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Whittier Middle School

JGW Update 9/10/26

Posted Date: 09/10/26 (04:34 PM)
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Hello JGW Families,


I have a few updates for you tonight as we finish out the school week.


SIGNATURE FORMS

Thank you to all families who have returned the packet of school forms with your signature. Your quick return is very much appreciated.  For families who have not yet returned their forms, please send the completed forms to school with your child tomorrow morning.  These forms include the JGW Student Contact Information/ Green Sheet (This updated contact information is very important), Handbook form, and Health Office forms.


There is one optional on-line form for families to complete if they wish to do so. HPS has shifted the process for collecting parent requests to opt their children out of having their photo taken for media releases from a hard copy form to an online form.  Please know that all HPS students will have their picture taken for our student records system. However, if a parent opts-out by completing this form then their child’s picture will not appear in any other school or district materials including websites, newsletters, social media posts AND the annual school yearbook.


Finally, the 2026-2027 HPS Student Handbook can be accessed in six languages at this link - https://www.haverhill-ps.org/hps-student-handbook 



ATTENDANCE

Please communicate only with the main office regarding student attendance. All phone calls regarding absences should be directed to the main office staff including Ms. Julie Credit, Attendance Clerk.  Excuse notes in hard copy or as email attachments should not be sent to homeroom teachers. These materials should only be sent to the main office so that student records can be appropriately updated.



ATHLETICS

Students have been signing up for the cross-country team (Grades 5-8) and the boys or girls soccer teams (grades 6-8 only). We are aiming to begin tryouts and practices next week:

  • Monday 9/14 & 9/15 Tryouts for Girls and Boys Soccer

  • Thursday 9/17 Cross-Country practice

Recently, Haverhill High School Athletic Director Tom O’Brien emails middle school parents regarding an online service called FinalForms to sign up students for athletic teams. Haverhill Public Schools will be using this service instead of requiring hand-completed participation packets every year.  Please check you email inbox for this email from Mr. O’Brien and complete the forms if you have a child that is participating on an athletic team this Fall. You can register at: https://haverhillps-ma.finalforms.com/ and follow the prompts to create your account, create your students and sign your forms.



MARK YOUR CALENDARS

  • 9/30/26 is School Picture Day

  • 10/16/26 is the 3rd Annual High School & Career Fair


Thank you, and let’s end the week tomorrow with a high attendance day!


Kevin Higginbottom, Principal