Hurley Elementary/Middle School "Higher Expectations Motivating Students"

HEMS/Principal

Tim Prater

HEMS Principal's Message

As we begin a new year in 2010, I want to thank all the staff, students and parents at HEMS for doing a fantastic job in and out of the classroom. We have great things planned and scheduled for the remaining school year. Below is a quick summary of the great things our students, parents, community members and staff did during the past Christmas season.

Over 3,000 canned good items were collected and delivered to over 30 homes. This was a great blessing to all those families. I want to thank the HEMS girl scouts for leading and directing this food drive.

50 backpacks completely full of food(sponsored by employees from several businesses in the county) were sent home with students to have extra items to eat during our Christmas break. I want to thank all the sponsors of the individual backpacks. You put a smile on the children's faces and warmed their heart with your kindness and generosity.

Toy bags were given to all students and over 100 students received clothes and needed items for the upcoming winter season. For many students and families, this is their Christmas and there is always so much more we need to do.

The HEMS students conducted a terrific Christmas program for the students and their parents during an evening presentation. I want to thank Ms. Leann Clifton for leading and directing the wonderful event.

Thank you
Tim Prater/HEMS Principal

HEMS NEWS

One Call Now Telephone Messages

HEMS Paper Angel Tree We will be collecting items from our paper angel tree located in the main lobby. If you want to particpate, take an angel from the tree and buy the items needed for our children. Please tell Gail or Della in the front office, which angel you chose. We will need to replace the angel with another.

HEMS Meets AYP Once Again And Is Fully Accedited By The Virginia Department of Education

Hurley Elem./Middle School has made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and is a fully accredited school by the Virginia Department of Education. Adequate Yearly Progress, or AYP, is part of the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001. NCLB requires all public schools and school divisions to meet certain goals (called annual measurable objectives or AMOs) to determine if they are making "adequate progress" each year. In Virginia, these goals are determined by how students do on the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests in English/reading and mathematics, the number of students tested and student attendance or graduation rate. Hispanic students. To make AYP, these students and subgroups of students must meet annual measurable objectives not only on specific tests, but in their participation in tests, and attendance or graduation rate. This is a new concept in educational measurement and one that keeps us focused on the progress of all children. Thanks for all the hard work and dedication from the HEMS teachers, students, and parents. Great job everyone!

HEMS Earns Title I Distinguished School Award

The Title I Distinguished Schools Program is a joint project of the National Association of State Title I Directors (NASTID) and the U.S. Department of Education. The program honors schools that have shown exceptional results either for sustained student achievement for two or more consecutive years or for closing the achievement gap. To be considered for the program, the schools must have a poverty rate of at least 40 percent and be nominated by the individual state’s Title I programs. Schools selected for the Distinguished Schools award must demonstrate strengths in the following areas:
Opportunity for all children to meet proficient and advanced levels of performance,
Strong professional development,
Coordination with other programs,
Curriculum and instruction to support achievement of high standards; and
Partnerships among schools, parents and communities.

Congratulations to the HEMS staff, students, parents and Buchanan County Title I office.

Study Island School/Home Program http://www.studyisland.com/ Your child can access his or her school account from home and practice many great skills and play games for learning.

Cub Scout Website For News and Information http://www.pack741breaksdistrict.org Visit this site for all your information concerning our local cub scouts. Their meetings take place at HEMS. Call the school or see Ms. Judy Counts for more information.