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SSC meeting in C133

Monday, December 4⋅2:45 – 3:45pm

Social tickets on sale at lunch time

Tuesday, December 5

Boys basketball at Horner (Walters)

Tuesday, December 5⋅2:45 – 4:45pm

PTSA meeting online

Wednesday, December 6⋅6:30 – 8:00pm

Boys basketball at Hopkins

Thursday, December 7⋅2:45 – 4:45pm

CHKS SURVEY in ENGLISH classes grade 7

Thursday, December 7

Social 2 - indoor in MUR

Friday, December 8⋅2:45 – 4:45pm

HIP - Horner Institute for Parents in MUR (social media presentation)

Monday, December 11⋅6:00 – 7:00pm

Winter choir concert in MUR

Tuesday, December 12⋅6:30 – 7:30pm

Boys basketball at Horner (Centerville)

Thursday, December 14⋅2:45 – 4:45pm

Band concert in Gym

Friday, December 15⋅6:30 – 8:00pm

Boys basketball at Thornton (last game)

Tuesday, December 19⋅2:45 – 4:45pm

Girls basketball forms due to office by 3 pm

Thursday, December 21⋅

Minimum day early dismissal

Friday, December 22

End of Semester 1

Friday, December 22

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We want to bring your attention to the importance of punctuality in ensuring our students are set up for success.

Lately, we have noticed an increase in the number of students arriving late to school in the morning. Punctuality is a valuable skill that plays a crucial role in developing appropriate work habits and preparing our students for success in both academic and professional settings.

Here are a few reasons why arriving on time is so crucial:

1. Establishing Discipline: Punctuality instills a sense of discipline and responsibility in students. It teaches them the importance of managing their time effectively, a skill that will benefit them throughout their lives.

2. Maximizing Learning Opportunities: Arriving on time ensures that students can take full advantage of the learning opportunities available at the beginning of each school day. The first few minutes often include important announcements, reviews, and essential information crucial for the day's lessons.

3. Reducing Stress: Timely arrival helps students start their day in a calm and organized manner, reducing stress and creating a positive mindset for the rest of the day.

We kindly request your support in reinforcing the importance of punctuality with your child. Encourage them to establish a routine that allows for timely arrival at school each morning. This simple habit can have a profound impact on their academic achievements and overall development.

Thank you for your collaboration in fostering a culture of punctuality and responsibility at our school. If you have any concerns or need assistance in addressing this matter, please feel free to reach out.

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As we prioritize the safety and well-being of our students, we would like to bring your attention to some crucial practices when it comes to dropping off and picking up your children from school. Your cooperation in following these guidelines ensures a smooth and secure experience for everyone.

1. Avoid Stopping in the Street: Please refrain from stopping in the middle of the street to let your child out or pick them up. This can create traffic congestion and pose a risk to pedestrians. Utilize designated drop-off zones or parking spaces to ensure the safety of all students.

2. Careful Driving in the Drop-off Loop: When navigating the drop-off loop, drive with caution and be mindful of the speed limit. This helps maintain a safe environment for everyone entering and exiting the school premises.

3. Exit from Passenger Side Only: Instruct your child to exit the vehicle from the passenger side only. This practice minimizes the risk of accidents and ensures that students are not stepping into oncoming traffic.

4. Follow Staff Directives: Our dedicated staff is actively involved in managing traffic flow within the parking lot. Please follow their directions promptly and adhere to any signage or instructions provided. This cooperative effort is essential for a well-organized and secure drop-off and pick-up process.

By working together to implement these simple yet crucial measures, we can create a safer environment for all students and families. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated, and together, we can make our school zone a model of responsible and safe driving.

Thank you for your understanding and commitment to the safety of our school community.

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Girl's BB tryout forms are due Dec. 21 by 3 pm!!  Tryouts will be on Jan. 8th the Monday we get back from break!

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Girl's BB tryout forms are due Dec. 21 by 3 pm!!  Tryouts will be on Jan. 8th the Monday we get back from break!

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Dec. 22 is a minimum day with NO AC Transit bus after school

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Dec. 22 is a minimum day with NO AC Transit bus after school

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Tis the season for holiday parties, family dinners, movies on the couch, trips to the mall, baking sweet treats and more. While all of this is good and fun, all too often families run short on opportunities to stay active. After all, the weather outside is usually cold and it gets dark so early that physical activity can easily fall to the wayside.

Do a fun run

There’s always a holiday run happening somewhere, whether it’s for charity or simply a way to raise money for the town you live in. For families with older children, Caleb Backe, CPT, a health and wellness expert for Maple Holistics, suggests participating together. “A fun run can be a great family activity, which can pave the way for similar future activities,” he says. “Plus, with a run, it might be beneficial to have some practice runs or jogs in the days leading up to the run, which is a physical activity in and of itself.”

Go ice skating

Ice skating in the winter is one of the most popular physical activities—and for good reason. “It challenges your brain by testing your balance, and it gets you out of the house or apartment,” says Levy. “For those who are new to it, it encourages family members to bond and rely on each other to keep moving around the rink.” She recommends purchasing tickets in advance, since rinks tend to sell out during the holiday season, and planning a special treat for after the family activity that your kids can look forward to (hot cocoa, coloring, open up presents, etc.).

Play in the snow

If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere where it snows during the winter months or you are able to drive there, take full advantage, as playing in the snow is another family fun activity that encourages being active. “When there’s snow on the ground, we have to work extra hard to walk and move around, which forces us to use our core and muscles in our legs to stay balanced and stable,” says Stephanie Mansour, a Chicago-based weight loss coach and corporate wellness trainer. “While you get a workout in, the kids will have fun outside! “

Engage in “micro workouts”

Getting your family to complete a workout doesn’t have to take a whole lot of time. In fact, research shows that even minutes matter when it comes to movement. And this is especially true during the winter months, notes Tom Holland, exercise physiologist, certified sports nutritionist and fitness expert. “Do a fun 5-10 minute workout as a family every day, such as a bodyweight circuit-style workout,” he says. “You can find an almost infinite number of free workouts to follow along with online.”

Take a virtual workout class together

There are so many virtual workout classes available that can make for a fun family activity. Levy suggests making an entire morning out of it by revving up the excitement. “Make a yummy breakfast for everyone to enjoy at the table together with the plan that, at a certain time, everyone will meet in the living room for a virtual workout,” she says. “Once you get the whole family dancing in the living room, take a class together, as this gets you active and fosters awesome family bonding time.”

*reference: https://aaptiv.com/

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DECEMBER '23 Horner PTSA Newsletter - final

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Please help out our staff around the holidays...

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Please help out our staff around the holidays...

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Staff members will be requesting some holiday donations through Amazon like in years past. Each year, we are asked what gifts or items would teachers like around the holidays. For this very reason, Horner has created the Virtual Giving Tree which will be posted online with teacher's AMAZON requests that students and/or parents can purchase for the staff during the month of December.

How it works:

Students or parents can go to the school website starting on December 6th to see what their teachers and staff at Horner have listed on the Virtual Giving tree website. From there parents/students can choose what to purchase and have those items sent to the staff member. This way you are giving your teacher/staff member exactly what they wish for during the holidays. Stay tuned and be on the lookout for those amazing AMAZON wish lists..thank you in advance for helping our our staff and showing them how they are appreciated around the holiday season.

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From Left to right:  Mr. Davis; Ms. DeFrance; Mr. Pabley

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From Left to right:  Mr. Davis; Ms. DeFrance; Mr. Pabley

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Hello families,

Health lessons will begin in Science classes on April 29, 2024. If you wish to opt your child out of any of the applicable opt out lessons, please email your child's Science teacher no later than March 29, 2024. We will not be able to process opt out requests after March 29th as we will need time to prepare for student locations and substitutes for opt out students. Thank you for reviewing the lessons ASAP on the district website and letting your teacher know any opt out requests by March 29th.

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Visitors to School

All visitors or parents who come onto the Horner campus must check in at the office.

To ensure the safety of students and staff and to avoid potential disruptions, all visitors shall check in or

sign in at the office immediately upon entering the school building or grounds. A visitor’s badge shall

be worn at all times while on campus.

Visits to the school and/or classroom at the request of the parent/guardian shall be arranged through

the student’s teacher and/or principal. Classroom visits or conferences will be scheduled within a

reasonable time of the parent/guardian request. Except for law enforcement personnel, only the

parent/guardian or those designated on the student’s emergency card are permitted to contact or take

your student from school. (BP/AR 1250)

Respect for the Learning Environment: Fremont Unified is committed to providing a positive learning

environment for our students and staff. While on campus please keep a positive attitude and be an encouraging role model for our students. During your visit please refrain from any aggressive behavior.

Examples of aggressive behavior include but are not limited to:

● Abusive language

● Physical assault

● Verbal Harassment

● Sexual language

● Threats

Individuals who refuse to follow our positive expectations may be asked to leave.

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Gift cards needed and student incentives!

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Gift cards needed and student incentives!

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Horner prides itself on implementing PBIS which stands for Positive Behavior Intervention Supports to all students throughout the school year.
Students have multiple opportunities to earn BUZZ bucks for a variety of things from academic achievements to behavioral achievements.
Horner has weekly draws for prizes and gift cards.  We are in need of multiple $5 gift cards to a variety of businesses throughout fremont.  If you would like to donate some gift cards for this program, we would love the donation.  Our students really enjoy being the recipient of the prizes throughout the school year.
We also handout candy regularly for BUZZ bucks.  If you would like to donate bags of jolly ranchers or suckers, we could use those donations as well.
Thank you for your donation to support this student initiative at Horner.

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Horner Vision Statement
We at Horner Middle School, envision a future in which every student receives an effective, equitable, and engaging education that allows them to reach their full and unique potential.

Horner Mission Statement
At Horner Middle School our mission is to provide students with the Knowledge, Tools, and Skills they need to master content standards, make effective decisions, and collaborate with others, which will enable them to be successful lifelong learners.

Knowledge, Tools, Skills = Master, Make, Collaborate!

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Health & Sex Education
Fremont Unified School District has a comprehensive Health and Sexual Education Curriculum. Ed Code 51240 states: (a) If any part of a school’s instruction in health conflicts with the religious training and beliefs of a parent or guardian of a pupil, the pupil, upon written request of the parent or guardian, shall be excused from the part of the instruction that conflicts with the religious training and beliefs. In
some situations, this will mean a student will be excused from the entire series of lessons.

The parent/guardian of each student enrolled in such class shall first be notified in writing of the course and content. Opportunities shall be provided to each parent/guardian to inspect and review materials
(https://www.fremont.k12.ca.us/healthresources) in order to make an informed decision. (EC 51930, 51933, 51934, 51937 and 51938)

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Hello Family/Parents,

As the holiday season unfolds and we find ourselves immersed in the spirit of joy and gratitude, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the importance of working together and making a positive difference in our own lives and the lives of those around us.

This time of year is not just about festive decorations and exchanging gifts; it's an opportunity for us to strengthen our bonds as a family and society as well as contribute to the well-being of our community. By coming together, we can create a ripple effect of kindness and compassion that extends far beyond our own circle.

While we embark on this journey of spreading joy, it's crucial that we also prioritize our own wellness. In the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle, let's make a collective effort to take care of ourselves—both physically and mentally. Remember, self-care is not selfish; it's a necessary foundation that allows us to be there for each other and our students in a meaningful way.

Here are a few suggestions for weaving togetherness and wellness into our holiday celebrations:

1. Acts of Kindness: Encourage each family member to perform small acts of kindness throughout the season. Whether it's volunteering at a local charity, helping a neighbor, or simply expressing gratitude, these actions can have a profound impact on our community.

2. Quality Time: In the midst of holiday preparations, let's carve out intentional time to spend with each other. Whether it's a cozy movie night, a family game, or a heartfelt conversation, these moments contribute to a sense of togetherness and create lasting memories.

3. Wellness Check-ins: Prioritize open and honest conversations about mental and physical well-being. Share your feelings, concerns, and aspirations. By supporting each other's wellness, we create a foundation of strength and resilience.

4. Mindful Celebrations: While indulging in festive treats, let's also be mindful of our overall health. Encourage balance in our meals, stay hydrated, and find opportunities for physical activity, even if it's a short walk together.

5. Gratitude Journal: Consider starting a family gratitude journal. Each day, take a moment to reflect on something you're grateful for. This simple practice can shift our focus to the positive aspects of our lives.

This holiday season and during the month of December, let's work hand in hand to create a warm and inclusive atmosphere both inside and outside of the school walls that extends not only to our family but also to those who may need an extra dose of kindness.

By making a conscious effort to balance togetherness and wellness, we can truly make a difference in the lives of others and our own.

Remember that Dec. 22 is the last school day prior to Christmas vacation and it is indeed a minimum day with dismissal at 120 pm. There will also be no AC Transit bus at 120 pm due to it being a minimum day on a Friday.

Wishing you all a holiday season filled with love, joy, and meaningful connections.

Warmest regards, Mrs. Hicks-Rodriguez, Proud Principal

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Dear Horner Families,

As we approach the end of the semester, we want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we have shared over the past few months. It has been a semester filled with growth, learning, and collaboration, and the entire administration is immensely proud of the achievements and efforts of our students and families.

Our students have demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and a thirst for knowledge. Their dedication to their studies, participation in extracurricular activities, and contributions to the school community have truly made this semester a success. We commend each student for their hard work and commitment to excellence.

To the families of our students, your support has been instrumental in creating a thriving school community. Whether attending events, volunteering, or providing a supportive home environment, your involvement is deeply appreciated. Education is a collaborative effort, and your partnership with us has contributed significantly to the overall success of our students.

As we look forward to the upcoming break, we encourage everyone to take the time to rest, rejuvenate, and celebrate the achievements of the past semester. It is a well-deserved opportunity for our students, teachers, and families to recharge and spend quality time together.

Wishing you all a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and shared moments. Thank you for being an integral part of our school community, and we look forward to continuing our journey of growth and success in the upcoming semester.

Warm regards,

Horner Middle School’s Assistant Principals

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December helping students learn newsletter

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Hello Horner Families!

Happy Holidays Hornets! Wishing the best to you and yours during this month.

Couple ASB events to keep an eye out for. First is our December Social taking place on December 8th from 2:45-4:45. Unlike our last social we will be selling tickets but for only two days on December 5th and December 6th. Tickets cost 10 dollars and will be sold outside room C102. These are the only two days ASB will be selling tickets. If you have a gold card, no worries we will see you on December 8th!

The other big event we have going is our canned food drive. This is an annual event here at Horner where students can gain spirit points for bringing in cans for the needy. Students can drop their cans off right outside the ASB closet (near the MUR) in the morning so they don’t have to carry them around all day. The food bank has a list of highly requested items, which students can see around campus as well as on our Instagram. Anything is appreciated and thank you so much for all your donations. This will be taking place throughout the month of December.

This last item is more for January’s newsletter but I wanted to put it on your radar now. It is almost election time here at Horner. 6th and 7th grade students are going to vote on who they want to be President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. All 6th and 7th grade students are eligible to run. There will be an info meeting on 1/9/24 at lunch in C133. I recommend if your child is interested in student government, leadership or just wants to see how the process works, they should come to this meeting.

Finally I wanted to thank everyone who volunteers to help out at the socials. We cannot run these events without parent support so big shoutout to those that help plan and volunteer parent involvement. Thanks!

Mr. Shaffer

Activities Director