Cardinal/Cougar Highlights from HCMS

Season's Greetings

2011-12-22T07:47:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-24T01:56:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-11-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

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

New Principal Named at HCMS

2011-09-30T20:02:00.000-07:00

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

New Year, New Standard, High Expectations Remain

2011-08-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

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

New Year Lots of Blessings!

2011-07-25T08:41:00.000-07:00

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

Happy Birthday Dr. King

2011-01-17T14:34:00.000-08:00

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

Happy New Year!

2011-01-07T16:38:00.000-08:00

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!

Welcome Back

2010-10-21T17:34:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a fabulous Fall Break. I went to Walt Disney World in Florida. Mrs. Biever also went to Disney. It was good to get away and relax with family. Now it's time for us to get back to business. I hope that each of you got a chance to relax, revive, refresh and renew. It's going to be a great semester! Grades will be out at the end of the week. Basketball season is here. My brother is coaching the 7th grade boys. I hope you will welcome him with open arms and show him what Hancock County Middle School is all about. We take pride in our academics and our extra curricular activities. In other words, we Aim High and Dare to be the Best!

In closing I would like for you to think about the following words:

We must respect the rights and properties of our fellowman. And then learn to play the game of life, as well as the game of athletics, according to the rules of society. If you can take that and put it into practice in the community in which you live, then, to me you have won the greatest championship.
Jesse Owens

Take care everyone!
Have a great Cardinal weekend!

Dr. Hatchett

Believe It and Achieve It!

2010-09-30T23:06:00.000-07:00

Congratulations HCMS 8th Grade Football players on your conference championship win!

Way to go! Hard work, determination and the desire to be the best pays off. Students take a lesson from these group of guys. They had a goal and a challenge to meet and they faced it head on. They had the desire to achieve their goals, every dream precedes a goal. We all have goals, hopes and dreams. Reach for the Stars and you will Soar!

Think about the words of Tubman and Thoreau below.
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.
Henry David Thoreau

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.
Harriet Tubman

Now try to apply those concepts to your life in the classroom and in other areas of your life such as at home, and in the community. Have a wonderful weekend!
Until next time, Aim High and Dare to be the Best!

Dr. Hatchett, HCMS Assistant Principal

We Got Spirit! How about you?

2010-09-21T20:23:00.001-07:00

Today was Spirit day at HCMS. Everyone was dressed in red and white.It was truly a magnificent site to behold. You really gotta love those colors. It reminded me of my college days at Bellarmine, WKU and the University of Louisville. Spirit days can be a blast for both students and faculty. After school the faculty and student body participated in a Victory party at HCMS. I would like to say a word of thanks to everyone who agreed to supervise and in order to make the day a success. We couldn't have managed without you.

There were approximately 170 students in the gym and cafeteria. Students laughed, talked, danced, painted their faces and listened to music. Once the clock struck 5:00pm it was off to the ball game to cheer on the Cougars. Hancock County is blessed to have the best faculty and students in the state. Go Cougars, go HCMS! You are simply the best!! Remember to always AIM HIGH!

Sincerely,

Dr. Hatchett

Summer Break

2010-06-02T13:11:00.000-07:00

School's out for the summer. Live, laugh and enjoy the summer months. Check out the University of Louisville's web page periodically. School will be back in session before you know it. I hope that you have a healthy, happy and fun-filled summer. Remember no matter what Aim High and Dare to Be Great! Before you know it the middle schools years will have come and gone.

Dr. Diane Hatchett,HCMS
Assistant Principal

New Beginnings

2010-05-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the year again. The grass is growing, the flowers are blooming. Students are graduating. Graduation is a time to reflect on the lessons learned throughout your academic career. It is also an opportunity to move to the next level, to take off and to soar.

The sky is the limit. So, dream big and aim high! Let the wind take you to heights that you have only dreamed about. Believe in yourself and there is no stopping you. Never forget those who helped you along the way. Give credit where it is do and may good fortune be with you!

Sincerely,

Dr. Diane Y. Hatchett

Recent UofL/WKU graduate
May 8th and May 14th respectively, 2010

Twas the night before Christmas Cardinal's style

2009-12-16T06:39:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-21T12:30:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-12T18:43:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-22T12:11:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-09-11T14:49:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-03T20:32:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-31T18:49:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2009-08-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-08-16T13:20:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-08-11T15:14:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-06T11:09:00.000-07:00

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