Week of January 26, 2026

The Week in Review at HMS: Notes from Dr. Cockley

Week of January 26, 2026

It’s been another short week - hope everyone is continuing to stay safe and warm! 

 

Congratulations (and a HUGE thank you!) to our January Students Making a Difference! These amazing students shine with kindness, hard work, and compassion - always welcoming, inclusive, and leading with positivity!

 

Using LEGO Spike Prime kits (made possible by a generous Hudson Kiwanis grant!), STEAM students are coding, creating, and problem-solving! From moving cars and talking cats that say “Meow,” to smiley faces and personalized initials, these students are bringing their ideas to life!

 

7 Navigators had an amazing time at the KSU Planetarium! Special thanks to the Hudson City Schools Foundation Explorer Grant program for making this possible! 

 

During FOCUS, one of our 6th-grade teams enjoyed Groundhog Weather School, read aloud by their teacher. As they gear up for Groundhog Day on Monday, students also learned about the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club and the traditions behind this fun winter prediction!

 

“What will Hands of Gratitude inspire you to do for your Service Learning project?” This week, 8th grade Service Learning & Careers students are building a 3D printed prosthetic hand for their group’s recipient! A truly life-changing program that serves as a model for our students’ own service projects this semester! 
 

 

Important Notes:

 

HMS Yearbook Order Window: 1/30 - 2/14!

• Each year, our HMS Yearbook (hard-cover) is created and designed to commemorate the school year and showcase our HMS family! We are thrilled to offer the 2025-2026 HMS Yearbook to students/families through Jostens for $45.
• The order window is open Friday, 1/30, through Saturday, 2/14. Please visit the Jostens Yearbook link (jostens.com/ybk) to place your order of your Hudson Middle School keepsake! 
• Yearbooks are delivered to HMS, and our goal is to distribute them at the end of this school year, for students to autograph and celebrate their year together! 
• If you have any yearbook questions, please contact secretary Penny Tschantz at tschantp@hudson.k12.oh.us

 

2025-26 HMS Yearbook - Student Name

• In our school yearbook, student names are typically printed as they appear on their birth certificate.
• If the birth certificate name is OK to print for your child, you do NOT need to complete the form.  
• If you prefer that a different name appear in the yearbook for your child, please complete this Google Form by February 14 (for example, if your child is known by their middle name rather than their first name). 
• Thank you for your help with this as we create a book for our students that commemorates our school year together!

 

HMS Change for Orkeeswa - Penny Wars Fundraiser in Homerooms: 2/2 - 2/6 

• Our HMS Builders Club is leading a schoolwide fundraiser for the Orkeeswa School in Tanzania! Change for Orkeeswa Penny War flier
• The Change for Orkeeswa fundraiser runs from February 2 - 6, with a friendly homeroom competition in each middle school team/community! 
• Proceeds support student scholarships as well as opportunities for hands-on learning at the school!
• For more information, please check out our Informational slides

 

2/2/26 CCP Presentation at HHS

• Monday, February 2, 2026 - CCP (College Credit Plus)* Information Presentation, at 7:00pm in the High School Auditorium. If a current 6th-12th grade student is interested in taking CCP classes in Summer 2026, Fall 2026, or Spring 2027, parents and students must attend this presentation. 
• Note from our HMS Guidance Department: Keep in mind, these are not "college prep" courses at Hudson High School. This is for the student who needs academics at the college level and meets the qualifications necessary to do so. 

 

2/4 “What You Don’t Know and Why You Should” - an Evening Presentation for Parents/Guardians/Hudson Adults by our Hudson Police Department

• You are invited to “What You Don’t Know and Why You Should,” presented by our Hudson Police Department, on Wednesday, February 4, at 7:00pm in our HMS Auditorium. 
• This presentation aims to inform and educate Hudson parents and other adults on how to help children navigate their ever-changing world, including: 
  • Recognizing the warning signs of poor choices
  • Monitoring social media, online activities and popular apps
  • Acknowledging the power of peer pressure at Hudson schools
  • Establishing open communication between adult and child
  • Understanding common substances used by young people in Hudson
  • Learning how to recognize and respond to sextortion threats
  • Being aware of the legal consequences of bad decisions in the state of Ohio
• Thank you to Hudson Community First for their Community of Care Speaker Series! Click here for more details. 

 

2/20 7th and 8th Grade Dance - sponsored by HMS PTO!

• HMS 7th and 8th grade students are invited to attend the 7th and 8th Grade BLACK OUT DANCE! Wear your black outfit with neon accessories to complete the vibe! 
• Cost is $10 presale or $15 at the event Click here for presale tickets!
• DJ and Photo Booth
• Snacks available for sale
• Thanks to PTO for providing this opportunity for our students!
• Check out the PTO flyer

 

Hands of Gratitude Sponsorship:

• In order to continue the life-changing Hands of Gratitude program that is part of our Service Learning & Careers Course at Hudson Middle School, each year we seek sponsorships.
• If you know of a person or organization who may be interested in supporting this program at our school, please feel free to pass this on.
• Our students are making a difference and are so appreciative of your support!  
• ONLINE DONATION LINK: thehcsf.org/hands-of-gratitude 
• See our Hands of Gratitude Sponsorship flyer for more details about this incredible program, the incredible individuals and organizations who are sponsoring the program this year thus far, and how you can help! 

 

HMS Staff Shout Outs: 

Has an HMS staff member made a difference for your child? We love to show appreciation for our amazing staff at HMS! Here’s an opportunity to share more personally if a staff member has made a difference, no matter how big or small. I will be sure to recognize their efforts individually and quietly. HMS Staff Shout Out Google Form

 

PeachJar Flyers - For event information about district and community events, please view the latest Peachjar flyers here: HCSD PeachJar Link