Week of April 6, 2026
The Week in Review at HMS: Notes from Dr. Cockley
Week of April 6, 2026

Congratulations to our March Students Making a Difference! We are so grateful for students who make a positive difference every day - making our school the best it can be for all of our students! Thank you for working hard and being kind!

Congratulations to these amazing 6th grade students who were named as winners or received honorable mentions at the Akron-Summit Holocaust Arts & Writing Contest Winners!!

Students premiered their Middle School Club pitch videos in LA class, using ethos, pathos, and logos to convince their audience to bring new ideas to life at HMS. Viewers were on the lookout, spotting each persuasive element in action! This will lead into their argumentative writing later this week.

Family Tree presentations in 8th grade Spanish class! Practicing and comprehending new vocabulary!

Welcome future 6th graders! Our HMS Showcase and 5th Grade Orientation included student-led tours, a student panel, and performances and descriptions of all of our AMAZING electives offerings! Thank you to all who made this event possible!
Important Notes:
Upcoming ELA OSTs (Ohio State Tests):
On Tuesday and Wednesday, April 14 and 15, 2026, HMS will be participating in Ohio’s Statewide Tests (OST’s) in English Language Arts for students in grades 6, 7 and 8.
All students should bring:
- CHARGED Chromebook
- Chromebook charger
- A pencil
- A book to read silently after testing
- NOTE: No additional electronic devices other than Chromebooks are permitted per testing rules. Please reinforce with your child that cell phones and smart watches are strictly prohibited during testing. These devices should be turned off and kept in their locker or placed in the classroom cell phone holder.
As with every day, students will perform their best with plenty of rest the night before, a well-balanced breakfast that morning, and prompt arrival to school each day of the test. As a reminder, testing begins at 8:00am each day.
Future OSTs (Ohio State Tests) - Math and Science:
- Math OSTs will take place 4/21 and 4/22
- 8th Grade Science OSTs will take place 4/23
- Calculator for math testing (your child’s math teacher will tell them on which portion/s they can use their calculator)
- Optional: Wired headphones (for any student who would like to use the text-to-speech feature, which is available to all students on math and science tests) - no wireless devices are permitted.
- More information will be about these in a future newsletter
Middle School Scheduling Information for 2026-27:
- We are so fortunate to have electives options for our students to explore and develop areas of interest!
- For our current 6th and 7th grade students, scheduling information was shared this week with parents/guardians and students.
- By April 13, students will be completing their Scheduling Google Form (which will be available in their grade-level Google Classroom).
Staff Appreciation Week - “Send a Sip” Opportunity!
- During Staff Appreciation Week, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck will visit Hudson Middle School on May 8 from 8:00–10:30 AM. Families are invited to help treat our staff by sponsoring a cup of coffee!
- To donate, scan the QR code on the flyer or visit the website listed and enter the event code. When prompted, please enter “HMS” as the Recipient Name so your contribution is directed to our school.
- Website: https://customer.travelintomscoffee.com/
- Event Code: T279X95623
- Recipient Name: HMS
- Every donation helps our Student Council provide staff with a well-deserved treat. Thank you for supporting our HMS staff in this fun way!
- See the flyer for details and the QR code: HMS Send a Sip Flyer 2026
PTO Testing Snacks Request for HMS Students:
- PTO is kindly requesting snacks for our students for their upcoming OST tests.
- This thoughtful gesture is a sweet reminder to our students that they have the full support of our community. Thank you for all you do to support our students!
- Please sign-up here to deliver a snack to the main office by Thursday, April 16 for our Math testing days.
Hudson Community First presents Jessica Lahey, 4/21, 7:00pm in HMS Auditorium
- Hudson Community First presents Jessica Lahey, educator and author of the New York Times bestseller, The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed, gives parents practical advice for how to step back and allow kids more opportunities to fail, rebound, and become more resilient, helping their children take ownership of their lives and develop growth mindset around learning.
- April 21 at 7:00pm in the Hudson Middle School Auditorium.
- Visit https://hudsoncommunityfirst.com/communityofcare to learn more and register for the free event.
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
- Here’s a link to our district website: HCSD Human Resources - Job Opportunities
HMS Lunch Aide Sub Position Available
- Perfect lunch-time hours! Outstanding people!
- We have an HMS lunch aide sub position available, likely through the end of the school year. 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 here: Educational Aide/Lunch Long Term Substitute - Job ID 2830
HMS Track - Student Support Aide Position Available:
- This position is for aide support during Middle School Track, focused on individual student supervision through May 16, from 3:00–4:30pm daily.
- Enjoy time outdoors while supporting a student in an active, positive environment.
- Great short-term opportunity with consistent, manageable hours.
- If you know of anyone who might consider this role, please reach out to them! Thank you so much for helping to spread the news.
- Anyone interested can apply here: Aide Support for Middle School Track - Student Supervision - Job ID 2817
May 8 - 8th Grade Send Off - Tickets on Sale Now!
- Our amazing HMS PTO is planning an incredible celebration for our 8th graders - the 8th grade “Blast Off!” on May 8th, from 6-9:00pm.
- Click here for the flyer and QR code for tickets!
- Or click here for the link to the PTO website to buy tickets: https://www.hudsonpto.org/ptostore/8th-Grade-Blast-Off-registration-p827278073/
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
HMS Calendar of Events - To view upcoming middle school activities, including performances and meetings, click here: https://www.hudson.k12.oh.us/calendar1
HMS Athletic Schedules - To view middle school athletic schedules, click here and select the middle school sport you are interested in viewing: https://www.hudsonexplorersathletics.com/ Schedules are updated at the beginning of the pertinent season.
PeachJar Flyers - For event information about district and community events, please view the latest Peachjar flyers here: HCSD PeachJar Link
