We welcome our new families to Holly Ridge Middle School. The 2013-2014 school year will be a great one for the students, parents, and community of Holly Ridge! We are excited to have you join us!
The purpose of this site is to provide as much information as possible for the upcoming school year. The site is very much a work in progress and will be updated and added to as we get closer to August. If you find that you have a question that this site does not answer, please email our principal, Brian Pittman, at bpittman@wcpss.net.
HELP US KEEP YOU IN THE LOOP!
PLEASE SEND US YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS! We will atempt to keep in contact with you over the summer and throughout the year using email and other methods. TO ADD YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, send it to our Data Manager at NCWISE450@wcpss.net. When you send your email, please also send your child's name. It will greatly help us to ensure that all families receive timely communication.
MAILINGS FROM PAST SUMMERS
We typically send out information to parents at various times in the spring and summer. Below are examples of summer mailings and information from the 2012 summer session. Typically, this information does not change very much and can give you a good sense of what to expect in starting the middle school experience. These items will be updated as we send out information for the 2013-2014 school year.
- Spring 2012 Mailing: In general this letter gave information about sixth grade open houses and orientation sessions.
- Summer 2012 Mailing: In general this letter gives information about school basics, the bell schedule, class schedules, etc. This includes the "nuts & bolts" logistics for the school year.
BELOW YOU CAN FIND INFORMATION
The Basics about HRMS
- HRMS opened in 2003-2004.
- We
expect to have about 1,200 students in 2013-2014.
- Our colors are blue and Georgia Tech yellow.
- Our mascot is the Hornet.
- Athletics include football, boys and girls soccer, boys and girls basketball, volleyball, track, softball, baseball, and cheerleading. Sixth grade students are not eligible for athletics in North Carolina. There are, however, often intramural programs that all students are invited to participate in.
Key Dates to Know
Tuesday, January 8 - Open House for Rising 6th Graders, 6-8pm
Thursday, April 11 - Rising 6th Grade Open House, 7:00pm (HRMS Gym)
Tuesday, August 20 - Rising 6th Grade Parent Orientation, 7:00pm
Wednesday, August 21 - Rising 6th Grade Student Orientation, 8:30-11:30am
Monday, August 26 - First Day of School!!!
Tdap Vaccination Requirements
Starting with students entering middle school in August 2008, the state of North Carolina requires that all students entering 6th grade have the Tdap Vaccination shot. Here is some key information:
- We have been told that some pediatricians are not willing to give the shot because the student is not 11 years old yet. The Health Department advises us that there is another version of the vaccination that is safe for younger ages. The Health Department has advised us they will not accept age as a reason to not have the booster shot.
- Religious or medical exemptions must be documented. There is a form that is available. The Wake County Health Department will need to assess these exemptions.
- Holly Ridge is not empowered to waive the deadline for this shot. Students who do not have the shot will not be able to attend school after a certain date.
- Contacting the Wake County Health Department is the way to get more information on the vaccination or the state law requiring it.
For more information about Tdap shots, please visit the links below.
Useful Weblinks for Parents and Students
HRMS Links
Other Links of Interest
Summer Enrichment Activities for Rising 6th Grade Students
ORIENTATION FOR RISING SIXTH GRADE PARENTS AND STUDENTS
In August 2013, we will host two different orientation sessions -- one specifically for rising 6th grade parents and one for students. We will share more details on these at the April 11 Open House at Holly Ridge.
Our goal in the parent orientation session is to provide parents with every resource possible to assist their child in making their sixth grade year positive. We will discuss how to view grades online, where parents can see daily agendas and objectives in each class, what materials students need and how parents can help their students use those materials, etc.
The goals for the sixth grade student orientation focus on helping students get to know their teachers, the building, and general expectations prior to the first day. Hopefully, this will help build their confidence and lower anxiety! This will happen on one of the workdays prior to the start of school. Only students participate in this session.
KEY INDIVIDUALS TO KNOW
Below are HRMS staff members that will be working to ensure a smooth transition for your student. You should feel free to contact the following individuals at any time between now and August if we can be of service to you or your student.
| Person |
Position |
Email |
| Brian Pittman |
Principal |
bpittman@wcpss.net |
| James Cole |
6th Grade Assistant Principal |
jcole@wcpss.net |
| Brett Bearman |
6th Grade Counselor * |
bbearman@wcpss.net |
| Doug Poppe |
Special Education Chair |
dpoppe@wcpss.net |
| Angela Wallace |
504 Plan Coordinator |
awallace@wcpss.net |
| Pamela Branch |
Enrollment / Records |
pbranch@wcpss.net |
* Note: Mr. Bearman will move with the students through all three years of middle school.
As with all schools, the people who can usually help you best are the wonderful staff members in the front office. Ms. Laurie Davis (ldavis4@wcpss.net) is our front office receptionist and is with us until June 12. Ms. Pam Branch is our Guidance Department Secretary (pbranch@wcpss.net) and handles all student records. Both ladies are exceptional (and keep the building running!!) and will be able to answer any question you have.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Feel free to email Mr. Pittman at bpittman@wcpss.net if you have a question you would like to add to this website.
Q: How do you communicate with parents if there is not a weekly folder sent home?
A: There is a weekly email that goes to all parents from the principal. There is also a listserv for each team to use to communicate team specific news to parents. Also, on the first and third Thursday of each month, parents can schedule a team conference through the Guidance Office.
Q: What materials and supplies are needed for sixth graders?
A: We will post a sixth grade supply list on the website by early July. Also, all students are asked to have a standard PE uniform of blue gym shorts and gray shirt. We do sell PE uniforms for $10 (shorts and shirt). When you buy a size bigger than what they need now, the uniforms usually last for all three years.
Q: Do I need to purchase a lock for my locker?
A: No. Locks are built into the locker and provided by the school. (And, yes, the combinations change from one year to the next.)
Q: Is the dress code for middle school any different than elementary school?
A: We operate using the WCPSS board policy for dress code that can be found if you CLICK HERE. We prohibit hats or any type of head gear. CLICK HERE to review the 2012-13 Student Handbook
Q: Are students allowed to ride the bus home with a friend?
A: No. Students are only allowed to ride their bus home. No student will be given permission to ride home with another.
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