Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School District

The naturalist joined the 7th grade classes at the Middle School to lead an active movement game tied to prairie lands. They were also able to do some hands-on learning with prairie grasses and plants around the Sanborn golf course.

Mrs. Benz surprised each class at the Elementary with a special Halloween story time this week!

We Are Hiring! Do you know of any individuals looking to join an excellent school district? If so, send them our way! The HMS Community School District is seeking highly qualified, dynamic individuals to serve in a variety of roles within the school district. For more information, please visit the HMS district employment page at: https://www.hartley-ms.k12.ia.us/page/employment Questions regarding any of these positions can be directed to any building principal or Mr. Carlin, HMS Superintendent at pcarlin@hmshawks.org.

Miss Rustad and the 7th graders started their next art project at the Middle School… masks!

Family Game Night was a success! We had a great time with our HMS Middle School families!

Registration for the Winter '25/'26 Driver's Education Class is now open!

Classes will meet 15 times at HMS Middle School on selected dates from November 11th- February 20th. The first night of class is a parent/child meeting from 7:00-9:00pm. Payment for the course must be made that night. All other class sessions for students will run from 6:00-9:00pm. Individual driving times with an instructor will also be scheduled after classes begin.

The link for more information and to register: https://www.hartley-ms.k12.ia.us/page/drivers-education

Twelve 5th grade students and two 7th grade students were recognized for their exceptional work on their first quarter book reports. The 5th grade students were challenged to complete four book reports during the first quarter. Those students got to have 'Donuts with Douma' to celebrate their hard work! The two 7th grade students were recognized for their exceptional writing and earned smoothies!

The Middle School Cross Country runners wrapped up their season last week! Way to work hard this season!

Join us at the Middle School tomorrow night from 6:00 - 8:00 for Family Game Night!

The Naturalist came to visit the 5th and 6th grade science students! The 5th graders participated in a hands-on activity separating substances, and the 6th graders had some extra practice with plant and animal cells.

Mark your calendars! The Book Fair is right around the corner!

Tuesday, November 4 and Thursday, November 6 (During Conferences)
1/2 DaVinci Studio at HMS Elementary
4:00-8:00 PM

If you are unable to make it to the book fair, or would prefer to order books online, here is the link to order online: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/hartleymelvinsanbornes

Our 4th grade students recently enjoyed a visit from Water Rocks! by Iowa State University. They led an engaging presentation about watersheds and how human actions impact the environment. Through hands-on activities and games, students explored how water moves across the land, how pollution can travel downstream, and ways we can all help protect water quality. The session helped students understand that we all live in a watershed, and that the choices we make, from using fertilizers to disposing of trash, have real effects on our local rivers, lakes, and ecosystems.

We Are Hiring! Do you know of any individuals looking to join an excellent school district? If so, send them our way! The HMS Community School District is seeking highly qualified, dynamic individuals to serve in a variety of roles within the school district. For more information, please visit the HMS district employment page at: https://www.hartley-ms.k12.ia.us/page/employment Questions regarding any of these positions can be directed to any building principal or Mr. Carlin, HMS Superintendent at pcarlin@hmshawks.org.

The third-grade students are working on an animal study unit in their Amplify curriculum. Part of this unit explores the work of Jane Goodall. Dave, an elementary associate, presented to the students about his time in Tanzania while delivering shoes to the school children with the program, 'Soles for Souls.' During this time, Dave had the opportunity to explore the area where Jane had worked. What an enriching presentation for our students!

Thank you to Valero for joining us this morning for High Five Friday! It was a great morning for some high fives!

🏐 Join us this Thursday night for Volleyball Senior Night!
Come celebrate our incredible senior athletes and all they’ve accomplished this season. Let’s pack the gym and show our support as the Hawks take the court one last time at home!

🏃‍♀️ In addition, HMS will be hosting the War Eagle Conference Cross Country Meet right in Sanborn! This will start at 4:00 for Junior High Runners, with high school to follow. Come cheer on our runners as they represent our school with pride and determination.

🎟️ Buy your tickets online: https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/hartleymelvinsanborn/tickets

Thank you for your continued support of our HMS Hawks!

Ean Elgersma and Emmett Vander Berg, both sixth graders at HMS Middle School and under the direction of Kristi Daggett, have been selected to participate in the 39th annual Opus Honor Choir Festival. Over 3,000 students were nominated by their directors for 720 positions in the four Opus Honor Choirs. Selections were made by means of a recorded audition. The 2025 Opus Honor Choirs will perform at 4:00 p.m. on November 20th at Stephens Auditorium in the Iowa State Center in Ames. The Opus Honor Choir Festival is made possible by the Iowa Choral Directors Association, Inc.

HMS would like to honor members of our Military branches at our upcoming Veterans Day Program!

We invite the public to fill out this form if you would like to recognize a family member, former HMS graduate, community member, or friend in this year's Veterans Day slideshow. If you have any questions, please contact Breana Biery at the High School. Call 712-928-3406 or e-mail bbiery@hartley-ms.k12.ia.us

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSAGtc8VejZxKv88fGhwdRm7eIUpG2elLgdQk7JpHBrgj5qw/viewform

Veterans Day Programs will be held Tuesday, November 11th.

It is always a great day when the Naturalist comes to visit!

In second grade, the Naturalist challenged the students to create a waterproof home. Students used various materials to build a waterproof structure, able to withstand a flood!

In third grade, the Naturalist shared about animal classifications and their characteristics.

TK recently learned about foods that some animals need to survive the cold winters. Students observed the outside and inside of black walnuts and acorns. Earlier in the year, students made acorns out of torn paper to work on their fine motor skills.