Welcome Back!

Dear Houston Middle School Families,

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! We hope you have enjoyed a restful and refreshing summer break. As we gear up for an exciting new year, our teachers and staff are thrilled to welcome our returning Eagles and meet our new families.

Ensuring students have the necessary tools for success is a priority. Please refer to the school website for the comprehensive supply lists for each grade level. Teachers may send home additional information with the start of school, so please check with your child.

Safety is a top priority at Houston Middle School. Throughout the school year, we will conduct routine safety drills to ensure our school community is well-prepared. To keep you informed, parents will be notified via ParentSquare on the Sunday prior to any week a drill is scheduled to take place.

We pride ourselves on our proactive approach to safety, and we ask for your partnership in reinforcing this at home. Please take a moment to talk with your children about the importance of safety drills and remind them to:

• Remain silent so that all staff members and students can hear critical instructions clearly.
• Follow directions quickly and carefully from teachers and emergency leaders.
• Take each drill seriously to ensure everyone knows exactly what to do in an actual emergency.

Please join us in welcoming a highly talented group of individuals to our school community.

The Parent Booster Club is a vital part of our school community. We invite you to join us for our first meeting on September 22, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Stay connected via the "LSMS Parent Boosters" Facebook page for ongoing updates.

Consistent attendance is crucial for academic success and building strong relationships within our school. "Attendance Counts" at WGH MS, and our counselors are available if your family needs support or resources to help your child attend school regularly.

• Electronic Devices: Cell phones and other personal electronic devices are not permitted for use during school hours. They must remain off and locked in student lockers. On July 21, 2025, the Board of Education approved a new policy regarding student use of internet-enabled devices during the school day, part of New York State's Bell-to-Bell Distraction-Free Schools initiative (Section 2803). Read the full Policy #7316 - Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day. First referral: warning and parent/guardian notification. Second referral: device confiscated and parent/guardian notification. Third referral and beyond: device confiscated, parent/guardian notification, device returned to a parent/guardian, and cellphone restrictions/turn-in to office enacted.
• Dress Code: Students are expected to dress appropriately for a learning environment. Examples of unacceptable dress include head coverings, midriff or bareback shirts, "spaghetti straps," and clothing promoting drugs or alcohol. Undergarments should not be visible.
• Chromebook Damages: The Code of Conduct and the Acceptable Use policy has been updated with financial penalties for damaging school issued Chromebooks. Please encourage your children to take great care of the devices they are issued.

For safety, all students are required to exit the building at the lobby closure times. Please contact the main office if unforeseen pickup conflicts arise.