The Buccaneer Bulletin

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I will send out a rescheduled date once that has been determined. Stay safe and warm this weekend!

1/29: Course Selection Parent Meeting for Current 6th & 7th graders at 6:30pm

• *detailed course selection information below*

STAAR Interim Testing

1/26-28: History STAAR Interim (grade 8)

1/28-30: Science STAAR Interim (grade 8)

2/3: Math STAAR & Algebra 1 Interim (grades 6-8)

2/4: ELA Field Test (grades 7-8)

January 20: counselors present course selection information to 6th & 7th grade students in science classes

January 29: course selection parent meeting for current 6th & 7th grade students from 6:30-7pm in the HBMS cafeteria

January 30-February 6: window for students to enter course selections in Skyward

February 2: counselors go to 6th & 7th grade science classes to enter course selections in Skyward

February 6th: Skyward closes for student course selection at 4pm

1/12: Cavalier Showcase & Parent Meeting

1/15: Skyward opens for course selection

1/15-16: HS counselors visit HBMS 8th grade classes for course selection

1/20-21: Parent Q&A with HS counselors from 7:45-9am at HBMS

2/6: Skyward closes for course selections at 4pm

Mandated Spinal Screenings

School-based spinal screening is designed to identify adolescents with abnormal spinal curves.

Catching a spinal problem early can make the treatment much easier. Failing to address abnormal spinal findings can lead to serious health problems.

Trained screeners will examine your student's back while they stand and bend forward.

This spring, we will be screening 12-year-old girls in 6th grade and all 7th-grade girls; 14-year-old boys in 7th grade and all 8th-grade boys.

Important Recommendations

• Students should bring shorts to school for the exam.

• Girls should wear a thin t-shirt, a sports bra, or a two-piece swimsuit top underneath their shirt on exam day.

• If girls are wearing a sports bra or a two-piece swimsuit top underneath their shirt, it is recommended that they remove their shirt for the screening.

• Boys and girls will be screened separately and one at a time.

The school will send you a referral letter if your student does not pass the screening. This screening does NOT take the place of a medical exam. Your student still needs to see a doctor for appropriate follow-up and regular checkups.

*** If you do not wish to have your student screened for religious reasons or need to claim a medical exemption, please contact the school nurse, Wendy Everett, @ everettw@ltsidschools.org, for further information and to obtain an exemption form by 01/26/2026.

Tech Creators: Digital Design & Branding

Students become digital designers! They’ll learn how brands use visuals, storytelling, and strategy to communicate ideas — then create their own personal or imaginary brand. This class encourages creativity, critical thinking, and tech skills that are useful in school and future careers.

Tuesdays 4:15-5:15
Feb. 3 – April 14 (10 classes)

Where: HBMS Rm 856

Spots are limited—register today!

Mindful Movement Wellness & Yoga Club:
A calm, body-positive space for students to stretch, breathe, and relax — no experience needed. Each session combines gentle yoga poses, music, breathing exercises, and creative mindfulness activities like gratitude journaling or visualization.

Feb. 2 – April. 10 (10 classes)

Mondays 4:15-5:15

Where: HBMS Room 856

Spots are limited—register today!

Do you want to improve your gameplay? Practice your basketball skills in a game like setting with no pressure. Join Hot Shots with Hudson Bend Boys Basketball Head Coach, Coach McKenzie! Hot Shots will allow you the opportunity to get more game-like and individual experience while having

fun with friends in a great indoor facility! Open to all skill levels and grades!

Registration: 1/5/2026 - 1/23/2026

Late Registration (1/23/2026): ($35 late fee applies)

Instructor: Coach McKenzie (Head Basketball Coach)

Location: HBMS Gym

Dates: Feb. 4 - April 15 (10 classes) *Wednesdays

Time 4:15 - 5:15 pm

Fee: $250

Max: 30

Sign Up Here

Get Ready to Dance at HBMS!

Mrs. Truett will be teaching an after-school dance class right here at HBMS every Tuesday!

This is the perfect opportunity for dancers who want to sharpen their intermediate to advanced skills or for anyone dreaming of trying out for a dance team in the future.

Don’t miss out—registration closes January 18!

Did an HBMS teacher or staff member do something outstanding for your child? Use the Form below to submit a CAV Kudo! Thank you for helping encourage our amazing HBMS staff!

As a recent expansion of our Buc Lounge, we have been excited to start the “HBMS Backpack Program” for students in need. Every Friday, our counselors send home a backpack filled with food for the weekend to support identified students in need.

How can you help?

Click on the Buc Lounge Amazon Wishlist below to purchase items that are needed. Your generosity has already been a blessing for many families this year, and any donation, big or small, is greatly appreciated!

What is the Buc Lounge?

A place where any and all students are welcome to “shop” confidentially for free items they need.

What does the Buc Lounge include?

Food, personal care items, clothing, shoes, and school supplies.

Want to donate to the Buc Lounge to provide for our students who need it? Click the link below!

Homework Help is a quiet work session facilitated by faculty members for students to get help with and complete class assignments. Please see the details below:

Homework Help AM

Days: Monday - Friday

Time: 7:20am - 8:20am

Location: Room 201 (across from the main gym)

*Before school Homework Help has a bilingual teacher available for support!*

Homework Help PM

Days: Monday - Thursday (not offered Friday afternoons)

Time: 4:15pm - 5:15pm

Location: Room 201 (across from the main gym)

*Late buses run on Wednesday afternoons at 5:15pm*

Homework Help Expectations

• Personal smart devices are not allowed to be used during this time.
• School work only - no games or socializing
• Remain in Homework Help entirety of assigned time
• Leaving early requires teacher to speak with parent

While our campus leadership team works collaboratively with all students and teachers, the following information should help you reach the appropriate administrator or counselor for your child's grade level should a question or concern arise. We are committed to serving our students and appreciate the opportunity to work together with families to support our learners.

Principal

Laura Keogh

6th Grade

Assistant Principal: Donald Roeder

Counselor: Dana Page

7th Grade

Assistant Principal: Brian Gill

Counselor: Angela Carey

8th Grade

Assistant Principal: Tatiana Chavez

Counselor: JoAnna Janecek

Stay up-to-date with campus events and activities by reading the weekly Buccaneer Bulletin. If you missed one, head over to the HBMS website under the principal page to view current and past newsletters. Feel free to share these newsletters with friends and family.

Please note that The Buccaneer Bulletin is sent to the email addresses you have listed in Skyward Family Access. If you are not receiving weekly newsletters, please verify that your information is correct in Skyward or reach out to our registrar, Christy Thompson, at thompsonc@ltisdschools.org for further assistance.

Website: ltisdschools.org/HBMS
Location: 15600 Lariat Trail, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-533-6400
Facebook: Hudson Bend MS

Instagram: @hbmsbuccaneers