The Buccaneer Bulletin

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9/15: 7th Football v. BCMS

9/16: 8th Football v. BCMS

9/18: Volleyball v. DSMS

9/19: Pep Rally

9/22: Student Holiday/Staff Professional Development Day

9/26: 6th Grade Luau

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!

Our 7th grade math students just wrapped up their first unit on numbers and operations! Next week, they’ll dive into equations and inequalities, building on everything they’ve learned so far. We are so proud of the effort and determination they’ve shown—it’s been an exciting start to the year!

Choosing the Best

Human Sexuality Curriculum

Grades 6-8

Curriculum and Lesson Implementation Lesson Dates for The Source Facilitation:

Hudson Bend Middle School 7th Grade: October 2-3

Hudson Bend Middle School 6th Grade: March 5-6

Hudson Bend 8th Grade: May 7-8

During the 2024–2025 school year, the Lake Travis ISD SHAC (School Health Advisory Council) conducted a comprehensive review of human sexuality curriculum options for future implementation. Following this review, the SHAC recommended Choosing the Best—a state-funded and state-approved program—to the LTISD School Board. After evaluating the recommendation and curriculum materials, the Board voted to adopt Choosing the Best as the district’s human sexuality curriculum beginning in the 2025–2026 school year.

For more information about the SHAC's curriculum adoption process, including meeting notes and recordings, please visit the LTISD SHAC Webpage.

Choosing the Best is an abstinence-focused human sexuality curriculum that is approved by the State Board of Education and fully aligns with the requirements set forth in Texas Education Code §28.004. This curriculum complies with the state mandate to emphasize abstinence as the preferred choice of behavior for unmarried youth and is designed to meet all 6th–9th grade sexual health TEKS and learning outcomes outlined by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Before a student can participate in human sexuality instruction, written consent from a parent or guardian is required. A request for consent will be sent to parents at least 14 days prior to the start of instruction. This request will include the option to either opt in or opt out of the instruction. Students who are opted out will engage in alternative activities during the lessons.

You can find additional information and parent resources by visiting the Choosing the Best website.

Middle School Programs

Choosing the Best WAY

Grade 6. Created for lower middle school students, this six-lesson curriculum gives students age-appropriate insight into what’s happening to their changing bodies and emotions, explores healthy versus unhealthy relationships, and teaches delaying sex as the best WAY.

Choosing the Best PATH
Grade 7. This dynamic eight-lesson curriculum captivates middle school students. Assertiveness training engages students in learning how to say “NO” to at-risk sexual activity and “YES” to healthy relationships and sexual delay.

Choosing the Best LIFE

Grade 8. Developed for upper middle school students, this eight-lesson curriculum covers critical topics such as preventing sexual violence and understanding consent. This high impact program engages the heart as well as the head, teaching students that sexual delay is the best choice for a healthy LIFE.

Choosing the Best Parent Information Night #1 (Only information session before 7th grade implementation)

Date: Thursday, September 18th, 2025

Time: 6:00pm, virtual

Microsoft Teams Link: Join the meeting now<https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/A5rMCm7WnmU12nnXHOh5sRoUWi?domain=teams.microsoft.com>

Meeting ID: 280 970 138 983 6

Passcode: sw6wx3Uu

Lake Travis ISD is committed to supporting our families by providing resources and education that promote student safety, wellness, and success. For the 2025–2026 school year, the LTISD Counseling and Health Services department is excited to launch our LTISD Virtual Parent Workshop Series designed to engage, inform, and empower parents on important topics affecting children and teens today.

Topic: Emerging Threats Targeting Minors Online: Understanding and Preventing Digital Exploitation

Date: September 16, 2025

Time: 6:00pm

Presenter: Intelligence Analyst, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Location: Virtual, Microsoft Teams link will be provided after registration is submitted

Registration Link: Virtual Parent Workshop Series: Session #1

This session will address emerging online dangers connected to violent groups—often called “gore” or “nihilistic” communities—that intentionally target minors on public messaging platforms. These groups exploit children through threats, blackmail, and manipulation, coercing them into recording or live-streaming acts of self-harm, sexual exploitation, or even suicide.

The workshop will equip parents with essential knowledge about these risks, including how predators operate, warning signs to look for, and proactive steps to protect children. Families will leave with practical tools to foster online safety and the confidence to engage in open, informed conversations with their children about navigating today’s digital world.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT, HBMS Buccaneers!

Want to win 2 tickets to see Austin FC take on the Seattle Sounders at Q2 Stadium on September 21st at 6PM?

Package includes 2 Lexus Club level tickets, at midfield, first row! Package includes all inclusive food and beverages and a North Lot Parking Pass!

Here’s how:

Donate $100 or more to our No Hassle Fundraiser

Leave your name and email in the PayPal comments

Already donated $100+? You’re automatically entered!

Donated less but want in? Just top off your donation to reach $100 and you’re in the drawing! Please include your name and email in PayPal comments!

It’s that easy! Hurry—this giveaway ends September 19th! Winner will be announced on September 20th!!

Lake Travis ISD has partnered with Lake Hills Pharmacy to provide flu vaccines at HBMS on October 16th.

Please note, the flu shots are optional, and they will only be administered with written parental consent. Consent forms must be filled out completely, signed, and returned to your child’s school by Tuesday, September 30th. You may write in your prescription insurance information or submit a copy of your insurance card. Individuals who do not have prescription insurance coverage must provide $20 cash with the consent form.

Students who do not submit a form with cash payment or insurance information by Tuesday, September 30th, will not receive a flu shot at school.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu vaccine is the best defense against the influenza virus. For more information about the seasonal influenza vaccine and a copy of the most current Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS), please CLICK HERE. If you would like for your child to receive the flu vaccine prior to these in-school flu shot clinics, please contact your local pharmacy or pediatrician. Also, children older than six months who are uninsured or underinsured can receive flu shots at the Shots for Tots/Big Shots clinics provided by Austin Public Health. To make an appointment, please call 512-972-5520.

Should you have any questions, you may reach me via email at ennisj@ltisdschools.org, or by phone at 512-533-6015.

Sincerely,

Jamie Ennis, RN

Lead Nurse, Lake Travis ISD

Homework Help starts next week! We look forward to having our Bucs back in the mornings participating in tutorials!

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

✨ Get Ready to Dance at HBMS! ✨
Mrs. Truett will be teaching an after-school dance class right here at HBMS every Thursday! 💃

This is the perfect opportunity for dancers who want to sharpen their intermediate to advanced skills or for anyone dreaming of trying out for a dance team in the future.

Don’t miss out—registration closes September 7th!

👉 Click HERE to learn more and register today!

Did an HBMS teacher or staff member do something outstanding for your child? Use the Form below to submit a staff shout out! This will be shared with our entire staff and printed to hang in our front office to highlight the great things teachers are doing. Thank you for helping me 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!

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: Clark Fredrickson

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