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