Intermediate Family Newsletter
2025-2026
Principal's Corner
Dear Hallsville Intermediate Families,
November reminds us to slow down, reflect, and focus on what truly matters. At our school, we have so much to be thankful for — curious students who come to learn each day, families who partner with us to support their children, and teachers and staff who give their best to help every child grow.
We are so thankful that so many of you participated in our student led conferences and our Fall Fest in October! Thank you so much for making these events for our students a success!
This month, we’re encouraging our staff and students to think thankful — to notice the good around them, show kindness, and express appreciation for others. Gratitude is a simple but powerful habit that helps build stronger hearts and a positive school community.
Thank you, families, for all you do to stay connected, encourage learning at home, and make our school a wonderful place to grow together. We’re grateful for you every day!
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 HJH Bobcat Math & Science Team (MST) kicked off their practices in early September getting ready for another successful run at the state competition. This month, we will hold our first competition on Saturday, the 25th. This will be an in-house practice competition for the Bobcats only. We will still need parent volunteers to help out but not as many as later in the year. As a reminder, 6th grade math practice is held on Wednesdays from 3:35 to 5:00pm. For Science, 6-8th grade practice is on Mondays & Tuesdays from 3:35 to 4:30pm at the Intermediate Campus. For any questions, please contact Mr Gerald (mgerald@hisd.com).
We are looking forward to another great year!
Team Websites: UIL Team Math & Science Team
UIL
And we’re off…! Practices began in mid-September but it’s still not too late to get signed up to join a team! Most of our teams still have spots available so get signed up to join in the fun! To sign up, click this link.
This year’s competition schedule: This year’s competition schedule will be different than in past years.
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.
We will need volunteers to help us out so be looking for that information in November and December.
The practice days and times are listed below.
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