Parent Hawk Talk
August 17th - 21st
Principal's Notes
Dear Hobby Families,
I have experienced many opening weeks of school, including 15 here at Hobby, and I can honestly say this has been an amazing start to the year. It has been a joy to watch our new students learn their schedules, navigate the hallways, and grow more confident each day. We know there will be occasional hiccups, but please know that we are always here to help.
This week, we conducted two fire drills. I am proud of how calmly and efficiently our students and staff evacuated the campus in a safe and orderly manner.
On Wednesday August 19th at approximately 10:30 a.m., we will conduct our first lockdown drill of the year. Before the drill, we will teach students what to expect. The drill itself will last fewer than five minutes and will be conducted as calmly as possible. Our goal is to help students feel prepared without causing unnecessary stress.
We will not show the district’s lockdown drill video on campus until families have had ample time to review it. The video is available at nisd.net/schools/safety. We encourage you to watch it and discuss it with your student in the way you feel is most appropriate. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Finally, our 2025–2026 school accountability report was made public today and is available at txschools.gov. Hobby made tremendous progress in both achievement and academic growth. More students met or mastered grade-level expectations, and more students achieved at least one year of academic growth than ever before. We are excited to celebrate the hard work of our students and staff as we continue moving our mission forward.
Have a wonderful weekend filled with Positive Purple Power!
Gregory. N. Dylla
Proud Principal of Hobby Middle School.
From Hobby Magnet
✨ What a Great Start to the School Year! ✨
We’ve had a fantastic first week of school, and there has been LOTS of diving into learning!
Our students have been busy setting goals, reading, writing, learning routines, and getting their minds ready for a great school year. We are so proud of the effort and energy they have brought into our classrooms!
This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see all that our Hawks accomplish this year!
From Your Academic Dean
💜💛Happy Friday, Hawk Families!💜💛
We did it!! Week 1 with our students is officially in the books! 📚 ✨
I want to extend a huge thank you to our incredible teachers and staff. The strong routines, intentional planning, and effective teaching practices happening in our classrooms are already paying off. Watching our students lock into learning so quickly is a direct result of their skill and dedication!
Looking back at the phenomenal growth our students achieved last year at Hobby, I am so excited for what lies ahead. When we hold high expectations, our students rise to the occasion and achieve high academic success!
🗓️ Important Upcoming Dates & Reminders
Open House (7th & 8th Grade): Tuesday, August 18th Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
💬Spanish Placement Test: Tuesday, August 18th
If your student speaks Spanish at home and would like to take Spanish classes at Northside, they must take a Spanish Placement Test to determine which course is the best fit for your student’s skill level. Please have them reach out to Mr. Javier on Monday! This will be offered for free on your campus next week. Based on the results, students will be placed in the appropriate Spanish course. Upon successfully completing this course, the student will receive the grade and credit for the course the student is enrolled in and credit only for the lower courses.
For example, a student is placed in Advanced Spanish 3 and receives a 95 for the final grade. The student will receive the credit and a 95 on their transcript for Advanced Spanish 3 and credit only for both Spanish 1 and Spanish 2. Spanish 1 and Spanish 2 will not be calculated in the Grade Point Average (GPA).
📊 MAP Growth Testing Schedule
We will be conducting MAP Growth assessments soon to measure your child’s academic progress and help us tailor instruction to their needs. Please mark your calendars for testing days:
MAP Growth Math: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
MAP Growth Reading: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
If your student is absent the morning of testing, they will take the test the next day. At Hobby our goal is to avoid make-up testing so that we do not lose any instructional time. Please ensure your students are present on these days.
✍️ High Expectations Across Campus
You might hear your students talking about writing a bit more this year—even in P.E.! Our entire staff is united in building strong literacy and critical thinking skills across every single subject.
Every day, our teachers are framing lessons clearly, actively engaging with students, emphasizing critical writing, and closing lessons intentionally. When we hold a consistent, united front across campus, our Hawks thrive!
🤝 Join the Hobby PTA!
Our Parent-Teacher Association plays a huge role in supporting our school and community. Please consider joining today if you have not already!
Thank you for a wonderful first week and for partnering with us in your child’s education. Have a restful, fantastic weekend! 💜💛
Warmly,
Dr. Caddell
From APO
Office Hours
Office Hours are 7:45 am - 4:30 pm
From Your Counselors
From The Library
📚 The Library is Taking Flight!
Library orientations have officially begun! Students are learning how to navigate the library, find books that interest them, and understand our library procedures and expectations. Most importantly—books are already making their way into students' hands!
🎒 A Book in Every Backpack!
This year, we're encouraging every student to have at least one library book in their backpack at all times so they always have something ready to read.
Whether it's a graphic novel, manga, fantasy adventure, mystery, nonfiction book, sports book, romance, or chapter book—reading is reading! Our goal is to help students find books they genuinely want to pick up.
Throughout the year, I'll be checking in with students about what they're reading and encouraging them to keep a book with them.
Families can help by asking:
📖 "What's in your backpack to read?"
🗓️ September 1: We're Open!
Beginning September 1, the library will officially be open for regular student visits!
After orientations are complete, students will be able to use the library throughout the school day according to campus and library procedures.
We're excited for another year of reading, exploring, learning, and making the library a place where every Hawk can find something for them. 💗📚
📧 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
Texas required screenings
- I will be conducting our annual Texas required screenings. If you have completed the SB12, I thank you and if it has not been done, please notify me by email Purificacion.Montes@nisd.net if you do not want or your student is already being seen by a physician for your student to be screened Vision, Hearing, Acanthosis Nigricans, Ht, Wt, and Spinal Screenings
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.
Back in Black: Clark Varsity Athletics Kickoff!
Clark families,
Get ready to kick off a brand-new season of Clark Varsity Athletics at our Back in Black event on Wednesday, August 19th, from 6:00–8:00 PM!
Come out and show your support for our student-athletes as they begin their new season. This is a great opportunity for families to meet our teams, enjoy some food, grab new Clark Spirit Wear, and connect with our Clark community!
🎉 What to Expect
- 🖤 New Clark Spirit Wear
- 🌮 Food Trucks: Donut NV and Ricos Tacos y Mas
- 🍧 Kona Ice
- 🎲 Yard Games
- 🤝 Join the Booster Club
- 📣 Cheer on our Clark Varsity Athletes!
📍 Event Details
Date: Wednesday, August 19th
Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Location: 5150 DeZavala
Parking: Available at Locke Hill Elementary.
We can't wait to see our Clark families there! Come dressed in black, bring your Clark pride, and help us celebrate the start of an exciting new athletic season!
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.