Parent Hawk Talk
August 10th - 14th
Principal's Notes
Dear Hobby Families,
Nervousness is a natural part of the first day of school for students of all ages. The first step of a new journey can often be the most difficult, and we recognize that students may arrive on Monday feeling both excited and uncertain.
To help ease those feelings, we have created a strong system of support that our staff knows well. Throughout the first day and the entire opening week, we will intentionally teach our scholars the procedures and expectations they need to feel safe, confident, and successful at Hobby. On Friday, we will culminate the week with our Student Success Assemblies, where we will reinforce these expectations and celebrate the beginning of a new school year.
This support will not end after the first week. Throughout the year, we will continue to review and reinforce our procedures during assemblies and through daily conversations in our classrooms. Our goal is to ensure that every scholar understands what success looks like and knows that caring adults are available to support them.
I have been blessed to serve this community for 15 years, and the first week of school remains one of the most amazing times of the year. On Monday, we will welcome more than 1,200 students to Hobby Middle School. From that first morning through the final day of school, we will continue welcoming, guiding, and supporting every scholar.
Hobby Middle School is truly a community school. Our continued success would not be possible without the trust, support, and partnership of our families and community. I look forward to strengthening those relationships as we work together throughout the coming year.
Our mission is the foundation of everything we do: We will transform the learning experience for all students in a safe and orderly environment. We believe every student is capable, and we believe every student can be successful.
I look forward to beginning this journey with you as one Hobby community, working together to make this an exceptional year for every scholar.
Have a Positive Purple Power day,
Gregory. N. Dylla
Proud Principal of Hobby Middle School.
Safety and Security Updates
If you've been part of the Hobby community for the past several years, you know that the safety and security of our students and staff is always our top priority.
Over the last few years, Northside ISD has made significant investments to enhance campus security. These improvements include the perimeter fence surrounding our campus, the new secure entry vestibule, the magnet classroom addition, storefront security doors at the parent pickup and bus loop areas, and upgraded door alarms and monitoring systems. These enhancements help us provide a safer and more secure learning environment for all students.
As a result of these security upgrades, we are making a change to our morning arrival procedures.
In previous years, students arriving as early as 7:00 a.m. were allowed to enter the cafeteria. Unfortunately, due to current staffing, we are no longer able to provide supervision inside the building before 7:30 a.m.
Beginning this school year:
Students arriving before 7:30 a.m. should wait under the front entrance awning in the designated parent pickup area.
At 7:30 a.m., a staff member will open the doors and begin supervising students for the remainder of the morning until classes begin.
Please note that exceptions will be made for students participating in approved early morning practices, rehearsals, tutorials, or other school-sponsored activities that require arrival before 7:30 a.m. Coaches, sponsors, and activity leaders will communicate arrival procedures and ensure students are appropriately supervised during those times.
We appreciate your understanding and support as we adjust our procedures to maintain a safe, secure, and well-supervised campus. Thank you for partnering with us to keep Hobby a safe place for every student.
From Hobby Magnet
We are super excited to welcome our new students to Hobby for the 26-27 school year. Most Magnet information will now be available in this weekly format to avoid confusion. Additional Magnet specific information will be sent by Mrs. Heye in an email.
From Your Academic Dean
Welcome to a Fantastic New Year at Hobby Middle School!
The start of middle school, whether it’s stepping onto campus for the very first time or returning as a seasoned eighth grader, is a time of remarkable growth, discovery, and new beginnings. As your Academic Dean, it is my privilege to welcome our students and families into a school year brimming with potential.
On a personal note, I am absolutely thrilled to join the Hobby community this year. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the staff, students, and families who have offered me such a warm and generous welcome. It has already made Hobby feel like home, and I am so honored to be a part of this amazing family.
Middle school is a unique and transformative bridge, a space where students begin to take ownership of their learning, stretch their critical thinking, and discover who they are as scholars. Our faculty has prepared engaging, challenging, and supportive academic experiences designed to meet your children right where they are and help them reach new heights.
As we navigate these crucial first weeks together, here are a few key themes to keep in mind:
Embrace the Learning Process: Academic growth isn't just about the final grade; it’s about curiosity, resilience, and learning how to bounce back from a challenge. Mistakes aren't setbacks—they are stepping stones.
Build Strong Habits: Developing organization, time management, and self-advocacy takes practice. Encourage your middle schooler to use their planner, stay on top of assignments, and reach out to their teachers when they have questions.
Partner with Us: Open communication between home and school is essential to student success. Please never hesitate to reach out to our team—we are here to support your child’s academic and personal journey every step of the way.
Thank you for your partnership, energy, and enthusiasm as we launch into this new academic year. I look forward to watching our students shine, grow, and accomplish great things together.
Warmly,
Dr. Brynn Caddell
Academic Dean
Hobby Middle School
From APO
Transportation & Bus Information
Bus routes for all eligible students are available online.
Route Information: Check "Buses and Boundaries" on our school website at www.nisd.net/Hobby to find your student's bus route.
Tracking: Download the "Here Comes the Bus" app to track your student's ride in real-time.
Questions or Opt-Ins: If you aren't sure if you opted in for transportation, or if you have questions, please contact Victoria Denton at (210) 397-6308 or call the North Transportation station at (210) 397-0850.
Student ID Cards
Important Update: Students are now required to scan their student IDs both upon entering and departing the bus.
New Students & 6th Graders: All 6th graders, new students, and mid-year enrollees who did not previously receive an ID will be issued one at no cost.
Returning Students: Please dust off last year's school ID card! If a replacement ID is needed, there is a $2.00 replacement fee.
Immunizations
Students must be up to date on state required immunizations or have appropriate exemption documentation on file at school. If you have questions regarding current immunizations, contact Mrs. Montes, the school nurse at (210) 397-6254.
From Your Counselors
From The Library
📚 Welcome Back to the Library!
The library is excited to welcome students back for another amazing school year! During the first few weeks of school, all ELA classes will visit the library for orientation. Students will learn how to find books, explore our different genres, check out materials, and become familiar with our library expectations and procedures.
📖 Library Opens September 1
The library will officially open for all student visits on September 1, after library orientations have been completed. At that time, students will once again be able to visit the library before school, with teacher permission during the school day, and after school.
📚 Building a Love of Reading
Our goal is to help every student find books they'll love! This year, students will continue exploring new genres, discovering new authors, and developing lifelong reading habits through our library programs and activities.
💻 Digital Reading Resources
Did you know students have access to eBooks and audiobooks through Sora and can browse our collection using Destiny Discover? These resources are available anytime, making it easy to keep reading at home or on the go.
❤️ How Families Can Help
You can support your child's reading success by:
Encouraging them to read a little each day.
Asking them about the books they're reading.
Helping them remember to return library books on time so everyone can enjoy them.
I'm looking forward to another wonderful year of connecting students with books they'll enjoy and helping them grow as readers. Thank you for partnering with the library to make reading a positive part of your child's school experience!
📧 Let's Stay Connected!
If you ever have questions about library services, need book recommendations for your child, or simply want to connect, please don't hesitate to reach out.
I'm looking forward to another wonderful year of reading, learning, and growing together.
Happy Reading! 📚🩷
From The Nurse
Upcoming Events!
7th & 8th Grade Open House
We are excited to welcome our 7th and 8th grade students and families to our Open House at William P. Hobby Middle School!
Join us on Tuesday, August 18th, from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM for a come-and-go event designed to help students and families feel prepared and excited for the upcoming school year.
🎉 Spirit Night at Willie's Grill & Icehouse!
Support William P. Hobby Middle School by joining us for a Spirit Night at Willie's Grill & Icehouse!
📅 Date: Thursday, August 20
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
📍 Location: 4051 North Loop 1604 West, San Antonio, TX
How You Can Help
Enjoy lunch, dinner, or even take it to go! Simply mention that you're dining in support of William P. Hobby Middle School, and Willie's will donate 15% of your purchase back to our school.
Ordering curbside or delivery? Use the promo code SPIRITNIGHT when placing your order online.
Thank you for supporting our students, staff, and school community. We hope to see you there—bring your family and friends!
Hobby 55th PTA Fundraiser
This year marks a special milestone—55 years of Hobby Middle School! For more than five decades, our school community has been dedicated to helping students learn, grow, and succeed. As we celebrate this anniversary, we invite our families to be part of our 55th Anniversary Fall PTA Fundraiser.
Your support helps the PTA continue to make a meaningful impact by:
📚 Enhancing classrooms and student learning
🍎 Supporting our outstanding teachers and staff
🎭 Expanding student programs and enrichment opportunities
🛡️ Improving campus safety and creating welcoming spaces
💙 Building school spirit and celebrating our Hobby Hawks
📱 Ready to give? Simply scan the QR code on the flyer to make your donation.
Thank you for supporting Hobby Middle School and helping our Hawks soar!
One School. One Community. One Mission.
Important Athletic Information
If your child is interested in trying out for a sport this year, and is enrolled in 7th or 8th grade athletics, there is mandatory paperwork that must be completed before they can be eligible to participate.
An athlete cannot try out for a sport before completing ALL UIL paperwork found on the parent portal. (link below)
STUDENTS NEW TO ATHLETICS:
All incoming students that did not have a medical physical last year MUST complete a medical physical and give a copy to the head coach on campus. The physical form can be printed from the parent portal, or from the links provided at the bottom of this information sheet. The medical history form must be completed online. Print the completed medical history and the physical form and take both of those papers with you to the doctor when you get your physical. Make a copy of the medical physical and turn it into the head coach. You do not need to turn in medical history, but must complete it online.
*Rank One Parent Portal Information/Instruction Sheet
*Asthma Action Plan (Required for students diagnosed with asthma.)
*2026-2027-rank-one-forms.pdf (154.52 KB)
*2026-2027-physical-form.pdf (403.86 KB)
26-27 Athletic Schedules
Parent Resources
School Supply List
School supply lists for the upcoming school year are available. To view your child's grade-level supply list, please click the link below:
Transportation
To secure bus transportation for the 2026–2027 school year, eligible families will be required to register their students in advance.
Families can use the Buses & Boundaries System to determine whether their physical address qualifies for bus transportation.
Families new to Northside ISD may register for bus transportation when completing the New Student Registration process beginning January 20, 2026.
Currently enrolled families will register for bus transportation during the Returning Student Registration process beginning March 16, 2026.
Eligible students, both new and returning, must register for bus transportation by June 30, 2026, to guarantee transportation services for the first day of school.
- Bus transportation for eligible special education students will be scheduled separately at the campus with the case manager during the ARD meeting.
- Students enrolled in magnet schools who require transportation must also register for these services.
BUS ROUTES AND TIMES WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE APP BY AUGUST 3RD
Dress Code: Dress for Success!
Dress Code: Dress for Success School staff recognizes that parents bear the primary responsibility for setting standards for their children’s dress and grooming. However, because of health and safety factors, the influence of dress and grooming on students’ attitude and behavior, and because of the need to prevent disruptive influences and preserve the academic environment of the school, student dress and grooming are appropriate concerns of teachers and administrators. The district’s dress code is implemented (Section D); therefore, students will be expected to follow the guidelines set forth by the district. Dress code standards are extended to extra-curricular activities held on the campus. In an effort to promote a safe and positive school environment which is conducive to learning, students should wear appropriate clothing that will not cause disruptions in learning or safety. Inappropriate, indecent, suggestive or distracting clothing will not be allowed. *Final determination of acceptable dress code and grooming rests with the Principal or his/her designees.
Please Note
Part of supporting our students’ academic and social growth involves maintaining a disruption-free learning space. With that in mind, we want to gently remind our community about our campus dress code expectations—specifically regarding student hairstyles.
Starting this term, we will be fully aligning our campus practices with our NISD dress code policy:
Expectation: Hair must be neat, clean, and kept in a way that does not cause a distraction to the teaching and learning environment.