Twas the night before Christmas Cardinal's style

Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house
not a creature was stiring not even a Wildcat and certainly not a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care;
In hopes that St. Nicholas and Pitino soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of the Cardinals beating the WildCats danced in their heads;
And Pitino in his white-suit and new Cardinal cap
Had just finished giving an interview before for taking a nap;
While watching ESPN their arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the couch to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew in a like a bird,
tore open the shutters but couldn't say a word.
The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow
gave luster of mid-day to the Cardinals as the arrived in a limo with the elves below,
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But the Cardinals starting five in their playing gear,
With a little of driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
Santa jumped from the limo and gave a wee chuckle
He was dressed in Cardinal red with a big black buckle;
More rapid than eagles the CARDS they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
Now Sosa, Smith, Delk, Samuels, Jennings, Dasher, Prancer,
Vixen..., hurry move inside
before the WildCats come and try to catch us by surprise;
to the top of the housetop to the top of the wall
I am sure we have something to stop that darn John Wall;
A bundle of play books he had flung on his back;
Along with Louisville Cardinal season tickets he had in his pack,
His eyes how they twinkled! his dimples how mow merry!
He knew those Wildcats were getting a bit worried;
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a a bow,
How the Wildcats thought they they could beat the Cards he did not know.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
Just thinking of the WildCats downfall and their soon to be grief
Made smoke circle his head and he said, " Good grief!"
He had a round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
Just Thinking the WildCats would win,
now that would just a sin
With a wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
I knew in a moment there was nothing to dread;
Santa, Pitino and the Cards spoke not a word, went they arrived but went straight to work,
they knew that hadn't a second to linger or shirk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose
He whizzed up the highways and zoomed up the road,
in a S-L 300, delivering his loads.
He stopped at each house....stayed only a minute,
emptying his sack of stuff that was in it.
He shifted the gears and stepped on the gas
and up Highway 60 the rest went like a flash.
And I heard him exclaim as he went on his way,
"MERRY CHRISTMAS Y'ALL, I WISH Kentucky really knew how to play!"

Thanksgiving a Time for Reflection

It seems like it was only yesterday that school began and already we are approaching the holiday season, beginning with one of my favorite holidays Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a time for me to reflect upon all the things that I cherish and the blessings that I have been given. Instead of us always complaining we should be grateful for what we have and the opportunity to improve and make a difference.

Each one of us has a gift or talent that we can or should be proud us. We have the opportunity each day to touch someone's life either directly or indirectly. Let's make the most of each day and not sweat the small stuff. Yesterday is history and tomorrows a mystery. So while we are living in the present, it's time to celebrate life and the many challenges and gifts that it brings.

Remember there is nothing you can't do if you put your mind to it. I believe that it's true, " It's not your aptitude but your attitude that determines your altitude." Yesterdays dreams can indeed become tomorrows reality. I've heard that, "true happiness comes only from an attitude of gratitude." So in that spirit I want to share what I am grateful for. I am thankful for my family, friends, health, education and spiritual nourishment. I am also thankful for the opportunity to work at HCMS with such wonderful students, parents, faculty and staff. May each of you experince true happiness this Thanksgiving as you enjoy your break!

DARE TO BE GREAT!
Ms. Hatchett, HCMS
Assistant Principal

Fall Break a time for self-awareness

The first nine weeks have come and gone. Before you know it we will be getting ready for Halloween, then Thanksgiving and Christmas break. Time sure flies when you are having fun. Fall Break is almost here! It is time to relax, refresh and renew.

Let's all be proactive! Get control and choose to be the best during the second nine weeks and so on. Learn from mistakes, listen to your inner voice. Envision the possibilities of things you can achieve when you take time to stop and think. School is a time to learn and grow. You plan, acquire knowledge, set goals, study for tests, complete meaningful assignments, exercise, and build friendships while engaging in social events and afterschool activities.

Wow, all that makes me tired just thinking about it! Undoubtably, teachers, students, faculty and staff definetly deserve a break this time of the year. With that in mind, I hope that everyone has a safe and productive time with family and friends next week. Hopefully, everyone will return to school on the 26th ready to focus on the highest of priorities learning for all.

Until next time: AIM HIGH and DARE TO BE GREAT!

Ms. Hatchett, HCMS Assistant Principal

Perseverance

Hello Cougars/ Cardinals,

It is going to be a great week! We have a football game tonight against Grayson County. Let's send positive thoughts/ words of encouragement to the players and cheerleaders before the game. Cougars/Cardinals Aim High tonight! Anatole France said once, "to accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe." This can apply to everything that we do whether it is at home, school or extra curricular activity. As I have stated before, the sky is the limit; if you believe it you will achieve it. I have lot's of faith on each and every student at HCMS.

In the words of Helen Keller, "We can do anything we want to do if we stick to it long enough." I hope that you will take advantage of the opportunities that the middle school provides. Your teachers are here to help prepare you for the future. It is our hope that you will evolve into the best possible citizens that you can become. Don't ever doubt or limit yourself! You can go as far as you desire as long as you are willing to go the distance and put forth the effort. High expectations produce hard work and ultimately high achievement. I think that all the students and faculty at HCMS are awesome!

As always, Dare to be Great!

Sincerely,

Diane Hatchett, HCMS Assistant Principal

Time to see the light Wildcats! Go Cards!

Hello Fellow Cards/ Cougars and Wildcats,

In case you hadn't heard, I am proud to say that UofL received the most votes in a recent poll at HCMS. WAY TO GO CARDS! As always the CARDINALS AIMED HIGH and DARED TO BE THE BEST!! Better luck next time, Wildcat fans! It's never to late to become a Cardinal. Think red, Hancock County colors are red aren't they?

Regardless of whether you are a Cardinal or a Wildcat fan the important thing is that you make the most of each day. Focus on the positive. Try each day to set a goal that you can achieve. Be ready to build on your successes. Keep a winning attitude, roll up your sleeves and be willing to work hard to succeed in life. The future is what you make it! Channel your energy for greatness, learn all that you can and remember knowledge is power!

Remember to wish your grandparents a happy and healthy Grandparent's Day this Sunday!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Ms. Hatchett, HCMS Assistant Principal

A Clear Understanding

As Eleanor Roosevelt said, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. On Friday those who are in skills classes will role play ways to say no to bullying. I hope to encourage students to work on being assertive in of being passive or aggressive. This will be the culminating event for what Mrs. McCaslin and I began last Friday. Each Friday we will meet for classroom guidance lessons. If there is a topic you would like for us to discuss feel free to let us know.

I believe that prevention produces better results than intervention. Thus actions speak louder than words. Steven Covey teaches, "Seek first to understand and then to be understood. A positive climate sets the tone for students. At HCMS, all students are respected for who they are and the gifts they possess. On Weds. Mrs. Biever taught 6th grade students about Autism, sharing personal aspects of her life as a parent of a special needs child. Students asked lots of questions and were receptive and open to her message. Congratulations students and Mrs. Biever on daring to be the best! GO CARDS!! Go Cougars!

Aim High! Don't forget to vote!

Ms. Hatchett

Weekend Review

This past weekend HCMS students had plenty of reasons to celebrate. Students kicked off the weekend on Friday dressed to impress with the first dance of the year. There were two dance contests that evening. In the first contest of the evening Chacina emerged as the winner. He produced moves which noone has seen before. Chacina truly mesmerized the crowd. Congratulations Chacina on a job well done! The second contest of the evening was between the WILDCATS and the CARDINALS. Of course, the CARDINALS won! GO CARDS!!!! Rock on!

On Saturday, the 7th grade football team posted their second straight shut-out defeating Burns Middle School in the Fox Bowl 14-0. The 8th grade football team continues to push forward with gallant performances. Our 7th and 8th grade football teams will host Grayson County this Tuesday at 5:30 pm. The cheerleaders will be on hand to lead the Cougars in a Victory cry. We are proud of all of our student athletes. GO COUGARS! PLAY HARD! DARE TO BE GREAT!

Cross Country athletes saw action this weekend at Yellow Creek Park. The middle school students exhibited enthusiasm and determination demonstrating a true love for the sport. The cross country team will see action this Tuesday as the Cougars host a dual meet. Good Luck Cougars! AIM HIGH! Until next time, remember if you believe it, you can achieve it! Discover your talents and use them well whether it is at home, school, on the field or in the community. Life is what you make it!

Ms. Hatchett, HCMS Assistant Principal

Accenuating the Positive

To quote the University of Louisville, "It's Happening Here!" At HCMS, we are doing a variety of things to establish a community of learners. By this I mean, we are taking it to the next level 24-7. Being child centered, teachers look at the whole child when planning their lessons. Teachers are consciously aware of the differences in learning styles.

Day in and day out, teachers use innovation and high expectations to promote learning. Students are motivated and actively engaged in the classroom. When conducting walk-throughs I've heard raps on lab safety, witnessed archaeological digs, marketing campaigns, robotics with Lego's, computer graphics, action research projects, role-playing, etch a sketches, and imaginative trips to Mars and Mexico.

Teachers are providing students with the opportunity for real-life applications, allowing them to set goals and move toward these goals. At HCMS, there is continuous monitoring of student progress. We hope to be able to provide students with the best possible tools for the future. Students have the opportunity to maximize their chances for success both inside and outside of the classroom.

For, example this week our 7th grade football team beat Breckenridge County Middle School 44-0. It was quite an impressive victory. The weeks of hard work and determination paid off for the 7th grade football team. Although the 8th grade football team played equally hard they came up short. I am very proud of both teams and the way they have represented HCMS. This weekend the 7th and 8th grade teams will play in the Fox Bowl in Owensboro. This is being hosted by Burns Middle School. I want wish both teams good luck on Saturday! Go COUGARS! AIM HIGH! Shoot for the stars, soar like Cardinals!

Dare to be Great!

Ms. Hatchett, HCMS Assistant Principal

PS-Don't forget to vote for the CARDS!!!

Greetings Everyone,

At HCMS, the students, faculty and staff continue to Aim High! Teaching and learning are the focus from bell to bell. We have expectations for everyone. Today's dreams could undoubtedly become tomorrows reality. We are laying the foundation for entrances into colleges and universities like BEllARMINE, WKU and of course the UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE. If we believe it, we will achieve it! Come soar with us! We are planting seeds and promoting education at it's highest level. The sky is truly the limit!

Dare to be great!

Ms. Hatchett

PS: Don't forget to vote! Go Cards! Go Cougars!

The First Football Game of the Season

Hello Again Everyone,

Tonight, our 7th and 8th grade football team played College View. As I watched the game one line in particular came to mind, "It doesn't matter if you win or loose, it's how you play the game!" As a bball coach I told my players what I tell HCMS students, "AIM HIGH!" As long as you try your best that is all anyone can ask of you.

This evening we didn't win either game but if wasn't from lack of effort. I was very proud of the student athletes, their fans and coaches. We never gave up. We were in it, to win it! Even as the final seconds ticked off the clock the cheerleaders and players were pushing themselves and giving it their all. We were down but not out!

Not one of us is perfect, we each fall down but then we get up! We are closer to achieving our goal each time. As educators, we need encourage each other and our students to keep striving to be the best! I want to commend each student athlete and coach for staying strong, holding their heads high and continuing to aim high in the face of defeat. Nothing is ever as bad as it seems. Even setbacks can be beneficial.

Giving up is easy to do! Remember, the only person who can control your destiny is you! "At HCMS, we will continue to challenge our students to persevere and persist in the classroom, on the field, and in the community. In doing so, our goals will we will certainly meet! When hope is present our dreams can take flight! In the words of Jesse Jackson, Keep hope alive!

DARE TO BE GREAT!

Ms. Hatchett

First week in review!

Hello Everyone,

The first week of school has come and gone. It has been a fantastic year so far! I am so excited to be back for another year of learning at HCMS! Remember if you believe it, you can achieve it!

Never ever give up, if at first you don't succeed try, try again. We are here to help you be simply the best. My door is always open to you if you ever need anything please do not hesitate to ask. There are no dumb questions, only unanswered ones.

I want each of you to have the best year ever. Last week, as I walked in and out of classrooms I saw students engaged and focused on learning. Your teachers work hard everyday and it shows. There was tremendous energy in the classrooms throughout our building.

ALWAYS DARE TO BE GREAT!

Ms. Hatchett

First Day Back!

Today was a truly awesome day at HCMS! We had lots of new and familiar faces walk through the door excited about learning. The faculty and staff have been anxiously awaiting this day. We have prepared all summer to ensure that the 2009-2010 school year would simply be the best ever! We began our year today motivated and committed to achieving our goal. HCMS students, get ready to soar, explore, AIM HIGH and DARE TO BE GREAT! It's going to be a great year! If today is any indication of the rest of the year, then rest assured that the students, faculty and staff have taken off like rockets.

As always, feel free to contact me at anytime!

Sincerely,





Ms. Hatchett, HCMS Assistant Principal

Welcome Back

Greetings Everyone,

I hope that you are as excited as I am about the 2009-2010 school year! We have an awesome faculty ready to promote learning at a high level. We believe in student success at HCMS. I hope that each Cougar/ future Cardinal and soon to be recruited Cardinal is ready to Aim High and Dare to be Great! You are the future! We are all counting on you to be simply the best! I have every faith in your ability to do just that, so take it from Nike and just do it! If you ever need anything at all feel free to stop by my office, slide a note under my door or send me an email. My email address is diane.hatchett@hancock.kyschools.us. My door is always open to students, parents, faculty and staff. Welcome Back!

Yours truly,

Ms. Hatchett, HCMS Assistant Principal