Harrisburg Middle School November Newsletter
Dear Harrisburg Middle School Families,
Happy November!
It’s hard to believe we’ve already reached November! The crisp weather and colorful leaves remind us that fall is in full swing — and also that this is a great time to pause and reflect on what we’re thankful for.
At Harrisburg Middle School, we’re grateful for our amazing students, supportive families, dedicated staff, and the strong sense of community that makes our school such a special place.
Some simple reminders of what we can all appreciate this season:
• Family and friends
• Good health
• A safe home
• Meaningful work
• Healthy food
• Education and growth
• Our pets and small joys
OSU – Beyond the Classroom Experience – Girls BXB vs. Utah State 11:00 AM
We are excited to share that our students will once again have the opportunity to attend the Beavers Beyond the Classroom field trip at Oregon State University on Tuesday, November 18th, 2025. This event provides a fantastic chance for students to visit a college campus, engage in hands-on learning, and explore the connection between education, sports, and health.
During the day, students will take part in educational activities covering subjects such as geography, grammar, math, history, sports science, and health. Each activity will be guided by a workbook that incorporates themes related to Oregon State Women’s Basketball, athletics, and wellness. Before the game, students will also interact with OSU’s College of Engineering student groups, who will showcase exciting research projects currently in development.
One of the highlights of the day will be attending the OSU Women’s Basketball game at 11:00 a.m. against Utah State at Gill Coliseum.
Qualifications to Attend
To attend the field trip, students will need to meet the following criteria based on date range (October 27th – November 17th, 2025):
No F’s on their grade report
No major behavioral referrals
No more than 4 unexcused absences
Students who do not meet these qualifications will remain at the middle school on 18th November 2025 and participate in a regular school day.
Bikes / Scooters & Electric Scooters & Bikes:
Students, please remember that all electric scooters and bikes need to be parked in the designated bike area before school. These items may not be parked or stored under the breezeway for safety and space reasons. I also highly recommend that you bring a lock to secure your scooter or bike during the day to help keep it safe. Thank you for doing your part to keep our campus organized and safe for everyone!
Thank You, Parents and Guardians!
We want to extend a sincere thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. October was a busy month filled with learning, growth, and school spirit, and your partnership has played a big role in that success.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Thank you to everyone who attended conferences! Your engagement and collaboration with teachers help ensure that every student receives the support they need to thrive. If you ever have questions or concerns, please reach out directly to your child’s teachers.
We also encourage families to check grades regularly and discuss progress and goals at home.
Parent Conference Survey: we invite all Harrisburg Middle School parents and guardians to take a few minutes to complete our Parent Feedback Survey. Your input is extremely valuable as we continue working to make HMS the best possible learning environment for our students. The survey helps us understand what we are doing well and identify areas where we can grow and improve in the future. Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts and supporting our school community!
Attendance Matters
As a district—and especially here at Harrisburg Middle School—we are focused on improving attendance. Every instructional minute counts toward your child’s success!
If your student is going to miss school due to illness or an appointment, please call the office to let us know. We will continue sending daily reminders about absences to help keep communication clear and consistent.
Important Dates
• October 27 – Second Quarter Begins (Report cards sent home this week)
• November 3 – Picture Retake Day
• November 10 – No School (Staff Curriculum Day)
• November 11 – No School (Veterans Day Observed)
• November 14 – Regular School Day
• November 18th - Beavers Beyond the Classroom – Field Trip ( Qualification Trip)
• November 26–28 – No School (Thanksgiving Break)
October Highlights
• The girls’ basketball and wrestling seasons are underway! Thank you to our athletes, coaches, and supportive families for your commitment.
• We continue to focus on building positive relationships and reinforcing school expectations to ensure a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.
This month’s character theme: Trustworthiness
Academic Focus
As we begin the second quarter, our goal remains helping every student grow both academically and socially. Families are encouraged to review grades with their students and set achievable goals for the coming weeks.
Our teachers are always available to provide extra help or clarification—please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about your child’s progress.
Parent Reminders
• Behavior Expectations: Thank you for reinforcing respect, responsibility, and positive behavior at home—it makes a difference at school!
• Attendance: Consistent attendance is essential to learning success. Please ensure your student arrives on time each day, ready to learn and participate.
Get Involved
We’re always looking for ways to strengthen our school community! If you’re interested in volunteering, supporting upcoming events, or donating classroom supplies, please contact the main office.
Your involvement and generosity help make Harrisburg Middle School a place where every student can succeed.
We’re looking forward to a productive and positive November. Thank you for your continued support and for trusting us with your children each day. Please reach out anytime with questions, concerns, or feedback.
Warm regards,
Graham Hughes
Principal, Harrisburg Middle School
📞 541-995-6551
📧 graham.hughes@harrisburg.k12.or.us