Week of December 8, 2025

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

Week of December 8, 2025

 

A heartfelt thank-you to Helen Marks, Holocaust survivor, for spending time with some of our 6th grade teams and sharing her family’s moving story of strength, hope, and survival. What an unforgettable learning experience for our students.

 

Our Portrait of an Explorer Day started on the perfect note - literally! Huge thanks to this talented 8th-grade ensemble (and many staff members!) for filling our morning with holiday cheer!

 

We are grateful for our high school HUDDLE mentors for taking time this morning to connect with our 8th graders and help them feel confident about high school scheduling, and the transition to high school!

 

Our 8th Grade Service Learning & Careers students practiced their final presentations with a peer - getting ready for their Share Event, where they’ll showcase their service projects, research, and community impact. Thank you for making a positive difference in our world and inspiring others to do the same!

 

Getting ready for the big challenge! 8th grade Spanish students gathered to learn how their Spanish Escape Room works. Now it’s time to use their words, phrases, and partner power to escape! 

 

Building a city takes strategy - and these students were up for the challenge! They designed their own layouts with thoughtful reasoning behind every choice. Soon, they’ll learn about Rome and how it was built, so this activity helped them think about the “why” behind the decisions of the city planners!

 

Special thanks to the HMS Student Council for designing next week’s Holiday Spirit Week, as a fun culmination to the ever-popular Color Wars during this month of December! Color Wars has helped inspire creativity, community spirit, and a sense of ownership and care for our school!

 

 

Important Notes:

 

HMS Lunch Aide Position Available:

• Perfect lunch-time hours! Outstanding people! 
• We have an HMS lunch aide position available. The role is part-time daily from 10:30am - 1:00pm. 
• This is such an important part of our students’ day, and we are truly appreciative of the individuals who support them during lunch. 
• If you know of anyone who might consider this role, please reach out to them to share about this opportunity. You may know a retired friend, a recent graduate, or someone thinking about re-entering the workforce. Thank you so much for helping to spread the news.  
• Anyone interested can apply via our district website under Job ID 2795 (Educational Aide/Lunch at the Middle School). 
• We also are always looking for substitutes, for those who need a little more flexibility.

 

Thursday, 12/18: Important Information if You're Picking Up Early

• We have an adjusted schedule on Thursday, December 18, as we celebrate our last day before Winter Break with beautiful music assemblies in the morning, and a school-wide Student-Staff Volleyball Game Pep Assembly at the end of the day!
• If you are picking your child up early for any reason, please do so by 2:00pm (prior to the assembly, as calling students to the office from the gymnasium will be challenging). 
• As always, students should arrive with a note, in the morning, to the Attendance office, where they will receive a dismissal pass.

 

HMS Holiday Spirit Week

Special thanks to the HMS Student Council for designing our HMS Holiday Spirit Week, as a fun culmination to the ever-popular Color Wars during this month of December! Color Wars has helped inspire creativity, community spirit, and a sense of ownership and care for our school!

• PJ Monday: Come cozy, for winter PJ day
• Holiday Tuesday: Festive gear wear festive hoodies, sweaters, headbands and more!
• Hat & Sock Wednesday: SnowCAP day wear a winter holiday hat or headbands. Get
  crazy and wear festive socks too!
• Color War Thursday: Color wars colors, but add anything festive! (6th grade wear white, 7th grade wear red, and 8th grade wear blue)

 

1/21/26 Six District Compact Career Program Showcase:

• Attention Middle & High School Families, you are invited on Wednesday, January 21 between 4:30-6 p.m. to the Career Program Showcase at Kent State University to tour the exhibits of the 30 Career-Technical Education programs within the Six District Compact.
• See flyer for more details.

 

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

 

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