A Message from the Principal:

Welcome ‘19-’20

A new school year is upon us and we are excited to welcome students back into our building. It has been a quiet but productive summer here at HA. We have had some changes in our programming due to faculty movement, but we are excited about our new offerings and look forward to hearing student feedback on how we can continue to improve. I’d like to highlight a few areas for the upcoming year:

Attendance

The most important ingredient for success here at HA is consistent attendance. Parents I need your help and support in this; please plan accordingly so students can be here the maximum number of days. Even 1 missed day takes significant time to get back up to speed, while still trying to maintain the new classroom activities & assignments. We find that not only are the missed days difficult to catch up on, but it can put students in a constant pattern of catching up, where they are emotionally and mentally impacted negatively. If you have concerns please reach out to me or to our school counselors to make appropriate plans.

Build Relationships (Positive Attitude)

We want every student to build positive relationships with their peers and our staff members, therefore creating a prime environment for a successful 4 years at Hampden Academy. We are here to support each other and build the best possible atmosphere while we share your 4 year high school experience.  It is important that if you ever have questions you are speaking directly with your teachers. They are here to support you in your education and push you to do your best, so while it may seem intimidating, I know we have a great team of adults here in the building ready to help in any way, so please seek them out.

Organization & Work Completion

Find what works for you, but use something to organize your coursework, assignments, responsibilities and projects. Many students use folders & notebooks, while others use binders and dividers; there is no right or wrong method, except for shoving it in your bag to “find” later. That method hasn’t been very successful! In speaking with our students last year, they would echo the “do your work” mantra. Completing assignments on time allows for a better balance than missing deadlines and getting behind, which can pile up quickly. We offer support before and after school, as all teachers are here 7:30 – 2:30 and are available to help out most days when they aren’t in meetings.

Cell Phone Support

We are working to strike the balance between a great tool and a frustrating distraction with phones. We are not at the place of removing them altogether, but have discussed that possibility. Right now students are able to use cell phones before school, at lunch, after school, and with permission during class periods for academic purposes. We do not want to see them out in the hallways or without permission as it takes away from the overall environment we want to create at HA. If you need to reach your student, please contact them before 8:00 am and after 2:02 pm, or if it’s an emergency please contact the main office (862-3791). Thank you for your cooperation and help with this!

I hope everyone had an enjoyable summer and found ways to re-energize for the ‘19-’20 school year. We all look forward to your return and are excited for the new year!

Sincerely,

C. William Tracy