As we enter the month of December, I am reminded of how important family is—both at home and within our school community. This time of year naturally brings moments to reflect, to be grateful, and to connect, and I want to take a moment to acknowledge the vital role families play in supporting a student's growth.

Students thrive because they feel supported not only by their teachers and staff, but by the families who guide, encourage, and cheer them on each day. Whether it’s helping with routines, checking in on schoolwork, attending events, or simply asking, “How was your day?”—your partnership makes a significant difference. At this time of life our students are figuring out roles, and who they want to be. Its a difficult, sometimes painful process...full of moments of laughter, difficult questions, and tears. Knowing they have support at home, even if they aren't so great at acknowledging it, makes this a little easier for them. Keep up that hard, but necessary work!

At school, we will continue to focus on fostering a sense of belonging, building positive relationships, and creating opportunities for every student to feel part of our extended school family. December can be a busy and emotional time for many, so we remain committed to providing as much stability and care for all students that we can.

As we approach winter break, I hope you find time to slow down, enjoy great moments with loved ones, and create memories together. Thank you for your ongoing partnership. Our school is stronger because of the families who support us. Along those lines, thank you so much to all who contributed to our two day Foodball event. HMS raised almost $1200 in donations for the local food banks.

Wishing you and your family peace, joy, and connection this holiday season

Thank you for your part in continuing to inspire our students to aim high, work hard, and believe in themselves. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns that we need to be aware of. Our office phone number is 360-538-8220.

December is all about finishing up the Girls Basketball and Wrestling seasons. Both sports will be in the heart of their schedule, not finishing until the week before Winter Break. It will be the boy's turn to play hoops after winter break with their first day of practice being Monday, January 5.

For newcomers to Hoquiam Middle School, we use Final Forms to house our athletic paperwork, and all forms must be completed and the athlete cleared before the first day of practice for the student to participate.

If you are looking for Final Forms, you can find it at this web address: https://hoquiam-wa.finalforms.com/

Parents need to create an account. Here is where you can find directions for making an account: https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/sportshub2-uploads-prod/files/sites/2656/2020/12/14094353/Hoquiam-FinalForms_ParentPlaybook.pdf

You can find updated Fall Sports Schedules here, when they are created: https://www.arbiterlive.com/Teams?entityId=33572

Please understand that contests can change at any time. We face an age of limited number of bus drivers and referees, so changes are likely. We will work hard to keep you abreast of changes as we are made aware of them.

Mr. Templer's Science classes are designing a Mars Lander with Big Brains and limited tape! The first two pics are one lander in two stages of design.

Meanwhile in Mr. Londino's Modelling class, students are working on a more earthly form of travel, as they are building car models!

This last week was Counselor Talks in the classes.  We were talking about College and Career.  The 6th grade classes worked on their Bucket Lists and saw how hobbies can lead to careers.  The 7th and 8th grades worked on a new program for the High School & Beyond Plan program through the state of Washington.  The program is called Schoolinks.  We are one of the first school districts in the state testing it out.  The program is for 7-12 grade students.  Majority of the students enjoyed working on the program.  

Hope Squad

This past week has been Hope Week.  Students came up with a theme each day for the students to dress up.  We also had Boo Grams available at lunch on Tuesday.  Students will get their Boo Grams on Monday.  They have also been busy with decorating our door for a school door contest.

The students decided to do a BINGO Basket. Our basket's theme will be cozy.  I have asked students if they are going to participate to have items to me by the end of next week. 

Attendance

Attendance is a powerful signal and leading indicator of equity. It can signal when students might need additional support and it signals areas for system and school improvement.
#ShowingUpMatters #AttendTodayAchieveTomorrow

Reminder!! Parents/guardians have 48 hours to call and excuse your child.  Per the state, students should not have excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused.  Excessive tardies are also being looked at.  We want our students in class on time.  

We love seeing your child(ren) at school!  If they are absent, make sure you are calling the school to excuse them.  If they have a doctor's appointment, bring in a doctor's note to excuse.  If you are planning a vacation, contact the office to set this up in a timely manner.  Mrs. Strom is our attendance person, 360-538-8221 or hms. attendance@hoquiam.net.

HMS 8th Grade Girls Basketball

November

• 10...MILLER..6:30

• 12...@ Rochester...6:30

• 17...@ Oakland Bay...5:15

• 18...CENT. CHR....5:15
• 24...@ Tenino...6:30

December

• 02...@ Miller...6:30

• 04...ROCHESTER...6:30

• 08...OAK. BAY...5:15

• 10...@ Cen. Chr....5:15
• 15...TENINO...6:30

Home Games played at HMS Gym

HMS 7th Grade Girls Basketball

November

• 10...MILLER..5:15

• 12...@ Rochester...5:15

• 17...@ Oakland Bay...4:00

• 18...CENT. CHR....4:00

• 24...@ Tenino...5:30

December

• 02...@ Miller...6:30

• 04...ROCHESTER...6:30

• 08...OAK. BAY...5:15

• 10...@ Cen. Chr....5:15

• 15...TENINO...6:30

Home Games played at HMS Gym

HMS 7th Grade JV Girls BB

November

• 10...MILLER JV...4:00

• 12...@ Rochester JV...4:00

• 13...@ Miller JV2...5:00

• 17...MILLER JV3...5:00

• 20...@ Miller JV3...4:00

• 24...@ Tenino JV...4:00

December

• 02...@ Miller JV3...4:00

• 04...ROCHESTER JV..4:00
• 08...MILLER JV2..6:30
• 15...TENINO JV...4:00

Home Games played at HMS Gym

HMS Wrestling

November

• 13...@ Chehalis (WF West HS)...4:30

• 20...ROCHESTER...5:00

• 26..@ Monte Tourney..1:00

December

• 03...@ Chehalis MS..4:30

• 09...@ Tumwater MS...5:00

• 11...CHEHALIS...5:00
• 17...@ Elma...5:00
• 18...MILLER...5:00

8th Grade: Aiden Calloway, Alani Manoi, Alonso Aguilar, Andres Carrada-Morelia, Ashlynn Bale, Ash’lynned Donovan-Iverson, Callee Bailey, Cari Spellman, Carter Granberg, Charlotte Morris, Christopher Acuna, Eli Jones, Emmanuel Ortiz, Grace Whitespeare, Grayson Black, Hunter Dewald, Jaylyn George, Juan Quintero-Arellano, Katie Mondragon, Keegan Rice, Kenzie Stankavich, Kevin Lowe, Letty Griess, Liana Santiago-Torres, Logan Bloom, Lyric Ramstein, Maverick Tilley, Natalie Bojorquez, Noah Longenbaugh, Nolan Roberts, Paisley Shaw, Peyton Tobias, Ryan Roberts, Santiago Garcia, Tallon Leamer, Thaddeus Koth, Yutaka Hughes, and Zoey Shope.

7th Grade: Achilles Holcomb, Alexander Mooney, Ashlynn Arndt, Avery Smith, Bella Hodges, Brayden Mills, Cassidee Matsen, Cloe Spellman, Colin Jordan, Damon Linker, David Osorio, Dessa Orris, Esmerie Phansisay, Harper Niemi, Hunter Vail, Jaxxon Grove, Jazlynn Vaca-Figueroa, Jhony Gomez, Justin Simpson, Kadie Prentice, Kail Vaughn, Kent Le, Lawyer Niemi, Layna Bozich, Leila Booth, Maggie Johnson, Malachi Dowd, Mason Dhooghe, Mason Ounsted, Miriam Cortes-Verdejo, Rain Baker, Romeo Balagot, Rylee McCollum, Rylie Smith, Talen Lash, Tiffanie Crow, Tyson Velez, and Waylen Voynow.

6th Grade: Abigail Labonty, Alakai Rotter, Amber Alcala-Medina, Arkaeden Jenkins, Aubree Delbrouck, Avery Troseth, Ayden Holcomb, Benjamin Berndt, Brycen Hoiness, Delilah Wiggins-Veloni, Emilee Sanabria, Ethan Ritchie, Etta Orris, Ezra McClendon, Gannon Robinette, Jake Helland, Jeffry Stephens, Jeremiah Hidalgo-Lara, Jerrica Brain-Pyeatt, Jon Gray, Kaison Membreno-Paulsen, Kali Nichols, Korrah Paniagua, Liam Bommerscheim, Lili Ann Westbrook, Masen Graham, Mateo Membreno, Melany Lopez Mora, Mia Bojorquez, Nathali Sanchez-Soriano, Naomi Santiago-Torres, Owen Black, Reyna Carr, Rhea Santiago, Ryan Napier, Savanna Batchelor, Sequoia Sinkuler, Sofia Zepeda-Farias, Tahjay Jahner, Taytum Case, Tristan Richardson, and Ty Hodges.

Grade 6 

Principal’s Honor Roll (4.0)

Brycen Hoiness, Jake Helland, Saraiya Noland, Trysten Burkley

Grand Honor Roll (3.6-3.99)                                                                                 

Amber Alcala-Medina, Arkaeden Jenkins, Aubree Delbrouck, Avery Troseth. Benjamin Berndt, Camden Cole, Delilah Wiggins-Veloni, Emilee Sanabria, Etta Orris , Gannon Robinette, Jeffry Stephens, Jerrica Brain-Pyeatt, Jesus Garcia, Jon Gray, Jordyn Smith, Jose Reyes-Lopez, Jose Verdejo-Ambrosio, Joseph Genn, Karlie Schumacher, Korrah Paniagua, Mateo Farias-Ortiz, Melany Lopez Mora, Melody Bale, Mia Bojorquez, Naomi Santiago-Torres, Owen Black, Paola Magana-Felipe, Penelope Morris, Reyna Carr, Rhea Santiago, Ryan Napier, Ryker Ross, Sailor Case, Tahjay Jahner, Taytum Case, Tristan Richardson

Honor Roll (3.0-3.59)

Abigail Labonty, Aliyah Rojas-Laurean, Athena Linthicum, Audoro Tapia Higareda, Ava Blunt, Brazen Tilley, Cesar Arevalo-Sanchez, Elianah Walker, Elijah Gilbert, Hannah Wynn, Jeremiah Hidalgo-Lara, Jonathan Billie , Jordyn Stewart-Brown, Jubal Bonneau, Kali Nichols, Kayle Crow, Khaleesi Cox, Kylen Calloway, Liam Bommerscheim, Lili Ann Westbrook, Luccah Deemer, Luis Vargas-Lopez, Masen Graham, Mateo Membreno, Mia Escobar, Mya Warren, Nathali Sanchez-Soriano, Nova Julian-Guzman, Princess Davis, Rosabella Brown, Savanna Batchelor, Sequoia Sinkuler, Sofia Zepeda-Farias, Ty Hodges

Grade 7

Principal’s Honor Roll (4.0)

Dessa Orris, Dimitri Cruzan, Eden Park, Harper Niemi, Leila Booth, Mason Ounsted, Taylie Turpin-Andrew, Tyson Velez, Zayleigh Boggs

Grand Honor Roll (3.6-3.99)

Achilles Holcomb, Ayla Walker, Brynn Hnilica, Cassidee Matsen, Gracie Jahner, Hunter Vail, Layna Bozich, Levi Tillery, Maggie Johnson, Martin Felipe-Morales, Mason Warren, Miriam Cortes-Verdejo, Miyah Fesler, Payton Dhooghe, Ryan Quigg, Talen Lash, Taylor Sweers

Honor Roll (3.0-3.59)

Alexander Mooney, Allie Smith, Andrea Matsen, Ari Bowen, Ashlynn Arndt, Avery Smith, Brayden Mills, Carole Dollarhyde, Colin Jordan, Ezra Eaton, Fenrir Grader, Harper Ramage, Harrison Dejka, Jacqueline Juarez-Perez, Jaylin Vazquez Vazquez, Jazlynn Vaca-Figueroa, Kairi Love, Kamdyn Gwinn , Kamryn Cable, Kasen Sturm, Kent Le, Lawyer Niemi, Loreen Cooper, Madilynn Damaske, Malachi Dowd, Maliyeah Underwood, Michael Sinclair, Romeo Balagot, Rylie Smith, Sofia Melin, Tiffanie Crow, Violette Robinett, Willow Hartman, Xander Hicks

Grade 8

Principal’s Honor Roll (4.0)

Avelyn Burkley, Kenzie Stankavich, Lyric Ramstein , Peyton Tobias, Ryan Roberts, Yutaka Hughes

Grand Honor Roll (3.6-3.99)

Alan Hernandez Nieto , Allexandria Garcia, Alonso Aguilar, Andres Carrada-Morelia, Annabella Oliver, Ashlynn Bale, Ash’lynned Donovan-Iverson, Britton Maxfield, Charlotte Morris, Chase Mealey , Davyn Stewart, Declan Potter, Hunter Turpin, Jaycee Eddy-Hathaway, Letty Griess, Liana Santiago-Torres, Natalie Bojorquez, Paisley Shaw, Presley Wallin, Santiago Garcia, Sebrina Brock, Thaddeus Koth, Tia Sayamnet, Zoey Shope

Honor Roll (3.0-3.59)

Adrian Servin, Adrianna Vinson, Alani Manoi, Boston Olson, Callee Bailey, Cari Spellman, Carter Granberg, Eli Jones, Emily-May Smith, Fenix Aguilera, Gemma Heiskell, Grace Whitespeare, Gracie Thomas, Grayson Black, Hekter Colombe, Hunter Dewald, Isaac Fabian Avila, Jonathan Kelley, Juan Quintero-Arellano, Kamryn Arnold, Katie Mondragon, Keegan Rice, Kruz Calloway, Kyron Calica, Logehn Bergsma, Mackenzie Rice, Maria Gum, Maverick Tilley, Meilin Just, Mitchell Sherwood, Mycah Smith, Nayeli Mendoza Hernandez, Nolan Roberts, Payton Nowak, Zayden Harder

Winter break is a chance for students to rest and recharge, but it can also be a great opportunity to stay curious and active. Here are a few simple ways families can help keep middle schoolers engaged during the break—without making it feel like school:

• Read what they enjoy. Graphic novels, sports articles, cookbooks, magazines—anything that keeps them reading counts.

• Try hands-on activities. Bake together, build a puzzle, do a DIY craft, or play strategy games. These activities build problem-solving skills naturally.

• Stay active. Go for walks, try a new sport, or visit a local rec center. Movement supports focus and well-being.

• Explore something new. Encourage your student to pick a topic or skill they want to learn over break—an athlete, a hobby, a historic event, coding, cooking, etc.

• Encourage reflection. Journaling or simple family conversations about the past year can help students grow and set goals for January.

• Make screen time purposeful. Look for documentaries, museum tours, creative apps, or educational games to balance entertainment with learning.

• Keep a bit of routine. Maintaining reasonable sleep schedules, responsibilities, and mealtime routines helps students transition smoothly back to school.

• Enjoy family time. Play games, watch movies, cook a meal, or share stories together. Strong family connections support students academically and emotionally.

Wishing all our families a restful, joyful, and connected winter break!

Parents, if your student is riding a bus, or you need them to ride a bus that they normally are not on, you need to let the HMS Office know by 2:00 pm. We will write a pass for the student to board the bus, or to notify them if you don't want them riding the bus. Students who are riding a different bus than normal need this pass to board the bus. Please call us by 2:00 to allow us to make contact with your student!!! 360-538-8220.

School Contact Information

Main Office/Ms. Glasgow 360-538-8220

Attendance Line 360-538-8221

Attendance Email: hms.attendance@hoquiam.net

Principal/Mr. Cook 360-538-8225

Dean of Students/Ms. Ounsted 360-538-8220 xt 1236

Counseling Center/Ms. Andrews 360-538-8224

Athletic Director/Shane Krohn 360-538-8213

There are basically two fees that students have at HMS. The first is our ASB card, which is $20. This is required if your student is participating in athletics and activities. ASB cards also get students into home high school events, and discounts on away high school events. Generally if your student will be attending these events, the card pays for itself many times over. These can be purchased in the main office at HMS.

The second fee is for the PE uniform. The uniform consists of an orange PE shirt and black shorts. The shirt is required and costs $9. If your student has a pair of black shorts or athletic tights, then they can use those in lieu of the school shorts, which are also $9.

If fees are a financial difficulty for your family, they are not meant to be an obstacle for your child's participation. Please speak to Ms. Glasgow in the HMS office if this is the case.