Inside Scoop

Hello, Hawks:

We have really cool kids. They find ways to show me that daily. Today, we had our very first Lunchtime Karaoke sessions! Kids (and science teacher, Mr. DeWitt) showed us some serious talent. Or at least a willingness to get on the mic :)

Some big pieces of information before we get into the rest of Scoop:

1. Safe Driving - Student drivers, please be mindful of your driving in the parking lot and area roads. I know that there is always a tremendous amount of pressure to get to school on time, but be safe and be mindful of the speed in which you drive.

2. Back Gate - Before school and after school please use the back gate exit out to Parkinen to limit the traffic on 169th Street.

3. Home Football Tonight - I'm not going to hide it - I LOVE football. I was a coach for a long time, and in fact, I'll be helping the program from the booth this year. Friday nights are amazing. Yes, there's the game, but the band, cheerleaders, and student section under the lights is special. I hope to see you tonight. The game starts at 6pm tonight.

Here's what you'll find in the Scoop:

• Principal's September 11 Message
• Homecoming Parade Float Help Needed
• Counselor, College, and Career Information
• NHS Application Information
• Yearbook Information for Seniors
• Class of 2026 Bricks
• PSAT Information
• Athletics (New Website)
• AAA Booster Information
• Band Update

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at tim.fox@hocksd.org. Thank you for your support!

Go Hawks! #Elevate

Below is the message I gave to students and staff on Thursday, September 11:

Good morning, everyone.

Today is September 11, a date that holds deep significance in our nation’s history. On this day, 24 years ago, our country experienced a tragedy that changed the world. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost in the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and aboard Flight 93.

For many of you, September 11 is something you’ve learned about in history class or maybe through stories told by your family. But for those of us who lived through it, it’s more than just a moment in history. It’s a day that continues to shape lives, even now.

What happened on September 11 was not limited to just that day. Its effects were felt in the days, months, and years that followed. And they’re still felt today.

I want to share a story about a friend of mine, Thomas.

Thomas served our country in Afghanistan. One day, he and his squad were tasked with rescuing a sniper team that was pinned down. As they climbed the side of a mountain overlooking the village, an IED (improvised explosive device) detonated. The blast sent Thomas high into the air, and when he came down, both of his legs were shattered.

While he was being treated, doctors told him he would likely never walk again.

But Thomas is not someone who gives up easily. Years later, there he was, walking - walking in his dress blues, Purple Heart pinned to his chest - standing right behind me on the sidelines while I was coaching football at Mountain View High School. He’d remind me, in his own way Marine way, to back up and that I can’t coach on the field of play.

Every time I saw him, I was reminded not just of his courage and determination, but also of the sacrifices made by so many men and women who stepped up on and after September 11. The firefighters, police officers, service members, and good Samaritans.

Thomas is a special person, but his story is also a reflection of the resilience and strength that came out of one of our nation’s darkest days. And despite all that we hear and see on the news, we are better when we are together and united.

This morning, as we pause, I invite you to think about those who were lost, those who served, and how each of us can honor their memory through our actions and choices. Show gratitude. Thank your teachers, the staff in our building that serve and support us, love up your family and friends.

At this time, please join me in a moment of silence.

Thank you.

Sophomore and Freshmen Parents:

We need your help! HHS is starting a new tradition this year during Homecoming! We will be holding a parade after school on September 26 that will begin at the Middle School and Finish in the Parking lot by the football stadium.

Each class (Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores, Freshmen) will have a float in the parade. The theme is "Once a Hawk Always a Hawk". Here is where we would like your help. We need two trucks and trailers (1 for the Freshmen class float and 1 for the Sophomore class float). We would need the trailers for the week of September 21-27. The students will need several days to decorate.

Please contact Kasey Powers kasey.powers@hocksd.org (ASB Coordinator). Any help will be greatly appreciated. Students are looking forward to kicking off a new tradition!

If you are a sophomore, junior, or senior and are interested in NHS (National Honor Society), download the application below!

Seniors - BIG year! Please review this information, as it has to do with Senior portraits, quotes, and ads for the yearbook.

Your Class of 2026 Grad Committee is looking for more volunteers, feedback and donations! Join us the second Thursday of every month for our working meetings.

Email your grad questions to hhsgrads2026@gmail.com. Join our Facebook Group

Current Fundraisers & Opportunities:

• Purchase a Hockinson Umbrella at this week’s home football game. $30
• Senior Brick Pavers! Put Your Name in Stone at the entrance to HHS! Great for Individuals, Teams, Clubs, Businesses and More!
• Now is your chance to reserve a commemorative brick, to be installed at HHS the summer of 2026! Every two years, the graduating class is given an opportunity to offer customized brick pavers to anyone who wants to purchase one!
• To Reserve Your Brick Paver, fill out the form below. All proceeds support the graduating class of 2026. Bricks are $100 each. Up to three lines with up to 18 characters each line.
• Reserve Your Customized Brick Today!

Work a Concessions shift for Class of 2026: Sign Up Link

PSAT/NMSQT Test for Juniors - Important Information

All juniors will be taking the PSAT/NMSQT on October 21st from 9am to noon. This is a great opportunity for their future success, and it is completely free for all juniors this year.

• Fast Facts About the PSAT/NMSQT

• The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is structured similarly to the SAT.

• It has the same sections and timing, and measures the Reading and Writing and Math skills needed to succeed in college and career.

• It's given throughout October. Schools decide who can take it and when.

• Why Take the PSAT/NMSQT?

• The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is more than good practice for the SAT, and the scores are more than just a number. With your results you can:

• See Your Progress

• If you've already taken the PSAT 8/9 or PSAT 10, you'll be able to track your improvement.

• Set a Target

• With insights about your knowledge and skills, set your own target SAT score.

• Get Your AP Potential

• Access personalized recommendations about AP courses that are a good fit.

• Enter the National Merit Scholarship Program

• Students who take the PSAT/NMSQT and meet other program entry requirements specified in the PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide will enter the National Merit Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).

• Help Pay for College

• Scholarship partners use the PSAT/NMSQT to find students qualified to apply for their programs. These organizations give out over $300 million in combined awards every year.

If your student is not on campus in the mornings, (Running Start students, Cascadia Tech, HVA) we can arrange for them to come to the high school at 9am to take the PSAT/NMSQT. Please ensure they bring their Chromebooks as the test is digital.

If you do NOT want your student to participate in the PSAT/NMSQT on October 21st, kindly fill out the attached Google form.

Sophomores can also take this exam on October 21st for a fee of $25, if they wish to join the Juniors during this time.

Fall Sports are off and running! If you haven't done so already, check out our new Athletics website here.

Check out the AAA Booster Update here!

Also, if you are able and willing, there are volunteer opportunities in concessions. Thank you for your support!

Did you know? The annual AAA Booster Auction is going back to in-person this year!

The HHS Band performed in the half time show during the 9/6 game at the University of Washington with the iconic Husky Marching Band!

Support the Band's Southern California Performance Tour by visiting our car wash on Saturday 9/13 @ HCC 10am-2pm.

Email: tim.fox@hocksd.org
Website: https://hhs.hocksd.org/
Location: 16819 Northeast 159th Street, Brush Prairie, WA, USA
Phone: 360-448-6450
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HockinsonHS/