Hello Schalmont Middle School Students and Families,

I hope you’re all enjoying a relaxing and restful summer. It’s hard to believe July is already coming to a close and the new school year is quickly approaching. Below you’ll find some important updates and information to help you and your student prepare for a smooth and successful start to the new school year in September.

Welcome Grade 5 Students

We are very excited to welcome the class of 2034 to the middle school this fall. Our grade 5 teachers have been working hard all summer to prepare a middle school experience for all our new students and parents. The grade 5 teacher placement letter will be shared the week of August 17.

We have a Grade 5 Open House planned on Thursday, August 27 at 5:00 p.m. The program will include:

• An introduction to the Middle School leadership team
• Classroom visits and program overview
• Locker assignment and practice
• Special areas overview
• Building tour

Additional information will be shared with 5th grade students and families in the coming weeks, including options for those unable to attend the event.

Changes to Chromebook Usage – Grades 5 and 6

This year, students in grades 5 and 6 will not be individually assigned Chromebooks for the school year. Instead, each classroom will be equipped with a “classroom set” of devices, to be used under teacher direction to supplement classroom instruction and learning activities. We have designed this shift to minimize the need for take-home devices, as very little work requiring a computer is assigned outside of class in grades 5 and 6. Should the need arise, our teachers have protocols in place for students to sign out a device if they do not have access to a personal device at home.

The decision to transition back to classroom sets is driven by our commitment to fostering a more focused, engaged learning environment. By reducing daily device reliance, we aim to increase meaningful classroom interaction, encourage more paper-and-pencil work to build writing endurance and foundational skills, and strengthen academic integrity by minimizing the potential for digital distractions in school and at home.

Middle School Counselors

Upon entering 6th grade, our students begin working closely with our Middle School counselors. Mrs. Romano and Ms. Clark, who bring years of combined experience, are thrilled to welcome our rising 6th graders and to continue assisting our 7th and 8th grade students. They are dedicated to offering both academic guidance and social-emotional support as students continue their journey through middle school.

Below are the Middle School counseling assignments for the 2026–2027 school year:

• Mrs. Romano – Grades 6 – 8 (Last Names A – L)
• Ms. Clark – Grades 6 – 8 (Last Names M – Z)

Our school counselors are eager to support students and families. Please reach out to them with any questions or concerns.

Student Schedules and Teacher Assignments

Our team has been working diligently over the summer to finalize student schedules. Schedules for students in grades 6 – 8 will be available on Schoology and the eSchool Parent Portal beginning Tuesday, September 1.

As mentioned above, grade 5 students will receive a separate letter with classroom assignments during the week of August 17.

On the first day of school, students will receive a printed copy of their schedule during homeroom. It’s important that students know their homeroom location for the first day of school, which will be listed on their schedule.

Arrival Procedures

For morning arrival, all buses will unload in the front loop of the Middle and High School starting at 7:25 a.m. This allows students to enter the building and have breakfast if they wish.

The Middle School homeroom begins promptly at 7:40 a.m., starting with the Pledge of Allegiance and morning announcements.

Family drop-off will continue in the Middle School parking lot, with students entering through Door 14 by the LGI. Door 14 will open for drop-off at 7:15 a.m.

After 7:30 a.m., family drop-offs should occur in the front loop.

Open House: Grades 6 – 8

The Open House for students in grades 6 -8 will take place on Wednesday, September 23 at 6:00 p.m. Additional details will be shared in the weeks leading up to the event.

Back to School Orientation Programs

During the first few days of school, we will offer Back-to-School Orientation sessions for students in grades 5 through 8. Topics will include academic integrity, digital citizenship and etiquette, and school-wide expectations.

A detailed schedule for these sessions will be shared in the upcoming back-to-school communication with families and students later this summer.

School Supplies

School supply lists are available on the district website by clicking here. If you have any questions, please contact the Middle School Main Office at 518-355-6110.

Student Attendance and Engagement

Punctual daily attendance is essential to maximize instructional time and support student success. Research and our experience show that good attendance strongly correlates with better learning outcomes. Establishing consistent attendance during the first month sets a positive tone for the entire school year.

Instruction begins promptly at 7:40 a.m. every day, with learning activities starting immediately. We expect all middle school students to be punctual, attend daily, and be ready to learn. Since we know that family emergencies and illnesses happen, please remember to contact the Middle School office if your student will be late or absent.

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions. Wishing you a wonderful rest of your summer.

Thank you,

Matthew Heckman
Executive Principal
Schalmont Middle School and High School
518-355-6110