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
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
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
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
Friday, September 30, 2011
New Principal Named at HCMS
Dear Parents, Teachers, and Friends of HCMS,
It is with great pride that I accept the position of Principal of Hancock County Middle School. I want to thank God, Mr. Lewis, the SBDM Council, Mrs. Biever, the students, faculty and staff of HCMS and my family both immediate and extended. As the former assistant principal of HCMS I can truly say that this place is home. For eight years Mrs. Biever and I have collaborated and planned to ensure student success. I am proud to be working with the best parents, faculty, staff and community members in the state of Kentucky. This is indeed an honor and a privilege that I do not accept lightly.
We have high expectations at HCMS for ourselves and our students. The number one goal is student success academically, emotionally, behaviorally, and socially. I am committed to working diligently with parents and faculty to continue to foster an atmosphere that promotes a learning community characterized by child centered instruction and decisions, academic excellence, trust, respect, community involvement, excellent communications and recognition of both student and staff achievement. I want each of you to know that I have an open door policy and you are free to stop by, email or call me at anytime. My email address is diane.hatchett@hancock.kyschools.us. You can also follow me on twitter at nonsmonsters. I look forward to working with each of you during the years to come. I am honored to be at HCMS.
Sincerely,
Dr. Hatchett
It is with great pride that I accept the position of Principal of Hancock County Middle School. I want to thank God, Mr. Lewis, the SBDM Council, Mrs. Biever, the students, faculty and staff of HCMS and my family both immediate and extended. As the former assistant principal of HCMS I can truly say that this place is home. For eight years Mrs. Biever and I have collaborated and planned to ensure student success. I am proud to be working with the best parents, faculty, staff and community members in the state of Kentucky. This is indeed an honor and a privilege that I do not accept lightly.
We have high expectations at HCMS for ourselves and our students. The number one goal is student success academically, emotionally, behaviorally, and socially. I am committed to working diligently with parents and faculty to continue to foster an atmosphere that promotes a learning community characterized by child centered instruction and decisions, academic excellence, trust, respect, community involvement, excellent communications and recognition of both student and staff achievement. I want each of you to know that I have an open door policy and you are free to stop by, email or call me at anytime. My email address is diane.hatchett@hancock.kyschools.us. You can also follow me on twitter at nonsmonsters. I look forward to working with each of you during the years to come. I am honored to be at HCMS.
Sincerely,
Dr. Hatchett
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
New Year, New Standard, High Expectations Remain
The transition from elementary to middle school is an important time in the lives of many of our young people today. Each of us has experienced some type of transition whether at home, school, or in the world of work. The challenge for middle school student success is staying engaged, organized, involved and open to new relationships. It is letting go of old crutches while embracing independence and self-reliance. Students are expected to learn to tackle their new responsibilities right away. Few students are ready for what they encounter on the emotional roller coaster called adolescence. However, students who go into school with confidence will learn more, perform better, develop more positive relationships and in general feel good about the journey they are embarking upon.
At HCMS, we have high expectations for ourselves and our students. We want all of our students learn, to grow and to succeed. We are truly committed to life-long learning and student success. We view each child as an individual. Each child is truly special and unique. They have many gifts and talents that are waiting to be challenged, nurtured and strengthened. I am excited and enthusiastic about the start of the new school year. A new year brings with it unlimited possibilities.
This year we will begin implementing the new Common Core State Standards in English/language arts and mathematics. These mandated standards, changes in curriculum and instruction were brought about through Senate Bill 1 and a focus on college/career readiness for all students in the Commonwealth. Senate Bill 1 requires Kentucky to begin a new assessment and accountability system in 2011-2012. The new state accountability system is composed of four strategic priorities: next generation learners, next-generation support systems and next generation schools/districts. We are prepared to embrace the changes and work together to ensure all children reach their fullest potential academically, socially, emotionally and behaviorally. The door is always open to students, parents, community, faculty and staff as we engage in meaningful conversations in the areas of teaching and learning. The African proverb states, "It takes a village to raise a child". Hancock County is just the place for this concept to become reality.
We believe in collaboration and teamwork at both the school and the district level. To quote the poet John Donne, “No man is an island entire of it; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main”. It takes all of us working together to make a sustainable difference in the future of our county, the state and the nation. I think we are off to a great start. As always, strive for the best, reach for the stars, aim high and dare to be great!
Dr. Hatchett, HCMS
Assistant Principal
At HCMS, we have high expectations for ourselves and our students. We want all of our students learn, to grow and to succeed. We are truly committed to life-long learning and student success. We view each child as an individual. Each child is truly special and unique. They have many gifts and talents that are waiting to be challenged, nurtured and strengthened. I am excited and enthusiastic about the start of the new school year. A new year brings with it unlimited possibilities.
This year we will begin implementing the new Common Core State Standards in English/language arts and mathematics. These mandated standards, changes in curriculum and instruction were brought about through Senate Bill 1 and a focus on college/career readiness for all students in the Commonwealth. Senate Bill 1 requires Kentucky to begin a new assessment and accountability system in 2011-2012. The new state accountability system is composed of four strategic priorities: next generation learners, next-generation support systems and next generation schools/districts. We are prepared to embrace the changes and work together to ensure all children reach their fullest potential academically, socially, emotionally and behaviorally. The door is always open to students, parents, community, faculty and staff as we engage in meaningful conversations in the areas of teaching and learning. The African proverb states, "It takes a village to raise a child". Hancock County is just the place for this concept to become reality.
We believe in collaboration and teamwork at both the school and the district level. To quote the poet John Donne, “No man is an island entire of it; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main”. It takes all of us working together to make a sustainable difference in the future of our county, the state and the nation. I think we are off to a great start. As always, strive for the best, reach for the stars, aim high and dare to be great!
Dr. Hatchett, HCMS
Assistant Principal
Monday, July 25, 2011
New Year Lots of Blessings!
This summer has been quite interesting. I have had several unexpected blessings and pleasant surprises. First of all, I was featured in a blog by the Superintendent of Schools at Bethlehem Central School District. I consider it an unexpected honor. Check it out and tell me what you think. http://21stcenturyschoolleaders.blogspot.com/
The next surprise came yesterday when I attended the Owensboro Black Expo Gospel Explosion for what I thought was going to be a presentation of an award to my uncle who has been very ill this past year. I guess, the joke was on me because it turned out that I was the one getting the award. I had no idea that I was going to receive the Leitha V. Buck & Anna L. Martin Memorial Award for Outstanding Citizenship.
Things happen when you least expect them too. Each day is a gift to be cherished. Take time this year to count your blessings and recognize that when you receive them they are gifts to be acknowledged, cherished and appreciated. Make sure that you use the opportunities that you receive to try to make a difference in the lives of others. Give back in time and talent, if not resources. We all have something to contribute in this world no matter the color of our skin, the language that we speak, the size of our bodies or our age. Wherever you go, whatever you do strive to be the best that you can be! I want each of you to recognize your gifts and talents. We are here to plant the seeds and help you to cultivate and harvest the crop. Looking forward to a wonderful year of learning and student success! As I have said so many times before, Aim High and Dare to be Great!
Dr. Diane Hatchett
The next surprise came yesterday when I attended the Owensboro Black Expo Gospel Explosion for what I thought was going to be a presentation of an award to my uncle who has been very ill this past year. I guess, the joke was on me because it turned out that I was the one getting the award. I had no idea that I was going to receive the Leitha V. Buck & Anna L. Martin Memorial Award for Outstanding Citizenship.
Things happen when you least expect them too. Each day is a gift to be cherished. Take time this year to count your blessings and recognize that when you receive them they are gifts to be acknowledged, cherished and appreciated. Make sure that you use the opportunities that you receive to try to make a difference in the lives of others. Give back in time and talent, if not resources. We all have something to contribute in this world no matter the color of our skin, the language that we speak, the size of our bodies or our age. Wherever you go, whatever you do strive to be the best that you can be! I want each of you to recognize your gifts and talents. We are here to plant the seeds and help you to cultivate and harvest the crop. Looking forward to a wonderful year of learning and student success! As I have said so many times before, Aim High and Dare to be Great!
Dr. Diane Hatchett
Monday, January 17, 2011
Happy Birthday Dr. King
Happy Birthday Dr. King! In case you didn't know it, today marks the celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He believed that all men are in fact created equal. He also believed that we should love one another. Dr. King promoted respect and unconditional love for his fellow man. In the face of danger he never gave up, ran away or avoided confrontation. Dr. King believed that the truth truly would set you free. He was a man of integrity and respect for the law both the law of God and that of man. He led by example and ultimately gave his life in pursuit of justice, peace and brotherhood for all mankind.
I believe that the best way to honor Dr. King is to be civil to one another, to treat people with kindness and respect. We must begin if we haven't already to look for the good in everyone. None of us are perfect, we each have our strengths and our weaknesses. That which does not break us only makes us stronger. We have to learn from pur mistakes and move forward toward the greater good.
Dr. King stated," good neighbor looks beyond the external accidents and discerns those inner qualities that make all men human and, therefore, brothers." Martin Luther King Jr., 'Strength to Love,' 1963. It is hate and prejudice which killed Dr. King. Although he is dead now, his spirit and his desire to make a difference lives on. I am challenging each of you today to keep the "Dream" alive. Treat people like you want to be treated. Step out of self and look beyond the color of one's skin and look beneath to the surface, there you will find the content of their character. It is what we do and say that defines who we are.
Until next time, Dare to Be Great!
Sincerely,
Dr. Hatchett
I believe that the best way to honor Dr. King is to be civil to one another, to treat people with kindness and respect. We must begin if we haven't already to look for the good in everyone. None of us are perfect, we each have our strengths and our weaknesses. That which does not break us only makes us stronger. We have to learn from pur mistakes and move forward toward the greater good.
Dr. King stated," good neighbor looks beyond the external accidents and discerns those inner qualities that make all men human and, therefore, brothers." Martin Luther King Jr., 'Strength to Love,' 1963. It is hate and prejudice which killed Dr. King. Although he is dead now, his spirit and his desire to make a difference lives on. I am challenging each of you today to keep the "Dream" alive. Treat people like you want to be treated. Step out of self and look beyond the color of one's skin and look beneath to the surface, there you will find the content of their character. It is what we do and say that defines who we are.
Until next time, Dare to Be Great!
Sincerely,
Dr. Hatchett
Friday, January 7, 2011
Happy New Year!
Hello Everyone,
Miriam Wright-Edelman stated, "We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.”
It's a new year and that means it is an opportunity to reflect on the past as you begin a new journey into the future. Take time to learn from your mistakes, revive, refresh and renew your spirit. Become the best that you can be. We all make mistakes, the important thing is that you learn and grow from them. Just as you can't step into the same pond the same way twice, you can't repeat the past in the same manner. However, you can move forward and soar beyond your wildest dreams.
My challenge for you as always is to Dare to be Great! Aim High! Never ever settle for less than the best from yourself and others. Don't make excuses, create symphonies! Be the conductor!
Sincerely,
Dr. Hatchett
Happy New Year!
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