Week of 4/19/2018

Quote of the Week: 


Good evening,

I hope that you have had a restful weekend and enjoyed the beautiful weather. This is the first weekend that we got to enjoy the sun without rain! Whew! Welcome to another edition of the Panther Nation News. We are nearing the end and the time appears to be speeding up. There is so much more to do and a lot less time to get it all done. Progress reports were sent home last week. Please take the time to review your child's progress. Remember that there is still time to make a difference so please encourage your scholar to push hard for the remainder of the year. 

Testing is almost over! We have two more days for make up testing and the season will come to an end. Our students and staff did a phenomenal job the last two weeks putting forth the extra effort to maintain a testing environment that was nurturing and stress free. Thank you parents for ensuring that the students were present and on time to school. 

As we continue the work until the end of the year please encourage your scholar to remain mindful of the expectations. If students are found to be in violation of the Student Code of Conduct, they could face consequences up to and including suspension for the remainder of the year. We want EVERY child to participate in the fun activities that are planned over the next several weeks however if they are suspended, they will not be allowed to participate in the activities. Please help us to help the students! I also ask that if you would like to meet with an administrator that you arrange a time by calling the school to schedule an appointment. We want to attend to your concerns in a timely manner however with the end of school nearing, we will be heavily grounded in the day to day operations of the school. Scheduling an appointment will allow us to me more attentive to your concerns. Thank you for your understanding as we work to end the year successfully.

Below you will find announcements, important dates, and the week at a glance. See you all soon!

Principal Tolbert

Announcements

Congratulations to the Supreme 14 Steppers for advancing to the National Step Competition. The competition will take place on June 16, 2018 in Atlanta at The Georgia World Congress Center. Please support our steppers! The team was also featured in an article published in The Red and Black. 

Congratulations to Ella Barkdoll, Emma McElhannon, Tory Ratajczak, and Emma Crane for winning State FFA! Thank you to Mrs. Martin for your leadership! We are so very proud of all of you!

Spring Showcase

May 10th

6:30 pm

Attire: Black slacks, 8th Grade Gold shirts (7th and 6th grades black shirt), black shoes.

Any parents, staff, or friend to the Hilsman Community interested in performing with the HMS Chorus on Thursday, May 10th please contact Mr. Jonathon P. Lawrence, Director. 

21st Century Family Night

Wednesday, May 9

5:00-6:00 pm

Performances by:  Math & Music, Music Class, STEP Team

Classroom Gallery Walk

Receive Summer Learning Resources

8th grade field day is Wednesday 5/2

May 8th: Rising 6th Graders Visit Hilsman

Grow It Know It Camp:

Students interested in gardening and cooking with fresh produce for weekly community meals should consider participating in the Grow It Know It summer program. Please email Ms. Seymour at seymoure@clarke.k12.ga.us for more information. 

Week at a Glance

Monday
21st Century

Tuesday
21st Century


Wednesday
21st Century

Thursday
21st Century

Friday
21st Century

Week of 4/22/2018

Quote of the Week: 



Happy Monday!

It was a soggy day outside but we were shinning bright at Hilsman! Last week was nothing short of amazing. The teachers and students experienced a great week of testing. They all worked hard and we are looking forward to seeing the results of their labor when scores are returned later this year. Thank you parents for getting your scholars to school in a timely manner and for protecting the testing environment. 

Tomorrow students will take the Math Milestones. We are asking that you continue to make sure your students arrive on time with positive attitude. Please do not send snacks. We should be done with testing before the start of lunch. We will continue to work to protect the testing environment to give our students every opportunity to do their best work. It is our hope that you have not scheduled any appointments during testing but if you have please be reminded that we will not interrupt the testing environment unless it is an emergency. If a student begins a section of the test and is called for dismissal before completing the section, they will not be allowed to receive a make up. I respectfully ask that you consider this before checking your child out of school. We want to make sure that students are able to show what they know on the test! 

Below you will find the announcements for the week! 

Principal Tolbert

Announcements

A final list of dates for End of Year activities will be released Wednesday. There were some conflict with some of the scheduled dates that are being corrected.

Congratulations to our Track and Field Team. They ran in the Middle Schools' State Meet and did a phenomenal job! Thank you to the coaches and volunteers for a great season.

Congratulations to Mrs. Hughes for receiving an award for Leadership in Water Conservation.

Grow It Know It Camp:

Students interested in gardening and cooking with fresh produce for weekly community meals should consider participating in the Grow It Know It summer program. Please email Ms. Seymour at seymoure@clarke.k12.ga.us for more information. 

All Classes have an SAE check on Wednesday. Students should have completed 2 hours and have 2 pictures done for the check.

Testing Information

4/24 - Math Section I

         - Afternoon Make-ups
4/25 - Math Section II
        - Afternoon Make-ups

4/26 - Science Section I & II
         - Afternoon Make-ups

4/27 - Social Studies I & II
         - Afternoon Make-ups

End of Course Tests Dates

5/7 & 5/8 - Math EOC

5/9 - Science EOC 

HS Final Exams

5/1 - Span and French Final Exams

Week at a Glance

Monday
PSP
21st Century

Tuesday
PSP
21st Century
PTO Meeting @ 6:30- Please come out and support


Wednesday
21st Century


Thursday
21st Century

Friday
21st Century


Saturday

Week of 4/16/18

Quote of the Week:

Good Friday!

Thank you to the parents that came out this morning! I hope that you enjoyed the breakfast. It was a simple gesture to say thank you for your support this year. This afternoon our students enjoyed another House Ceremony to celebrate as well as to prepare for the upcoming week! The Georgia Milestones will be administered next week and it is extremely important that students are present and on time to school. Please ensure that they are well rested and ready to give their all for the next two weeks.

Testing will begin at 9:00 am. Any student that arrives after the start of testing will not be allowed to test and will be required to take a make-up. To provide our students with the best testing environment, we encourage everyone to arrive on time. We also want to limit interruptions to the testing environment. Please limit visits and early check outs during testing. Students will not be allowed to leave the testing environment once they have started to test. No snacks will be allowed during testing. Please do not send Takis, Cheetos, Gatorades, or other snacks with your child. Testing typically ends before the start of lunch.Our past experiences with lunch and testing have taught us that they will be able to hold out until the end of testing. Below you will find the testing schedule. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the school.

As we are nearing the end of the year, our students are becoming extremely excited about the transition to the next grade. We have some fun activities scheduled and it is our goal to have EVERY student participate in the fun. If students become involved in any physical altercations or is charged with any major infraction identified in the Student Code of Conduct, it is a possibility that they will lose their privilege to participate in the activities. We will continue to stress this to our students however we ask that you reiterate the expectations at home. It takes a community to operate a school! Join us in ensuring that we do not lose a student by encouraging them to follow the rules! They can do it!

Thank you for all that you do to support Hilsman! We are looking forward to a great week of testing and a great end to the year. Please stay tuned to information regarding our transition to Gaines! It is coming in the next edition of The Panther Nation News!

Principal Tolbert

Announcements:

Saturday School will be held this Saturday! It will be held from 8:30-12:00! Make sure your scholars are present!

Help A Child Smile will do their last visit of the year on Friday, April 20th.

Testing dates are as follows. It is very important for your student to be at school and on time.

End of Grade Test Dates

4/17 -ELA Section 1
   4/18 - ELA Make-Up

4/19- ELA Section II and III

    4/20 - ELA Make-Up

4/24 - Math Section I

         - Afternoon Make-ups
4/25 - Math Section II
        - Afternoon Make-ups

4/26 - Science Section I & II
         - Afternoon Make-ups

4/27 - Social Studies I & II
         - Afternoon Make-ups

 

End of Course Tests Dates

5/7 & 5/8 - Math EOC

5/9 - Science EOC 

 

HS Final Exams

5/15 - 5/17 - Span and French Final Exams

Hilsman Middle School had 4 winners in the GreenFest Art, Poetry, and Photography Contest.  Their names are listed below.

 

Ella Johnson

Natalia Kirksey

Emma McElhannon

Ava Maddox

All of the winners will be recognized at an Awards Ceremony next Thursday, April 19.

Congratulations to our very own Dr. Jamie Hogan! She defended her dissertation this week and will be graduating from UGA! We are so proud of her!

This week was Assistant Principal's Appreciation Week! A BIG shout out to Mr. Forker for ALL of his hard work at HILSMAN!

Week at a Glance

Monday
21st Century
PSP

Tuesday
21st Century
PSP

Wednesday
21st Century

Thursday
21st Century


Friday

Week of 4/8/2018

Quote of the Week:


Good afternoon,

We are about to embark on another great week at Hilsman Middle School! The year is coming to a close really fast. The students are anxiously moving about the building and emotions are running high. Please continue to speak to your child about their behavior, remaining focused, and finishing the year strong. Additionally, encourage them to make good decisions in an out of school. There is a lot going on in our school community that is impacting some of our students. It is important that we guide our students in the right direction and help them to realize that school is a safe place. This requires support, time, and a little more effort on all of our behalf. Please support our staff as we work to encourage our students in and out of school. 

Below you find a few reminders for the week. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact the school. I hope that you enjoyed your weekend and I will see you soon!

Principal Tolbert

Announcements:

Hilsman was buzzing with exciting news this weekend! Congratulations are in order for:

Mrs. Rene Smith Martin! She got married this weekend and was absolutely stunning! Congratulations Mrs. Martin! 

The Supreme 14 won 1st the place award in The Annual Youth Step Show this weekend. Congratulations to all of our steppers! They did a great job. A huge thank you to Mrs. McDavid, Coach Torrence, and Ms. Armstrong for their help with our team! 

Several of our students participated in The Special Olympics last Friday at Clarke Central. Many of them placed 1st place in the events. Hats off to our team of teachers for  always supporting our students! 

If you missed your conference, you still have time to make it up! Contact the school to reschedule your conference! 

Testing is quickly approaching. As students begin to prepare, be sure to look for signs of testing anxiety. If your child is in need of some calming strategies or want to talk to a counselor, please contact Mrs. Moore or Mrs. Callahan.

Message from Mr. Forker

Milestones Testing is coming up. Please be sure to encourage your student to study and prepare.  During testing times, it is very important that your student gets a good rest.  

Testing dates are as follows.   It is very important for your student to be at school and on time.

End of Grade Test Dates

4/17 -ELA Section 1
   4/18 - ELA Make-Up

4/19- ELA Section II and III

    4/20 - ELA Make-Up

4/24 - Math Section I

         - Afternoon Make-ups
4/25 - Math Section II
        - Afternoon Make-ups

4/26 - Science Section I & II
         - Afternoon Make-ups

4/27 - Social Studies I & II
         - Afternoon Make-ups

End of Course Tests Dates

5/7 & 5/8 - Math EOC

5/9 - Science EOC 

HS Final Exams

5/15 - 5/17 - Span and French Final Exams

If you would like your student to practice online, please follow this link to a resource from the GA EXPERIENCE ONLINE Department of Education.

Also, a letter regarding testing was sent home with your student on Friday 4/6.  Here is a link to is in case it didn't get to you:  2018 Parent Letter

Message from Mrs. Hughes

Fatz Breakfast & Silent Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, April 14 

Purpose:  Fundraiser for Science & Energy Team field trips and service projects

Date: Saturday, April 14

Location:  Fatz Cafe on Lexington Road in Athens

Breakfast Served:  8:00-10:00 am

Silent Auction Bidding Ends:  10:00 am

Menu:  Pancakes, Sausage, Fruit, & a Beverage

Tickets:  $10 for adults, $6 for children

Tickets can be purchased in advance from any Science & Energy Team member or purchased at the door.

Flower Power & Nature’s Vision Internet Fundraisers End:  Saturday, April 22

Flower Power Fundraiser Link: http://www.flowerpowerfundraising.com/campaign?campaign_id=25913

Nature's Vision Fundraiser Link: http://www.naturesvisionfundraising.com/index.cfm

Nature's Vision Organization Code: 46537

Message from The Counselors

Day as a Dawg: An information table was set up at parent teacher conferences and Inspire UGA came during lunch on Friday to pass out more information to students about this event. All applications will be due in the Counseling Department by April 13th. Please see below for more information.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Each year, Inspire UGA hosts Day as a Dawg, an event where we teach your 8th grader information on how to succeed in high school and beyond. This year, Day as a Dawg will take place on April 21, 2018, and we want your 8th grader to be there! Day as a Dawg is a completely free event that includes breakfast, lunch, and a complimentary T-shirt for your student to remember the day. After Day as a Dawg, your 8th grader will feel more prepared to transition into high school.

Sincerely,

Inspire UGA

inspireathensuga@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/inspireathens”

Week at a Glance

Monday-NO SCHOOL


Tuesday
21st Century
PSP


Wednesday
21st Century
World Language Tutoring 4:00-5:30

Thursday
21st Century


Friday
21st Century


Saturday
Saturday School 8:30 am-12:00 pm

Week of 4/2/2018

Quote of the Week



Happy Monday!

It was a great weekend and it is my hope that you enjoyed every moment of it! Thank you for coming out to the school last week. From your smiles and comments, you were pleased with the student led conferences. Science Night was a huge success. We met our goal of 300 participants! The  week ended with a great talent show. It was a busy week but a great one!

As we continue to  hold students accountable until the end of the year, I want to encourage parents to remain vigilant of your child's academic and behavior progress. This is the most critical point in the year! Students are working extremely hard to end the year successfully. If you were made aware that your child was in danger of failing a course or being retained, please take advantage of all of the services provided by teachers and the district. If your child was selected to attend Summer School, you will receive a letter no later than Friday with more details. I can not stress the importance of knowing your child's status. If you have any questions, please reach out to the teachers or a counselor before it is too late.

Please accept my apology for the miscommunication regarding Saturday School. Saturday School was canceled. It was communicated in the blog last week and announced daily to our students. As a staff, we obviously did not communicate the information with each other which resulted in the miscommunication.

I am including information in this blog with dates for the end of year activities. Please review it carefully. Have a great week.

Principal Tolbert

Announcement

Saturday April 7th - Hilsman will be sending chess teams to compete at the Chess and Community Conference at The Classic Center from 11:00 am- 5:00 pm.

Yearbook Information

The Hilsman Middle School 2017-18 Yearbook order deadline is approaching soon!

Students can order their yearbooks through Friday, April 6th either online at YBPay.lifetouch.com, Code 13140018, or by paying cash or check. The current price is for the yearbook is $24.

If paying by cash or check, please see Ms. Maxey. Checks should be made payable to Hilsman Middle School.

Important Dates 

• PSP Ends: Tuesday 4/10
• Panther Cafe: Thursday 4/12 @5:30-6:30pm
• EOG Milestones:  ELA- 4/17, 4/19; Math- 4/24, 4/25;  Science 4/26; Social Studies 4/27
• Washington DC attendance meeting:  Wednesday 4/18
• Saturday School ends: Saturday 4/21
• Library Books Due: Friday 5/4/
• Washington DC Trip: Wednesday  5/2 @8:30 pm - Sunday 5/6 @6:30 pm
• 8th Grade Field Day: Monday 5/7
• High School Algebra EOC: Tuesday 5/8  (Accelerated Math students)
• High School Sci EOC: Wednesday 5/9
• CSHS Book Drop: Thursday 5/10
• 21st Century Program ends: Thursday 5/10
• 8th Grade Semi Formal Dance: Thursday 5/10 @6:00 - 8:00pm  
• Band Trip:  Friday 5/11 - Sunday 5/13
• French 1 Final Exam: Tuesday 5/15, Wednesday 5/16. Makeup day Thursday 5/17
• Spanish 1 Final Exam: Tuesday 5/15, Wednesday 5/16. Makeup day Thursday 5/17
• 8th Grade Uniform Free Week: Monday 5/14 - Friday 5/18/18
• Awards Ceremony: Monday 5/14 @2:00pm  (6th and 7th period)
• Recognition Ceremony: Thursday 5/17 @ 6:00-7:30 pm
• 8th Grade Clean Up: Friday 5/18 school ends @12:30

Plant Sale

 Plant Sale 2018 (1).jpg

PSP will resume on Monday, April 2nd from 4-6

Saturday School will resume on April 7th from 8:30 - 12:00

Sports Information

Track practice will resume on Monday from 4-6 at Cedar Shoals

April 10th: Middle School Championship Meet at Cedar Shoals

Week at a Glance

Monday
21st Century
PSP

Tuesday
21st Century
PSP
SAE Workday and Agriscience Fair Workday- 7:15-8:00

SAE Workday 4-5 (must be picked up at 5- you cannot go to 21 century after workdays).

Wednesday
21st Century
SAE Check in All Ag Classes. 1 hour/1 picture


Thursday
21st Century
Agriscience Fair Workday 7:15-800 

Friday
21st Century


Saturday
Saturday School resumes