)

The Yarmouth Bike and Pedestrian Committee is developing a School Active Transportation Plan to provide safer walking and cycling conditions for our students.  We are looking to gather as much feedback as possible to gain a clear view of the improvements needed in order to make our community safe for active transportation.  This confidential survey should take no longer than 10 minutes. 

Note:  If you have multiple children, it is beneficial if you fill out one per child, especially if they attend different schools.  However, combining them into one response still provides us with very helpful data. 

Active Travel Survey

Yarmouth Wellness Committee

The Yarmouth Wellness Committee encourages families to be mindful of the impact sugary drinks can have on young people’s health. As highlighted in the infographic, many of the drinks shown are very high in sugar. Sugary beverages can contribute to a range of concerns, including increased risk of cavities, weight gain, and long-term health issues. Choosing water or other low-sugar options can help support students’ energy, focus, and overall well-being — both now and in the future.

drinks

Dates to Date:

May 19: HMS Jazz Night 6:00pm

May 26: Memorial Day - no school

June 12: Step Up Day (more information coming!)

June 13: Last day of school - student dismissal at 11:30am