Horizon Happenings November 2026

Posted Date: 11/03/26 (09:03 AM)

Horizon Happenings

November 2026

Land Acknowledgement

We, the Ferndale School District, acknowledge we are residing on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Lummi People. The Lummi People are the original inhabitants of Washington's northernmost coast and southern British Columbia. They lived in villages throughout this territory and continue to have an ongoing relationship with these areas. Since Time Immemorial, they have celebrated life on their waterways and on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands of their People to perpetuate their way of life. We honor their ancestors as we acknowledge the past, present, and future Lummi People as the original inhabitants of this land.

Principal's Message

Hornet Families,

I started thinking about why Autumn is my favorite season. Yes, the crisp sunny days are part of it, but I think it’s also because there are so many things to look forward to like the start of the school year, family celebrations, my favorite holiday, and it marks a time when we often reflect on gratitude. Living a life of gratitude instead of resentment has allowed me to enjoy the little things in life, while also battling big things. If you haven’t made the shift yet, I highly recommend it for a greater sense of joy in your life.

On Tuesday, November 9th Horizon staff and students will show our gratitude to Veterans at our annual Veterans Day assembly. This time allows all Hornets to learn more about what it means to be a Veteran and to honor the sacrifices Veterans made to protect our freedoms.

In just 3 weeks you’ll have an opportunity to meet with your students’ teachers during Parent Teacher Conferences, November 23rd and 24th. You should have received a Parent Square notifying you that Conference Signups are now live. Conferences will be held from 12-3pm AND 4pm-7pm on Monday, November 23rd and from 12-3pm on Tuesday, November 24th. Early Dismissal @ 11:13 a.m. from Friday, November 20th through Wednesday, November. 25th

We hope to see you at Parent Teacher Conference and wish you a November full of gratitude and joy.

Always be kind,

Christine McDaniel

Principal, Horizon Middle School

Veterans Day Assembly

Veterans Day Assembly will be held from

9:00 am.- 9:30 am on Tuesday, November 10th in the commons.

Veterans and their families are invited to attend.

Informal reception following in the HMS Library.

Please arrive by 8:45 am for VIP seating in the front row if you plan on attending.

Early Dismissal Parent Teacher Conferences

Just a reminder about Parent Teacher Conference days. November 20, 23, 24 and 25. Students are released at 11:13 am

Upcoming Dates & Events

📅 Important Dates & Events

November 10th: Veterans Day Assembly

November 11th: No School Veterans Day

November 20th: Early Release

November 23rd: Early Release, Conferences 12pm-3pm and 4pm- 7pm

November 24th: Early Release, Conferences 12pm-3pm

November 25th: Early Release

November 26th - 27th No School Thanksgiving Break

How Loud Is Your Buzz?

Buzz (noise) Levels

0- No Buzz (silent) during instruction and independent work time & when someone else is speaking , when entering the main office & silent reading in the library

1-Tiny Buzz (only the person next to you can hear you)

2-Group Buzz (the people in your small group can hear you)

3-Big Buzz (the whole class can hear you)

HORIZON STUDENT STORE

WHEN: Fridays

During all Three Lunches

Snack Menu:

Chips- Fruit Snacks- Rice Krispies Treats

Juice- Ice Cream Bars

EVERYTHING IS $2.00 or Less

*CASH ONLY*

Athletics Information

7th and 8th Grade Basketball

7th- and 8th-grade Boy's basketball sign-ups are now open! Sign up on Final Forms

https://ferndale-wa.finalforms.com/

Season dates: Girls - 10/19-12/4

Boys - 11/30-1/29

Come Cheer on Our Hornets!

Game schedule: 7th grade and C Team Games start at 4 p.m. 8th Grade Games start at 5:15pm

11/3: C Team - vs. Lynden at Vista MS

7th and 8th grade - vs. Lynden at HMS

11/5: C Team - vs. Blaine at Blaine HS

7th and 8th grade vs. LC at LC MS

11/9: C Team vs. Meridian at Meridian MS

7th and 8th grade vs. Vista at HMS

11/10: C Team vs. LC at LC MS

7th and 8th grade vs. Meridian at HMS

11/16: C Team vs. Mt. Baker at Vista MS

7th and 8th grade vs. Mt. Baker at HMS

11/18: C Team vs. Nooksack at Nooksack Gym 2

7th and 8th grade vs. Nooksack at Nooksack Gym

11/20: C Team vs. Assumption at Assumption

7th and 8th grade vs. Vista at Vista MS

Winter Ride with Mount Baker

Who Can Participate?

Ferndale School District students in grades 6-12
Registration is first come, first served
Registration and payment will take place at once following the meeting.

Orientation Meeting Details

Thursday, November 12, 2026

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Horizon Middle School Commons

You must attend this meeting to be eligible for the program. We will review program expectations, registration information, schedules, transportation details, and answer any questions. We look forward to welcoming both returning and new skiers and snowboarders for another great season on the mountain!

The Ski Bus Program begins on the first Saturday in March, and students will travel to Mount Baker Ski Area a total of four times during the season.

Get ready for four fun-filled Saturdays on the slopes with friends, fresh snow, and great memories! ❄️🎿

Cheers! Mary Felling

360 734-7793 or maryfelling@comcast.net.

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS

Study Table

Mondays and Thursdays: 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm, starting October 12th!

Study Table is a quiet, safe space for students to catch up on classwork, meet with their teacher for assistance or to retake a test, pleasure read, and/or work on iReady. Sign-ups can be found in Final Forms; look for the activity labeled COED STUDY TABLE,

Capacity: 15 spots available

https://ferndale-wa.finalforms.com/

Math Olympiad

Joining Math Olympiad is more than a math competition. Students learn teamwork, strategy, and the joys of competing.

Math Olympiad will meet on Wednesdays from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

Students will be bused to Vista Middle School for club meetings. The activity bus is available, or parents can pick up their students at Vista at 4:30pm

Sign-ups are available here https://ferndale-wa.finalforms.com/

6th Grade ART CLUB

Tuesday 2:30pm-4:30pm

November Lunch Menu

2026-2027 Device Insurance

Student Device Insurance

Ferndale Schools District Device Insurance.

$25/year as part of the school's technology program.

*$10 for students who qualify for free/reduced lunch (bring the food service free/reduced approval letter to the office when paying)

For Your Information and Planning

As there are 150-165 students present at each lunch & recess, so it can take time to locate them. If you need to pick up your child during their lunch period, please plan for a longer wait than if you arrive during the class time right before or after lunch & recess.

If you are calling to request a bus pass or leave a message for your student, please be sure to contact the main office BEFORE 2pm.

Transportation Information

Bus information can be found on the Ferndale School District Website.
Students must submit a written note from their parent or guardian to the office in order to receive a bus pass to ride a different bus.
Families may drop students off no earlier than 7:40 AM. We kindly ask that families use the designated drop-off areas to ensure smooth and safe arrival procedures.

Family Support Resources

Top 10 Tips to Protect Teens Online

This resource outlines basic online safety for parents to utilize in conversation with their child.

Top 10 Tips

Communication at the Middle Level

The link below (The Insider's Guide) will take you to a document outlining how to stay connected with your child and Horizon. The focus is on communication by presuming positive intent and how to stay connected with your middle schooler.

The Insiders Guide

Know What's Going On Around FSD

Attendance

It is very important that students attend school every day and arrive on time. If your student is sick or has an emergency and cannot attend school, please call the office at (360) 383-9850 to report their absence.

FSD 2026/27 Student Calendar

Horizon Happenings November 2026