Week of 3/25/18

Quote of the Week: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.” ― Bernard M. Baruch

Happy Sunday!

We made it to the end of another great week at HMS! As mentioned last week,we are entering the most busiest time of the year! Parents please help us to help our scholars! We realize that we are in the last quarter but we must help students to understand that teaching and learning must continue until the end of the year. This mean that they will need to arrive to school on time, be prepared to learn, complete all assignments, and remain respectful. 

We are noticing an increase in students arriving to school late, bringing in outside food (takis, candies, drinks, outside restaurant food ), displaying disrespectful behavior (talking back, refusal to follow teacher directives,) and students being unkind to each other via social media. Our staff is taking the necessary steps to help our students. However, I am asking parents to have a talk with your child and help us to hold them accountable for their actions. It is our desire to end the year strong! This is not the time for our students to lose their focus. We have a lot to do and we want ALL of our students to remain at Hilsman as we are working to finish the year successfully. We can do it.

On another note, please accept my apology if I offended anyone by sharing the letter that presented the other side of the protest. It was never my intention to trivialize my students' voice or share anti-gun control propaganda. It was my intention to present another side of the protest for students and parents to read in an effort to engage students that did not want to participate or simply did not understand the purpose of the protest. As principal I understand both sides but will not encourage students to stand on either side of the cause. I am simply excited that students around the country voices are being heard and remain in awe of what has occurred at Hilsman. 

I look forward to a strong end to the year! Together we can reach our goals that were designed to ensure our success! If you would like to volunteer in the halls, cafeteria, or any other place in the school, we would love to have you! Be sure to read the announcements carefully! I hope that you enjoyed your weekend Panther Nation.

Thanks,

Principal Tolbert

Announcements

More articles to consider reading:

A response to David Blair 

http://www.kentwired.com/opinion/article_b7a7a30a-27cd-11e8-a659-2b237780a733.html

Another open letter to students walking out

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.inquisitr.com/opinion/4822744/another-open-letter-to-students-walking-out-this-wednesday-march-forth/amp/?espv=1

School shootings inspire new movements

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.indystar.com/amp/420837002?espv=1

Parent/Teacher Conferences

At this time you should have received confirmation of your conference time. If you have not, I encourage you to contact your child's homeroom teacher for more information. 

Family Science Night is next Thursday, March 29.  

Please come out to our Family Science Night.  We would love for all of our families to attend this event.  Our goal is to have at least 300 guests to attend! Help us out and please come out!

 Family Science Night Invitation Slide 2018

​

Spring Pictures

Spring Picture Day at Hilsman is Wednesday, April 4th. Homeroom teachers will distribute to students the Lifetouch order form on Monday, March 26th to bring home that provides pricing and ordering information. If you do not get an order form by the time you come to your child's conference, please stop by the front office. We will have extra order forms to provide to you.

Spring Pictures are prepay only. Parents can pay by cash, check, or credit card online. If paying by cash or check, students will need to bring their payment along with the order form to school to give to the photographer on picture day. If paying by credit card, students will need to bring their order form completed by the parent indicating payment has been made online to give to the photographer.

Students who are taking spring pictures may be out of uniform on April 4th as long as their attire adheres to the CCSD/Hilsman dress code. 

Book Fair

"Our Hilsman Scholastic Spring Book Fair is all week Monday through Friday during school and parent conference hours! Come on down to the media center and pick-up something GREAT to read and something from the Teacher Wish Boxes too! See flyer for exact dates and times."

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 5:00or have permission to walk home.  HOUSE POINTS AWARDED FOR ATTENDANCE!  Come help your grade AND your house! 

Saturday School will resume on March 24th from 8:30-12:00.  If you have signed up please be at the Bus Stop by 7:30 am or you can opt to provide your own transportation.

Foreign Language Tutoring is held on Wednesdays from 4:00-5:30

Hilsman PTO Presents:
Spring Talent Show
April 21, 2018 @ 6:00 PM
New Gym

Week at a Glance

Monday
SAE Workday 7:15-8:00
No PSP
No 21st Century
Track meet at Athens Christian on Monday, March 26th at 4:30

Tuesday
SAE Workday 7:15-8:00
No PSP
NO 21st Century
Soccer Game HMS v/s BHL @ BHL Girls: 4;30, Boys: 5:30


Wednesday -Parent Teacher Conference/Early Release 1:30
Agriscience Fair Workday (After School- End of Conferences)
No 21st Century


Thursday-Parent Teacher Conference/Early Release 1:30
Agriscience Fair Workday (After School- End of Conferences)

Last Day to join FFA for the year! ($10- Dues)

No 21st Century

Friday-Parent Teacher Conference/Early Release 1:30

Agriscience Fair Workday- After School. All papers must be completed by the time you leave!

Saturday

No Saturday School

Week of 3/18/2018

Quote of the Week:


Happy Monday!

What a well needed restful break! Today we returned to the Wonderful World of Hilsman! We are excited about the beginning of the 4th Quarter! Just as we do at the UGA game, raise up fingers as we enter into this quarter with full speed. Everyone will need to strap up and get ready to finish the race. We started out strong and we want to finish strong.

As we are planning to return, please know that the next several weeks of school will be filled with many activities. Parent/Teacher Conferences, testing, Teacher Appreciation Week, Washington D.C. Field Trip and Awards Ceremonies are resting on our shoulders. We will move quickly to provide you with dates and times to help you properly plan to attend the activities.

Hilsman was featured in an article published in The Athens Banner Herald last Friday. As principal, I was proud of the manner in which our students organized and understood the purpose of the protest. It was amazing to see the students come together on common ground to speak out against matters that are impacting their lives. It is a fine line that we are walking. However I never want to take away the students' voices. Of course, we do not want to create a situation where they are protesting every week which is why I am encouraging the teachers to engage students in meaningful conversations that allow them to be heard but not "hushed". I received an article from a parent that offers a different perspective that I will share at the end of the blog. Feel free to share it with your child and get their thoughts. Thank you for being supportive through it all! We appreciate each of you and your efforts to help us continue on our path towards excellence.

Here is the link to the article.
 http://www.ktsa.com/open-letter-teacher-students-walking

Respectfully,

Principal Tolbert

Announcements and Updates

Move to Old Gaines

At our last Principal's Coffee, information was shared with parents regarding our transition to the Old Gaines Building. We are moving and it is my goal to make this as painless as possible for everyone. We are scheduled to move 30 days after our last day of school. Teachers will receive boxes soon and will begin the packing process. If you would like to assist, please feel free to get signed up. Additionally, I have heard the voices of many parents. We must make the best of this move and ensure that we create an environment that is good for our students. Change is hard but knowing that we are all in this together will help us to make the transition with the students a little easier. I am working to find a creative and energetic way to present the information to the students. As I receive more information, I will share it with you via email or the blog.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Conferences will be held March 28th-March 30th. If you have not received information regarding your scheduled time, please contact your child's homeroom teacher ASAP. We are looking to offer transportation. It is important that you contact the school so that we can begin making the necessary arrangements. Your presence is important and we want to ensure that you are informed about your child's academic and behavior progress.

Information from Mrs. Hughes

21st Century and PSP will not meet during the week of Parent Conferences:  March 26-30

21st Century will resume meeting on April 2.  

Family Science Night will take place on Thursday, March 29.  All families are invited to attend.  There will be free resources for students and adults.​

 Family Science Night Invitation Slide 2018

Information from Nurse Chambers

Any student that is 12 years or older will need to have their immunizations updated ASAP! Letters are being drafted for our 6th graders and will be sent home soon. Please keep your eyes open for this communication. 

Week at a Glance

Monday
Homeroom: FFA Officer Meeting

Tuesday
21st Century
PSP
FFA Meeting (Ice cream social!) Bring a topping or flavor to share or if you can't just enjoy what FFA provides! 4:00-5:00.
Hilsman v/s CMS Soccer Game @ CMS Boys: 4:30, Girls: 5:30

Wednesday
21st Century

Thursday
21st Century
7:15-8:00 SAE Workday

Optional Agriscience Fair Practice 4:00-5:00 

Athens Middle Schools' Track Meet @ Cedar Shoals @ 4:30

Friday
21st Century
7:15 am-8:00 am SAE Workday and Optional Agriscience Fair Practice

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

Week of 3/4/2018

Quote of the Week: 


Happy Sunday!

OMG the weather was absolutely BEAUTIFUL this weekend. I hope that you enjoyed a little time outside. It was definitely what we all needed after having so much rain. The students definitely needed some sunshine! Read Across America Day was amazing and fun at Hilsman last Friday! Thank you to everyone that pitched in to help make this event a success. We are looking forward to next year.

We are quickly approaching Spring Break and we are all super excited. As with any approaching break, we are expecting for the students to be a bit excited. Please remind them that they have 5 more days to follow the school's expectations. All students should be dressed in uniforms this week. Cell phones are not allowed between the hours of 8:25 am-3:45 pm. This is known as the No Flex Zone! Parents, just a reminder to have a conversation with your child(ren) about respect. We are working to maintain a positive learning environment at Hilsman. The last several weeks our students have shown some difficulty with exhibiting respectful behaviors especially towards adults. Although we are working to teach expectations and issuing consequences, a little nudge from home is always helpful too. If we all work together, we can all share success together! Thank you in advance for your help and we will see you in the morning!

Announcements

The month of March is designated as Music In Our Schools Month. March 29th at 7:00pm the HMS Chorus will be hosting Hilsman Got Talent talent showcase to raise money and awareness of the importance of music education in our schools. Please spread the word on the event and drum up participation from students, staff, and parents in the Hilsman community. 

Thank you Mr. Lawrence

Family Science Night will take place on Thursday evening, March 29 during Parent Conferences from 5:00-7:00 pm.  Please join us for a fun night of engaging science activities that will help students become better science students and provide parents with resources to help them at home.

​

 Family Science Night Invitation Slide 2018

Tutoring Opportunities

World Language tutoring Wednesdays 4:00-5:00

If you are interested in Spanish club, see Mrs. Laura for details.

There will be no Saturday School this Saturday!

Nurse's Corner

We have 76 students who need medical follow up after the scoliosis screening. The nurse will be mailing letters home by Monday. Please watch your mailbox for the letter to have your children seen by their pediatrician.

Foreign Language Trip

Foreign language field trip for HS French and Spanish will take place on Friday, March 23rd from 8-3 pm. The play is called “Il était une fois (Once Upon a Time)” at the Théâtre du Rêve in Atlanta. 

Counselors' Corner

• Cedar Shoals High School will be visiting with all 8th graders on Monday, March 5th, to discuss scheduling and what to expect in high school.
• Educational Talent Search (ETS) with UGA had their final group session on Tuesday. We plan to continue the program next school year. Stay tuned for more details!

Message from Mrs. Floyd

Our Spring Orchestra Concert is this Thursday March 8th at 6:30 in the HMS Old Gym.  Students should report to the orchestra room at 5:45 for tuning.  Concert attire is the usual khaki pants, black collared shirt, and black shoes.  All three grade levels have been hard at work and can't wait to show off!  Please remember that concerts are a major grade for orchestra students.  Contact Ms. Floyd with any questions (floydr@clarke.k12.ga.us).

From Mrs. Camp

The 7th and 8th Grade Bands will participate in Large Group Performance Evaluations this week at Clarke Central High School.  Please return permission slips ASAP.  See below for schedule for date and performance time:

7th grade:  Wednesday, March 7 at 10:00 AM

8th grade:  Thursday, March 8 at 10:00 AM

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Alex Holland and Enock Maganda for being selected for the Georgia All State Band!  It's the top honor that band students can earn!

Congratulations to Lillian McGreevy and to Chloe Smith, who represented Hilsman Middle School at the Optimists' Oratorical Contest, held at UGA on February 24! Both girls are sixth graders and were wonderful representatives for Hilsman. 

Week at a Glance

Monday
21st Century
PSP
Morning SAE workday 7:15-8:00.

SAE Workday 4-5.Students must be picked up at 5! You cannot go to 21 century after SAE workdays. 

Tuesday
21st Century
PSP
Morning SAE workday and Agriscience Fair Practice 7:15-8:00

Hilsman vs.Coile Middle- Soccer

Boys:4:30

Girls:5:30

Location: Hilsman Middle School

Wednesday
SAE project due for a test grade in all agriculture classes. 3 hours/3pictures.
21st Century

Coach Ryals visit- Head Football Coach, Cedar Shoals High school

Spring football information meeting 

Wednesday, March 7, 11:30

Thursday
21st Century

Agriculture makeup workday 7:15-8:00, Homeroom and ELT. All work must be made up by this day!

Agriscience Fair Practice 4:00-5:00

Friday
21st Century

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