HCCS Back to School Scoop!
Firsts Day of School, August 20th, 2026
A few words from Mrs. Mullanix...
What an Amazing Start!
What an amazing launch to our school year! I am incredibly proud of our staff and students and the wonderful work and learning already happening throughout HCCS each day.
Thank you to all of the families who joined us for our Family Partnership Meetings and Back to School Bash! We introduced Family Partnership Meetings this year to give parents and guardians an opportunity to learn more about what to expect at their child's grade level. We believe strong schools are built through strong partnerships and our hope is that communicating expectations early and clearly will help all of us work together to make this an amazing year for our kiddos.
Less Tech, More Connection
This year, we are also transitioning to a "less tech" approach for our students and I am already seeing some wonderful results! When I visit classrooms, I see students actively engaging with their learning, interacting with teachers and classmates, writing, reading, discussing, problem-solving, and working with materials in front of them.
Technology continues to be an important tool at HCCS, but we want to be intentional about when and how we use it. Our goal isn't no tech; it's the right tech at the right time. I am confident this approach will provide more opportunities for meaningful interaction, deeper thinking, creativity, collaboration, and authentic engagement with learning.
Measuring Growth
Our HCCS Eagles are also working through beginning-of-the-year assessments. Schoolwide, we will use NWEA MAP assessments to help us understand students' current skill levels in reading and math, as well as language for students in grades 4–8. Our youngest Eagles in grades K–3 will also complete the state-required reading assessment in the coming weeks.
These assessments provide our teachers with actionable information about what individual students already know, where they may need additional support, and what they are ready to learn next. This allows us to make informed instructional decisions and better meet the needs of each learner.
I am looking forward to an incredible school year and am so grateful for your continued partnership. Thank you for trusting us with your kiddos and for helping make HCCS such an amazing place to learn and grow! Together, we're building strong roots so every Eagle can grow and soar.
Here's to a wonderful 2026–2027 school year!
Mrs. Mullanix
Principal
- 7:30 AM - Doors Open: Students may arrive; breakfast service begins.
- 7:45 AM - Breakfast Deadline: Arrive by this time to eat. The cafeteria closes promptly at 7:50 AM to prepare for gym class.
- 7:55 AM - First Bell: Students line up outside. Late arrivals (after 7:55 AM) require a parent to come inside and sign their student in at the office.
- 8:00 AM - Tardy Bell: Class begins.
- 3:00 PM - Dismissal: Grades K-5 are escorted to the bus or pick-up area. Grades 6-8 exit independently.
At HCCS, we’re proud to recognize students and staff who model our monthly core characteristics. Each month, two students from every grade and two staff members are selected for showing exceptional character and strengthening our school community.
This September, we’re focusing on Responsibility — doing what needs to be done, owning our choices, and being someone others can rely on.
For students, responsibility can look like:
Being prepared — bringing materials, staying organized, and starting the day ready to learn
Following through — finishing assignments, meeting deadlines, and keeping commitments
Taking initiative — helping without being asked, solving small problems, and contributing to a positive classroom
Owning actions — admitting mistakes, making corrections, and choosing better next time
When we celebrate responsibility, we’re helping students grow into dependable, thoughtful individuals who strengthen our school culture every day.
Next month, we’ll shift our focus to Diligence — steady effort, determination, and sticking with challenges even when they get tough.
Our HCCS Middle School Girls Volleyball season is off to an amazing start! We have our biggest group yet, with athletes from 6th–8th grade coming together to learn, compete, and grow as a team.
The girls have been working hard—building skills, learning teamwork, and creating a positive, drama‑free environment where they lift each other up and celebrate every success. We’re not just building a team; we’re building a family.
We’re also celebrating a huge milestone this year: our athletes will be receiving volleyball‑specific uniforms for the first time, and they are SO excited!
Our season is underway with games, scrimmages, and tournaments ahead. Saturday open gyms (1:00–4:00 p.m.) give athletes extra time to play and connect—no open gym on Labor Day weekend. On September 19, we’ll host a team breakfast and bonding day to strengthen relationships on and off the court.
🏐 Help Us Keep Growing
As our program expands, we’re working to raise funds for a new volleyball net system. If you’d like to support the net fund—or donate toward any other volleyball needs—please click the button below, scan the QR code on the flyer, or reach out directly to Coach Kim. You can also contact the school office at office@hccs481.org or 208‑453‑8070. Every contribution helps our athletes continue to grow.
I’m incredibly proud of the enthusiasm these girls bring every day. Thank you to our families, staff, and community for supporting our program. We couldn’t do this without you. Go Eagles!
Coach Kim HCCS Middle School Girls Volleyball
Last school year HCCS hosted a reading fundraiser that was wildly successful with those who signed up!! Our Read-A-Thon gets students psyched about reading and it gives friends and family the opportunity to encourage students to read while benefiting the school!
BUT, did you know that approximately 50% of our student body at HCCS didn't sign up to participate last school year!? This year students will be rewarded JUST for registering with Read-a-Thon!!
Our Read‑A‑Thon gets students pumped about reading while giving friends and family a chance to cheer them on — and support HCCS at the same time. And it’s our biggest schoolwide fundraiser of the year! Every dollar raised goes directly back into supporting our students through classroom funds. That means field trips, much‑needed new equipment, and supplies that help make learning the best it can be for our kids.
Next week, families will receive instructions on how to activate their reader’s personal page. This is where you’ll be able to view and record reading progress throughout the event.
We hope EVERYONE participates. Eagles — GET READY TO READ!!!
All families picking up students by vehicle are required to register for a school car tag. This helps us identify authorized
adults and ensures a safe and efficient dismissal process.
Please sign up by scanning the QR code provided.
You will need the following information:
Vehicle make and model
License plate number
Parent/Guardian email address
Student's first name
Student's grade level
Please display your car tag during afternoon pick-up so staff can quickly identify your student.