976 students enrolled at Hopwood Middle School

Hopwood Middle School welcomed School Year 2016-2017 with a total of 976 students enrolled at the Afetna school along Beach Road.

Principal Jonas Barcinas said the number of students is based on Aug. 9 enrollment figures. “The enrollment continues to grow but we are ready to serve all our students in grades 6th, 7th, and 8th,” he said.

Barcinas said Hopwood staff were all excited to welcome all students and their parents to the campus on opening day last Monday, Aug. 15.

“We are ready to support and guide our students toward becoming successful. In order to ensure we meet and greet all our parents, we are informing the public about our open house/meet and greet, PTSA meeting,” he said.

The event that will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 24, starting 5pm in the school cafeteria. He said parents/guardians are encouraged to visit all the teachers who are in their child’s team. Each grade level and subject area will be ready with their course outline and be ready to answer any parent questions.

“This is a very important orientation for all of our parents and guardians as they will be meeting with the teaching staff, PTSA leaders in order to begin several healthy dialogues to inform more about related school policies, grading system, assessments, classroom requirements, and expectations from the teachers and administration. So everyone can be well informed in order to make the school year successful and a smooth one for everyone,” said Barcinas.

The Hopwood principal added teachers will be sharing other important information that parents and guardians will need to know so they can work closely to make sure their child/children are successful this school year.

For transparency, he said, a handbook will be issued to each student to share with their parents and as a requirement to gather more detailed information allow parents to review it and make sure that guides are given to address them with the school authorities and questions.

Barcinas said students can be dropped to the school campus if they are car riders at 7am at the soccer field area the same procedure as last school year.

Bus riders usually arrive between 7:30am and 8am. Walkers are encouraged to walk safely at all times when crossing the road to enter the campus. Breakfast will be served from 7am to 8:19am. First bell is at 8:20am and dismissal is at 3pm. Half day schedules, will end at 12pm, after lunch period.

Barcinas said the school uniform policy at Hopwood is mandatory for all students as students have to wear both the blue and gold color.

“This helps motivate our students to stay focus on their studies and not to be bullied because of their family financial status. Everyone will look the same regardless of their background and also it builds their pride as a school,” he said.

He said this uniform policy has been very successful for the past seven years where students feel happy and they remain focus on their studies and not be distracted with the dress code non-compliance.

Barcinas added that no double shirts are allowed under their school uniform or jacket as well. The uniform is $10 each and can be purchased at the main office from Ruby Hocog. Uniforms will be available this Friday at the main office. After next week, parents and legal guardians will have to purchase additional uniforms at Island Apparel Company.