Good evening!
Well we are two days away from our holiday break! The students and staff are excited about another opportunity to spend time with family and to relax. Please be encouraged to take an extra moment to just love on your family members. Also take a little time to reach out to those that have suffered losses and are missing those that have helped to make this time special. Our school community has definitely had our share of challenges this year but thanks to your generous hearts, we have made it! I want to take a moment to simply say THANK YOU for taking the extra time to come out to school activities, participating in fundraisers, and supporting our scholars and teachers.
The dance was a huge success and the students had a blast. Let the truth be told, the teachers had a great time too! Thank you to all that donated food or funds. Last week was just filled with activities and events throughout the school. A huge shout out to Mr. Lawrence, Mrs. Floyd, and Mrs. Camp. Our students were nothing short or phenomenal.
Below you will find more information and the week at a glance. As always, it is a pleasure to serve you and your child at Hilsman Middle School. I wish you and your family a fun, safe, and relaxing Holiday Season! T'is the season!
Principal Tolbert
Announcements
Students will be need to be dressed in uniform on Monday and Tuesday.
Device Information
Thank you for your feedback regarding the restructuring of the 1:1 initiative at Hilsman Middle School. The conversations held on FaceBook, the emails, and the face to face discussions with parents implicated that there were an overwhelming number of parents and teachers that supported our decision to decrease the usage of computers. There are several parents who raised some great concerns and please know that we are working to communicate answers to you. Our GAVS students will continue to receive instruction via computer. Due to the make up of the class, they may be allowed to continue to use their devices both at home and at school. We are currently working to ensure that we do not interfere with the progress that they are making in the program. Please note that students will continue to have access to technology during instructional time. The only major change is that students will no longer bring devices home. Data used to help make this decision showed that students are not using the computers for instructional purposes. Instead more than 60% of their usage is on social media or google chatting. Discipline data was not our only indicator for wanting to make this shift.
Our primary focus is to help improve student achievement. Instructional time has been negatively impacted due to the inappropriate usage of technology. Teaching and learning will only be strengthened by using other instructional strategies to deliver instruction to our students. I agree that students will find access using other devices. This is why we will continue to reinforce the No Flex Zone rule at Hilsman. This rule prohibits students from using their cell phones during school hours. I will send a reminder of the rule before we return to school in January.
In an effort to not burden parents or teachers with purchasing school supplies, we are hosting a school supply drive. I will also allocate funds to purchase more classroom supplies. A list of supplies is attached in a letter from Mr. Forker. If you have any further questions or concerns, please see Mr. Forker or Ms. Tolbert.
Forker's Corner
Thank you for your feedback regarding student devices. Please see the letter attached below. This letter was also sent home in paper copy on Friday the 15th.
In addition, please see the video linked below. It provides additional information about our technology initiative.
Panther Prowl
The Panther Prowl 5K is almost here!! We are still looking for sponsors and runners. If you would like to become a corporate sponsor, let Meganne Skinner, or Christina Fassbender know at skinnerme@clarke.k12.ga.us and we will get you the paperwork! Thank you to all those who have already signed up to race with us! Runners, you can sign up at active.com
You can still sign up at the discounted price until January 26th!
Science Night
Family Science Night will be on Thursday, January 18 from 5:00-7:00 pm.
All students, families, staff, and community members are welcome to attend!
Sock Hop Information
7th Grade ELA "Soc Hop" Dance on Tuesday, 12/19/17 during 6th and 7th periods. Parents are welcomed to attend and donate food items such as chips, cookies, cupcakes, and drinks.
Upcoming Events
Hilsman had an amazing showing in the school science fair. The top thirty scoring projects will go on to the CCSD Science Fair in early January.
Hilsman Social Studies Fair January 10, 2018
Hilsman Spelling Bee January 17, 2018
Hilsman Geography Bee January 25, 2018
Students wanting to help care for the animal over the break should email Ms. Smith at smithj2@clarke.k12.ga.us. A parent must be present when you are feeding.
Week at a Glance
Monday- Students ARE in uniforms
21st Century
PSP
All Ag Classes- SAE Projects Due in Class 3 hours and 3 pictures on the template in Google Classroom.
Agriculture Class Makeup Work Day- (This is for any student missing work in an Agriculture Class).
8:00-8:25 and 4:00-4:30
Tuesday-Students ARE in uniforms
21st Century
Wednesday-Friday-NO SCHOOL
