Dear HMS parents, guardians, and caregivers,

Our One Book, One School event was a resounding success!  Each grade level engaged with author Katherine Marsh, focusing on her writing techniques, her inspiration, and so much more - all as a way to further understand Medusa: Myth of Monsters. We are proud of the ways our students represented our core values during her visit!

Thank you for the delicious Staff Appreciation Lunch on Wednesday.  It warmed our hearts and filled our bellies!  Our next HMS Update will be shared on November 21, 2025. Please be in touch with any questions. Thank you for your partnership!

With Gratitude,

Mandy Lewis and Tom McDowell, HMS Administrative Team

Hello and happy November. 

For this month's Counselors' Corner, we would like to focus on social development during the middle school years.  Middle school is a time of tremendous growth and change.  As students move through these years, friendships become increasingly significant to them, and peers start to play a larger role in how students see themselves.  It is common and actually developmentally appropriate for students to explore new interests, which in turn may lead to shifting social circles. During this time, which can sometimes be stressful but also very important, students are learning key life long skills such as empathy, communication, self advocacy, and conflict resolution.  

Parents can support healthy social development by always encouraging kindness and inclusion and offering support when challenges arise.  Remember, social ups and downs are an expected part of growing up. You can assist your child in figuring out who they are and who they want to become.  If you need support navigating these issues or anything else that may arise, please feel free to reach out anytime. 

Catherine Nein - School Counselor catherine_nein@yarmouthschools.org

Chelsea Collupy - Social Worker chelsea_collupy@yarmouthschools.org

Sam Durham - Social Worker samantha_durham@yarmouthschools.org

We can also be reached by calling the main office phone 207-846-2499.

The Yarmouth Ski Club is hosting their annual Ski Swap at the Rowe School on November 15th from 9am - 12pm. Yarmouth families are encouraged to come check out good winter gear at great prices.

Our Picture Retake Day will be on Tuesday, November 18th! Retake Day is for new students and staff members, transfer students, or anyone who may have missed the initial picture day. Additionally, Geskus welcomes anyone who was unhappy with their original picture and would like to give it another try. Retake photos will automatically replace original photos in the yearbook. If a student chooses to retake their photo, please have them return the original picture package to the photographer on picture day. Geskus will replace it at no additional cost.

Members of our School Improvement Team are reading Joe Feldman's Grading for Equity in order to help us think about ways to set all students up for success.  HMS educators will engage in activities and reflections around grading and assessment practices later this year, and we will continue to update the community with our learning!

Are you interested, or do you know someone who may be interested, in working in a fun, collaborative environment with middle school students and educators? We are searching for an educator to join us as an Educational Technician III. To learn more about the position and consider an application, visit this website. HMS is a great place to spend time with students!

On Wednesday, November 12, students will engage in discussions about our Emergency Procedures focused on the ways we respond when there is a threat in or near HMS.  Our advisors will use a shared slide deck and script for the discussion, and we will have two additional opportunities for students to practice options related to this type of emergency later in the school year.

Tuesday, November 11: no school - Veteran's Day

Saturday, November 15: Ski Swap at Rowe from 9am-12pm

Tuesday, November 18: Picture Re-Take Day

Tuesday, November 18: 6th Grade iPad Information Night (more information coming!)

Wednesday-Friday, November 26-28: no school - Thanksgiving Break