April 7, 2025

Dear 5th Grade Families,

On behalf of the faculty, staff, and students of the Hommocks (HMX), I would like to officially welcome you and your child to our school community.  We are very excited to have your child join us for the 25-26 school year. All of life’s transitions are confounding times filled with varied emotions, concerns, and experiences. The middle years/adolescence, when students experience profound, physical, social-emotional, psychological, and cognitive changes are a particularly wondrous and challenging time in a child’s development. As a middle school, HMX is structured to support and celebrate this time in our students’ lives.

Last year, we made significant changes to our 5th to 6th grade transition process aimed at improving the entry of our newest HMX students. These changes have had a supportive effect upon the HMX experience of our current 6th graders. We know that knowledge, familiarity, and shared experiences can have a significant positive impact upon any successful transition. Therefore, we have focused our activities upon two distinct but interconnected goals. First, to prepare our incoming 6th grade students and families for all the wonderful opportunities and age appropriate challenges which they will experience here at HMX and second, how we integrate over 460 students from our four neighborhood elementary schools into one cohesive and successful sixth grade class.

Below you will find a summary overview of the transition experiences which we have developed to ensure a successful 6th grade experience. Specific information regarding times and involved homerooms will be shared by your elementary principals as necessary.

HMX Counselor Visits: On April 11th and 25th our HMX school counselors will visit each 5th grade homeroom in the district to share an informative presentation regarding HMX. They will be prepared to answer questions and gather information from our students to improve their transition experience.
                                           April 11th: Mamaroneck Avenue and Murray
                                           April 25th: Chatsworth and Central

6th Grade Parent Orientation: On May 1st at 6:30 PM we welcome all current 5th grade parents to join us in the HMX auditorium for an informational program focused upon adolescence, the middle school experience, and other helpful information. Following the presentation, tours of our facilities will be offered to interested parents.

5th Grade Visits to HMX by School: On the dates listed below, the entire 5th grade class from each elementary school will visit HMX. They will be introduced to key staff members, speak with current students, and participate in a tour of our incredible facilities.
                                         May 9th: Chatsworth
                                         May 13th: Murray
                                         May 14th: Mamaroneck Avenue
                                         May 16th: Central

HMX Cares Transition Program: To successfully integrate students from the four elementary schools into engaged members of the Hommocks school community, our school counselors have led the development of the Hommocks CARES (Confidence, Adjustment, Relationships, Empathy, Support) Transition Program. This program is designed to foster the integration of our students through shared activities and experiences here at HMX.  Approximately 25% of the students from each elementary school will come to HMX on one of four scheduled days. Here students will be regrouped several times as they participate in various activities including; an SEL booster with the LMCC, a Project Adventure team building experience with our PE staff, and a HMX scavenger hunt with our school counselors.  We will review in further detail on May 6th and your elementary principal will inform you of the date your child will attend in the coming weeks. The four scheduled dates are as follows:
                                        May 21st:    CARES Group 1
                                        May 22nd:   CARES Group 2
                                        May 23rd:    CARES Group 3
                                        May 30th:    CARES Group 4

Max Stossel: Social Media Presentation: Max Stossel, a digital wellness expert and former media strategist, will speak to the entire 5th grade at HMX. Max will present his impactful talk, "We’ve Been Sneaking into Your Brains."  This presentation is designed to provide students with insight into how technology and social media are intentionally designed to be addictive, offering tools and strategies to help them navigate the digital landscape more mindfully.
                                           June 10: All Elementary Schools at HMX

Tigers Together Day: This new program, which is supported by our elementary PTA and the Mamaroneck Schools Foundation, will bring all of our 5th grade students together for an integrated and fun outdoor experience prior to the start of summer vacation. More details will follow.
                                           June 16: All Elementary Schools at HMX

In addition, we have other activities planned which include school visits by 6th grade students and families before the start of school in August, Hommocks University, and 6th Grade Activity Afternoons in the fall.  We will send you further information about each of these in the coming weeks.  

In closing, I would like to reiterate how excited we are to meet your child and partner with you in support of their development. I hope you will be able to attend our 6th Grade Parent Orientation on May 1st and look forward to seeing you there!

Sincerely,

Chris Borsari
Principal

Dear 5th grade Parents/Guardians, 

Monday evening was the Hommocks Incoming 6th grade Orientation.  As we work to develop your child’s schedule for 6th grade, we need your child’s choice for next year's music performance class.   All 6th grade students must choose to take either band, orchestra, or chorus.  At Hommocks, these ensembles meet during the school day. We encourage all students to remain in their current ensemble. Please review this Program Overview and also watch this brief Hommocks Music Program video with your child to learn more about our course offerings. 

 Please fill out the attached Hommocks Music Selection form by May 15th.  (Families with siblings in the 5th grade, email dmadden@mamkschools.org for an additional Hommocks Music Selection form link.)  Should you have any questions about the music program, please be sure to contact any of the music teachers or Dina Madden, Director of Performing Arts at dmadden@mamkschools.org.  

Take care.

Mr. Christopher Borsari
Principal