The Buccaneer Bulletin

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5/11: NJHS Induction Ceremony

5/12: 7th Grade Field Trip

5/12: Tennis v. Hill Country

5/13: Band Spring Concert

5/14: Orchestra Spring Concert

5/14: Soccer v. Hill Country

5/15: 8th Grade Field Trip

Lake Travis ISD is proud to announce the selection of Joshua Hughes as the next principal of Hudson Bend Middle School—a leader whose energy, experience, and commitment to people and culture will help guide the campus into an exciting future, building on the foundation established by Principal Laura Keogh and her team.

Mr. Hughes currently serves as principal of McCullough Junior High in The Woodlands, where he leads a school of more than 2,200 students and 200 staff members. Under his leadership, the campus improved from a “B” to an “A” rating in academic growth and has seen gains in student engagement and school pride. Previously, he served as principal of Wilkerson Intermediate School, a Title I campus and the district’s Dual Language program site.

Throughout his career, Mr. Hughes has focused on creating school environments where students feel connected, teachers feel supported, and families are engaged and well-informed. As a result, he has strengthened instructional practices, improved campus safety, and reduced discipline referrals while also increasing staff morale.

Mr. Hughes holds a Master of Education degree in School Administration from Lamar University and is currently pursuing his doctorate in Educational Leadership. He began his career as a paraprofessional before becoming a teacher and was later named District Elementary Teacher of the Year.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to join the Hudson Bend Middle School family and become part of the Lake Travis ISD community,” said Mr. Hughes. “I believe that when a school is grounded in strong relationships, trust, and high expectations, students and staff thrive. I look forward to partnering with our students, educators, and families to build on the culture already in place and continue fostering an engaging, supportive, and inspiring environment where every Buccaneer feels valued and empowered to succeed.”

Welcome to the HBMS family, Principal Hughes!

Our Buccaneers are making waves and we’re here to celebrate it! Stay connected to our campus with a weekly look at the great things happening across The Bend.

Discovery is currently finishing up their gardening unit. Students began by designing a garden to scale, accounting for budget, space limitations, sunlight, irrigation, and the placement and spacing of vegetables and flowers. They are currently creating a 3D model (also to scale!!) of their garden design.

They have also been exploring hydroponic gardening by growing butter lettuce initially from seed to sprout, before transferring their sprouts to a handmade hydroponic gardening container. They measure their own nutrient solution down to the tenth of a gram to provide their lettuce with all necessary nutrients and minerals it needs. We have been having so much fun watching it grow!

Final exams will take place May 19–22. Please plan for your child to be present for all exams so they do not need to return after the school year ends for summer break. Make-up exams will be held on Tuesday, May 26, at 9:00 a.m.

8:50-10:20am: 6th Period Final Exam

• 8th grade students are required to turn in their school-issued Chromebook and charger after they finish this final exam.

10:25-10:50am: 8th Grade Breakfast/Slideshow

• PTO is providing donuts and kolaches to students.
• Students will watch a video compilation of their time at HBMS!
• Students will receive their "Class Of" LTHS t-shirts
• This is a student-only event unless you are volunteering with PTO
• 8th grade breakfast volunteer sign up linked here

11am-12:15pm: 8th Grade Award Ceremony

• Students and teachers will attend a ceremony in the main gym.
• All parents are welcome to attend.
• If your child is receiving an award, their teacher will email you this information the last week of school.
• There will also be a backdrop set up by PTO for pictures!

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

School immunization records must be up-to-date for students to attend school in the fall and receive their schedules. Updated records can be emailed to everettw@ltisdschools.org or delivered to the school during summer office hours. The school must have the original affidavit of exemption on file if you choose not to vaccinate your child.

*7th Grade Immunization Requirements*

Entry into 7th grade requires proof that your 7th grader has received the Tdap and Meningococcal (MCV4) vaccines. Campus nurses do not automatically receive your records from the doctor after vaccinations. You must request an immunization record from the doctor and submit it to your nurse via email, fax, or mail. The immunization record must have a doctor's stamp or signature on the form. Health portal records must still have a clinic stamp or a doctor’s signature. Please submit your records as soon as possible. Please reach out to me with any questions.

Medication Reminders

All medications not picked up by a parent by the last day of school will be discarded.

HEALTH FORMS TO UPDATE FOR NEXT SCHOOL YEAR:

ALLERGY ACTION PLANS, ASTHMA ACTION PLANS, SEIZURE ACTION PLAN, REQUEST TO ADMINISTER MEDICATION, SELF CARRY FORM

Returning Student Verification forms for the 2026-2027 are now open. Parents can find the form in their student's Skyward Account.

If your student is not returning to HBMS for the 26-27 school year, please complete the Withdrawal Form or Summer Leaver Form at this link. Email the completed form to Christy Thompson, the HBMS Registrar thompsonc@ltisdschools.org.

Parents if your 8th graders will be getting their learner permit over the summer you will need a Verification of Enrollment (VOE) from HBMS. This document is required by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Please send your request to the registrar, thompsonc@ltisdschools.org before May 18. They will be processed and ready for pick up the last week of school. The VOE is valid through the summer.

Did an HBMS teacher or staff member do something outstanding for your child? Use the Form below to submit a CAV Kudo! Thank you for helping encourage our amazing HBMS staff!

What is the Buc Lounge?

A place where any and all students are welcome to “shop” confidentially for free items they need.

What does the Buc Lounge include?

Food, personal care items, clothing, shoes, and school supplies.

Want to donate to the Buc Lounge to provide for our students who need it? Click the link below!

Homework Help is a quiet work session facilitated by faculty members for students to get help with and complete class assignments. Please see the details below:

Homework Help AM

Days: Monday - Friday

Time: 7:20am - 8:20am

Location: Room 201 (across from the main gym)

*Before school Homework Help has a bilingual teacher available for support!*

Homework Help PM

Days: Monday - Thursday (not offered Friday afternoons)

Time: 4:15pm - 5:15pm

Location: Room 201 (across from the main gym)

*Late buses run on Wednesday afternoons at 5:15pm*

Homework Help Expectations

• Personal smart devices are not allowed to be used during this time.
• School work only - no games or socializing
• Remain in Homework Help entirety of assigned time
• Leaving early requires teacher to speak with parent

While our campus leadership team works collaboratively with all students and teachers, the following information should help you reach the appropriate administrator or counselor for your child's grade level should a question or concern arise. We are committed to serving our students and appreciate the opportunity to work together with families to support our learners.

Principal

Laura Keogh

6th Grade

Assistant Principal: Donald Roeder

Counselor: Dana Page

7th Grade

Assistant Principal: Brian Gill

Counselor: Angela Carey

8th Grade

Assistant Principal: Tatiana Chavez

Counselor: JoAnna Janecek

Stay up-to-date with campus events and activities by reading the weekly Buccaneer Bulletin. If you missed one, head over to the HBMS website under the principal page to view current and past newsletters. Feel free to share these newsletters with friends and family.

Please note that The Buccaneer Bulletin is sent to the email addresses you have listed in Skyward Family Access. If you are not receiving weekly newsletters, please verify that your information is correct in Skyward or reach out to our registrar, Christy Thompson, at thompsonc@ltisdschools.org for further assistance.

Website: ltisdschools.org/HBMS
Location: 15600 Lariat Trail, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-533-6400
Facebook: Hudson Bend MS

Instagram: @hbmsbuccaneers