Week of November 28th

Hilsman Family:

We hope you all have had a restful and enjoyable break.  The three weeks between now and winter break will be full and, for many of our students, an emotional and anxiety-filled time.  While being firm, fair, and consistent, ensure that we are strengthening those relationships with our students that are so critical to our collective success.  Please take time to read the article linked here - you will recognize one of the co-authors as one of our own.

As Ms. Tolbert mentioned in last Friday's email, walkthroughs went well and we know exactly what we need to do to kick it up a notch.  Ms. Hogan will share more in collaborative plannings this week. Please be mindful of the norms you developed with your colleagues for collaborative planning. Be on time and prepared (have your device) for each of your plannings.  


Grade level teams and connections team, please have your supply list (shared by Hogan) ready to go by Tuesday of this week. We need to get orders placed. In addition, we would love for everyone to submit an application for the AthFest grants. It is well worth your time: http://athfesteducates.org/apply-for-art-education-grant.shtml. Please let Hogan know how she can help you with this process.


Hopefully you're not reading this at the beginning of your Thanksgiving break. :) Cherish your loved ones, rest up, and savor the good stuff. 


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Tech tool worth trying out  ➼   Pear Deck 

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*Please make sure you have added the Hilsman Events Calendar to your Google calendar, so you can stay abreast of upcoming events.

Monday:
8:30 am: Front office staff meeting
9:30 am: Admin meeting
10:30 am: Instructional Leaders Meeting

Tuesday:
IB Curriculum Meeting (Johns & Hogan) 12:30-3:30

Wednesday:
***Check out UGA's Differentiated Learning Centers in the Media Center during 2nd, 3rd, and 4th periods! 
ELA/Social Studies Collab Planning with Hogan
*Carlyn Bland will meet with ELA during 1st plannings re: benchmark data
4pm - Hilsman Tech Leaders Meeting

Thursday:
Math/Science Collab Planning with Hogan

Friday:
Hogan @ IC meeting AM
Rockathon - Chorus

Upcoming Events: 
12/5 - SILT
12/5 - Ambrose to meet with Social Studies teacher RE: literacy initiatives
12/6 - Reading Inventory during extended homeroom
12/7 - Faculty Meeting
12/9 - Winter Dance from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Week of November 14th

Quote of the Week:





Good afternoon,

Thank you to all that came out last week to support the many events. A big shout out to Coach Pullen for hosting the Moonlight Madness. There was a packed house and it was filled with laughter. On the same note, I can not forget Team Gora! They were sharp as they danced the evening away at their prom. It was a sight to see! As noted below, we have a busy week. Please make sure you dress for success all week as we will have several visitors in the building for various reasons. Wednesday the District will perform walk throughs. It is important to make sure your boards are up to date with current standards, EQs, and student work with commentary. I know that we will do well as we are aware of the expectations. I would like for as many staff members as possible to join us Wednesday for the dinner. Our community has done a phenomenal job of supporting the work that we do and the dinner is our way of giving thanks.

As we are approaching the break, please keep our less fortunate in mind. Behaviors may escalate due to the unknown for many of our students. Give a few extra hugs and smiles this week. I am sure that they will need it. To all of you, enjoy your break and your family. Be sure to rest and give thanks. I  am grateful to serve a wonderful staff. I am also so very thankful for the work that you do daily. YOU make Hilsman a great place even on our stormy days! Smile and know that I love each of you from the depth of my heart! Happy Thanksgiving!

Monday: *Advisement -- Activity Schedule 
8:30 a.m. Front office staff meeting
9:30 a.m. Admin Meeting
10:30 a.m. Instructional Leaders Meeting
2:00 p.m. Benchmark Make-Up Testing (Old Gym)
4:00 p.m. SILT

Tuesday: 
12:30 p.m. Middle School Instructional Council meeting (Tolbert, Hogan, Dalton, Crenshaw, & J. Holland)

Wednesday:  
District Walkthroughs
Benchmark Data Dig with ELA & Social Studies

5:30 p.m. LSGT Meeting
6:30 p.m. Partners in Education Dinner

Thursday: *District-wide Open House 
Benchmark Data Dig with Math & Science

Fall Orchestra Concert - All grade levels - 7 p.m. in the old gym

Friday: *Jeans if you donated to sunshine committee 

ENJOY YOUR TURKEY BREAK!!!

Week of November 7th

Quote of the Week: 

Don't bunt. Aim out of the ballpark.
David Ogilvy

Panther Family: 

Good Day! Thank you all for a productive last week. I realize that many of you do not feel as if you are often being reminded of the good job you do, please know that I appreciate the great effort that is being given on a daily basis at Hilsman Middle School. Our job is stressful but it is the most rewarding of any other career. Again, be reminded that the fruit of your labor may not be seen immediately but just know that on a daily basis, you are making a positive change in the life of a child. 

This week will be short but long! Hang on as we are about to experience a roller coaster ride as we are quickly approaching the end of the year. Remember that just as we miss the students when they miss school, the students miss YOU when you miss school. It is our duty and responsibility to come to work and teach! Our students are depending on you because of the difference you make in them receiving an A or a F. Continue to hold students accountable for their behavior and academics by being firm, fair, and consistent. We got this so let us ALL do it well! Have an AWESOME week.

A big shout out to all of you who participated in the SOAR 5K. You may wear your shirts along with jeans Wednesday to school! Thank you for showing up to support our students. 

Monday:
8:30 a.m.: Office Staff Meeting
10:30 a.m.: Admin Meeting
11:30 a.m.: Instructional Team Meeting
4:00 p.m.: SILT
4:30 p.m. Basketball game @ Oglethorpe Middle School

Tuesday: PLC DAY at HILSMAN (See  AGENDA)


Wednesday: *Wear your Hilsman Pride! Jeans if you wish! 
Science Benchmark
Collaborative Planning
(ELA/SS Meet with Hogan)
4:00 p.m.: Vertical Meetings (If not held during the PLC Day)

Thursday: 
Math Benchmark 
Collaborative Planning
(Math/Science Meet with Hogan)

Friday: *Wear your jeans if you've supported the Sunshine Committee!