Week of 4/23/17

Quote of the Week: 


Good Day Panther Nation!

Happy Friday! We have had a wonderful week of testing at Hilsman and our students have maintained a positive attitude. As we walked through the building, we observed students focusing and working hard. Next week we will continue to test. Please continue to encourage your child to show what they know on the test. I respectfully ask that parents limit phone calls and early check out for students during the testing hours. We want to limit interruptions to the testing environment. 

We have a lot of events coming up as we are nearing the end of the year. Please stay informed of dates and times. If you have questions, please directly contact the school. As always, we want to promote a positive school culture. Our students are bursting with energy as we are nearing the end of the year. Please continue to speak with your students about the school expectations. We are almost to the end! Have a great weekend!

U. Tolbert

Announcements:

Friday, April 28th Hilsman will host a school dance. The theme will be The 80s! It will be lots of fun and an opportunity for students to celebrate the end of Milestones. The cost will be 2.00 per student and refreshments will be sold. See you all there in your 80s gear!

Sixth grade Hilsman student Ikeoluwa Ojo is competing on Saturday, April 22, 2017 in the State Social Studies Fair being held at Clayton State University in Morrow, GA.

Seventh grade students who need ELA remediation or makeup work may make an appointment to stay after school with Mrs. Jones.  They must be picked up no later than 5:00.

From the Nurse

6th graders are due to receive the MCV immunization and 2nd Varicella in order to be considered up-to-date for 7th grade.  Can you please add this to your blog so parents can make plans and schedule appointments to get their 6th grader immunized. Your help is greatly appreciated and may save a tree.

Stay happy and healthy!

Celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 22!

SET Fundraiser on Earth Day

One way to celebrate the day before going to other Saturday activities is to enjoy a pancake breakfast at Fatz Cafe.  The fundraiser will take place from 7:30-10:30 am.  

Science & Energy Team members that are trying to earn money for a trip to Atlanta and Washington, DC will be there to bring you a delicious breakfast.  If you don't have time to sit down and eat, you can request a to-go breakfast.  

If you are not a fan of pancakes stop by and bid on some of the Silent Auction items.  Silent Auction bidding ends at 10:00 am.

Upcoming Tests:

EOC Test for HS Physical Science - May 5 (Make-up May 8)

EOC Test for Coordinate Algebra - May 9 (Make-up May 10)

French 1 Final Exam - May 10 (Make-up May 11)

Spanish 1 Final Exam - May 16 (Make-up May 17)

Week at a Glance

Monday: A Day

Milestones Make ups

Ag Science Fair Practice 4-5

Tuesday: B Day

Math Milestone

Science Fair Practice 4-5

Wednesday: A Day

Science Milestone

Ag Science Fair Practice 4-6

Thursday: B Day

Social Studies Milestone

Thursday- Saturday State FFA Convention Macon, Georgia
8th Grade Parent Meeting with Mrs. Varitek (Cedar) and Mr. Harris (Career Academy) 

Friday: A Day

Milestones Make ups

FFA Convention Macon, Georgia

Saturday:

FFA Convention Macon, Georgia

Jaq Nation News

5A State Track Sectionals @ Eagles Landing HS  9:00 am

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

Week of 4/17/2017

Quote of the Week: 

Greetings,

It is my hope that you are enjoying your weekend and the beautiful weather. For those that celebrate Easter, Happy Easter. It is going to be a busy week as we will begin testing. Please ensure that your child is at school no later than 8:25 and prepared to test. Students will need to bring their devices and chargers in an attempt to avoid any testing issues. We are committed to providing an environment that is conducive to testing. Please help us help the students by reminding them to do their best on the test. 

Last week was Assistant Principals' Appreciation Week. Mr. Forker has been a great addition to the Panther Nation. He works endlessly to perform his duties and responsibilities at Hilsman. His work is appreciated and does not go unnoticed. Join our staff in showing a little extra appreciation this week as he is the testing coordinator and will probably need an extra smile! Thank you Mr. Forker! 

Below you will find the announcements and week at a glance.

Ms. Tolbert 

Come Sing with Hilsman

HMS Chorus Concert is May 11th at 6:30

Calling all singers and none singers! Here is your chance to sing. Please consider joining the Hilsman Community Choir. Rehearsal (Hilsman Community Choir) will be Tuesdays at 4:30 pm in room 133. If you would like to participate email Mr. Lawrence for music and lyrics.

Pancakes

Congratulations!

Congratulations Mrs. Hughes on helping Hilsman Middle School become the grand prize winner for the Atlanta Falcons Green Team Recycling program! Mrs.Hughes has worked with students at Hilsman to keep us Green!

The grand prize winner will receive a special visit from a Falcons Player, Cheerleaders, Freddie Falcon, a $2,500 grant, and a commemorative gift. Additionally, the Grand Prize winning teacher will also receive a grant to attend Keystone Science School's Key Issues Institute. Congratulations again!!

Great News

Check out what the newspaper did not report about Hilsman! Our students are doing amazing work. Here are a list of students that were honored last Thursday at the BOE meeting! 

 

Monday- B Day

4:00-4:30 FFA Officer Meeting


Tuesday- A Day
ELA Milestone Test Part 
4:00-5:30 FFA Ice Cream Social (Bring your favorite topping or ice cream!)


Wednesday- B Day
Testing Make up


Thursday- A Day
ELA Milestone Test Part 2
Agriscience Fair Practice 4:00-5:00


Friday- B Day
Testing Make up
Agriscience Fair Practice 4:00-5:00

Week of 4/7/17

Quote of the Week:



Happy Sunshine! 

It is great to see the sun shining so bright after a week of strong storms and rain. The students were safe and did an awesome job of handling business as normal at Hilsman. Please continue to encourage your child to finish the year strong. Congratulations to our Boys Soccer Team! They played a great game yesterday. We lost however they showed GRIT on the field. Both of our soccer teams had a great season.Thank you to the coaches for their dedication and time. Thank you parents for your support! 

I want to give a huge shout out to our 7th graders! They visited UGA last week and received  compliments on their behavior and engagement. Way to go 7th grade! It is also  exciting to recognize our students that participated in the 2017 Special Olympics! They came back super excited about their events and ribbons. Congratulations!

We are preparing for the administration of Milestones. The teachers have done an exceptional job of preparing the students and it is our belief that our students will perform well on the test. Please ensure that students are present and arrive to school on time. In an effort to avoid any disruptions to the testing environment, I highly encourage students to leave their cell phones at home. We have had several incidents with cell phones the last three weeks. It is suggested that students and parents review the No Flex Zone rule. 

If your child is becoming anxious as a result of the upcoming test, please schedule an appointment with one of our counselors. We want to  encourage them to do their best but do not want any student to experience health or mental issues. 


   
Below you will find the week at a glance as well as important announcements.

Announcements:

Congratulations to Saketh Chaluvadi who represented Hilsman Middle School on March 31 at the State Geography Bee, held at Georgia College and State University. 

Students in the seventh grade needing makeup work or ELA remediation may stay after school with Ms. Jones from 4:00 until 5:00.  Please let her know a day in advance, and students MUST BE PICKED UP or have a way home NO LATER THAN 5:00. 

TUESDAY CCSD Fine Arts Celebration Orchestra Performance 

The 7th and 8th Grade Orchestras will perform at Clarke Central on Tuesday (4/11) as a part of the CCSD Fine Arts Celebration.  We will take a bus from HMS to CCHS and back, but parents and guests are invited to join the audience at Clarke Central.  We will play in Mell Auditorium at 5:40.  Students will leave during 7th period and return to HMS for pickup at 6:30.

THURSDAY Spring Orchestra Concert

All orchestra students in grades 6-8 will perform their Spring Concert on Thursday.  The concert is at 7:00 in the HMS Old Gym, orchestra students should report to the orchestra room at 6:30.  

Rival soccer weekend this Saturday April 8, hosted by Cedar Shoals! Cedar Shoals versus Clarke Central, JV boys at 1, alumni game at 3, Varsity girls at 6, and Varsity boys at 8. Come out and support the Jags, who are also Hilsman and Coile alums. There will be good food at concessions and a fun day of soccer in Athens. Go Jags! (HMS soccer players get in free with their jerseys)

Milestone Testing Dates

Parents,

Students will need to bring their devices to school every day fully charged. It is also suggested that they bring their chargers too. Please make sure that charges are labeled with the students name, grade, and homeroom teacher.

4/18 - ELA Day 1

4/20 - ELA Day 2

4/25 - Math

4/26 - Science (8th Grade only)

4/27 - Social Studies (8th Grade only)

5/5 - Science EOCT

5/8 - Science 

5/9 - Math EOCT

5/11 - Math EOCT Make-up

Week of 5/15 - 5/19 - Foreign language finals (TBD in accordance w/ CSHS)

​

Milestones Practice Tests for the Public

The Experience Online Testing Georgia website is available with a demonstration test for each of three grade bands: grades 3-5, grades 6-8, and high school – with sample items from each content area.  While the 3-5 and 6-8 grade bands will contain Science and Social Studies items, please be reminded that these two content areas will be assessed in grades 5 and 8 only.  The primary purpose of this website is to provide exposure to the online platform that students will utilize when taking the Georgia Milestones tests. Included are examples of multiple-part, multiple-select, and evidence-based selected-response items.  As communicated, these item types were operational beginning with the Winter 2016 End of Course (EOC) administration in the areas of English Language Arts and Mathematics and with the Spring 2017 End of Grade (EOG) and EOC.  These item types will be field tested, for the first time, in Science and Social Studies in Spring 2017 for both the EOC and EOG.  Items that are field tested do not impact the scores of students.  In addition, questions 1-5 will illustrate the Reading & Evidence-Based Writing section of ELA. It is important to understand that the items that comprise the demonstration tests are general in nature and reflect multiple grade levels.  Given the purpose of this site is to acquaint students with the navigation of the online testing process, the items are generic and are not necessarily reflective of the range of content or challenge that students will experience when taking the actual Georgia Milestones tests. For this public-facing site, please be aware that Google Chrome is the only supported browser.  Using Google Chrome, these public demonstration tests can be taken on any supported device, including Windows, Mac, and Linux desktops and laptops, Chromebooks, iPads and Android devices.  Using a Chrome browser only, enter the following link to access the site:    http://www.gaexperienceonline.com/ All you need to do to access a test is to select the Test Practice button, select Online Tools Training and Test Practice under End-of-Course (EOC) or End-of-Grade (EOG).  For both EOG and EOC, you will have the option to explore the Standard Online Tools or the Online Accommodations of Masking, Contrasting Color, and Color Chooser.  You will find these under “Options” at the bottom of the screen.  If you select EOG, you will also select a grade band (3 – 5 or 6 – 8).  You will find the username and password on the login screen itself for the selected demonstration test.  Enter that information and click Sign In – and you are ready to go!  Additional information can be found on the Experience Online Testing Georgia page under Documentation.

Week at a Glance 


Monday- A Day
21st Century


Tuesday- B Day
21st Century
Agriscience Fair Practice Interviews 4:00-5:00


Wednesday- A Day
21st Century
Plant Sale Final Day! Makeup from this week 4:00-5:30


Thursday- B Day
21st Century
AgriScience Fair Practice Interviews 4:00-5:00


Friday- A Day


Jaquar News

Monday 4-10-17  JV Girls Soccer vs. Clarke Central  5:30

                          Varsity Boys Soccer @ Monroe Area 5:00

                          Varsity Baseball @ Johnson 5:55

Tuesday 4-11-17 Athens Area Track & Field Meet @ Cedar Shoals 4:00

Wednesday 4-12-17 Varsity Baseball vs Johnson 5:55  ( Senior Night )

                              JV Soccer @ Oconee Co. 5:30/7:30

Thursday 4-13-17  Varsity Soccer @ West Hall 5:30/7:30

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

Week of 4/2/2017

Quote of the Week:


Happy Spring!

It is time to prepare for the finish line! We are getting closer to the end of the year and we are preparing to finish strong. A lot of important information will be sent home referencing testing, end of year dates for programs, and other announcements that will be relevant to your child's transition. Please be sure to ask for the information or contact the school if you have questions. 

Ms. U. Tolbert

Announcements

Conferences

Hilsman is really close to reaching our goal of 100% for parent teacher conferences. If you have not held your conference, it is not too late. Please contact your child's homeroom teacher to schedule a time that is good for you to meet. We want you to be in the know about your child's education and academic progress. 

Saturday School 

The teachers, parents, and students are really doing a phenomenal job in Saturday School. We have seen an increase in 8th graders' participation but a drop in the other grade levels. This is a free program designed by our teachers to help students prepare for testing. I can not stress how important it is to take advantage of such an awesome opportunity. If your child is registered to attend, please ensure that they are present. Transportation is provided for students that are within the zone by CCSD as long as your child is on a current bus route. Snacks are provided. 
Saturday School is  held from 8-12 at Hilsman Middle School. The last day of Saturday School is April 8th.

Building Construction Committee

Calling all interested parents, students, and community members. SPLOST 5 has been approved and Hilsman is up for a new building! We are super excited about the process and is looking forward to getting started making plans. I have heard from a few parents/students however if you are interested in serving on this committee, please contact me via email by Friday, April 7th.

8th Grade News

There will be an 8th Grade Parent Meeting Wednesday, April 5th at 6:00. Please come out and hear from Ms. Varitek about transitioning to high school as well as be made aware of important information regarding end of year celebrations.

Principal's Coffee will be held on Friday, April 14th at 9:00 in the Media Center. The topic of discussion will be The Georgia Milestones!

8th Grade's Moving On Ceremony will be Thursday, May 18th at 6:00 pm.
8th Grade's Awards Ceremony will be May 15th from 2:00 pm-3:45 pm.
8th Grade's Semi-Formal Dance will be May 11th from 6:00-8:00 pm.
7th Grade's Award Ceremony May 16th at 2:00 pm.
6th Grade's Awards Ceremony will be held May 17th at 9:30 am.

Need Plants?

Please come out and support FFA. Plants will be for sale this week between the  hours of 3:30-5:30.

Math and Literacy Night

Math and  Literacy Night will be held this Tuesday, April 4th at 5:00. Please come out and get Milestones resources to help your child as well as enjoy our Poetry Cafe! 

From Coach Ryals

Attention all 8th Graders that wish to play football at Cedar Shoals in 2017!  The time is now and the place is Cedar Shoals HS!  Off Season workouts have begun for the 2017 Cedar Shoals B Team (Rising 9th and 10th grade).  Workouts are being held Monday through Thursday at the Cedar Shoals HS Weight Room. An Activity bus will pick up athletes from Coile and Hilsman Middle Schools and bring them over to Cedar Shoals HS for workouts on these days.  Workouts will be from 4:00 p.m. (or time of arrival) until 5:00 p.m.  Any 8th grader that is not participating in a spring sport should plan to attend.  All athletes must have a valid physical on file.

Here are two other dates of importance:

• FREE Athletic Physicals for the 2017-18 school year will be given at AOC on April 8th starting at 8 a.m.  Bus transportation will be provided for all Cedar Shoals, Hilsman, Coile Athletes. 
• Next TD Club Meeting is April 11th at 6 p.m. in the Team Room of the Field house at Cedar Shoals HS.  All Parents are strongly encouraged to attend as their will be vital information given about the program.
• Spring practice starts Monday, April 24th.  Practices will last for 2 weeks and end with a spring scrimmage vs. Elbert County on May 6th. 

Congratulations

Congratulations to Saketh Chaluvadi, who competed on Friday, March 31, at the State Geography Bee. He represented Hilsman very well. We are proud of him and all of his hard work that brought him to the state level.


Week at a Glance

Monday: Out off School


Tuesday- A Day

21st Century
PSP
Hilsman Boys vs. Clarke Middle Boys @ 4:40 @ Coile
Clarke Middle Girls vs. Hilsman Girls @ 6:00 @ BHL
Math and Literacy Night 5:00


Wednesday-B Day

Plant Sale 3:30-5:30
Orchestra Rehearsal 3:45-5:00 in the Orchestra Room
21st Century
SRI Testing-Encourage your child to do their best!
8th Grade Parent Meeting @ 6:00


Thursday- A Day

Plant Sale 3:30-5:30
21st Century


Friday- B Day

Plant Sale 3:30-5:30
Tentative Soccer Championship at Clarke Central beginning at 4:40

Saturday

Saturday School @ Hilsman 8:00-12:00
Plant Sale 9:00-12:00

Jaq Nation News

Tuesday 4-4-17  Varsity Baseball vs Athens Christian  5:55

                        Tennis vs Athens Christian @ Athens Tennis Center 4:00

Wednesday 4-5-17  JV-Varsity Boys Soccer @ Habersham Central  5:30/7:30

Thursday 4-6-17  Tennis vs. Apalachee @ Athens Tennis Center 4:00

Saturday 4-8-17   CEDAR/CENTRAL SOCCER @ CS

                           JV BOYS  1:00

                           ALUMNI GAME 3:00

                           VARSITY GIRLS 6:00

                           VARSITY BOYS 8:00

****FREE SPORTS PHYSICALS!!!!!!! 

8:30 AM ARRIVE @ CS NEW GYM

9:00 AM BOARD BUSES TO ATHENS ORTHOPEDIC CLINIC

9:30 AM CEDAR PHYSICALS

11:00 AM RETURN TO CEDAR

****ONCE AGAIN, THIS IS FREE! DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY!

GO JAGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1