Intermediate Family Newsletter
2025-2026
Principal's Corner
Dear Hallsville Intermediate Families,
As we enter the month of December, our school is taking time to celebrate the progress our students have made toward the goals they set earlier in the year. It has been inspiring to watch them reflect on their growth, recognize their accomplishments—big and small—and continue developing the confidence and resilience that help them succeed.
December also offers a natural moment to look ahead. With a new year just around the corner, our students will soon begin thinking about fresh goals, renewed commitments, and new opportunities for learning. We’re excited to guide them as they step into January with a sense of purpose and possibility.
Thank you for supporting your children as they learn the importance of setting goals, working hard, and embracing new beginnings. We appreciate our partnership with you and look forward to the amazing things our students will achieve in the months to come.
Wishing you a joyful December!
Jennifer Hoskins, Principal
The Leader in Me - What is it?
'Leadership is communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it in themselves." - Stephen R. Covey
The Leader in Me is a whole-school Transformation model that acts like the operating system of a computer; it improves performance of all other programs. Based on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, The Leader in Me produces transformational results such as higher academic achievement, fewer discipline problems, and increased engagement among teachers and parents. The Leader in Me equips students with the self-confidence and skills they need to thrive in the 21st century economy. As a whole school we are explicitly teaching the language associated with the seven habits within each classroom. This is embedded within not only our curriculum, but our whole school environment and culture. You may hear your child come home and use language such as, think win-win, or put first things first.
For more information visit www.theleaderinme.org/
'As you teach these principles to young students you will be creating a generation of leaders, one child at a time" Dr. Stephen R. Covey
Key skills that businesses and educators have identified as vital to the futures of today's students are developed within The Leader in Me process.
These skills include:
- Leadership
- Accountability
- Adaptability
- Initiative and self-direction
- Cross-cultural skills
- Responsibility
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Creativity
- Teamwork
The Seven Habits:
- HABIT 1: Be Proactive - You're in Charge
- HABIT 2: Begin With the End in Mind - Have a Plan
- HABIT 3: Put First Things First - Work First, Then Play
- HABIT 4: Think Win-Win - Everyone Can Win
- HABIT 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood - Listen Before You Talk
- HABIT 6: Synergize - Together is Better
- HABIT 7: Sharpen the Saw - Balance Feels Best
Math & Science Team
The Bobcat Math & Science Team (MST) has had a tremendous start to the new year! The Bobcats finished in first place at both of their meets during November and continue to work hard to improve even more. There are not any competitions during December but there will be a lot of practice to complete to keep up the pace when 2026 kicks off! This young group is on fire and ready to keep winning!. The MST Coaches greatly appreciate all of the students' hard work and dedication as well as the support and backing of their parents.
Team Websites: UIL Team Math & Science Team
UIL
Our UIL Academics have gotten off to a great start! All teams have been practicing since mid-October and are continuing to make preparations for a first place finish at our meet. If your student didn’t make their preferred team, there’s no worries. We still have teams that need students to join. Please email Mr Gerald and he can tell you what teams still need help.
We will be hosting two meets at Hallsville Junior High and will need a lot of parent volunteers.
6th graders will compete at the JH district meet being held at HJH on Saturday, January 31, 2026. There will be seven other district schools attending so it will be an extremely busy day!
5th graders will compete at the Elementary meet being held at HJH on Saturday, December 6, 2025
Unfortunately, the 5th graders will not be competing against another school district so we’re doing something a little different. There will be two teams (Purple and White). Those two teams will compete to see who will win bragging rights on campus. We will still have team and individual awards available for those participating 5th graders.
Please be on the lookout for sign up sheets next week. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the event coach or the UIL Coordinator, Mr Gerald (mgerald@hisd.com).
5th Grade
6th Grade
6th Grade Grill
House Bill 114 (HB 114)
Parents and Guardians,
We want to inform you of an important policy update from the 88th Texas Legislature that is now in effect across our district. House Bill 114 (HB 114) was originally enacted to address increasing concerns related to e-cigarettes, vaping, marijuana, and THC-related products among students. Last year, the law required that any student found in possession of, under the influence of, selling, gifting, or delivering these substances within a 300-foot radius of school property be automatically placed in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP). This year, the state has granted local school districts the authority to determine the appropriate disciplinary response for these offenses. Due to the dramatic reduction in vaping incidents at Hallsville Junior High, we will continue to enforce the same consequences that were in place last year. This consistent approach has been instrumental in maintaining a safe and focused learning environment for all students. Please take a moment to speak with your child about the importance of making responsible decisions and following school policies. By working together, we can continue to build a positive and supportive school community.
HISD Administration