Week of September 25

Happy Sunday Panther Nation,

I hope that each of you have enjoyed your weekend and found a little time to rest and RESET. This month is going to be a busy one so tie up your laces and get ready to run! Also, I want to encourage each of you to remain vigilant of our scholars' behavior in the halls, classroom, and cafeteria. If you hear or notice anything out of the ordinary, immediately report it to an Administrator or Officer Johnson. It is equally important for you to enforce the uniform and backpack policies. Remember that as we are reinforcing expectations to be mindful of our actions and tone. It is always a good practice to remember Mr. Scott's presentation from the beginning of the year. Our actions and words can impact a student for life!

Monday and Wednesday we will have mandatory faculty meetings. This is in an effort to get our School Growth Plan completed before the deadline. Most importantly, this time will allow all of us an opportunity to work TOGETHER as we set our school's goals. Our October meeting will be cancelled. I will create a video to share important information. 

In a separate email, I will share a link to my calendar for you to begin signing up for your Pre-Evaluation Conference. Please select a time that is good for you. I attempted to offer a variety of times to allow you some flexibility with your schedule. 

Lastly, as a reminder, please be sure that you are effectively using Collaborative Planning time. If you or your team are experiencing issues or have concerns, do not hesitate to alert (Dr.) Mrs. Hogan.

Just as a little pick you upper, feel free to wear jeans Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this week. Cheers to a GREAT week!

Ms. Tolbert

Updates from the District:

2018 OPEN ENROLLMENT 

Open Enrollment will begin October 16, 2017 for State Health and CCSD benefits. Please plan to attend an Open Enrollment meeting near you to learn about changes and improvements to your benefits. Visit the Employee Benefits website after Thursday, September 28, 2017 at www.clarke.k12.ga.us to find helpful links to Open Enrollment choices. Open Enrollment ends November 3, 2017. Computer help will be available in the Board Office on October 31 and November 1 from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. These sessions are only for help with the computer and are reserved for those that have limited computer experience and no access to a computer or internet at home or work. Send your questions to openenrollment@clarke.k12.ga.us. 

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

 ● LEA Training - 

The first session was held this week with 6 schools participating. Additional training dates: October 16, December 11, January 22, and February 26. Elementary training times: 3:00-4:00 Secondary training times: 4:00-5:00. All trainings are held at the Whitehead Road Annex, Room 29. 

● Strategies and Techniques for Dealing with the Most Difficult to Manage Students - 

Gary Alderman ○ September 28-29 ○ Northeast Georgia RESA ○ Link to Register ○ This is a great opportunity for beginning teachers and teachers/administrators desiring to improve classroom management practices within their classrooms/buildings 

● Georgia Association for Positive Behavior Support Conference (GAPBS) ○ November 28-29 ○ Infinite Energy Center, Duluth, GA ○ Link to Register ○ This is a great opportunity for your school-based PBIS Coach or your entire PBIS team! 

● Free Parent Workshop - Tuesday, October 10, 10:00 AM-12:00PM at Athens Regional Library. This workshop will provide parents with an overview of IDEA, Child Find, RTI, SST, making a referral, evaluation process, and the IEP process. For more information, contact Jerolee Oschack at 706.546.7721 ext. 65727.

Dinner Dialogue

If you are interested in participating in our dinner dialogue this fall, please complete the form here: Dinner Dialogue Interest Form

From Mr. Lawrence: 

The Hilsman Middle School Chorus are selling Dominoes "Slice The Price" cards for a fundraiser. The cards are $10 and donations are welcomed. The proceeds are going towards the groups Spring events.

HMS Chorus Fall Performance is October 5, 2017 at 6:30 pm.

From Maxey: 

Hilsman Bands Together

From Sunshine Committee: 
Friday Jeans has started! $5 each Friday or $20 for 5 weeks. Don't miss the opportunity to be comfortable.

From Ms. Camp: 

Band Concert:  Monday, October 2 at 6:30 @Cedar Shoals High School Auditorium.

Rockathon Friday, October 6 from 7:00pm-7:00am.  Come have fun with the students!

From Mr. Hussain: 

Hussain will be buying pizza for everyone who wants to plan after school on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. He will be available to co-plan during this time (and co-teach during a class if you want). Stop by his classroom (room 205) after school to check it out next Tuesday! His strengths include technology integration, wearing ties, and growing a beard. 

Teachers, please remember to follow with First 15/Last 15 pass rules. 

Monday:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MS. BRINKLEY & MS. MEYER!!!
*Advisement   Morning Activity Schedule
**Grade levels and EXC teachers meet with Holland both plannings today
4pm Called faculty meeting (cafeteria) *Sit by content area.
4:30 Cross country meet at Athens Academy 
5:15 Local School Governance Team

Tuesday:
1-4 Forker @ AP Meeting
4pm New Panther Cohort w/Hogan
Head's of House Meeting during ELT in CAFE. Names of students will be provided to you via email.
4:30 - Volleyball HMS v. CMS @ HMS

Wednesday: 
4pm Faculty Meeting 

Thursday: 
House Meetings - Activity Schedule
UGA Literacy Mentors - Beginning of 6th period
5pm - C-Team Football v. Clarke Central @ Cedar

Friday: Happy FRIDAY!!!

On your radar: 
10/3 FTE Count Day -- ATTENDANCE IS MUY IMPORTANTE
10/9 District PL Day (@ Clarke Central - stay tuned)
10/11-13 Parent Conferences (Thursday is our late evening.) 
10/27 - Fall Holiday -- GO DAWGS! 
10/30 PL Day (here at the HIL)