Welcome Back Faculty and Staff of HCMS!

Dear HCMS Faculty and Staff,

Today, we welcomed many students and families who are new to the Hancock County area. Our total student enrollment is growing by leaps and bounds.  I guess the secret is out now, that secret being that you are the best middle school faculty around hands down. Any student who attends this school is blessed to have a dedicated staff working on their behalf 24-7. You are awesome! I can't thank you enough for all that you do.

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you back as faculty and staff to a new school year of learning, growing, achieving and striving to reach new horizons. Wednesday, August 8th the halls of Hancock County Middle School were filled with excited faces, the smell of new clothes, a few nervous 6th grade parents, Axe cologne and a very grateful principal for the day going off without a hitch. There were just a few minor glitches of which you were most understanding. I appreciate your enthusiasm for the new year and your flexibility.

I am excited because there are so many possibilities for success and opportunities that await both you and our students this year. HCMS students attend a school with a tradition of excellence and academic achievement. We strive to produce life long learners, celebrate success at all levels of learning and promote effective citizenship. We promote the well-being of the whole child emotionally, socially, behaviorally and academically. This is all because of you! You make the difference in the lives of our students each day from bell to bell, in the hall ways, gym, cafeteria and outside as students are headed to the buses.

We are off to a great start because we all pull together to do what is in the best interest of our students. We name and claim our students. Each student is important. Our number one goal is student success. Success looks different for each student. Being able to start a new school year as principal has been a wonderful experience.

I appreciate the opportunity to serve you, the students, parents and community. I consider it a great honor and privilege to be able to serve as your principal, thanks for your trust and support. I look forward to a wonderful year. Together, we will aim high and dare to be great!

Sincerely,

Dr. Hatchett

Closing Day leads to Name and Claim

Greetings and Salutations Everyone,

It is with a great sense of pride that I submit to you my reflections as a part of closing day. I hope it will be the first of many closing day reflections at HCMS- it will be many as far as I am concerned, because I am proud to be associated with such a great school – a school with traditions and with traditional values, where we are not afraid to enforce the code of conduct, discuss the dress code, talk about respect for oneself and others, about commitment to the school, expectations, beliefs and above all about excellence in achievement. Our number one goal is student success. Our students are the reason that we are here.

We are a school which is above all a community, where individuals are nurtured and understood as individuals with all the circumstances of an individual situation, where relationships across the year are strong and where we foster the sense of a common identity. We are HCMS! We are Cougars! Not even a love for Cardinals or Wildcats  for that matter can interfere with our love and respect for our students and for one another. United we stand, divided we fall. We stand tall and proud.

Today is the culmination of a year of hard work; the actualization of goals attained and the acknowledgement of successes achieved. It has been a journey that started with tentative steps perhaps, but one that has taken us to remarkable heights. We have encountered some trials and tribulations along the way...soldiered on and come out the stronger for them. We have experienced exceptional moments, trying moments, magical moments and created memories that will be fondly remembered such as Mrs. Newton’s retirement party.

Mrs. Newton has been a part of our school for many years. Her contributions to teaching and learning are greatly appreciated. She will be missed. Jovonna Morris will also be leaving us this year. We know that she isn't retiring, she is trying to graduate from college. Jovonna is anxious to begin her educational career path. She has her eye on the prize. We wish both Jovonna and Mrs. Newton the best of luck in the future and in all of their endeavors. Speaking of graduations, Mrs. Foster graduates this Saturday from KWC. This is a major milestone in her education. Congratulations Mrs. Foster! We will be with you in spirit if not in person. We are very proud of you. We are glad that you are at HCMS. We hope that you will continue to think of HCMS as your home.

Henry Ford wisely said, "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress and working together is success." Despite the numerous, unexpected changes this year in personnel we managed to work together with a common purpose in mind - to encourage and develop lifelong learning. Steadfast, resolute and determined we all kept together. Day-by-day we focused on our goal, keeping together and working together to promote student achievement across grade levels. We have faced some incredible and memorable moments. This year has been exceptional due to the constant change that has occurred. We are nothing if not flexible. The bottom line is doing what is best for kids. Whatever it takes!

 As we close out this school year, we begin planning for the next year. The theme for next year is “Name and Claim”. We will name our content area and claim it, get to know our students and claim them as our own. In other words, we will take responsibility for our own actions, get to know our students, foster relationships, set goals, continuously monitor and chart our student’s progress on MAP, Explore and KPREP. The data will speak for itself. In both PLC’s and team planning we will look closely at our data, so that we can learn what is working and where students need to improve. We will celebrate successes, encourage growth and make adjustments as needed.

Every decision that is made at HCMS shall always revolve around doing what is in the best interest of our students. Therefore, we will continue to aim high and dare to be great! You are the best! Thank you for your time and commitment to students, to the profession and to HCMS.

 Have a great summer! You deserve it:)

 Dr. Hatchett

KY Leadership Institute For School Principals

Hello Everyone,

I hope that all is well for you and your families. I am very blessed. I am writing to let you know that I recently received confirmation that I have been accepted into the 2012-2013 KY Leadership Institute for School Principals. Principals across the state competed for the opportunity to receive executive-level leadership training from the internationally acclaimed Center for Creative Leadership(CCL). I am part of two 28 member cohorts selected by the Kentucky Chamber Foundation Advisory Board. The KY Chamber has partnered with CCL to provide leadership training at the highest level to Kentucky principals involved in the cohorts of which I have been selected.

CCL is a top-ranked, global provider of leadership education and research. In the 2011 special report by the Financial Times, CCL was the only institution in the world to rank among the world’s Top 10 providers of executive education for the 10th consecutive year. I am truly appreciative of this incredible gift of time, money and talent. Businesses large and small have stepped up to support this program that has been called a “game changer” for Kentucky education.

It is indeed an honor and a priviledge to be afforded the opportunity to participate in the Leadership Institute for School Principals. I have much to be thankful for, including the valuable networking and educational opportunities which are high on my list for sustaining student achievement. I would like to thank Hancock County Schools, the Domtar Corporation, my family and friends who have supported and encouraged me. It is my goal to pursue knowledge and to facilitate continuous improvement, while striving to be the best that I can be, in order to help students and teachers to grow and to achieve at high levels. Have a great week! Remember to "Aim High and Dare to Be Great!"

Sincerely,

Dr. Hatchett

WELCOME

Dear Incoming Sixth Grade Families:

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome your child and your family to Hancock County Middle School. We are very excited to partner with you as your child makes this important transition into early adolescence and to middle school. Hancock County Middle School provides a setting for rigorous academic learning in a safe and caring environment. Students work with teams of teachers who have high expectations and their best interest at heart. Your child‘s classrooms are clustered together so that when most classroom changes are made, it is simply to step across the hall with the exception of allied arts classes.

As your student transitions to the middle school we believe that those first few weeks of school are critical for learning how to help him or her. Be sure to check your student’s planner for information on homework and upcoming projects and test. Parent portal is also available to you. This is a great way to stay on top of grades. Contact our guidance counselor, Mrs. McCaslin for the key to parent portal once school begins. You will be glad that you did.

Mark your calendars now. The first day of school is Wednesday August 8, 2012. We will kick off our new school year with the annual ― Back to School Bash on July 28, 2012. Save this date.I hope to see you at dances, ball games, PTO meetings, parent-teacher conferences and other school sponsored events. Please consider running for site-based council or volunteering to serve in other capacities. If you would like to be considered for the council, please contact me by next Wednesday March 28, 2012. We will have our elections next month after the PTO meeting. Remember, students are most successful when their parents are actively involved in their education and work in partnership with their teachers.

At HCMS, our number one goal is student success, academically, behaviorally, emotionally and socially. We challenge our students daily to “AIM HIGH AND DARE TO BE GREAT! We look forward to teaming with you to provide your child the best possible opportunity to succeed. My door is always open to you and your child. Please feel free to email me at anytime at diane.hatchett@hancock.kyschools.us. The middle school phone number is 270 927-6255.

Sincerely,

Dr. Diane Hatchett
HCMS Principal

Season's Greetings

Dear HCMS Family and Friends,

Truly there is something very special about this time of year. Regardless of one's religious beliefs, denomination or the commercialism in our streets and stores, a spirit of joy and peace always seems to prevail during the holiday season. It is my hope that the holiday season will bring you feelings of joy, hope, peace and goodwill. Furthermore, I hope that you will take time during the holidays to share meals with friends and relatives, gifts with your loved ones, and time together as a family unit. Families come in all shapes, sizes and colors. It is love, dedication, collaboration, flexibility and enthusiasm that matters the most when raising 21st century kids.

As the year draws to an end, many of us are fortunate enough to receive some extra time off. This time can be well-spent on our children and those significant others in our lives who may sometimes feel left out, up to and including the family pet. Far too often the gifts we give and provide to those we love are only monetary in value and fade in importance and meaning over time. One of the best parts of the holiday season is the opportunity to take a break - from regular day-to-day affairs. No day is promised to us, therefore, each day is a gift to be used wisely. I hope that as year comes to a close you will have time to reflect on your blessings and focus on the things that truly matter the most. I believe that the time we spend with the children in our lives helps us to form the type of adults that they will become later in life. I want each child that I encounter to be the best that they can be.

Remember that love is patient and love is kind. It is not arrogant or boastful or proud. We cherish people, not things, for that is what really matters the most in the grand scheme of things. Each child at HCMS is a gift. We love and accept your children for who they are while at the same time nurturing their potential. We respect their individual differences and appreciate each child's unique attributes and abilities. On behalf of the HCMS faculty and staff I would like to say that it has been a privilege of working with your children this past year. We look forward to the coming New Year with anticipation and excitement.

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Blessed New Year!

Always Aim High and Dare to Be Great!

Sincerely,

Dr. Hatchett, HCMS Principal

Dear Parents, Teachers, Fellow Administrators and Friends of HCMS,

I am grateful for the privilege of serving as principal at Hancock County Middle School and for being a member of the faculty. I count every day I come to work as one of the greatest blessings in my life. I am thankful for the wonderful faculty and staff here at the HCMS. The men and women who are charged with helping our students grow into young men and women put their total energy into what they do with enthusiasm and a great sense of purpose each and every day. Working with middle school students is never boring. It requires flexibilty, mental toughness, patience, understanding, creativity and the ability to cultivate meaningful relationships. I am blessed to work with faculty who possess these gifts and much more.

I am thankful for each student who enters through the front doors of HCMS…and for their parents, grandparents and community members who are so much a part of our students success. We share these students with such a wonderful group of people and that is a blessing for which I am also very grateful. I am thankful for the transformation we witness in so many of our students over the years, as they grow academically, socially, emotionally and behaviorally. It is indeed a transformation from 6th to 8th grade of body, mind, and spirit. I consider it to be wonderful blessing, not to mention a privilege, to work with such a fine group of young men and women. They evolve so much over the years. It is truly amazing to behold and appreciate the changes in attitude and maturity.

As the students head home for the Thanksgiving break, I pray that those who travel will arrive safely to their destination, that family time will be cherished, that fun will be had, that good food will be enjoyed, that rest will fit into the schedule, and that time will be taken to express gratitude to God for all of His blessings on us. When the students return to school I pray that they will be ready to work hard, aim high and dare to be the best.

Have a healthy, happy and restful Thanksgiving break!

Sincerely,

Dr. Hatchett

Lot's of Good Things Going On!

Dear Parents and Friends,

We are off to a fantastic start to the new nine weeks year at Hancock County Middle School. We have lots of things going on in the next couple of weeks. Our high school football team qualified in the playoffs and will have home field advantage this Friday evening. Therefore, we are cancelling the dance this week and rescheduling it for November 18, 2011. We hope that you will come out and cheer the Hornets on to victory. We would also like to extend an invitation to you to chaperone out next dance from 7:30-10:00 pm. If you would like to chaperone please email either myself or Jill Brown (jill.brown@hancock.kyschools.us. We appreciate your time and consideration.

As I stated earlier, there are plenty of opportunities ahead for you and your child. Mid terms will go out on Nov. 14th. Our PTO meeting will be held at 6:00 pm on Nov. 15th. It will be followed by parent-teacher conferences at 6:30 pm. Please make plans to attend. The Scholastic Book Fair is scheduled for November 14-18. We are having our annual Thanksgiving lunch on Nov. 17th as well as a Cougar Victory Party for students afterschool. Students who wish to stay for the Cougar Victory Party must have a signed permission slip and $6.00. This will pay their way into the game and get them a slice of pizza and a drink. Students will socialize in the gym, play dodge-ball or dance in the cafeteria. You will hear more about this as it gets closer to the 17th. We are wrapping up our sell of restaurant cards this week. You may purchase them this week during the home basketball games for $10.00. You may also purchase them in the front office.

It is amazing to see how quickly the children have settled into their school routines and taken off like rockets. As a building we will continue to personalize our instruction for our students through student centered classrooms where lessons are differentiated in order to maximize the growth for all. Our ultimate goal is to foster student independence while balancing content and underlying skills under the umbrella of deep understanding of key concepts. I have enjoyed seeing the students in their classrooms, during lunch and at other opportunities throughout the day and beyond.

Thank you for all that you have done to help make this school number five out of 221 middle schools in the state. We are proud of our students, faculty and staff. Your support of education and involvement in our school serves as a testament to your commitment to your children. Our children are a precious and irreplaceable part of our community. As I have said to so many of you already, I look forward to working with you and your children to ensure a very successful year filled with many exciting learning experiences. Please do not hesitate to call 270 927-6255 or email me at diane.hatchett@hancock.kyschools.us with any questions, concerns, or good news to share. My door is always open. I want our students to always aim high and dare to be great!

Sincerely,


Dr. Hatchett, HCMS Principal