Week of 1/29/2017

Quote of the Week:  

“If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.”
                                Maya Angelou


Announcements:

The dental bus will be here on Friday March 24th.  Forms are in the front office and if you would like service for that date forms need to be return by February 10.

Soccer News

All boys and girls interested in playing need to have a current physical on file, running shoes or cleats. and comfortable clothes to play in. Send any questions to Ms. Destefani or Mr. Spinks.

University of Georgia TriO Invites You to Join Educational Talent Search:

We are still accepting applications for 6th and 7th graders to join this program. Ms. Lastasia Ramsey, Educational Program Specialist with UGA, meets with our student participants every other week during their lunch period to provide academic, career, and financial counseling while encouraging them to graduate from high school and complete their post-secondary education. Applications are available in the Counseling Department and/or the Front Office.

Upcoming Rising 9th Grade Events:

February 9th at 6-7pm-Rising 9th Grade Parent Night at Cedar Shoals

February 22nd-8th Grade Field Trip to Cedar Shoals

Letters to parents of 8th grade students enrolled in HS Physical Science will be sent home with progress reports on Friday, February 3. Parents should review this information carefully and discuss it with their child.

Picture News

Basketball News

We would like to congratulate the boys and girls basketball teams on a great season. The boys tried hard in the championship game, despite a tough loss. 


Science Update
Every single student Hilsman took to the Regional Engineering and Science Fair won an award at some level!

Saketh Chaluvadi-Bronze Medal

Mich Bodden-Sliver Medal

Amanda Wise-Silver Medal

Remember Sharky McQuinn-Silver Medal

Amelia Pisarik-Gold Medal

Raquel Fillingim-Gold Medal

Serenity Howell-Gold Medal

Emma Dale-Gold Medal

Calvin Williams-Gold Medal

Two of our students won special awards`from the American Chemical Society:

Mich Bodden and Remember Sharky McQuinn`

A BIG shout out to the Hilsman Science teachers who got them to these levels!!!

Look out, State, here we come!!

Mrs. Jones is offering after-school tutoring and makeup sessions for seventh graders every Thursday in room 207 from 4:00 until 5:00 p.m.  Parents are asked wherever possible to notify her a day in advance.  STUDENTS MUST BE PICKED UP NO LATER THAN 5:00.

Week at a Glance:

Monday:  B Day

PSP 

21st Century

Tuesday: A Day

PSP

21st Century

Nursery Landscape and Agriscience Fair Practice 4:00-5:00

Wednesday: B Day

21st Century

Thursday: A Day

21st Century

Nursery Landscape Practice 4:00-5:00 

Friday: B  Day

Week of 1/22/2017

Quote of the Week:

                                   
Hello Parents,

I want to give a grand shout out to all of our winners at Hilsman! So many of our students took part in the Social Studies and Science Fairs, as well as the Spelling Bee Competition. They prepared well and as a result our students performed well. Thank you again to all of you for encouraging and helping your child to go beyond the classroom. If you did not get a chance to see the amazing projects, you missed a treat. Today, our Social Studies Fair winners were announced. Please join me in CONGRATULATING the following students:

• Ashton Bryant (Hilsman)
• Violet Calkin (Hilsman)
• Knox Huff (Hilsman)
• Isabella Gonzalez (Hilsman)
• Chloe Howard (Hilsman)
• Zollie Mattox (Hilsman)
• Coriander McGreevy (Hilsman)
• Kallie Newsome (Hilsman)
• Ikeoluwa Ojo (Hilsman)
• William Olmstead (Hilsman)
• Jackie Wright (Hilsman)

The judges were absolutely amazed by the creativity and quality of the projects. Thank you again!

Announcements:

No Flex Zone

In the blog published on January 7th, I informed parents about the change to the No Flex Zone rule at Hilsman. I want to send a reminder that students are not allowed to use cell phones from 8:25-3:45. Phones will be collected by teachers and secured at the beginning of every class period. They will be distributed at the end of every class period. If students violate this rule and the phone is confiscated, it will be secured in the vault in the front office. Parents can retrieve the phones between the hours of 3:45-5:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This change will help students remain focused during instructional time as well as eliminate unnecessary discipline referrals associated with text messages and social media. Students are welcomed to place their phones in their lockers however the school will not be responsible for the phone if it is lost or stolen. Please help us help the students by reminding them of the expectations.

Benchmarks:

The second administration of Benchmarks will be administered in February. Please see the schedule below and ensure that your scholar is doing their part to do well on the assessments. Benchmark reviews will be happening in their classes.

Feb Benchmarks

2/14- Tuesday -  Science (afternoon make ups)

 2/15 - Wednesday -  Science - Make Ups

2/16 - Thursday - Math (afternoon make ups)

  2/17 Friday - Math and Science - Make up

2/21 - Tuesday - ELA (afternoon make ups)

2/22 - Wednesday - ELA Make Ups

2/23 - Thursday - Social Studies (afternoon make ups)

24 - Friday - All Make Ups

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Attendance

Parents it is important that students are present at school every day. School begins at 8:25. We have a lot of students who are consistently late or absent from school. This not only impacts the school's overall attendance but greatly affects your child's academic success. When they miss school, they miss out, and we miss them. With this being said, we are aware that we are in the mist of a terrible flu season and some of our students have been absent due to illness. This is understandable! If your child must be absent, please provide a written notice to the front office. 

Attention Parents of 7th Graders

7th grade students are invited to stay after school with Mrs. Jones Thursdays from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.  They may receive tutoring or help completing assignments.  Students must have their devices and be picked up no later than 5:00 p.m.

IB Academies

The IB Enrichment Academies are interest-based learning groups that provide school-wide enrichment and gifted pedagogy to all students through authentic learning and application. They allow for student choice, creative expression, and interdisciplinary studies. Groups are designed to be self-directed to increase learning skills and produce authentic products or services while increasing task commitment, self confidence and collaboration with others. IB Academies will begin January 23rd.

Upcoming Events:

Regional Science and Engineering Fair will be Friday, January 27 from 8a.m.-5p.m. at the Oconee Civic Center

March 13, 2017 Spring Pictures- As promised, students will be allowed to be OUT of uniforms for Spring pictures. 

Clubs and Teams (basketball/soccer) will follow.

Week at a Glance

Monday: A Day

PSP

21st Century

Monday: FFA Officer Meeting and Nursery Landscape Practice

Tuesday: B Day

MathCounts

PSP

21st Century

FFA Meeting- 4:00-5:30 (Wildlife Supper- Bring a dish or dessert!)

Middle School BB Tournament @ Hilsman 4:40

Wednesday: A Day

21st Century

Middle School BB Tournament @ Hilsman 4:40

Thursday: B Day

21st Century

Horse Judging and Nursery Landscape Practice

Middle School BB Tournament @ Hilsman 4:40

Friday: A Day

Horse Judging and Nursery Landscape Practice

Saturday: 

Area Horse Judging (UGA Horse Arena in Bishop)

Middle School BB Championship Games @ Hilsman 10:00am

Jag Nation News:

Tues. 1-24-17   Basketball @ Walnut Grove  JVG 4:30   VG-B 6:00/7:30

                        9th Boys Basketball @ Apalachee 4:30

Thurs,  1-26-17  9th Boys Basketball vs. Oconee Co.

Fri. 1-27-17 Swimming @ Ramsey 5:30 ( Sr. Night )

                  Basketball @ Johnson  JVG-B 4:00/5:30  VG-B 7:00/8:30

Sat. 1-28-17  9th Boys Basketball @ Johnson TBA

                     Concussion Baseline Testing @ Cedar Shoals 8:00 

                     ( Soccer/Baseball )

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

Week of 1/15/2017

Quote of the Week: 

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." 

—from Strength to Love, 1963

Good afternoon,

At Hilsman, we experienced another great week! Thank you for speaking with your scholars about the expectations at Hilsman. Please encourage your child to take advantage of the extracurricular activities that are being offered by the District as well as the school. We are working hard to provide our students with more exposure to outside activities that not only enhance their academic abilities but allow the students to showcase their talents. We did have several of our students represent in the Science Fair and on the Academic Team this weekend! A big shout out to all of them as they represented Hilsman well. Thank you to the students, parents, and teachers.

Announcements:

• District Social Studies Fair, Friday, January 20, Hilsman Middle School  (Set up on Thursday afternoon)

• HMS Social Studies Curriculum Night, Thursday, January 19 (includes Geography Bee and an opportunity to view the district projects in the MC)

• HMS Spelling Bee, Wednesday, January 18, in MC (set up Tuesday afternoon during period 7); students will be called down to the media center at 8:30 am. The actual competition will begin no later than 9 am.

• Oratorical Contest Topic: "What the World Gains from Optimism"; this competition opportunity will be offered through the Social Studies. 

• ELT classes, as well as through the newly formed debate team. Competition at UGA on February 25, 2017.

• Seventh grade students having trouble completing their Expository Essay Project have the opportunity to stay after school with an ELA teacher for additional help.  Parents are asked to let their child's teacher know in advance.  CHILDREN MUST BE PICKED UP NO LATER THAN 5:00 P.M.

• All PSP applications that were submitted have been processed by Ms. Ward. Your scholars should be participating on Mondays and Tuesdays from 4-6

• Bullying Prevention Essay Contest:
  
  
  Students, would you like to honor an adult at your school who has made an impact by standing up to bullying or helping someone who has been bullied? If so, we invite you to participate in the district-wide Bullying Prevention Essay Contest. Access more details and submit your essay at bit.ly/CCSDessay2017. Submissions are due February 7, 2017. Winners will be selected at the middle and high school level

• National Mentoring Month:

  
  

  January is National Mentoring Month and we would like to recognize the Hilsman Mentor of the Year, Janet Martin! She will be honored this month at the Clarke County Mentor Program’s Breakfast. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please contact the Clarke County Mentor Program at #706.549.6800 x227. We appreciate all of our mentors and the impact they have on our students.

Week at a Glance

Monday: No School- MLK Day-  A day off is a day on! 

Optional SAE workday at Hilsman from 10-12

Tuesday: B Day

PSP

21st Century

MathCount

Wednesday: A Day

21st Century

Thursday: B Day

21st Century

Horse Judging and Nursery Landscape Practice. Agriscience Workday. 

Hilsman v/s BHL B Game @ Home @ 4:30

Friday: A Day

Jag News!

Tues., 1-17-17  Varsity Basketball vs. Flowery Branch JVB 4:30  VG-B 6:00/7:30

                       9th Boys Basketball @ Winder 4:30

                        Wrestling @ Oglethorpe Co. ( Athens Academy ) 5:00

Thurs., 1-19-17 9th Boys Basketball @ Clarke Central  5:00

Fri., 1-20-17  Wrestling @ Johnson 5:00

Sat., 1-21-17  Basketball @ Clarke Central  JVG-B 11:00/12:30  VG-B 2:00/3:30

                     9th Boys Basketball @ Johnson  TBA

                      Swimming Invitational @ Ramsey Center  9:00 am

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

Week of 1/7/2017

Greetings!

We had a great return from the break! Town hall meetings were held to encourage students to finish the year strong. As many of you are aware,  all after school and weekend activities are cancelled due  to a possibility of inclement weather. The Science Fair has been rescheduled to January 14th at Cedar Shoals. Set up will begin Friday, January 13th from 3:45-6:00. If you have any questions regarding the Science Fair, please email Mrs. Teresa Johns. 

We have made some adjustments with the No Flex Zone rule. Phones will now be taken up at the beginning of each class and placed in a box. They will be secured by the teacher and returned to the students at the end of the class period. If students choose to leave their phones in their lockers, this is acceptable however the school will not be responsible for lost or stolen phones. In addition, if students are found in possession of their phones and refuse to comply with the rule, the phones will be confiscated. Parents will be able to retrieve phones on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45-4:30. Please help our staff help your children to comply with this change. If you have questions or concerns regarding this change, please email Ms. Tolbert directly.

In an effort to offer students more academic support, we will be offering Georgia Milestone Preparation classes on Saturdays beginning March 18th.  Permission slips will be given to students Monday and are due back no later than March 3rd. Parents please encourage your child to participate in the program! It is a great opportunity to receive remediation and testing strategies for the Milestones. 

Stay warm this weekend,

Ms. Tolbert


Announcements:

• PSP operates on Mondays and Tuesdays from 4-6.  Students can receive help with Mathematics, English/Language Arts, and Science.  Applications are still available. Those students that have already filled out an application are welcome to come on the 2 specified days.

Bullying Prevention Essay Contest

• Students, would you like to honor an adult at your school who has made an impact by standing up to bullying or helping someone who has been bullied? If so, we invite you to participate in the district-wide Bullying Prevention Essay Contest. Access more details and submit your essay at bit.ly/CCSDessay2017. Submissions are due February 7, 2017. Winners will be selected at the middle and high school level.

• District Science Fair has been moved to January 14, 2017, because of the winter weather this weekend.

• District Social Studies Fair is on January 20 at Hilsman, and students should check in their boards and reports at the Media Center on January 17 or January 19 from 4-5pm. OR They can bring their boards and reports to Room 408 anytime on January 19.

• Students who will be competing in District Social Studies Fair should meet with Ms. Giannasi during ELT on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday of next week (January 9, 10, 12, or 13). This is to ensure that all parts of their projects are complete and ready for district level competition.

• Hilsman Spelling Bee is scheduled for the morning of January 18 in the Media Center.

• We are currently out of hotspots. However, there is a $10 AT&T Internet option for SNAP eligible (low-income) families. Please call 1.855.220.5211. 

Soccer Announcements:

Soccer conditioning for boys and girls will begin next week. The days for next week will be Tuesday, January 10th, Wednesday, and Friday at 4:05 pm and will end at 5:30 pm. This is non-mandatory, but highly recommended for students wanting to try-out for soccer later this month. Bring water, running shoes, and cleats. Also, running attire is a good idea. Soccer conditioning is open to all students, but all participants must give 100%. Please help spread the word, and join the 'Hilsman Soccer' page on Facebook. Go Panthers!"

Week at a Glance:

Monday- A Day

• Interest meeting for: Creed Speaking, Public Speaking, Lawnmower Driving, Nursery Landscape and Agriscience Fair. Come and learn about each of these FFA contests!

Tuesday-B Day

• MathCounts Resumes 7:15
• Horse Judging Practice 4:00-5:00

Wednesday- A Day

• Horse Judging Practice 4:00-5:00

Thursday- B Day

• Horse Judging Practice 4:00-5:00
• 8th grade trip to see Hidden Figures 9:00-12:00
• HMS v/s CMS @ Home @ 4:30

Friday- A Day

JagNation News

Monday 1-9-17  9th Boys Basketball vs. Hart Co. 6:00

Tuesday 1-10-17 Basketball @ Loganville  JVB 4:30  VG-B 6:00/7:30

Friday 1-13-17  Basketball @ Buford JVG-B 4:00/5:30  VG-B 7:00/8:30

Saturday 1-14-17  Basketball @ Gainesville JVG-B 12:00/1:30  VB 3:00

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

Week of 1/2/2017

Quote of the Week: If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.  
                                                                                        Abigail Van Buren
Good evening,

Happy New Year and welcome back to school! It feels like forever since we dismissed for the break. The staff is excited and anxiously awaiting the arrival of our students tomorrow. We hope that you have enjoyed your time off and is equally excited about your scholars coming back to school. We will continue with our motto of being "firm, fair, and consistent'. Of course, we are all in a '"no rule zone" since we have been out on break. This week we will spend time revisiting the behavior and academic expectations at Hilsman. Please speak to your children about their return to school and the importance of following the expectations.

As we are gearing up to take on the second half of the school year I want to remind you all that the end of the year is not far away. We must remain focused on academics. Encourage your scholars to READ, STUDY,REMAIN ON TASK and COMPLETE ALL ASSIGNMENTS. We must hold our students accountable for their progress and learning. They too must be consistent in their practices so that they can see favorable results. We can and will move to higher grounds! Consistency is the key from all stakeholders. Let us begin with a great end in mind. Hilsman rocks because of all of you. Although we may disagree on somethings, we all agree that we want what is best for Hilsman. Please continue to ask questions and provide feedback to our staff. Our job is to serve all of you but most importantly to teach to reach every child at Hilsman.

Announcements:

• There will be NO Mathcounts this week! MathCounts will resume on January 10th.

• Hilsman Spelling Bee - January 18, 2017; District Spelling Bee - February 2 at Clarke Central

• Clarke County District Social Studies Fair; held at Hilsman; set up - January 19; Judging - January 20

• Optimist Oratorical Contest: Topic shared - early January; school competition - early February; Athens competition - February 25, 2017

• CCSD District Science Fair will be at Cedar Shoals High School on Saturday, Jan. 7th. 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.   Set-up is Friday, Jan. 6th. 3:45-6 p.m. CCSD Science and Engineering Fair Schedule

• Hilsman's IB Academies will start Monday, Jan. 9th. 

Week at a Glance

Monday: NO SCHOOL

Tuesday: A Day

• 21st Century
• PSP
• Horse Judging and FFA Science Fair Practice Interviews 4:00-5:00

Wednesday: B Day

• FFA Science Fair Practice Interviews 4:00-5:00

Thursday: A Day

• Horse Judging and FFA Science Fair Practice Interviews 4:00-5:00
• Family Science and 21st Century Night 5:00-7:00
• Hilsman v/s Coile BB Game @ Coile at 4:30

Friday: B Day

Saturday

Jan 7: Area Horse Judging (UGA Horse Arena- Bishop) and District Science Fair (Cedar Shoals)

Science Fair

Jaq Nation News

Tues., January 2 9th Boys Basketball 4:30

Wed., January 4  Basketball vs. Johnson JVB 4:30  VG/B 6:00/7:30

Sat., January 7  Basketball vs. Washington JVB 2:30  VG/B 4:00/5:30

                         9th Boys @ Johnson 12:00 pm

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