Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School District

In Mrs. Schirmer's class, students learned all about snow! In reading, the class read "Sneezy the Snowman" and discussed different ways to make snowmen melt. During science, the class had the opportunity to try different ways to see which was the fastest method to melt snow - rubbing hands together, using a hair dryer, blowing on it, or rubbing it on the desk. They ended the class with a friendly water fight with the melted snow on the table!

We're ready to celebrate the holiday season! The '12 Days of Christmas' begins next Monday, December 8th. Staff, students, and community members are invited to participate by dressing in the corresponding festive attire for each day!

HMS Middle School students kicked off the Thanksgiving Break with their annual Turkey Relays! Congrats to Miss Feenstra's advisory group for winning the tournament and the traveling trophy!

Happy Thanksgiving, Hawks!

Reminder that there will be no school November 26 - 28 due to Thanksgiving Break.

Enjoy your break!

Community Memorial Health Center joined us this morning for High Five Friday! Thank you so much for taking time out of your morning to welcome the Elementary students to school!

HMS School Board Members and HMS Superintendent engaging in professional leadership learning at the Iowa School Board Convention.

The HMS Wrestling Store is now open! Use the link below to purchase your gear for the upcoming season!

https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/iowa/hartley/hartley-melvin-sanborn-schools/design/picker?pb=CgZTcG9ydHMSCVdyZXN0bGluZzAB

Kylie, the O'Brien County Naturalist, came to HMS Elementary to present on owls. Students across grade levels compared owl and turkey feathers to see which feathers are softer and quieter. Students learned that owls have softer feathers which are good for quiet flying when hunting for prey. Students got to feel the sharpness of owl talons and they learned there are various kinds of owls that make different kinds of noises.

Our junior and senior math students, TAG, and STEM students represented HMS at Dordt University’s Math Challenge Day in October. Teams worked together to solve complex problems, tackle real-world scenarios, and stretch their critical-thinking and collaboration skills alongside students from across the region. Students also participated in breakout sessions, allowing them to explore the campus while doing hands-on math.

Students got to see math beyond the classroom, building confidence, teamwork, and a love of problem-solving that will serve them well in any future path. We’re so proud of their effort and enthusiasm!

Thank you to these members from the Melvin and May City Fire Departments for joining us this morning for High Five Friday!

The students in 3rd grade started their Ancient Roman Civilization unit with a virtual museum.

Our 8th grade TAG students spent the day at Lakeside Labs for the Science Works program! Students rolled up their sleeves and became scientists for the day, collecting samples, learning about amphibians and raptors, and exploring real ecosystems along the lakeshore.

Hands-on field experiences like this deepen understanding of environmental science, connect classroom learning to the real world, and inspire curiosity about STEM careers. It’s learning by doing. We couldn’t be prouder of their curiosity and teamwork! 💚🌊 #HMSHawks #TAG #ScienceWorks #LakesideLabs #LearningBeyondTheClassroom

Our high school STEM students engineered and tested their own paper roller coasters, using creativity, physics, and teamwork to design the ultimate ride!

Introducing the Middle School Students of the Month for October!

5th: Daleysa Carrera
6th: Rosealynn Sickels
7th: Brantley Maris
8th: Lilliana Washington

Thanks to you all for being great role models and exemplifying what it means to be an HMS Hawk--way to show your Hawk WINGS (Working Together, Integrity, Never Giving Up, Generous in Spirit, and Show Respect)!

Our 2nd and 3rd grade TAG students took a trip to Northwestern College to see Dragon’s Love Tacos! The performance was full of laughs and imagination, but also packed with learning. Attending live theater helps students build listening and comprehension skills, expand vocabulary, and spark creativity. It also gives them a chance to experience storytelling brought to life, supporting social-emotional growth and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. We loved seeing our young learners connect classroom lessons to the stage! 💛🐉🌮 #HMSHawks #TAG #DragonsLoveTacos #LearningBeyondTheClassroom

The public is invited to attend the Veterans Day programs hosted by HMS tomorrow!

The Elementary/High School program begins at 9:00 in the High School Gym.

The Middle School program begins at 10:30 in the Middle School Gym.

Seventh and eighth grade singers from HMS, under the direction of Mrs. Daggett, joined over 300 students from 33 schools across Iowa for the ICDA Honor Choir in Le Mars. It was a day full of music and an inspiring evening performance!

Our students represented HMS with enthusiasm and pride, working hard under the direction of Heather Barker and Mark Potvin to create a truly moving concert.

Special thanks to our administration for supporting this opportunity, to ICDA and the many teacher volunteers who make this event possible, and to Le Mars for being such a wonderful host. Congratulations to our Honor Choir singers for a fantastic day of music-making—you made HMS proud!

Congratulations to the high school choir on their fall vocal concert on October 30!

The evening started with two senior spotlights, Jordan Lux singing "A Thousand Years." Jordan's younger brother, Ean (6th grade), joined her for a duet, "Say Something," and left a few tears in the audience.
Then, Jozelyn Torres wowed us all with her solo "Dreamer."

The concert choir took the stage with a triumphant "Battle Hymn of the Republic" as they prepare for Veterans Day.

"Actus" left the audience silent for a few moments. The text, nearly 2,000 years old, from the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, translates to "the challenge is the way" and became the concert's main theme.

The women started the Large Group Contest process and stirred our hearts with "Prayer of the Children."

Ending the concert with a message of light and hope was a piece called "Can We Sing the Darkness to Light?" by Kyle Pederson.

Thank you to everyone who helps make our concert successful, but truly, the hard-working students and the people who support us!

See you December 8 @ 7:00pm for our HS Holiday Concert!

At HMS High School, our Students of the Month embody what it means to Show Up. Step Up. Soar! by demonstrating dedication, leadership, and a positive example for their peers. Alongside them, students have also voted to recognize a staff member who consistently models these same values throughout every week of the school year. Congratulations to our October recipients!

Reminder to all HMS families that school will be dismissing early today, Tuesday, November 4th, and Thursday, November 6th, for Parent Teacher Conferences. We look forward to sharing with you at conferences!