Week of 12/11/16

Quote of the Week:


Good evening,

It was a cold but great week at Hilsman. Thank you to the parents that came out to the Sip and Talk last Thursday. Although the crowd was light, we shared some great information related to academics, discipline, and attendance. We have some work to do as a community but we are not far away from GREATNESS! Please continue to support the effort of the school and teachers as we strive to teach and reach every child at Hilsman. 

We are in our last week before the holiday break. Students and staff are excited to have a break to enjoy family and the season. As you are celebrating, please keep our less fortunate in your thoughts. We have students that have lost loved ones, who are without housing and food, or just unsure what will happen during the next two weeks. We have provided resources to offer for anyone that you may know that are in need of assistance. If you have any questions, please contact our counselors.

In an effort to keep students engaged in academics throughout the break, I have asked teachers to provide students with a holiday packet. The packet will allow students to practice what they have been learning. We are also challenging all of our students to check out a book and READ! Please encourage your scholar to participate in this mission. Thirty minutes a day will keep the brain awake! 

Lastly, Happy Holidays to all of you. Please enjoy your family. I will spend some much needed time with my girls. Therefore, I will not send out any news until the Sunday before we return to school. I  will see you all next year!

Ms. Tolbert

Announcements:

• Monday will be the final day for the canathon, Please bring in cans so that we can help our local food bank provide members of our community with food.

•  CCSD District Science Fair will be Saturday, January 7, 2017.

• The last produce stand will be December 19, 2016

• 21st Century Evaluation Results

Links to Full Reports

Summer

2015-2016 School Year

Also attached is a summary presentation.​

 CCSD 21st CCLC Evaluation Results

"Make plans to attend HILSMAN SKATE NIGHT this Friday, December 18th at Fun Galaxy from 7 to 11 PM! Tickets are $11 at the door. The homeroom with the most Hilsman students in attendance wins a UNIFORM FREE DAY!"

Friday, December 16:

The seventh grade will host a "Sock Hop," a dance to culminate our study of The Outsiders.  Students will be in costume (Greaser or Soc).  The event will be during sixth and seventh periods.  Teachers are invited and encouraged to dress in your favorite '50s attire and come rock around the clock together. Parents are invited to come out too!

News for the Week:

Monday-B Day
FFA Officer Meeting
Band Concert 7:00 pm
21st Century
PSP



Tuesday- A Day
FFA Meeting (Bring your favorite cookies to share)
No Math Counts. We will resume on January January 10th.
21st Century
PSP


Wednesday- B Day
Hilsman Produce Stand 



Thursday- A Day
FFA Horse Judging 4:00-5:00



Friday- B Day

Week of 12/5/16

Quote of the Week: 

Wow! What a whirl wind of a week that we have experienced at Hilsman. I know that I have said it several times before but A HUGE THANK YOU for the phone calls and emails of concern. Our students have remained our main focus and were superior in both situations. 

We are approaching our second week of school in December. The students are bursting with excitement as we are about to get out of school for almost three weeks. As expected, there has been an escalation in discipline referrals.  Many of them are for repeated minor infractions. Please remind your scholars of the behavior, academic, and uniform expectations. We want all of our family together before we leave for the Holiday Break.

Please come out to the Sip and Talk that will be held on December 8th at 6:00. Our topics of discussion will be discipline and academic data. I believe that many of you will benefit from the discussion. As always, thank you for your continued support of Hilsman.

Announcements:

Trash Hunger Campaign Update:

UNICEF Fall Semester Collections so far:

Trick or Treat Collection = $383.89

Matching Funds from a Donor = $383.89

Earnings from Recycling Health & Beauty Care Items with Terra Cycle = $148.08

Total so far = $915.86

Our Fall Semester Goal is $1000.

We are very close to our school goal for the Fall Semester!  Next Thursday, December 8 we will pack another box of health & beauty care containers to mail to Terra Cycle.  If you have containers sitting around your house, please bring them in by then.

​Thank you very much for your support​ of UNICEF and the Trash Hunger Campaign.  The Winter/Spring Semester earnings will be donated to the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.

Get your yearbook!

• Yearbooks are on sale for $22.00

• There is still time to sign up and go to Washington, D.C. Please contact Mr. R. Pavone ASAP

Important Finals Information

GAVS Algebra Final Exam -- Wednesday, December 7

GAVS French 1 Final Exam -- Thursday, December 8

GAVS Spanish 1 Final Exam -- Thursday, December 8

From 7th Grade ELA Teachers

7th Grade ELA will host a "Pre-Bee," or elimination round, prior to the school's spelling bee in January.  The Pre-Bee will be Tuesday, December 12, in the old cafeteria.  Students interested in participating should see their ELA teacher about a study sheet. 

Week at a Glance:

Sunday: 

Jessica Nowell Memorial Stomp Out Domestic Violence Step Show @ 4:00

Clarke Central High School Auditorium

 The show is more fun with a full and loud audience!  And don't forget, Hilsman can win the "Audience Favorite" award by earning the most "votes" from the audience- each vote for your school's team is $1. 

 Voting is currently open at http://www.project-safe.org/ways-to-donate/stomp-out-domestic-violence/  Supporting Project Safe (and supporting your school's Step Team) is a great idea for anyone looking for a meaningful holiday gift!

Monday: A Day

• 21st Century
• PSP
• Band Concert 7:00

Tuesday: B Day

• 21st Century
• PSP
• Math Counts 7:15 am
• Science Fair

Wednesday: A Day

• 21st Century

Thursday: B Day

• 21st Century
• Sip and Talk 6:00 pm
• Basketball Game @ Home v/s BHL

Friday: A Day

• Wear you spirit shirt and khaki pants

Week of 11/21/2016

Quote of the Week:


Good evening,

We have finally made it to a much needed break! Hilsman has been buzzing with great news and exciting events. As we reflect upon our work, I want to remind you all how far we have come since the beginning of the year. We  have had some growing pains but they have made us better. Our scholars are engaging in their work and taking an active role in their education. They are more concerned about their grades and are embracing the importance of lifting up one another. Following the break we will implement phase two of the Housing System. We are working hard to allow students to lead this initiative. You will be receiving more information about phase two soon. 

Progress reports were sent home this week. There were many students that did well however we have a few that are struggling academically. Please encourage your child to take advantage of PSP and 21st Century. It is important to hold them accountable. We will be out of school for 9 days. Remind your scholars to read, complete any missed assignments, and work on the computer based math interventions to help keep them in a routine.

Lastly, I want to express a sincere thanks to all of you for your patience, kindness, and support. Being a leader in such a diverse building is a difficult yet rewarding assignment. We love hard and that is a a reason to give thanks. I love my staff, community, students, and parents. Hilsman is grateful for all of you. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! 

Ms. U. Tolbert


Announcements:
Cookie Dough Fundraiser: The cookie dough orders will arrive November 29th at Hilsman. Thank you to all that participated. Orders that were sent in after the first deadline are expected to be delivered at the same time.

Soccer: Hilsman Soccer Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 30th at 4pm in the cafeteria. This is for ALL boys and girls interested in playing soccer. While only 7th and 8th Graders are allowed to play, all grades are welcome at this meeting.  Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.  In addition, boys and girls parents are encouraged to join the Hilsman Soccer Facebook page for Hilsman soccer information and announcements. 

Science Night:

Family Science Night will be on Thursday, January 5 from 5:00-7:00 pm.

Area business partners such as:  ACC Recycling, Georgia Power, Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful, ACC Water Conservation Office, Bear Hollow Zoo, Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center, Trout Unlimited, various UGA Departments, and many others will have educational booths for students and their families to visit.  Student Science Fair Projects will also be on display.  Make plans now to attend!

Science Fair Update

Science Fair is December 8th (all boards due by end of day Dec. 7th)

Can a thon

We are still collecting canned goods to donate to the local Food Bank. Please consider sending in at least one can.

PSP:

PSP is offered on Mondays and Tuesdays.  Mathematics is being offered on Mondays and ELA remediation is being offered on Tuesdays. The time is from 4:00 - 6:00 pm.   Applications can be obtained from the front office.

Monday: B Day

21st Century

PSP 

Tuesday: A Day

21st Century

PSP

Math Counts 7:15 am

FFA Horse Judging Practice  4:00-5:00. 

FFA Hoodie Money Due (Non- FFA Members can purchase). $25.

There will be a VERY IMPORTANT baseball player/parent meeting on Tuesday, November 29 @ 6:00 pm in the Cedar Shoals Cafeteria. The purpose of this meeting is to introduce the new Head Baseball Coach at Cedar Shoals and to communicate program expectations for the 2017 season. Any student athlete in grades 8-12 is invited to attend.

Wednesday: B Day

21st Century

November 30th Produce Stand 4:00-5:00. 

Basketball Game @ CMS @ 4:30

Thursday: A Day

21st Century

Friday-B Day

Basketball Game @ Elberton County @ 4:30

Jaguar News:

Monday 11-21-16  Varsity Boys Basketball @ N. Gwinnett Tournament 

                                                                   vs. Etowah 3:45

Tuesday 11-22-16  Varsity Boys/Girls Basketball @ N. Oconee

                            vs. Oconee Co. 3:00/4:30

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!GO JAGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Week of 11/13/2016

Quote of the Week:   



Good afternoon,

Our Panther Nation was busy last week. A shout out to the students, parents, and staff members that came out to support our students as they played basketball, received recognition at the BOE, and danced at the prom. As always thank you for your support. This month I will not host a Principal's Coffee. Our Parnters in Education Dinner will actually take the place of the coffee. Friday will be our last day  Below you will find the events of the week!

Announcements:

Open House

On November 17th, CCSD will host the Annual District Wide Open House for all schools. If you are interested in touring and finding out more about any school, please RSVP at www.clarke.k12.ga.us/RSVP. Middle school  tours will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Partners in Education Dinner:

Our staff is hosting a dinner for all of our Partners in Education. The dinner will take place November 16th at 6:30. There is no cost. Please consider joining us as we say "Thank You". Please RSVP at 706-548-7281.


Monday- A Day
21st Century
PSP


Tuesday-B Day
21st Century
PSP
Math Counts 7:15 a.m.
8th grade Author Visit with Alan Gratz


Wednesday- A Day
21st Century
Local Governance Team meeting 5:30
Partners in Education Dinner 6:30


Thursday- B Day
21st Century
Hilsman v/s Coile BB @ 4:30 @ Home
Orchestra Concert @ 7:00 in the Old Gym


Friday-A Day
Hilsman v/s Elberton County BB game @ 4:30 @ Home
 PTO Skate Night @ 7:00

Week of 11/6/2016

Quote of the Week: Don't bunt. Aim out of the ballpark.   David Ogilvy


Good day!

Welcome to another great week at Hilsman Middle School. We will have a short but long week. Please be sure to encourage your children to perform their best on benchmark assessments and to arrive to school on time. It was exciting to receive emails from students questioning their performance on the tests and grades. They are now understanding the importance of taking responsibility for their learning. This is something to celebrate. 

A number of you were concerned about the A and B day schedule. It will continue to be run as it did last year. If we are out of school on an A day, then when we return to school, it will be an A day. There was an issue with Campus and my blog that caused a disaster. This is no longer the case. Therefore, we should not experience any other issues with the schedule. If you have any further questions or concerns, contact Ms. Tolbert.

If you did not get an opportunity to see our girls and boys basketball team play Saturday at Cedar, you missed a treat! Our Panthers are on Fire! They showed sportsmanship, heart, and talent. Be sure to come out and support the teams. 

Below you find the schedule and activities for the week.

Announcements:

November is Family Engagement Month in Georgia-Letter from Georgia School Superintendent   

On behalf of all schools in Georgia, State Superintendent Richard Woods wrote a Thank You Letter to Georgia’s Families to show his appreciation to the parents and the family members who support student success. Click here for the link to the letter. 

Benchmark News:

Monday -   Benchmark make ups 

Tuesday - No School (Make your vote count)

Wednesday -  Benchmarks (Science)   Testing Schedule

Thursday - Benchmarks (Math)   Testing Schedule

Friday - Benchmark make up 

Cookie Dough Fundraiser 

Remember that the fundraiser deadline was extended to November 17th. We REALLY need everyone to participate so that we can fund our PBIS Incentive Program. Although we all want for our students to be intrinsically motivated, everyone need a little more motivation to do the right thing! We want to reward the house with the greatest number of points at the end of the term with a HUGE HOUSE PARTY! If you have not sold at least two buckets, please consider doing so this week.

Partners in Education Dinner

On November 16th, our staff would like to thank all of our Partners in Education by inviting them to dine with us at 6:30 at Hilsman Middle School. We have had an overwhelming amount of support from our parents, community members, and local businesses. It is greatly appreciated and we want you all to know how much it means to our staff and students. 

Local Governace Team for Hilsman:

The Clarke County School District officially became a Charter System July 1, 2016. The purpose of the Charter System is to foster thriving neighborhoods, thriving communities and thriving schools. 

To implement the Charter System, CCSD will empower parents/guardians, teachers/staff, and community members to serve on School Governance Teams at each school to:

• Have a real voice in school decisions related to school improvement, goal-setting, operations, curriculum & instruction, finances, and personnel
• Help to improve student performance at your school
• Set the long-term direction and identity of your schools
• Create school programs that address community needs and use community assets

We are almost done selecting the members for Hilsman. Our team will need to include student members. Please encourage your child to apply below to be a member of our team before Friday, November 11, 2016. 

https://docs.google.com/a/clarke.k12.ga.us/forms/d/1uq_zSPcwtmGZM2tpK7cHeU2m4U-CvrS4sr5MIHunSyw/edit?usp&ts=57e0318d

Monday: A Day
21st Century
PSP
Basketball game @ 4:30 @ Oglethorpe County Middle School


Tuesday: Election Day! Let your vote count. 
NO SCHOOL

Wednesday: B Day
21st Century
Science Benchmark


Thursday: A Day
21st Century
Math Benchmark


Friday: B Day


Saturday: Basketball Game in Hart County at 10:30 am. Please come out and support

Week of 10/30/2016

Quote of the Week: 

Good evening,

I apologize for the tardiness of the blog this week! I hope that you all enjoyed the three day weekend. Although the Dawgs lost, I thoroughly enjoyed the rest.  As we are approaching a busy week,  I want  to remind you that we are reiterating and reinforcing the academic and behavior expectations established at Hilsman. The last several weeks we experienced a rise in discipline referrals. Please remind your students to be respectful and kind to every adult and their peers. Also, be sure to get the school on time this week! Benchmarks will begin Tuesday.

Announcements: 

Benchmark News:

Monday - 1st Planning Benchmark Training with Forker

Tuesday - Benchmark ELA I - Testing Schedule

Wednesday - Benchmark Math - Testing Schedule

Thursday - Benchmark Make-up (Regular Schedule)

Friday - Benchmark Make-up (if necessary)

Happy Halloween

Remind families about Trick or Treat for UNICEF.  Please click the link below.

​

 Trick or Treat for UNICEF 2016

​

Update on Cookie Dough Fundraiser:

Thank you to the 30 students that participated in the fundraiser. In an effort to raise more funds to support our PBIS incentive program, we are extending the deadline for the fundraiser to November 17th. Parents, please attempt to have your child sale at least 2 buckets. If you met the first deadline, you will receive your orders between November 8th and 9th. The Dunk Show will still take place as well as the special performance by Ms. Tolbert and Mr. Forker. Please stay tuned for the date. If you need another order form, please contact the front office.


Monday: Happy Halloween-Remember to be safe and Trick-o-Treat for Unicef
A Day
PSP
21st Century



Tuesday: B Day
PSP
21st Century
Math Counts
ELA Benchmark




Wednesday: A Day
21st Century
Math Benchmark



Thursday: B Day
21st Century



Friday: Spirit Day! Wear your Hilsman Spirit shirt and khaki pants
A Day

Week of October 23, 2016

 Quote of the Week:  



Good afternoon parents,

I hope that all of you had an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful fall weather this weekend. Last Friday, I sent home a letter informing you of an incident that occurred at Hilsman. I am asking that you please speak to your children about the appropriate use of their devices and cyber etiquette. Technology is forever evolving but understanding the risks that are taken when it is used inappropriately will help us to avoid trouble. We will continue to monitor the use of technology with our students through LanSchool. Remember that students are not allowed to cell phones between the hours of 8:30-3:40. Please help us help your scholars by reminding them of the expectations.

Moving on to more exciting news! Thanks to Ms. Smith and her work with FFA, Hilsman is now known nationally. Our very own Zachary VanHessan placed 3rd in the National FFA Agriscience Fair. In addition, Raquel and Serenity got GOLD in the fair! Congratulations to all of our winners! We are some proud panthers!


Announcements:

Spirit Night:
Come out and join the PTO for Spirit Night this Monday at Menchie's and Your Pie from 5-9! 

 Basketball Try-outs

Boys Basketball Tryout: Monday, October 24th-October 27th (New Gym)

Moonlight Madness is November 11th. Pre-sale Tickets will be available starting October 24th - November 10th. 

Student events include: (First Come, First Serve, Paying events) 

• 3 Point Contest (12 participants)
• Knockout (20 participants)
• Relay Race (8 participants)

More information will be given out closer to the date. 

Red Ribbon Week:

WE ARE CELEBRATING RED RIBBON WEEK AT HILSMAN! This is the time each year when schools across the nation plan activities that promote alcohol and drug awareness and prevention. For more information, visit redribbon.org. The theme this year is YOLO. Be Drug Free. #YOUONLYLIVEONCE.

Here is what we have planned for the week:

Monday-District RED OUT Day. Wear a red shirt in support of Red Ribbon Week. Students must still wear uniform bottoms.

Tuesday-Sock it to drugs and wear crazy socks! The Healthy Brain Campaign will have a table set up at lunch to give you more information about drugs and making healthy choices.

Wednesday-Team up against drugs and wear a sports shirt! Students must still wear uniform bottoms. Sign the Red Ribbon Week Pledge at lunch and commit to being drug free.

Thursday-Put a lid on drugs and wear a hat! Let’s “Stomp Out Drugs” with a step team performance at lunch!

Also, we will have a DOOR DECORATING CONTEST this year with prizes for one homeroom per grade level! Get creative and send a positive message to your classmates. This contest starts on Monday and all doors should be completed by Thursday. Good luck!

Jag News

Thursday 10-27-16  Region Cross Country @ Unicoi State Park  TBD

Friday 10-28-16 Varsity Football vs. Johnson ( Sr. Night ) 7:30

GO JAGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday:B Day

21st Century

PSP

Spirit Night at Your Pie and Menchie's

Tuesday: A Day

21st Century

PSP

Wednesday: B Day

21st Century

FrightFest 6-8

Thursday:A Day

Uniform Free Day! No rips or holes in jeans, no  leggings/jeggings, Students must follow CCSD's dress code or they will be asked to call home or go to ISS. Parents please ensure that students follow the code!

Friday: No School!!!!!!!

Week of October 16, 2016

Good afternoon parents,

I hope that you all had a terrific weekend. Thank you to all of the parents that came out for your conference. Our goal is to have 100%. If you have not had your conference, please contact your child's homeroom teacher ASAP. Hilsman was buzzing with good news all of last week. The students were excited about their progress and parents were overall pleased with the work of our staff. The staff was extremely pleased with all of the delicious treats provided by the PTO. The support that you all provide to the school is greatly appreciated by the staff! Below you will find the news and announcements for the week.

Announcements:

Cookie Dough Fundraiser: 

All cookie dough orders and money will be due to the school on October 19th! The orders should arrive at Hilsman on November 8th or 9th. Remember the house that sells the most orders will be given an extra 200 points plus receive a house party! More importantly, the Hawks Dunk Show will be performed at Hilsman for every student that sells 2 or more buckets of cookie dough. The show will feature a special performance by Ms. Tolbert and Mr. Forker. I promise you that this is an event that you don't want to miss!
This fundraiser will help support our PBIS program at Hilsman by allowing us to provide incentives to our students and staff! We need your support so start selling cookies!


Meals in the Middle

To CCSD’s Meals in the Middle

This collaboration between the four middle schools of Athens-Clarke County marks the first of a series of charity dinners, raising funds for important causes in the Athens community.

Students, staff and volunteers from all four middle schools will prepare, and serve a meal. We welcome you to join us, enjoy a delicious meal, and learn about the important work that we are doing in the schools and that IHN is doing in our community.  Our students gain culinary experience as well critical collaboration skills.   

The dinner will commence October 17^th at 6pm and will consist of an appetizer of grilled okra, a candied pecan & Asher Blue salad, an entrée of shrimp perloo with garden vegetables, and a delicious dessert.  The cost is $40 per person and all the money we raise goes to IHN.  Reservations are required and they are made by e-mailing Tad MacMillan at macmillt@clarke.k12.ga.us

This wonderful meal, prepared by all four schools, shall take place in the Clarke Middle School FCS room at 1235 Baxter Street.  

Our October meal benefits the Interfaith Hospitality Network.

(Thanks to Bertis Downs and Bob Carson for sponsoring this first meal.  ) 

Bus Driver Appreciation Week 

This week is Bus Driver Appreciation Week! Please help us thank our bus drivers for the hard work that they do every day! We love and appreciate our drivers at Hilsman.

Benchmarks: 

Parents, 
The administration of Benchmarks is quickly approaching. Please make sure your students are at school and on time! The schedule is listed below:

ELA 

                Nov 1. Tuesday

                Nov 2. Wednesday

Social Studies 

                Nov 3. Thursday

                Nov 4. ELA/SS Make up

Math

                Nov 9. Wednesday

Science

                Nov 10. Thursday

                Nov 11. Math and Science Make ups

Monday:  A Day

• 21st Century
• PSP

Tuesday: B Day

• PSP
• Cross Country- Athens-Oconee Championship at North Oconee High School at 4:25

Wednesday: A Day

Thursday: B Day

• Hilsman Chess Tournament 4:00-7:30
• Pledge Against Gun Violence Assembly 

Friday: A Day Hilsman goes Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Students will be allowed to wear a pink shirt and jeans. Students MUST wear a pink shirt in order to wear jeans. Jeans can not have any rips or holes. NO leggings or jeggings!