Panther News

Congratulations to the teachers at Hilsman Middle School who earned the school 2025-26 Distinguished School status from The DBQ Project! The DBQ (Document-based Question) Project is an inquiry-based social studies writing program that supports teachers and students across the nation in learning to read smart, think straight, and write more clearly. Hilsman teachers were surprised at the school last week with the recognition for taking implementation of DBQs to the next level in social studies classes in all grade levels and even in some English language arts classes. Among the DBQ Project's core beliefs are that all students can develop high-level critical thinking skills if they have consistent instruction and a chance to practice, and that providing teachers with materials that blend educational best practices and content-specific questions promotes and supports transformational change in our schools.

Parents and Guardians,

Please remind your students to wear their uniforms daily. There has been a rise in students who have not been in uniform. If you or your family is in need of support please reach out to us so that we can connect your with the right resources.

• Uniforms: Uniforms must be worn each school day including Fridays. The only exceptions will be designated dress-down days that will be announced by a school administrator. CLICK HERE to review to Hilsman dress code. Note that students can wear a Hilsman spirit shirt with uniform bottoms on Fridays.

We are excited to offer a FREE 2-week Summer Program through our 21st Century Community Learning Center!

Program Details

Dates: June 1–17, 2026 (Monday–Thursday)
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Coile Middle School
Cost: FREE

What’s Included

• Transportation provided
• Breakfast and lunch daily
• Field trips at no cost

What Students Will Experience

This program is designed to keep students engaged, build skills, and prepare them for middle school success. Activities include:

• Academic enrichment and STEM learning
• Culinary classes
• Team-building and social skill development
• Hands-on projects and exciting field trips

How to Register

Register by scanning the QR code on the flyer or using the link below. You will need your student’s ID number to complete registration:
https://clarkesd.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4GyQ8Bs1fVRnvme

This is a great opportunity for your child to stay engaged, build confidence, and connect with peers in a fun and supportive environment.

If you have any questions or need assistance with registration, please don’t hesitate to reach out

The Georgia United Credit Union Foundation, in partnership with Georgia United Credit Union, recently awarded one of five 2026 Georgia United Foundation Frank Thach Educator Scholarships to Hilsman Middle School reading interventionist Kasay McWhorter! Ms. McWhorter is pursuing an education specialist degree at the University of West Georgia. She is currently a reading interventionist, an IEP case manager, a former special education English language arts teacher and a former teacher of deaf students. Foundation scholarship applications are accepted in January each yet at Scholarships applications are accepted in January each year at www.gucufoundation.org and are open to credit union members who are high school seniors, college undergraduates, and public-school educators seeking advanced degrees.

Reminder: Students will have a monetary fine added to their account if their device is broken, whether on purpose or accidental. It is so very important that students take care of the resources that they are using at school. Let us know if you have any questions.

Students will be dismissed from their last class in the afternoon when they are called, i.e, Walkers, Car Riders, or their specific bus number. Students are required to go directly to their designated departure location/bus. Students can not leave their classroom early or walk to the front office area unless they are car riders or walkers. Students who walk to the front of the school may not re-enter the bus loading area. Those students will be redirected to the front office to contact their parent or guardian regarding having a family member pick them up from school. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

• Uniforms: Uniforms must be worn each school day including Fridays. The only exceptions will be designated dress-down days that will be announced by a school administrator. CLICK HERE to review to Hilsman dress code. Note that students can wear a Hilsman spirit shirt with uniform bottoms on Fridays.

• School doors open at 8:10 AM. UPDATE

• Front Office Hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

• Early Dismissal: Students may be checked out for early dismissal until 3pm. After 3pm, the front office staff is busy making sure all of our Panthers get home safely and efficiently.

• Bus Changes: To ride the bus home with a friend, parents/guardians submit the change to the front office in writing in the morning. Once our office staff verifies the information with a parent or guardian, the student will receive a pass to ride a correct bus.

• Phones: Students are not permitted to use their cell phone OR have their cell phone out for any reason during the school day. The same is true for wireless headphones. Students are expected to use the phone organizer in each classroom or leave their phone in their locker. If a phone or wireless headphones are confiscated, a parent/guardian/adult may pick up the item at the front desk.

IMPORTANT REMINDER
Please remember that your student will not be able to participate in sports if they do not have:

1. A current physical on file

2. Rank One fully completed

Thank you for helping us ensure all student-athletes are ready for the season!

Hilsman Student Council Wins Several Awards at State Convention

The Hilsman Middle School Student Council continued its proud tradition of outstanding achievement last month, winning five statewide awards at the Georgia Association of Student Councils (GASC) annual convention. The convention, held at Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, gives student leaders across the state the opportunity to connect, share their experiences, and learn from each other. Twenty-six Hilsman students were in attendance.

For the second consecutive school year, Hilsman was recognized by GASC as a Council of Excellence. This award is given to middle and high school student councils that demonstrate integrity in their work throughout the year and commitment in serving their fellow students, school community, and the community at large.

Read more here about the awards received by the council!

21st Century After School Program Registration Open!

Registration for our *FREE* 21st Century after-school program is now open! We are pleased to continue offering 21st Century programming through federal grant money to middle school school students. Transportation is provided.

Programming includes academic enrichment, STEM, arts, and other educational activities. Days and times vary by school site. See each of these school flyers for more information.

Children ages 4-18 are invited to tryout for the Classic City Reign Majorette Dance Team from 4:30-6:30 p.m. March 18-20 at 3701 Atlanta Hwy., Athens. Children should wear black bottoms and a white top for tryouts. Contact 803--989-1593 for additional information and the link to the tryout form. You can also follow Classic City Reign on Instagram (@classiccityreign.majorette).

:

🍕 Thank You, Johnny’s Pizza! 🍕
A huge thank you to Johnny’s Pizza for all the support you show to Hilsman Middle School! We appreciate everything you do for our students and staff.

Be sure to stop by Johnny’s and grab a slice—you’ll be glad you did!

Website: https://www.clarke.k12.ga.us/Domain/24
Location: 870 Gaines School Road, Athens, GA, USA
Phone: 706 548-7281
Facebook: facebook.com/ClarkeCoSchools

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hilsman.middle.school/

Website: https://www.clarke.k12.ga.us
Location: 595 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA, USA
Phone: 706-546-7721
Facebook: facebook.com/ClarkeCoSchools