Thursday, September 5, 2019

Dear HMS Families, 

The Parent Portal is open for parents to access. It is an important communication tool; information regarding attendance and grades can be viewed. Ms. Amita Singla, HMS Power School Clerk, created a step-by-step form to guide parents through the sign up process. How to Access Parent Portal

Notes: 

1.) HOMEROOM ATTENDANCE: Each day, teachers will take attendance during homeroom. Parents will see the following codes: Blank=Present, T=Tardy, EXC=Excused, UNX=Unexcused, or D=Dismissed. To report your child absent, parents of seventh grade students should call Joan Landino at 203-407-7207 and parents of eighth grade students should call Ms. DiPalma at 203-407-7180. 

2.) CLASS ATTENDANCE: Some teachers use PowerSchool to take attendance for each class. The code "NS" means the student was not seen in class. If a child is present in school, the NS code could indicate the student may have been with the school counselor or music lessons. Parents who have questions about the NS code should contact the specific teacher to seek clarification. 

3.) ASSIGNMENTS and GRADES: While it is important for parents to regularly check the Parent Portal, we also want parents to understand the grades will fluctuate as the marking period progresses. Specific questions regarding grades should be directed to the individual teachers. 

Parent Portal is an awesome tool. Please be sure to access it this week and reach out if you need help or have a question. 

Sincerely, 

Michelle G. Coogan 

HMS Principal