January 30th, 2026
Hermon Middle School Community,
This week we did our winter NWEA assessments; next week we will finish up the final few students. These will be sent home with students once we are complete.
As we move through the heart of the school year, we want to take a moment to highlight one of the most powerful tools for your child’s academic success: reading with them each day.
Even as students enter the middle grades, reading together—or simply setting aside dedicated time for independent reading—continues to strengthen critical literacy skills. Just 15–20 minutes a day can make a significant difference in vocabulary growth, comprehension, writing ability, and overall confidence as learners.
Here are a few simple ways to build this routine at home:
Read alongside your child. Adults modeling a reading habit is one of the strongest predictors that students will read more themselves.
Talk about what they’re reading. Ask about characters, conflicts, surprising moments, or connections to real life. These conversations build deeper comprehension.
Share the reading. Take turns reading pages or paragraphs—yes, even in middle school! Many students enjoy being read to because it builds fluency and helps them hear what strong reading sounds like.
Make choice part of the process. Whether it’s graphic novels, fantasy, biographies, or articles about their interests, reading is most powerful when students get to pick what excites them.
Developing strong reading habits now sets students up for success in every subject area—not just English.
Thank you for partnering with us to help your child grow as a reader and thinker each day.
If you ever need book recommendations, digital reading resources, or tips on supporting reading at home, please reach out. We’re here to help!
Upcoming Events
February 5th: Math Meet
February 6th: School Dance
February 7th: Robotics Competition
February 14th – 22nd: Winter Vacation
March 5th: Academic Showcase evening, 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
March 5th: Invention Convention, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Parent Advisory Council Update
· Next meeting: February 3rd, 2026 (as a reminder, 8th-grade parents interested in fundraising will be invited to stay afterwards to continue planning)
· Email: hmspac22@gmail.com
Important Documents:
Daily Announcements: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cxga0452oc1fXzuDZysbF8ckkzu_DNTN2ZdyNJmNcF4/edit?usp=sharing
Lunch Menu: https://schools.mealviewer.com/school/HermonMiddleSchool
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at zack.freeman@schools.hermon.net or by phone at 207-848-4071.
Thank you,
Zack Freeman
Principal
Hermon Middle School