As we enter Holiday break, let me be the first to wish you a Happy New Year. I know that we aren't through December yet, but I wanted to get the newsletter out before break for our Hoquiam Middle School families! I hope you have a great break, and then join me in a big welcome to January! As we are looking forward to the second half of the school year, I want to thank you for the care you show our students each day. Coming back from winter break can be both exciting and challenging for middle schoolers, and we appreciate your help in reestablishing routines, encouraging positive habits, and reinforcing the importance of attendance and making an effort in the classroom. 

January is a time for reflection and goal-setting, across our society. Lots of resolutions are on the table, and I look forward to seeing a lot of you at the gym (for at least the next few weeks at least). Our students would benefit from setting academic and personal goals, strengthening their organizational skills, and continuing to build positive relationships with peers and adults. Goal setting is an activity that is usually done better with some adult guidance, so you might want to make this one of those "around the dinner table" conversations as you prepare for January.

January houses the halfway point through the school year. We will be changing over to the 3rd Quarter at the end of the month. So students have this very short window to ensure their grades are where they want them. There is not a day to lose!  Strong relationships between home and school make a powerful difference, and we encourage you to reach out to teachers, counselors, or administrators if your child needs additional support or encouragement.

Thank you for all that you do. We look forward to a better 2026 for all of us, and all the growth it will bring for our students.

 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.

It will be the boy's turn to play hoops after winter break with their first day of practice being Monday, January 5. All paperwork must be in to Final Forms by the first practice

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.

Our 8th Grade Science students built towers that were tall, tough, and surprisingly strong. Using limited materials and a lot of brainpower, teams engineered structures that didn’t just stand—they handled some serious weight! There were cheers, redesigns, and a few dramatic collapses, but in the end, these towers proved one thing: our 8th graders can build like engineers.

Strong minds. Strong towers. Great job, 8th Grade Science!

When the gales of November and December and....well January through April...come early, the recess action moves indoors. The noise levels in the gym approach the levels of a Seahawk Game.

Mr. Cook showing how, under the right circumstances, the bald spot on the crown of his head is the source of rainbows, pots of gold, and wishes!

December was a busy and creative month for our model-building students. They completed festive ceramic Christmas tree projects and painted personalized ornaments—thoughtful gifts they can be proud of for years to come. All of this happened alongside the 6th-grade Nutcracker field trip, making for an exciting schedule.

Two significant milestones were also reached: Mycah Smith completed a 1968 Camaro model, and Vernon Fox finished a 1967 Mustang. Both did excellent work and are moving on to new projects for the remainder of the quarter. Mycah's Finished Camaro is displayed in the picture to the right.

Special thank you to Mr. Londino who pours his heart into these builds, and is teaching a lost craft to our students.

Happy holidays!!  I wish for all to have a joyous season.

Students have been choosing their next set of electives for the new semester coming at the end of January.  Seventh grade will drop PE and pick up two electives, and eighth grade will add PE with one elective.  No big changes for the 6th grade.  Just a reminder, I do not switch lunches.  Classes are set to have somewhat equal numbers; this is not an easy chore.  Please understand if classes get switched due to this.

Hope Squad

We are continuing our conversation about how to talk and listen to peers when they are in a crisis.  It is important to know what a good secret is versus a bad secret.  We want our students to talk to an adult when another student is in crisis-- no secrets.

Attendance

Chronic absence and truancy are not the same thing. Learn about what chronic absence is and why it matters! http://ow.ly/JxGi50KsiRz #ShowingUpMatters #AttendTodayAchieveTomorrow

Reminder!!  Parents/guardians have 48 hours to call and excuse your child.  Per the stat, students should not have excessive excused and unexcused absences.  It is important to be in school.

November's almost perfect homeroom was Leadership/ASB!!  Reminder that we are also counting the tardies in this attendance.  Students need to get to class on time.

We love seeing your child(ren) at school!  If they are absent, make sure you are calling the school 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.n

Ms. Ounsted and Ms. Folkers model some new school uniform ideas for next year...Someone has read entirely too much Jane Austen, methinks.

November Rotary Students of the Month – Hoquiam Middle School is proud to recognize our November Rotary Students of the Month, Maria Gum and Yutaka Hughes. These students exemplify academic excellence, involvement, and positive school spirit. Maria Gum is the daughter of Cassie and Matthew Johnson . Maria enjoys ELA and stays actively involved in band and volleyball. In her free time, she loves spending time with friends and practicing her music. Maria is especially proud of her older brother who is currently serving in the National Guard. As she looks ahead to high school, she is most excited about joining marching band and reconnecting with older friends. Yutaka Hughes is the son of Frederick and Angel Hughes. Yutaka enjoys both math and ELA and is involved in athletics, including wrestling and kickboxing, while also taking classes at the high school. Outside of school, he enjoys hanging out with friends, biking, walking, and exploring. Yutaka is especially proud of never having had a cavity and of staying out of trouble. Looking ahead to high school, he is excited about continuing wrestling (hopefully with fewer injuries!), enjoying lunches with friends, and exploring a broader range of classes, with a growing interest in law. Congratulations to Maria and Yutaka on this well-deserved recognition!

December Rotary Students of the Month, Ella Oliver and Eli Jones, for their commitment to academics, leadership, and involvement in their school community. Ella Oliver is the daughter of Don and Danielle Oliver and an only child, though she keeps busy at home with her two dogs, Bella and Rocket, and her two cats, Lilo and Stitch. Ella’s favorite class is math with Mr. Gwin, and she is deeply involved in a wide range of activities including wrestling, cheer, competitive dance, fastpitch, and Miss Grays Harbor. Outside of school, most of Ella’s time is spent staying active through sports and dance. She is especially proud of stepping outside her comfort zone and trying new things, which has helped her overcome her fear of public speaking. Looking ahead to high school, Ella is excited to try out for fastpitch, wrestling, and cheer, and to spend time with her older friends.Eli Jones, son of Bryan and Kelly Jones, has one sibling, Roman. Eli enjoys math with Mr. Gwin and ELA with Ms. Krohn. He is actively involved in basketball, wrestling, and leadership, and enjoys hanging out with friends, riding bikes, and playing video games in his free time. Eli is proud of staying focused on school, earning good grades, and making positive choices. As he looks forward to high school, he is most excited about the sports opportunities and the overall high school experience.Congratulations to Ella and Eli on this well-deserved recognition!

To the left we have two of our long serving para educators, Ms. Skinner and Ms. Webber, who double as the HMS Potty Patrol...escorting students who frequently "get lost" on their way to the restroom. Above and to the right is action from our Dual Match with Miller that happened on 12/18, and concluded our wrestling season.

HMS 7th Grade  Basketball

January

• 20..@Montesano...5:15

• 22...@ Bush...5:15

• 26...CHEHALIS...5:15

• 18...TUMWATER....5:15

February

• 02...@Rochester...5:15

• 04...MONTESANO...5:15

• 09...BUSH...5:15

• 11...@Chehalis....5:15

• 18...@Tumwater...5:15

• 19...ROCHESTER...5:15

Home Games played at HMS Gym

HMS 8th Grade  Basketball

January

• 20..@Montesano...5:15

• 22...@ Bush...5:15

• 26...CHEHALIS...5:15

• 18...TUMWATER....5:15

February

• 02...@Rochester...5:15

• 04...MONTESANO...5:15

• 09...BUSH...5:15

• 11...@Chehalis....5:15

• 18...@Tumwater...5:15

• 19...ROCHESTER...5:15

Home Games played at HMS Gym

HMS 7th Grade JV  BB

January

• 20...MONTESANO...4:00

• 22...BUSH...4:00

• 26..@ Chehalis...4:00

• 28...@Tumwater...4:00

February

• 02...ROCHESTER...4:00

• 04...@Montesano...4:00

• 09...@ Bush...4:00

• 11...CHEHALIS...4:00

• 18...TUMWATER...4:00

• 19...@Rochester...4:00

Home Games played at HMS Gym

HMS 8th Grade JV Basketball

January

• 20...MONTESANO...5:15

• 22...BUSH...5:15

• 26..@ Chehalis...5:15
• 28...@Tumwater...5:15

February

• 02...ROCHESTER...5:15

• 04...@Montesano...5:15

• 09...@ Bush...5:15
• 11...CHEHALIS...5:15
• 18...TUMWATER...5:15
• 19...@Rochester...5:15

8th Grade: Alani Manoi, Andres Carrada-Morelia, Ashlynn Bale, Ash’lynned Donovan-Iverson, Christopher Acuna, Grayson Black, Hekter Colombe, Jonathan Kelley, Juan Quintero-Arellano, Katie Mondragon, Kenzie Stankavich, Kyron Calica, Liana Santiago-Torres, Logehn Bergsma, Natalie Bojorquez, Peyton Tobias, Santiago Garcia, Tallon Leamer, and Zayden Harder.

7th Grade: Ashlynn Arndt, Avery Smith, Axel Armas-Enriquez, Brayden Mills, Cloe Spellman, Dimitri Cruzan, Harper Niemi, Hunter Vail, Kasen Sturm, Lawyer Niemi, Leila Booth, Luis Vazquez, Maggie Johnson, Mason Ounsted, Miriam Cortes-Verdejo, Rain Baker, Ryan Quigg, Rylie Smith, Violette Robinett, Zaryiah Stone, and Zayleigh Boggs.

6th Grade: Abigail Labonty, Alakai Rotter, Amber Alcala-Medina, Arkaeden Jenkins, Avery Troseth, Benjamin Berndt, Brycen Hoiness, Camden Hinton, Delilah Wiggins-Veloni, Dilan Rosales Cervantes, Elijah Gilbert, Emilee Sanabria, Gannon Robinette, Jordyn Smith, Jose Reyes-Lopez, Jose Verdejo-Ambrosio, Kali Nichols, Karlie Schumacher, Kayle Crow, Korrah Paniagua, Lucas Baires Ventura, Luccah Deemer, Luis Vargas-Lopez, Masen Graham, Melany Lopez Mora, Melody Bale, Mya Warren, Owen Black, Ryan Napier, Rycher Yant, Ryker Ross, Sequoia Sinkuler, and Tristan Richardson.

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.