Parent Information

  • ADVANCE ABSENCE FORM

    Students learn at home, in school, and in the community; however, if your child is going to be out for an extended period, parents/guardians must complete an Advance Absence Form to apply for an "excused absence" prior to the missed day(s).  Please click on the following link to print your copy and follow the instructions included on the form: Advance Absence Form

    Upon the absence of a student, a signed and dated note from a parent/guardian must be received within 3 school days of the absence.  A doctor's appointment must be validated with a note from the doctor.  For more details concerning attendance, please refer to the Code of Student Conduct, Section IV - Attendance.

    VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

    Students learn at home, in school, and in the community. Research shows that parent involvement is the single most important indicator of school success. The staff of HMS is committed to excellence in education and encourages parents to become involved in their students' education. There are opportunities for parent and community involvement at Howard Middle School. Every effort will be made to find every parent a way to participate actively in his/her child's education. Volunteers are needed to tutor students, shelve library books, make games, file papers, and chaperon field trips. If you are interested in helping out, contact our School Volunteer Coordinator:
    Ms. Elizabeth Omalley at 671-7225 or e-mail Elizabeth.Omalley@marion.k12.fl.us

    Volunteer forms are available through the Marion County Public Schools Volunteers webpage. You may access their page by clicking on: Volunteer Forms

    Chaperones

    Adults that want to be considered as a chaperone for field trips, must complete all paperwork beforehand and must submit their own paperwork and fees by the deadline date for each field trip.  The submission of paperwork does not guarantee acceptance as a chaperone for various field trips.  Chaperones must pay all fees for field trips - there are no free chaperone spots for field trips with expenses.  There are a finite number of chaperone slots with each field trip. 

    Mentors and Tutors

    Volunteers are needed at HMS to serve as mentors and tutors. Tutors and mentors assist students in preparation for FCAT, in developing reading skills, in exploring careers, and researching topics in the Media Center. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and making a difference in a child's life at HMS, contact Ms. Elizabeth Omalley at 671-7225 or e-mail Elizabeth.Omalley@marion.k12.fl.us.

    Volunteer forms are available through the Marion County Public Schools Volunteers webpage. You may access their page by clicking on: Volunteer Forms

    florida standards assessments

     

    Florida’s K-12 assessment system measures students’ achievement of Florida’s education standards, which were developed and implemented to ensure that all students graduate from high school ready for success in college, career, and life. Assessment supports instruction and student learning, and test results help Florida’s educational leadership and stakeholders determine whether the goals of the education system are being met.  

    The following links provide access to general information about the Florida Standards Assessments (FSA) and training tests as well as links to other FSA websites and resources.

    Parents need to review the following letter with their student(s): FSA 2016

    CLASS SIZE AMENDMENT

    How does the Class Size Amendment impact middle schools?

    The final phase of the Class Size Amendment will take effect during the 2010-11 school year. Article IX, Section 1(a) of the Florida Constitution requires that action must be taken once a class exceeds the cap by just one student. To read more details about this issue, please click on the following link: Class Size Amendment

    NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND - SCHOOL PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY REPORTS

    Federal and state laws require all public school districts to annually compile School Public Accountability Reports (SPAR).  The NCLB-SPAR report contains information about the progress of Florida's public schools.  In addition, the report details how well our district and schools are meeting the federal requirements of NCLB. 

     

    This report also reelects our progress toward meeting State Standards.  HMS’s NCLB-SPAR report is now available for parents and community stakeholders to view in our front office.  SPAR reports are also available for review in the Grants and Federal Programs Office, the Public Relations office, and may be viewed on the DOE website at the following links: NCLB-SPAR or HMS-SPAR

    DISTRICT IMPROVEMENT AND ASSISTANCE PLAN

    The District Improvement and Assistance Plan is now available on the Grants and Federal Programs Home page or by clicking on the following link: District Improvement and Assistance Plan.

    BOX TOPS AND LABELS

    box tops

    HMS continues to participate in "Box Tops for Education" and "Labels for Education." Take your box tops and labels (from General Mills and Campbell's food products) to the school administrative office.  Or students may turn in their box tops at the school store, the Bull Pen.  Students will receive one bull buck for every five box tops submitted. 

    HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT

    Your child may be eligible to take high school level course work next school year due to his/her hard work and dedication to academic excellence. While taking courses for high school credit is a great way to challenge an outstanding middle school student, there are some things that you need to keep in mind as you make a decision on whether taking a high school level course is right for your child.  To find out more, please click on the following link:

    High School Credit in Middle School

    To receive more details about this information you may want to investigate the Florida DOE website and reference Florida Statute 1003.428 at the following link: FLDOE Home Page