Week of 2/26/18

Quote of the Week: 

It is Friday!

As we are preparing for conferences and the ending of the 3rd quarter, I want to reiterate the importance of knowing the academic standing of your scholar. Saturday School, PSP, grade level tutoring, and 21st Century are all programs that we offer in an effort to help assist students. If you know that your child is not making progress, please get them connected with one of the programs ASAP.

If you missed the Black History Program that was held last night, you missed a huge treat. Our students and staff did a phenomenal job. There were a number of you in attendance and having you here made the event even better! Thank you to the Black History Committee, the students, and the parents for making this month nothing short of AWESOME. 

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held March 28-30th. Please be advised that students will be released early on these days.  Our goal is to have 100% of our parents participate in the student lead conferences. If you are in need of transportation, please contact the school as we will make arrangements for you to get to Hilsman. We want you to see and be aware of the great things your child is doing at school.

I hope you all have a great weekend and we will see everyone on Monday.

Thanks,

Principal Tolbert

Announcements

Tutoring Opportunities

Saturday School will begin tomorrow. Students that will be attending should have been notified by Ms. Ward. Transportation for those who registered last week will be provided if students are in our school zone.

World Language

World Language after school tutoring Wednesdays from 4:00-5:30 in room 216

If you are interested in being a member The Spanish Club,  see Sra. Laura for information.

Thanks,

News from Mrs. Floyd

On Tuesday, February 27th the 8th grade orchestra will perform at District 14's Large Group Performance Evaluation alongside the Cedar Shoals Chamber Orchestra. They will leave school around 2:45 and return to Cedar Shoals later that evening.

8th Grade News

8th grade will be visiting UGA on Monday, February 26th and Cedar Shoals High School on Tuesday morning.

8th grade math students will be beginning Unit 6 (Linear Models & Tables) this week. All 8th graders received a Unit 6 learning contract on Friday that is to be signed by students and their parents/guardians. Please ensure that you have read over the contract and signed it so your child can return it on Monday. For more information please contact your child's math teacher. 

Counseling Corner

• Bullying Prevention Essay Contest-Last Call: We would like to ask for participation once again in the Bullying Prevention Essay Contest for CCSD, as this has been one of our No Place for Hate activities. The link below has been extended until March 2nd and contains all of the information. Please encourage your child to submit an essay!
  
  

  "If there is an adult at your school who has made an impact by standing up to bullying or helping someone who has been bullied, we invite you to honor that remarkable individual by participating in the district wide Bullying Prevention Essay Contest. Winners will be selected at the middle school and high school level. To submit an entry, you must be a Clarke County student in grades 6-12. The essay must be 250-500 words (1500-3000 characters). All entries are due February 23, 2018. You may only nominate one person. This person could be a teacher, administrator, counselor, or some other person, but they must be currently employed in CCSD."

  
  

  Link: http://bit.ly/CCPS2018
  
  
• Links Art Contest-Last Call: Links, Incorporated, a national organization dedicated to friendship and service, is sponsoring a national poster art contest. First prize is $1000. The Athens, GA, chapter is sponsoring the local contest. First prize in each category is $50 and entry into the national contest. The contest theme is OUR VISION, OUR FUTURE: HAPPY AND HEALTHY COMMUNITIES. To enter: 1. Create a poster with your own theme that fits with the theme of the national contest; 2. Give your poster a title; 3. Have your parent or guardian fill out the contest entry form and the publication permission form; 4. Submit your poster by February 28, 2018. Applications will be available in the front office or you can see Ms. Moore in the Counseling Department.

• SBG Athens' Growing Gorillas Martial Arts and Youth Enrichment Program is offering a FREE Bully Buster Boot Camp on March 3rd at 10am. You can learn the "12 Steps to Walk Away with Confidence." Register at www.sbgathens.com/no-more-bullying.

• 8th grade students will be taking a tour of Cedar Shoals High School on February 27th to continue preparing them for next school year!

Week at a Glance

Monday

21st Century

PSP

Last day to turn in FFA Camp Deposit! $80 must be turned in for a spot to be reserved for your student. We will be offering 2 camp scholarships to pay for the remaining money and will have a spring fundraiser to help as well! Please turn in all money to Mrs. Barnett in the main office- Monday!

Tuesday

21st Century

PSP

Hilsman Vs. BHL- soccer

Boys:4:30

Girls:5:30

Location: Hilsman Middle School 

 Parent Track Meeting 
 Location: Cedar Shoals
Time: 6:00 P.M.
 CTAE Advisory Dinner at 6:00- Career Academy. 

Wednesday

21st Century

Football Meeting with Coach Ryals at 11:30 am for 8th graders interested in playing football.

Thursday

21st Century

SAE Workday 4:00-5:00. Make sure you have a ride at 5 and reminder you cannot go to 21 Century afterwards!

Friday

21st Century

Football Meeting with Coach Ryals @ 11:30 am

Week of 2/18/2018

Quote of the Week:


Good evening,

Thank you for your patience with the blog this week. I am sure the students enjoyed a day home while their teachers worked to planned more lessons. Please let them know just how much they were missed today! Hilsman is not the same when the students are away from the building. 

I have received several emails from parents with concerns related to our safety procedures at Hilsman. Please know that we have procedures and drills that are in place to ensure the safety of our students. We will have a safety audit this week to provide us with more feedback on our practices but there are procedures in place. Safety is and will continue to be our top priority. If you have any concerns, feel free to send an email or schedule a meeting with one of the administrators. 

Last week's events definitely caused us to stop and think! They forced us to think about our actions and our words. However, they also prompted us to engage our students in meaningful conversations about senseless acts of violence and how we can work to be the change that we want to see in our world. If you are in need of some ideas as to how to address concerns with your child, I encourage you to reach out to our school counselors. Information was provided to help guide conversations for teachers and you may find some of the tools helpful at home.

A huge shout out to Mr. Forker and Ms. Marty for organizing the amazing House Competitions/Ceremony on Friday. It is my understanding that the students and teachers had a blast. We are looking forward to another one soon. Please ask your child about the event!

As always, I want to remind you to be encouraged! YES, there are challenges surrounding us but if we continue to keep students first and remain united in our cause, we will persevere!  Please continue to encourage your child to do their best in school and to remain focused on their learning. We will continue to stress to them that their safety is our top priority. See you soon at the school.

Principal Tolbert

Announcements

Uniforms- Students are reminded to report to school wearing the proper uniform. There has been a sharp increase in the number of students that are reporting to school out of uniform. If there is a family in need of assistance, please contact the school. Otherwise, students will receive a consequence if they opt out of a uniform from our clothes closet.

School begins at 8:25. It is our pleasure to greet all of our students every morning. Please be sure that your child arrives to school on time and is ready to learn.

Tutoring Opportunities

We are currently taking application for Saturday School. If your child needs additional assistance in ELA or Math, please get them signed up! It is a free program and transportation will be provided to students that live within our school zone.

Students of all grades are invited and encouraged to attend after school tutoring and makeup sessions with Ms. Jones each Tuesday in room 112 from 4 until 5.  Students must be picked up by 5:00 or have permission to walk home.  HOUSE POINTS AWARDED FOR ATTENDANCE!  Come help your grade AND your house! 

World Language tutoring on Wednesdays 4:00-5:30

Congratulations to our  Regional Social Studies Fair Winners

Second Place

Ikeoluwa Ojos and Ta'Niya Roberts   Light Skin Vs. Dark Skin: The Battle of Colorism in the Black Community

(Hilsman Middle School)

Third Place

Michael Niedzwiecki-Castile  How Does Music Affect Your Mood?

(Hilsman Middle School)

Akeely Ward  How Discrimination Against LGBT Affect Our Community?

(Hilsman Middle School)

In honor of Black History Month our students will be engaging in conversations with prominent Blacks in the Athens Community. The Town Hall Meetings that will be held will consists of our students participating in a panel like discussion with our community members. 

8th grade events

• • UGA Georgia History Field trip  Monday 2/26/18
  • Cedar Shoals Field  Tuesday 2/27/18

Monday-No School

Tuesday
21st Century
PSP
Soccer vs. Clarke Middle School

Location: Hilsman Middle

HMS Boys vs. CMS Boys- 4:15

HMS Girls vs. CMS Girls- 5:15

All Girls Town Hall Meeting (Panel Discussion)

Wednesday
21st Century
All Boys Town Hall Meeting (Panel Discussion)


Thursday
Agriscience Fair Practice 4:00-5:30
SAE Workday 4:00-5:00
Black History Program

Friday
21st Century

Week of 2/11/2018

Quote of the Week:


Happy Saturday! Thank you to the parents that came out to the Parent Coffee held on last Friday. I really enjoyed our conversations, particularly your feedback. It is always great to know how we can improve as a school and a community. It is even greater to hear what is going well. Thank you for your support! 

This week we have a lot going on! Valentine's Day is Wednesday. I am aware that many of you want to send flowers, balloons, and candy to your "sweet" babies at school. As much as I want to help you show your love, this is NOT permissible. Balloon and flower deliveries will not be allowed for the students. This will cause a major disruption to our instructional time. Thank you in advance for helping to protect the instructional time. 

We invite you to come out this week to the activities that are happening at Hilsman! Your presence is ALWAYS welcomed and much appreciated. Stay dry this weekend and cheers to a great week at Hilsman! 

Respectfully,

Principal Tolbert

Announcements

Georgia Milestone Preparation Saturday School starts February 24th. Applications are available from homeroom teachers and in the front office.

Students of all grades are invited and encouraged to attend after school tutoring and makeup sessions with Ms. Jones each Tuesday in room 112 from 4 until 5.  Students must be picked up by 5:00 or have permission to walk home.  HOUSE POINTS AWARDED FOR ATTENDANCE!  Come help your grade AND your house!

News from World Language

Mardi Gras celebration for Hilsman family

Tuesday 13th 

6pm-7:30pm. Bring a dish to share

Tutoring Wednesdays 4-5:30pm

Room 215

Yearbook Information

The 2017-2018 Hilsman Middle School Yearbooks are still on sale for $22 through February 28th. As of March 1st, the price will be $24.00. You may pay online at YBPay.lifetouch.com using Yearbook ID Code: 13140018. 

Students may also order yearbooks by paying with a check. Please make checks payable to Hilsman Middle School for $22 through Feb. 28th or $24 as of March 1st. Payments by check should be given to Ms. Maxey.

Bullying Prevention Essay Contest 

-Links, Incorporated, a national organization dedicated to friendship and service, is sponsoring a national poster art contest. First prize is $1000. The Athens, GA, chapter is sponsoring the local contest. First prize in each category is $50 and entry into the national contest. The contest theme is OUR VISION, OUR FUTURE: HAPPY AND HEALTHY COMMUNITIES.

There are four age categories and Hilsman students fall under category 2: grades 4-6.

To enter:

1. Create a poster* with your own theme that fits with the theme of the national contest;

2. Give your poster a title;

3. Have your parent or guardian fill out the contest entry form and the publication permission form;

4. Submit your poster by February 28, 2018.

*Poster may be any size as long as it can be photographed. Any two-dimensional medium (paint, crayon, etc, including computer) may be used.

Applications will be available in the front office or you can see Ms. Moore in the Counseling Department.

Band News

Please congratulate the following band students who were selected to participate in the 2018 District Honor Band Clinic on February 9-10 at the Georgia Baptist Convention Center.  

Jane Michael

James Xiao

Aubrey Crook

Alex Holland

Kayla Schlueter 

Sharon Norris

Violet Calkin

Jackie Wright

Enock Maganda 

Mich Bodden

Malcolm Payne

Week at a Glance

Monday
21st Century
PSP

Homeroom- FFA Officer Meeting

FFA Members Trip to Meet the Athens’ Mayor- 12:00-4:30 (Must have signed up earlier)

Goodie Bag for ALL FFA Members- See Ms. Smith during Homeroom!

Tuesday
21st Century
PSP
FFA Mardi Gras Meeting 4:00-5:30
Soccer Game- Boys 4:15, Girls, 5:15


Wednesday
21st Century

FFA Shirt and Jeans- Must be current years shirt!

FFA Valentine’s Flowers Delivered- 7th Period

IN AG CLASSES- SAE DUE 2 hours and 2 pictures.

Thursday
21st Century

Donut Breakfast for FFA Members- Homeroom

Teacher Appreciation Breakfast

Agriscience Fair- 4:00-5:30

Friday
21st Century

Door Decorating Contest Judging

Membership Drive Ends- Last Day to Join for $10!

Week of 2/4/18

Quote of the Week: 

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. ...Unknown

Greeting Parents,

It has been a busy week at Hilsman for a number of reasons. Although our staff have been busy holding high expectations for students and delivering quality instruction, we have experienced a rise in discipline infractions this week. There is a sense of uncertainty in our community that is manifesting in our school. As a result, behaviors are escalating. We are working hard to maintain an environment that is safe, welcoming, and conducive to learning. As a community we must continue to work together to create a space for our students where they FEEL and KNOW that they are safe. I encourage you to keep using the incidents that are occurring around us as teachable moments for our students. We are stressing the need to make good decisions at school as well as in the community. Additionally, we are intentionally focusing on the positive behaviors of our students. Our counselors have been available to speak to students or to simply just listen to their concerns. We appreciate your help as we work to maintain a positive school community.

As we continue to combat the flu season, please remember if your child is sick to keep them at home. When they miss school, they are truly missed, however we want for the students to be well! Thank you for all of the donations that have been made to Hilsman. They have been used to help wipe down desks, computers, and chairs. Feel free to continue to donate, we greatly appreciate it.

Today ends the first four weeks of the third quarter. Progress reports are set to be distributed next Tuesday. You are encouraged to contact teachers regarding your child's progress. Remember we offer tutoring after school. If your child is in need of help, get signed up ASAP.  Parent/teacher conferences are coming in March. It is always our goal to reach 100% of our  parents. Be on the look out for more information related to times soon.

Thank you for your continued support of Hilsman. We have a busy next week, you are invited to attend all of the upcoming events!

Principal Tolbert

Announcements

Tutoring Opportunities

Students of all grades are invited and encouraged to attend after school tutoring and makeup sessions with Ms. Jones each Tuesday in room 112 from 4 until 5.  Students must be picked up by 5:00 or have permission to walk home.  HOUSE POINTS AWARDED FOR ATTENDANCE!  Come help your grade AND your house!

Foreign Language after school tutoring Thursday 4-5:30pm in room 216.

Saturday School will begin in a few weeks. If your child was invited to attend, they will be given a form Monday. It will be due to Ms. Tolbert no later than Wednesday of next week.

Message from the Counselors

We would like to ask for participation once again in the Bullying Prevention Essay Contest for CCSD, as this has been one of our No Place for Hate activities. The link below will be open until February 23rd and contains all of the information. Please encourage your child to submit an essay!

"If there is an adult at your school who has made an impact by standing up to bullying or helping someone who has been bullied, we invite you to honor that remarkable individual by participating in the district wide Bullying Prevention Essay Contest. Winners will be selected at the middle school and high school level. To submit an entry, you must be a Clarke County student in grades 6-12. The essay must be 250-500 words (1500-3000 characters). All entries are due February 23, 2018. You may only nominate one person. This person could be a teacher, administrator, counselor, or some other person, but they must be currently employed in CCSD."

Link: http://bit.ly/CCPS2018

World Language Announcement

Foreign language (French and Spanish) is in need of shoe boxes for an upcoming cultural project. If you have any lying around the house or happen to buy a pair of new shoes this weekend, please send them to school with your child. They may bring them to room 315 (the French room). We’ll take all we can!!! Merci and gracias!

Want Flowers?

Valentines Day Carnations will be sold by FFA and can be purchased from Ms. Smith Monday-Friday (Feb 5-9). 

A note will accompany the flower which will include: Sender, recipient (including their 7th period teacher) and space for a hand written note. 

Parents who would like to send a flower can email Ms. Smith at smithj2@clarke.k12.ga.us. Flowers will be given out 7th period on February 14th. Cost: 1 for $2 or 3 for $5. 

Math Family Night

Coile and Hilsman Math Night will be held at Cedar Shoals on February 8, 2018. It will begin at 6:00 pm. The homeroom with the most attendants will receive a pizza party. Parents/students are encouraged to attend!

Parent Coffee

Parent Coffee will be held Friday, February 9, 2018 at 8:30. We will discuss ways to become more involved in our community. 

PTO Announcement:

Come join us at Menchies for Spirit Night! 

Menchies Georgetown

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

5pm - 9pm

20% of the purchases will be donated to Hilsman

8th Grade Dates and Upcoming Events

Mon  2/5/18 8th grade Homeroom Movie day Queen of Katwe   

Mon  2/5/18  8th grade parent meeting 6 pm HMS Cafeteria

Wed 2/7/18 Washington DC Interest meeting 6pm room 506

Thurs  2/8/18  Cedar Shoals Math Night 6pm

Week at a Glance

Monday

21st Century

PSP

Homeroom: Makeup Workday for Agriculture classes. All missing work must be made up by the end of ELT!
SAE workday 4-5. Please have a ride at the school by 5.

Tuesday

21st Century

PSP

FFA Agriscience Fair Practice 4-5:30

Wednesday

21st Century

PSP

Thursday

21st Century

FFA Agriscience Fair Practice 4-5:30

Friday