Week of 5/14/17

Quote of Week
                                              

Good evening,

Happy Mother's Day! I hope all of you are enjoying the day. Soooo we are down to the last 5 days! I know many of you are excited. Our week will be full of fun activities. It has been a great year. Shout out to the Band and Chorus for the great performances last week. Also if you had an opportunity to visit during Field Days, you witnessed the students having a blast. The Coaches and the rest of the Connections Team did a great job organizing the events. I have been asked several times about uniforms. This week only 8th grade will be out of uniform! But wait, there is a catch! They must donate 2 uniform items for next year's uniform closet. Please contact Mr. Blake if you have questions. All other grade levels may be out of uniform on the day of their Awards Ceremony and Friday! Remember to follow the dress code. Thank you for a wonderful first year. It has been great serving as the Principal of the Finest Middle School in town! Cheers to the last week of school!

Announcements:

You are invited to help plan the

HILSMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL

2017-2018 Title I Family Engagement Program

At this Title I Planning meeting we will...

• Review and revise the Title I Family Engagement Plan and the School-Parent Compact
• Get input on how we can help you help your children to succeed in school
• Get input on how to spend the Clarke County School District’s Title I, 1% Parent Involvement set aside

The meeting will be held at 5:00 p.m., on Wednesday, May 17th in the school cafeteria.

We look forward to working with you to make 2016-2017 the best year for families at Hilsman Middle School yet!

If you have any questions, please contact: Ms. Jamie J. Hogan at (706) 548-7281 or hoganj@clarke.k12.ga.us.

Orchestra

Orchestra Open House Wednesday from 4:00-6:30.  Parents and students interested in orchestra should drop by the Orchestra Room to sign up and choose an instrument.  Orchestra is open to any rising 6th grader, as well as any current 6th graders interested in joining.  Please contact Ms. Floyd at floydr@clarke.k12.ga.us for more information!

21st Century

If you are interested in your student participating in the 21st Century STEAM Program, please get an application from Ms. Nix. Rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will meet at Cedar Shoals June 5-29, Monday-Thursday from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. 

Rising 9th grade students will meet at Clarke Central June 5th - June 29th, Monday - Thursday from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Transportation is provided for both programs. 

Please click on the link below for a special message from Mrs.Trammel

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=4aadd8b767&view=att&th=15bf864e6752cfa6&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=8fe9773f27a0a060_0.1&safe=1&zw

Media Center News

For Staff, Students, and Parents: All devices, chargers, HotSpots, and library books have been collected, so please send any that you find around home or campus to the Hilsman Media Center. Thanks!

Yearbooks are still on sale. Send payment to Ms. Nix.

Award Ceremonies

6th Grade- May 17, 2017 @ 9:30
7th Grade- May 16, 2017 @ 2:00
8th Grade- May 15, 2017 @ 2:00

8th Grade Semi-Formal Dance
May 11, 2017 @ 6:00

8th Grade Moving On Ceremony
May 18, 2017 @ 6:00

Monday- B Day

FFA Officer Banquet Practice 4:00-6:00

Tuesday- A Day

FFA Banquet  6:00pm (All Staff are invited!) (All FFA members will be recognized and we are asking parents to bring a dessert or side dish.)

Wednesday- B Day

Orchestra Open House

Thursday- A Day

Friday- Last Day of School- B Day

Early Release at 12:30 

Week of 5/7/2017

Quote of the Week: The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.Education is the key to success in life, and teachers make a lasting impact in the lives of their students.


Parents,

It is hard to believe that there are only 10 more days of school left. The year has flown by and the last few weeks have been filled with students and staff representing Hilsman and winning awards. I am so proud of the work that they are doing on behalf of the school. They all deserve a HUGE shout out!

As mentioned earlier the last days of school are going to be filled with fun activities. Learning will be taking place but in a very different manner. Please pay close attention to the dates as some activities have been moved around to accommodate the many events that are happening at Hilsman.

I also want to take a brief moment to address some of the concerns regarding bullying and on going communication at Hilsman. The Administration Team at Hilsman works hard to to provide a safe environment that is conducive to learning. We strive to build meaningful relationships with our students and families. Panther Nation News and Parent Link are the main sources of communication with our parents and community. If you are not connected, please visit CCSD's website and go to the Get Connected link. If there is an issue that you would like to bring to the attention of administration, please contact the school to schedule an appointment or send an email. We will  make every effort to attend to your concern.

Students are encouraged to report any acts of bullying immediately to an adult. We can not help if we are not made aware of the situation. With the help of one of our Professors in Residence, the counselors have designed an anonymous survey to be given Monday to students. The survey will allow us to gather data to help to continue to improve our Anti-Bullying Program at Hilsman. It is my hope that the program will create a space for students to feel comfortable talking about bullying and making reports. We will also begin the 2017-2018 school year with an anti-bullying rally that will allow students/parents to share their experiences with hopes of ending bullying at Hilsman. If you are interested in participating or know of some experts that would be willing to serve as speakers, please contact me. I have attached a link to a great article that speaks to the differences between bullying and other behaviors. It is a great read and will provide you all with a different perspective about the definition of bullying.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/signe-whitson/bullying_b_2188819.html

As principal of Hilsman, it is important for me to lead my students and staff to higher ground. I do this with passion and pride. My goal is for Hilsman to be the BEST middle school that it can be each and every day.  I value the help of parents to support the school, celebrate successes of our children, and for making me aware when there are concerns that needs to be addressed. Hilsman is a great school, with wonderful students, and a dynamic team of teachers. I hope that you have enjoyed the weekend.

Respectfully,

Ms. U. Tolbert


Announcements

Please Congratulate Mrs. Skinner and Ms. Kasey Brinkley on being chosen by the staff as the 2017-2018 Teacher and Para-Professional of the Year. 

Band Concert at Cedar Shoals Auditorium Monday, May 8th at 7:00

On May 13, 2017 (Saturday), Hilsman will be hosting a Rising 6th Graders Transition Camp. There is no cost and transportation will be provided to students that are within the zone. Please see your child's principal or contact Ashley Destefani for more information. The deadline for registration is this Friday.

Field Day Events

Students may wear shorts and their team colors!

6th Grade-May 8, 2017
7th Grade- May 10, 2017
8th Grade- May 12, 2017

Award Ceremonies

6th Grade- May 17, 2017 @ 9:30
7th Grade- May 16, 2017 @ 2:00
8th Grade- May 15, 2017 @ 2:00

8th Grade Semi-Formal Dance
May 11, 2017 @ 6:00

8th Grade Moving On Ceremony
May 18, 2017 @ 6:00

The Spring Chorus Concert has been changed to May 12th @ 6:30


May 8, 2017 will be the last day of 21st Century

Seventh grade students who need tutoring or to make up work may stay after school with Mrs. Jones.  Please make arrangements a day in advance.  All students must be picked up by 5:00 p.m.

FFA Banquet Tuesday May 16th at 6:00pm. Hilsman Cafeteria. All FFA Members will be recognized.

Year Books are back and they look AWESOME! Get your copy for 24.00. Contact Ms. Nix

Testing Information

May 8, Monday- EOCT HS Physical Science Make-up 

May 9, Tuesday - EOCT HS Coordinate Algebra

May 10, Wednesday - French 1 Final Exam

May 10, Wednesday - Spanish 1 Exam (written)

May 11, Thursday - Spanish 1 Exam (oral)

Please note that the testing window was set by the state. In order to accommodate the students are on on the Washington, D.C. field trip, we were allowed to administer the test on Monday. The teachers have done a great job of preparing them for the test.

Support the Hilsman Garden and your healthy lifestyle by attending our weekly produce market every Wednesday from 4-6 at Hilsman. We have fresh, local vegetables and herbs from the UGArden and HilFarm available for purchase, and can accept cash, check, and cards. Any EBT cardholders qualify for a 50% discount on veggies! We hope to see you there!

Week at a Glance

Monday- A Day
Last Day of 21st Century


Tuesday- B Day
Building Construction Committee @ 5:00
Final PTO Meeting @ 6:00 (serving pizza)
Agriculture Make-Up Day 4:00-5:00

Wednesday- A Day
Mother's Day Plant Sale 4:00-5:00

Thursday- B Day
Mother's Day Plant Sale 4:00-5:00
FFA Agriscience Fair Recognition at Board of Education Meeting @ 6:00


Friday- A Day

Week of 4/30/2017

Good afternoon,

Thank you for your patience with the posting of the news. It was a busy weekend. We are back at it this week finishing up make ups for the Milestones as well as preparing for the End of Course tests. The next 15 days are filled with important events. I want to remind you to read and pay close attention to the dates and times posted in the announcements. Thank you to the parents that came out for the 8th grade Parent Meeting. Although we had a light crowd, Mrs. Varitek and Mr. Harris shared some great information to assist you with your child's transition to high school. 

If you missed the 80's Dance, you missed a treat! The students and teachers looked great. We had a ton of fun. I am sure that the students had a lot to talk about after watching a great performance by Mr. Phil! It was all a blast from the past. The adults may have had more fun than the students.

Mr. Forker and I have a busy schedule for the next 15 days. I respectfully ask that if you would like to meet with either of us that you call the front office to schedule a meeting or send an email. This will allow us to take care of our duties and responsibilities as well as attend to your concerns. Thank you in advance for your help. Also, please continue to remind your scholar to follow the expectations until the end. We have had an increase in play fights and "tissue rolling" in the restrooms. We have limited unsupervised passes for students however if there is an emergency, teachers will allow them to use the restroom or attend to the emergency. They are aware that the year is coming to an end and are pushing the limits in some areas. It is our goal to keep everyone safe as well as to end the year with all students present. 

As mentioned before, we are on the final lap of the race! Hang in there! Together we can end the year successfully. As I close please help me Congratulate our students/staff on the many wonderful events that Hilsman has received recognition within the last week! 

First Place and Heading to Nationals In Indianapolis!

Ms. Smith
Coriander McGreevy and Emma McElhannon
Tory Ratajczak and Ella Johnson
Hadiza Sarr and Serenity Howell

The following members placed second and were less than .5 from first place which is amazing!

Raquel Fillingim and Kori EdmondsBecca Thompson 

State Stock Market Game Winners-They will be the special guests of the State Superintendent tomorrow!
Gregory Stephens (Teacher)
Adam Fischer
Toby Bolton 
Vince Wesley

Our students competed against 30 highly competitive team, and clinched #6 overall. We also received a number of compliments for our students' remarkable sportsmanship, and they represented Hilsman well.

Please congratulate our students for their hard work and integrity!

U. Tolbert


Upcoming Events

On May 13, 2017 (Saturday), Hilsman will be hosting a Rising 6th Graders Transition Camp. There is no cost and transportation will be provided to students that are within the zone. Please see your child's principal or contact Ashley Destefani for more information. The deadline for registration is this Friday.

Field Day Events
6th Grade-May 8, 2017
7th Grade- May 10, 2017
8th Grade- May 12, 2017

Award Ceremonies

6th Grade- May 17, 2017 @ 9:30
7th Grade- May 16, 2017 @ 2:00
8th Grade- May 15, 2017 @ 2:00

8th Grade Semi-Formal Dance
May 11, 2017 @ 6:00

8th Grade Moving On Ceremony
May 18, 2017 @ 6:00

8th Grade Washington D. C.Trip
May 3-7, 2017

May 8, 2017 will be the last day of 21st Century

Seventh grade students who need tutoring or to make up work may stay after school with Mrs. Jones.  Please make arrangements a day in advance.  All students must be picked up by 5:00 p.m.

EOCT Finals

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- B Day
21st Century


Tuesday- A Day
21st Century


Wednesday- B Day
21st Century


Thursday- A Day
21st Century


Friday- B Day