If your student missed any state testing, please have your student report to HEMS on Thursday or Friday at 7:45am to be tested.
🎉☀️ The Countdown Is ON… School’s Almost Out! ☀️🎉
May is here, and we are cruising toward summer break! 🚗💨 Get ready for a month full of important dates, celebrations, and finishing strong 💪📚
🔗 Stay up to date on everything happening this month:
https://app.smore.com/n/84bpn
Let’s make these final days COUNT! Show up, stay focused, and finish the year like a champion 🏆🐻
Summer is calling… but we’ve got a few more memories to make first! 😎🌴
May is here, and we are cruising toward summer break! 🚗💨 Get ready for a month full of important dates, celebrations, and finishing strong 💪📚
🔗 Stay up to date on everything happening this month:
https://app.smore.com/n/84bpn
Let’s make these final days COUNT! Show up, stay focused, and finish the year like a champion 🏆🐻
Summer is calling… but we’ve got a few more memories to make first! 😎🌴
Happy Principal’s Day! 🎉
Today we celebrate a leader who brings energy, heart, and purpose to everything he does—Mr. Pennington! He doesn’t just lead—he inspires. He lifts up his staff, champions his students, and truly understands that social and emotional learning is the foundation for success both in and out of the classroom.
Even in the most chaotic moments, Mr. Pennington shows up with compassion, patience, and strength—handling it all like a pro and making it look easy. (We see you 👀.) He sets the tone, raises the bar, and somehow keeps us all moving forward with a smile.
Because of his vision, his dedication, and his unwavering support, HEMS isn’t just a school—it’s a community where everyone belongs, thrives… and maybe steps up their game just a little bit more 😉
Thank you, Mr. Pennington, for leading with heart, for inspiring greatness, and for always believing in us. We’re lucky to have a principal who can do it all—and do it with style.
Can I get a GO BEARS?! 🐻🔥
GO BEARS!!!
🔥✨ IT’S GONNA BE MAY… AND IT’S GONNA BE BIG! ✨🔥
🚨 Attendance Challenge Alert! 🚨
Think your class has what it takes?! 👀
We’re turning up the heat this month—random class periods with the BEST attendance will be selected to win 🎉 RANDOM PRIZES! 🎉
3️⃣ TRIPLE PBIS Points?
⭐ Prizes?
🎉 Surprises?
YES PLEASE.
All you have to do is one simple thing…
👉 SHOW UP. 👈
Because if you’re not here… you can’t win 😏
💥 Be HERE… or miss out! 💥
🎉🐻 HEMS Cafeteria Appreciation Post 🐻🎉
🍎 School Lunch Hero Day 🍎
Today is a very special day because it’s School Lunch Hero Day!
We want to give a MASSIVE shout-out to our incredible cafeteria team! 💜
They don’t just serve food…
🥪 They fuel our bodies
🧠 They power our brains
💪 They help us stay focused and ready to learn
Our cafeteria heroes show up every single day with smiles, kindness, and dedication to make sure every Bear is taken care of!
👏 When you head to lunch today, don’t forget to:
• Give them a high-five
• Say THANK YOU
• Show them how much we appreciate all they do
Because behind every great school day…
🍽️ is an AMAZING cafeteria team!
🍎 School Lunch Hero Day 🍎
Today is a very special day because it’s School Lunch Hero Day!
We want to give a MASSIVE shout-out to our incredible cafeteria team! 💜
They don’t just serve food…
🥪 They fuel our bodies
🧠 They power our brains
💪 They help us stay focused and ready to learn
Our cafeteria heroes show up every single day with smiles, kindness, and dedication to make sure every Bear is taken care of!
👏 When you head to lunch today, don’t forget to:
• Give them a high-five
• Say THANK YOU
• Show them how much we appreciate all they do
Because behind every great school day…
🍽️ is an AMAZING cafeteria team!
🚌💜 HEMS Bus Driver Appreciation 💜🚌
Today we celebrate the amazing individuals who keep our Bears moving safely each and every day!
From early mornings to late afternoons, our bus drivers go above and beyond—greeting students with a smile, ensuring safe rides, and making a difference one route at a time.
👏 Thank you for your patience
👏 Thank you for your care
👏 Thank you for your commitment to our students
You don’t just drive buses… You drive futures. 💫
We see you. We value you. We appreciate YOU!
Today we celebrate the amazing individuals who keep our Bears moving safely each and every day!
From early mornings to late afternoons, our bus drivers go above and beyond—greeting students with a smile, ensuring safe rides, and making a difference one route at a time.
👏 Thank you for your patience
👏 Thank you for your care
👏 Thank you for your commitment to our students
You don’t just drive buses… You drive futures. 💫
We see you. We value you. We appreciate YOU!
📣💜Happy Administrative Assistants Appreciation Day! 💜📣
Today we are celebrating TWO of the absolute best — Ms. Amy and Ms. Tiffany! 🎉
From greeting our students with a smile 😊, answering a million phone calls 📞, keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes, and supporting our staff every single day — they truly do it ALL!
HEMS simply wouldn’t be the same without their kindness, organization, and dedication. They are the heartbeat of our front office and the glue that holds us together! 🐻💜
Please help us show some BIG love and appreciation for these amazing women today! 👏👏👏
Thank you, Ms. Amy and Ms. Tiffany, for always going above and beyond for our students, staff, and school family. We appreciate you more than words can say! 💐✨
State Testing Information for our Huntington East Families
Click the link for more information
https://app.smore.com/n/ndpvg
🎉🔥 LET’S HEAR IT FOR OUR BEARS!!! 🔥🎉
We are BEYOND proud to celebrate our incredible 8th grade students who have been ACCEPTED into the Woody Williams Advanced Center for Learning for their 9th grade year! 🐻✨ This is a HUGE accomplishment and a true reflection of your hard work, dedication, and brilliance!
📣 Acceptance letters and important info have been sent home—don’t forget:
✅ To secure your spot, letters MUST be returned to the HEMS counselors by April 22nd!
This is just the beginning, Bears… and we already know you’re going to do AMAZING things! 💜🚀 Keep chasing those dreams and making us proud!
📣🐻 HEMS Bears are headed to STATE! 🐻📣
On April 18th, our very own Riya S. and Miller M. will represent Huntington East Middle School at the State Math Field Day at Wesleyan College! 🧠✨
They’ll be putting their problem-solving skills, teamwork, and math knowledge to the ultimate test—and we know they’re ready! 💪📊
👏 Let’s hear it for our Bears! Drop some good luck wishes below and cheer them on as they compete with confidence and determination! 💜🖤
🌱 Calling All Garden Helpers! 🌱
We’re filling our greenhouse beds and need your help! Got extra yard scraps? We’ll gladly take them!
🍃 We’re collecting:
• Sticks & small branches
• Leaves, grass clippings, pine needles
• Mulch, straw, wood chips (untreated)
• Cardboard, newspaper, paper bags, egg cartons
• Fruit & veggie scraps (no meat or dairy)
📍 Drop off anytime in any empty raised garden bed!
Help us build rich compost, save money on soil, and grow something amazing for our students! 💚🐻
We’re filling our greenhouse beds and need your help! Got extra yard scraps? We’ll gladly take them!
🍃 We’re collecting:
• Sticks & small branches
• Leaves, grass clippings, pine needles
• Mulch, straw, wood chips (untreated)
• Cardboard, newspaper, paper bags, egg cartons
• Fruit & veggie scraps (no meat or dairy)
📍 Drop off anytime in any empty raised garden bed!
Help us build rich compost, save money on soil, and grow something amazing for our students! 💚🐻
✨🕺 HEMS Semi-Formal Dance 💃✨
Get ready to step back in time! Join us for a Decades-Themed Semi-Formal Dance sponsored by NJHS & HEMS Student Council! 🎶
🗓 Date: May 22nd
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: HEMS
🎟 Tickets:
💲 $5 each
Sold in advance ONLY during lunch rotations
On sale starting April 15th
🚫 No tickets will be sold at the door
This dance is for HEMS students only
🍿 Concessions will be available in the cafeteria during the dance!
⚠️ Reminder: All school rules will be in effect—let’s keep it fun, safe, and respectful!
Break out your best look from your favorite decade and get ready to dance the night away! 🪩✨
Get ready to step back in time! Join us for a Decades-Themed Semi-Formal Dance sponsored by NJHS & HEMS Student Council! 🎶
🗓 Date: May 22nd
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: HEMS
🎟 Tickets:
💲 $5 each
Sold in advance ONLY during lunch rotations
On sale starting April 15th
🚫 No tickets will be sold at the door
This dance is for HEMS students only
🍿 Concessions will be available in the cafeteria during the dance!
⚠️ Reminder: All school rules will be in effect—let’s keep it fun, safe, and respectful!
Break out your best look from your favorite decade and get ready to dance the night away! 🪩✨
🐻 Join the Bears for our November PTSO Meeting! 💜
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 14th— PTSO Meeting will begin promptly at 5:15PM at the HEMS Purple Tables
We hope to see you there and appreciate your continued support for our Bear family! 🐾
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 14th— PTSO Meeting will begin promptly at 5:15PM at the HEMS Purple Tables
We hope to see you there and appreciate your continued support for our Bear family! 🐾
✨ Hey HEMS Families! ✨
Our April Parent Newsletter is here! 📬🎉
Be sure to check it out for updates, upcoming events, and all the great things happening at HEMS! 🐻
https://app.smore.com/n/5pbfq
Our April Parent Newsletter is here! 📬🎉
Be sure to check it out for updates, upcoming events, and all the great things happening at HEMS! 🐻
https://app.smore.com/n/5pbfq
🏃♂️💨 READY… SET… SHOP! 🐻💜
The HEMS Bears Track & Field Fan Shop is OFFICIALLY OPEN, and it’s your time to sprint to that cart and grab your gear! 🛍️🔥
Don’t get left in the dust — rep the purple & black and cheer on our Bears in style all season long!
🛒 Shop now: https://hemstrack2026.itemorder.com/shop/home/
⏱️ Deadline: Wednesday, April 15th (that finish line is coming FAST!)
📦 Orders will be delivered by the team on April 19th — just in time to show up and show OUT at meets!
Whether you're in the stands or on the sidelines, make sure you’re race-day ready 💪
🐻💜 GOOOO BEARS! 💜🐻
The HEMS Bears Track & Field Fan Shop is OFFICIALLY OPEN, and it’s your time to sprint to that cart and grab your gear! 🛍️🔥
Don’t get left in the dust — rep the purple & black and cheer on our Bears in style all season long!
🛒 Shop now: https://hemstrack2026.itemorder.com/shop/home/
⏱️ Deadline: Wednesday, April 15th (that finish line is coming FAST!)
📦 Orders will be delivered by the team on April 19th — just in time to show up and show OUT at meets!
Whether you're in the stands or on the sidelines, make sure you’re race-day ready 💪
🐻💜 GOOOO BEARS! 💜🐻
🐻 WVGSA TESTING AT HEMS 🐻
Let’s Show What We Know!
Expected Report time for Virtual and Homeschool students is 8am; test will end approximately 10:30am
📅 TESTING SCHEDULE
🧮 April 28
➤ Math
Grades: 6th, 7th, 8th
📚 April 30
➤ Reading
Grades: 6th, 7th, 8th
📝 May 5
➤ Writing
Grades: 6th, 7th, 8th
🔬 May 6
➤ Science
Grade: 8th
(6th & 7th optional for virtual/homeschool students)
✨ BE READY, BE RESTED, DO YOUR BEST!
✔ Charge your iPad
✔ Get a good night’s sleep
✔ Eat a healthy breakfast
💜 HEMS Bears are READY to SHINE! 🐻✨
Let’s Show What We Know!
Expected Report time for Virtual and Homeschool students is 8am; test will end approximately 10:30am
📅 TESTING SCHEDULE
🧮 April 28
➤ Math
Grades: 6th, 7th, 8th
📚 April 30
➤ Reading
Grades: 6th, 7th, 8th
📝 May 5
➤ Writing
Grades: 6th, 7th, 8th
🔬 May 6
➤ Science
Grade: 8th
(6th & 7th optional for virtual/homeschool students)
✨ BE READY, BE RESTED, DO YOUR BEST!
✔ Charge your iPad
✔ Get a good night’s sleep
✔ Eat a healthy breakfast
💜 HEMS Bears are READY to SHINE! 🐻✨
Huge congratulations are in order! 🎉✍️
We are so proud to celebrate our talented writers from HEMS!
🏆 Emily W. earned 1st Place in Poetry
🥈 Avery E. earned 2nd Place in Prose
Both students competed in the Middle School Division of the Creative Writing Contest, and their hard work, creativity, and passion truly shined! 🌟
Keep writing, dreaming, and inspiring others with your words—we can’t wait to see what you create next! 💜🖤
We are so proud to celebrate our talented writers from HEMS!
🏆 Emily W. earned 1st Place in Poetry
🥈 Avery E. earned 2nd Place in Prose
Both students competed in the Middle School Division of the Creative Writing Contest, and their hard work, creativity, and passion truly shined! 🌟
Keep writing, dreaming, and inspiring others with your words—we can’t wait to see what you create next! 💜🖤
🍿 Popcorn Time at Lunch! 🍿
Get ready for a crunchy, buttery treat! Fresh popcorn will be available during lunch tomorrow, March 13.
💰 $2 per bag
🔥 Special Deal: 3 bags for $5!
💜 Funds support Staff Appreciation
Perfect for sharing with friends… or keeping all to yourself! 😄
Get ready for a crunchy, buttery treat! Fresh popcorn will be available during lunch tomorrow, March 13.
💰 $2 per bag
🔥 Special Deal: 3 bags for $5!
💜 Funds support Staff Appreciation
Perfect for sharing with friends… or keeping all to yourself! 😄
🌎🔬 Science Comes to Life in Virtual Reality at HEMS! 🔬🌎
Students in Ms. Haugen’s 6th-grade classes at Huntington East Middle School recently stepped into the future of learning with an exciting Virtual Reality science experience!
Ms. Haugen is part of the newly created PRISMS Math and Science Cohort, a program designed to support innovative teaching and deeper student learning through immersive technology. Through this program, our Bears had the chance to explore science in a whole new way.
During the lesson, students investigated the growing field of agricultural technology (agri-tech)—an industry focused on creating smarter and more sustainable ways to grow crops. Using VR, students explored an important question:
🌱 How can technology help meet the growing demand for agricultural products like Yerba Mate?
While inside the interactive module, students also discovered how Earth’s natural cycles influence agriculture. They explored the relationship between the Earth and the Sun, learning how Earth’s tilt and position in orbit create the seasons and affect growing conditions for crops around the world.
By connecting science concepts with real-world applications, students gained a deeper understanding of how science, technology, and agriculture work together to increase crop yield and support sustainable farming.
Experiences like this show how innovative tools like Virtual Reality can bring classroom learning to life while inspiring curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving in our HEMS Bears. 🐻💡
Students in Ms. Haugen’s 6th-grade classes at Huntington East Middle School recently stepped into the future of learning with an exciting Virtual Reality science experience!
Ms. Haugen is part of the newly created PRISMS Math and Science Cohort, a program designed to support innovative teaching and deeper student learning through immersive technology. Through this program, our Bears had the chance to explore science in a whole new way.
During the lesson, students investigated the growing field of agricultural technology (agri-tech)—an industry focused on creating smarter and more sustainable ways to grow crops. Using VR, students explored an important question:
🌱 How can technology help meet the growing demand for agricultural products like Yerba Mate?
While inside the interactive module, students also discovered how Earth’s natural cycles influence agriculture. They explored the relationship between the Earth and the Sun, learning how Earth’s tilt and position in orbit create the seasons and affect growing conditions for crops around the world.
By connecting science concepts with real-world applications, students gained a deeper understanding of how science, technology, and agriculture work together to increase crop yield and support sustainable farming.
Experiences like this show how innovative tools like Virtual Reality can bring classroom learning to life while inspiring curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving in our HEMS Bears. 🐻💡
🐻✨ What’s Happening at HEMS This Week? ✨🐻
The Bear Den is buzzing with activity! Here’s what our HEMS Bears have going on:
🎭 Theater is in full swing! Our talented performers are hard at work during spring play practices, getting ready to bring an amazing show to the stage.
🏃♂️ Track & Field practices are underway! Our athletes are hitting the track, building strength, speed, and teamwork for the season ahead.
🦕 Extinction Club is meeting and exploring the mysteries of species from the past while learning about conservation today.
💻 Byte Builder Club is coding, creating, and building tech skills that are shaping the innovators of tomorrow.
🐻 Good News Bear Club continues spreading positivity throughout the school and celebrating the great things happening in our Bear community.
📚 After-School Tutoring is available to help our Bears stay on track, boost confidence, and finish the week strong.
🥧 And don’t forget… Saturday is Pi Day! (3.14) — the perfect time to celebrate math, circles, and maybe even enjoy a slice of pie!
There’s always something exciting happening at HEMS, and we love seeing our Bears learn, grow, and shine every day! 🌟
The Bear Den is buzzing with activity! Here’s what our HEMS Bears have going on:
🎭 Theater is in full swing! Our talented performers are hard at work during spring play practices, getting ready to bring an amazing show to the stage.
🏃♂️ Track & Field practices are underway! Our athletes are hitting the track, building strength, speed, and teamwork for the season ahead.
🦕 Extinction Club is meeting and exploring the mysteries of species from the past while learning about conservation today.
💻 Byte Builder Club is coding, creating, and building tech skills that are shaping the innovators of tomorrow.
🐻 Good News Bear Club continues spreading positivity throughout the school and celebrating the great things happening in our Bear community.
📚 After-School Tutoring is available to help our Bears stay on track, boost confidence, and finish the week strong.
🥧 And don’t forget… Saturday is Pi Day! (3.14) — the perfect time to celebrate math, circles, and maybe even enjoy a slice of pie!
There’s always something exciting happening at HEMS, and we love seeing our Bears learn, grow, and shine every day! 🌟
