Harold B. Dawson Jr. Middle School

 

HBD Raider Review  8.9.26

Every Student. Every Day.  We are One.

 

🎉 A GREAT START, RAIDER NATION!

A Message from Principal Evans and Assistant Principal Jones

Dear HBD Raider Families,

What an exciting beginning! Our first three days of school have been a wonderful success, and the positive energy throughout our building has us looking forward to an amazing 2026–2027 school year!

HBD is growing in so many positive ways. This year, we are excited to welcome our new Assistant Principal, Ms. Kimberly Jones, who is fully committed to partnering with our staff, students, families, and community to advance the goals of our School Improvement Plan (SIP) and help every Raider succeed.

We are also thrilled to welcome new members of the Raider family in XCat 5/6, Library, Orchestra, PE, Special Education, and Cafeteria Management. They bring fresh energy and enthusiasm and are eager to make HBD home!

Our new team members join an incredible veteran staff whose decades of teaching, service, care, and commitment have made a lasting impact on generations of HBD Raiders. Together, we are determined to continue building a school where students feel supported, challenged, valued, and inspired to achieve.

Our goal is clear: to make HBD the stellar beacon of excellence we know it can be! We invite every parent, guardian, and community partner to join us in providing our students with the very best educational opportunities possible.

Thank you for a fantastic start and for believing in our Raiders. The best is yet to come!

❤️🤍💙 EVERY RAIDER. EVERY DAY. WE ARE ONE.

With Raider Pride,
Admin. Staff

 

Highlights From This Week

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🛡️ RAIDER SAFETY FIRST!❤️🤍💙 Every Raider • Every Day • We Are One

Keeping our Raiders safe is a team effort! Please review these important safety reminders with your student.

🚶 WALKERS

Use sidewalks and designated crosswalks.

Look both ways before crossing the street.

Walk directly to and from school.

Respect our neighbors and their private property—stay on sidewalks and NEVER walk through or enter private yards.

Stay alert—avoid phones and headphones while crossing streets.

Never accept rides from strangers.

🚌 BUS RIDERS

Arrive at your bus stop on time and wait in a safe location.

Respect the authority of bus drivers and monitors and follow their directions at all times.

Follow all bus safety rules and expectations.

Remain seated and keep aisles clear.

Keep hands, feet, and belongings to yourself.

Exit at your assigned stop and head safely home.

🚗 CAR RIDERS & PARENTS

Please follow all HBD arrival and dismissal safety procedures when dropping off or picking up students.

Use designated drop-off and pick-up areas only.

Follow the directions of HBD staff assisting with traffic flow.

Drive slowly and remain alert for students, buses, and other vehicles.

Do not stop or park in areas that block buses, crosswalks, driveways, or traffic.

Whenever possible, have students exit the vehicle from the curb/sidewalk side.

Please be patient—a few extra minutes can help keep every Raider safe!

🏫 BUILDING SAFETY

Enter and exit through designated doors.

Follow staff directions and school safety procedures.

Walk calmly through hallways and stairwells.

Never open exterior doors for others.

See something? Say something! Report safety concerns immediately to an HBD staff member.

🛡️ SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY!

Safe Raiders • Respectful Raiders • Successful Raiders

Thank you, Raider families, for partnering with us to keep our students, staff, neighbors, and community safe.

❤️🤍💙 EVERY RAIDER • EVERY DAY • WE ARE ONE!

 

HBD Raider Families,

Please take time to closely monitor your student’s use of social media. While social media can be useful, it can also expose students to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and unsafe interactions.

It is important to remember that colleges, scholarship programs, and potential employers often review social media accounts when evaluating applicants, so what students post today can impact future opportunities.

Helpful steps for parents:

Know which apps your child is using.

Set accounts to private and review followers.

Periodically check posts, messages, and activity.

Talk with your child about responsible online behavior.

Please note that inappropriate social media use during school hours that violates district or school policy may result in school consequences.

Thank you for helping us keep our HBD Raiders safe and focused on success.

 

🚨 ATTENDANCE MATTERS!❤️🤍💙 Every Raider • Every Day • We Are One

Every school day matters—and every minute counts!

Strong attendance is one of the most important factors in student success. When students are at school every day and on time, they stay connected, keep up with instruction, and build the habits needed for success.

⏰ RAIDER ATTENDANCE REMINDERS

Doors open at 7:15 AM.

Students should arrive on time and ready to learn.

Schedule appointments outside of school hours whenever possible.

Avoid unnecessary early dismissals and absences.

If your student must be absent, please follow HBD procedures for reporting the absence.

Reach out to HBD if your family is experiencing a challenge that is affecting regular attendance—we want to help!

🎯 OUR GOAL: EVERY RAIDER, EVERY DAY!

Missing just 2 days each month can add up to nearly 20 days—or almost an entire month of instruction—over the school year.

Attendance is a partnership between school, student, and family. Together, we can make sure our Raiders are present, prepared, and positioned for success!

❤️🤍💙 SHOW UP • LEARN • GROW • SUCCEED

WE ARE ONE!

 

On the Horizon

We Want to Hear From You!

Our goal is simple: keep every Raider present, engaged, and supported all year long. Please take a few minutes to complete our family survey so we can connect you with resources and ensure your child’s success.

The survey covers:

✓ Transportation needs

✓ Uniforms & school supplies

✓ Food & housing assistance

✓ Health & mental health support

✓ Academic support for your child

✓ Childcare for siblings 

QR code and link Coming Soon.

 

📊 NWEA MAP TESTING IS HERE!🗓️ Testing Window: August 10–21

HBD Raiders will participate in NWEA MAP testing August 10–21. MAP testing helps us understand each student’s current academic strengths and areas for growth so we can provide the right instruction and support.

⭐ HELP YOUR RAIDER DO THEIR BEST!

Parents and guardians can help students prepare by:

😴 Get plenty of rest – Aim for a consistent bedtime and a good night’s sleep.

🍎 Eat a healthy breakfast – Start the day fueled and ready to think.

⏰ Be present and on time – Please avoid late arrivals, early dismissals, and appointments during testing whenever possible.

💻 Come prepared – Make sure your Raider is ready to begin the school day and follow testing directions.

💪 Encourage effort, not pressure – Remind your student to take their time and simply do their best.

📖 Read carefully – Encourage students to slow down, read each question completely, and think before answering.

🎯 Take it seriously – MAP results help teachers plan instruction that meets your student’s individual learning needs.

❤️🤍💙 READY • FOCUSED • CONFIDENT

A simple message from home can make a difference:

“Take your time, give your best effort, and show what you know. You’ve got this, Raider!”

EVERY RAIDER • EVERY DAY • WE ARE ONE!

 

📚 AIMSWEB TESTING Supporting Our SPED & Tier 2/3 Raiders🗓️ Testing Window: August 10–28

HBD students receiving Special Education services and/or Tier 2/3 academic supports will participate in Aimsweb testing August 10–28. These brief assessments help us identify students’ strengths, monitor progress, and determine the instructional support needed for continued growth.

⭐ PARENTS CAN HELP!

😴 Prioritize rest – Make sure your Raider gets a good night’s sleep.

🍎 Start with breakfast – A healthy breakfast helps students stay focused.

⏰ Be present and on time – Consistent attendance is especially important during the testing window.

💪 Encourage, don’t pressure – Remind your student that the goal is to show what they know so we can help them grow.

🎯 Give your best effort – Encourage your Raider to listen carefully, follow directions, and do their best.

😊 Keep it positive – A simple “You’ve got this!” can build confidence.

❤️🤍💙 TEST • LEARN • SUPPORT • GROW

 

All students are required to remain in uniform on school grounds and while on the bus.

This includes after-school events unless performance attire is required.

See Student Handbook for details.

Exceptions: Birthdays, Spirit Days, Buy-Outs

 

Happening Around the Building

 

Register for 21st Century Afterschool Program HERE.

 
 
 

Coming Soon:)

Welcome to Raider Nation, Nurse Jones!

 

❤️ A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO THE DAWSON FAMILY

The HBD Raider family extends our sincerest gratitude to the family of Harold B. Dawson, Jr. for taking the time to visit our school and share their personal memories, stories, and reflections about the remarkable man whose name our school proudly carries.

Hearing about Mr. Dawson’s life, character, values, and commitment to others gave our students and staff a deeper understanding of the legacy behind our name. Your words reminded us that being an HBD Raider represents more than attending a school—it means carrying forward a legacy of excellence, service, character, and community.

Thank you for allowing us to learn more about Pastor Dawson through the eyes of those who knew and loved him best. We are honored to carry his name and committed to ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire generations of Raiders.

To the Dawson family—thank you for sharing your family, your memories, and your legacy with ours.

❤️🤍💙 HIS LEGACY • OUR PRIDE • OUR RESPONSIBILITY

EVERY RAIDER • EVERY DAY • WE ARE ONE!

Back to School message from the Dawson Family: WATCH HERE