08/16/2026
Good Afternoon, Lion Families,
This is Mr. Winston with your weekly update.
We are off to a great start! Despite new beginnings, new routines, and the excitement that comes with the first few days of school, our students and staff have adapted extremely well. We are proud of how smoothly things are moving. In fact, after our first day, when our first bus arrived at 8:33 a.m., all of our buses arrived on time. Thank you for your patience and partnership as we continue to fine-tune our routines.
A few important reminders for this week:
-Safety Drills: This week, we will conduct several safety drills. Please talk with your child about the importance of listening carefully and following adult directions during a drill. These practices help ensure that we are prepared to respond appropriately in an emergency.
-Cell Phones: As a reminder, students are expected to turn their phones off and store them with their homeroom teacher at the beginning of the school day. Phones are secured in the front office and returned to students at the end of the day. We appreciate your partnership in helping us keep our focus where it belongs—on learning.
-Early Checkouts: Students cannot be signed out after 2:45 p.m. If you need to check your child out early, please plan to arrive before 2:45 p.m. Otherwise, please use the car rider line for dismissal.
-Car Rider Line: We operate two lanes for both pickup and drop-off. Please follow the directions of our staff members and pull forward as directed to help us keep traffic moving safely and efficiently.
-Athletics: Our football team opens the season this week at York Chester Middle School. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. Our softball team opens at Grier Middle School, with the first pitch at 4:15 p.m. Admission to athletic contests is $7.00. You can purchase tickets through the HMS Athletics page or pay at the gate. As a reminder, no bags, including purses, and no food or drinks, including water, are permitted inside athletic venues. Please plan accordingly before arriving.
-Student Paperwork: If you have not yet completed or returned required paperwork for your child, please make sure they bring it with them on Monday.
-Infinite Campus Parent Portal: If you have not already done so, please use the link below to sign up for the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. This will allow you to monitor your child's grades and attendance throughout the school year.
https://www.gaston.k12.nc.us/for-parents/infinite-campus
Thank you for helping us start the school year on such a positive note. We are excited to welcome our Lions back tomorrow as we begin our first full week of school!
Let's have another great week, Lions!
Mr. Winston
Principal
Holbrook Middle School
