Week of October 20, 2025

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

Week of October 20, 2025

 

Congratulations to HMS staff members, Jennifer Platek and Penny Tschantz, honored today at the Take a Second, Make a Difference luncheon sponsored by Hudson Community First! These incredible individuals were recognized for their dedication to making Hudson an even better place for our community’s youth.

 

Our 7th Grade Band brought talent and Halloween spirit to the stage this week! From creative costumes to incredible performances, it was a concert to remember!

 

Cheeseball Lab! 7th grade science students explore energy transformation by burning cheeseballs to observe how chemical energy converts into thermal energy—then use their data to calculate the energy transfer!

 

Building connections and finding patterns - both in math and with each other! Students started new math groups by discovering the most unique thing they share in common. Such a fun way to connect and launch today’s lesson on patterns.

 

Thank you to Mrs. Wilkerson for talking with our 6th graders about Words Matter, a presentation on the power of words. Students were encouraged to be upstanders together, focused on kindness and empathy…and a sense of belonging.

 

Genetics in action! 8th grade science students had the chance to observe baby chicks hatching—an unforgettable, hands-on way to see life and genetics up close!

 

Thanks to our HHS HUDDLE Mentors for working with our 6th graders on healthy life-style choices! We appreciate your positive leadership and service!

 

Important Notes:

 

Holiday Sharing 2025 - HMS is collecting food items - 10/14 through 11/19  

• Hudson Middle School is proud to support Holiday Sharing 2025, Hudson’s annual food drive to help local families during the holiday season. 
• From 10/14-11/19, students are encouraged to bring in non-expired food items or monetary donations to support children and families right here in our Hudson community.
• NEW THIS YEAR: Each middle school community is collecting a specific food item - click here for the detailed list of requested donations.
• This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to show kindness, compassion, and community spirit. Thank you for your generosity and for helping make the holidays brighter for local families!

 

HMS Report Cards - Friday 10/24

• Each quarter the report card is available electronically in HAC. For the first quarter, because it is the first report card of the year, we also will send home a paper copy with students on Friday, 10/24.
• Once report cards are finalized, if you’d like to print directly from HAC, click on the Grades icon in HAC. Once there, click on the Print button in the upper right corner to view the Report Card on our official middle school report card template. You can then choose to print, save, or simply view the report card.
• At Hudson Middle School, we calculate Honor Rolls only at Semester 1 and Semester 2.

 

Week of 10/27 - HMS Spooky Spirit Week 

• HERE is the link to the HMS Spirit Week flyer, sponsored by HMS Student Council - such a fun, spooktacular week!
  • Monday Fall PJ Day - Come cozy for the season!
  • Crazy Hair Tuesday - Style your hair wildly
  • Pumpkin Palooza Wednesday - Wear black, orange and purple or pumpkin themed clothes!
  • Ghoul Glow Thursday - Wear neon colors!
  • Frightening Friday - Dress like an Explorer OR Wear Your Costume!

 

HMS Halloween 10/31 Costume Guidelines

This year's Kindness Month word-of-the-day for October 31 is HARMONY. Have some fun today, and be yourself. Wear a costume if you'd like! For those wishing to be an Explorer on October 31, please feel free to wear Hudson gear. You always BELONG as an Explorer!

If you choose to wear a different costume, please keep these guidelines in mind:

• All students are to be recognizable: Refrain from costumes that obscure facial features.  
• All costumes should help maintain a safe and comfortable environment: Weapons or look-alike weapons of any kind are not permitted.
• Costumes should be tasteful: Refrain from reference/material that is obscene, suggestive, revealing, offensive, and/or related to alcohol, drugs, tobacco, etc.
• All costumes should allow for class/lab operations to occur smoothly: Refrain from props/paint/make-up that stains or damages furniture/equipment or otherwise is harmful to self or others.

 

11/3 Ready Set Relax!

• Hudson Community First is sponsoring Ready, Set, Relax! on November 3!  This is an evening without homework and limited activities to allow students and families to spend some quality time together! Share how you spend your time together on the Hudson Community First Facebook page for a chance to win a Metropolis Popcorn Gift Card!

 

Interested in Serving as a Substitute? 

• Our district is actively looking for substitute teachers and staff members to help support our students. If you’ve ever considered stepping into our schools, this is a wonderful way to make a difference in the lives of students and support our community. Even a day or two of your time can have a big impact.
• We’d love for you to consider joining us - our students (and staff!) would truly appreciate your help! 
• Now Hiring! Substitute Rates and Information Flyer

 

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