Dear HMS families, students and staff,
As we wrap up the school year, I’d like to first congratulate all our 8th grade graduates and wish you well on your journey through high school. I’d also like to thank all the parent volunteers, the PTO 8th Grade Committee, and staff who helped organized the 8th grade celebration and graduation ceremony. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes with countless volunteer hours to accomplish such a large and milestone event.
Let’s reflect on the rest of the year as so much has been accomplished! The PTO, along with the HMS staff, kicked off the year with Back To School Day (BTSD) and 6th Grade Spartan Day, followed by SELAS spirit weeks, Unity Day speaker, sock hop mixer, plays and musicals, WWII museum event, book fairs, author visits, and fundraising events throughout the year. We also had an amazing staff appreciation committee that goes above and beyond to make sure our teachers know how important they are to our students with monthly events and recognizing National Staff Appreciation Week. We were also able to give back and support efforts to work with our sister school and provide holiday gifts to families in need.
I am so excited to announce the completion of the HMS rooftop garden! The PTO funded and designed an amazing space for students and staff to go outdoors during the school day. This space has already been well used, whether by an entire class, small group instructions, or staff enjoying some fresh air during break or lunch. I’d like to thank our garden committee chairs for all their time meeting with landscapers, facilitating construction, and choosing materials that would work well in the space.
I’d like to thank our outgoing officers for all their hard work leading the PTO initiatives. I truly appreciate each one of you.
Jen Donnan, Treasurer
Dawn Wood, Corresponding Secretary
Heather Gustafson, VP Fundraising
Duane Hong, VP Technology
I’d also like to thank our officers that are continuing in their roles on the executive board and welcome our newest executive board members!
Molly Painter Lucht and Michelle Riley- Co-Presidents
Dawn McGrath-Recording Secretary
Kristin Sweis-Corresponding Secretary
Radhika Kumaran-Treasurer
Liz Williams-VP Fundraising
Kelly Lawrence-VP Communications
Renee Sobieraj-VP Technology
Thank you to all the outgoing committee chairs! You have truly made my job as president go smoothly as you have all worked so hard, taking your roles and responsibilities seriously! I am excited for the new school year to come and for our newest committee leads to join us. The PTO welcomes anyone who wants to help or volunteer next year, please look for opportunities to sign up!
Lastly, I’d like to take the time to thank those who have donated financially. Without you, we could not provide our children with the amazing enrichment, programming, supplies, and events that we do annually at HMS.
I wish you all a wonderful summer and can’t wait to connect with you throughout the new school year!
Sincerely,
Kristin Sweis
