Hamilton-Holmes Middle School

Right before Winter break, Mr. Broaddus’s Career Investigations classes were visited by King William County Deputy Gifford. Deputy Gifford shared the pathway to becoming a police officer and discussed earning his three bachelor’s degrees. He also showcased the new technology that police officers use in the field. Deputy Gifford’s presentation helped give students a positive outlook on their future, whether they choose to attend college or pursue a trade.

Twas the week before winter break and all through Hamilton Holmes here, we have had wondrous, whimsical writing appear! Congratulations to the student and faculty winners and honorable mentions of the HHMS Holiday Mystery Writing Contest. During recent library visits, students and staff were able to observe a holiday mystery scene and write an original creative mystery inspired by the clues. Way to go, Viking Writers!

6th Grade Winners:
Jeremiah Bittler
Sofia Morales- Portillo
Madison Pitts

6th Grade Honorable Mentions:
Elyse Anderson
McKenzie Collie
Londyn Dandridge
Luke Fitzgerald
Jeremiah Fleming
Isaiah Gregg
Cooper Jacobs
Eastyn Puckett
Alexander Roman

7th Grade Winners:
Greta Bowden
Adalyn “Reyna” Lewis

7th Grade Honorable Mentions:
Mariah Bass
Luke Eheart
Kierlyn Hooper
IsaBella Humphrey
Tessa Muntean
Elly Warren
Charlotte Whitlock

8th Grade Winners:
Alana Clark
Dasha Ryndina

8th Grade Honorable Mentions:
Myah Bell
Arabella Byfield
Hailey Coffee
Rylan Esposito
Lilith Gregg
Kaylee Longest
Alyssa Medlin
Kyleigh Morgan
Lynn Whitehead
Mady Whittaker

Faculty Winner:
Sara Bliley

Faculty Honorable Mentions:
Amy Ambrose
Kaleiya Gresham

Collaboration and learning took flight today! Mrs. Gregory partnered with Ms. Magee, a fellow science teacher who also leads the school's gifted program, for a scientific method lesson—designing, testing, and improving paper airplanes while measuring flight distance. Thank you to our teachers for creating meaningful learning opportunities and to our students for rising to the challenge and having fun while learning.

Ready, set, GRINCH! 🎄✨ On our last day before winter break, HHMS PE students played “The Grinch” — a festive game that challenged leg muscular strength, muscular endurance, and cardio, all while big smiles and team spirit stole the show. 😄💪🏃‍♀️

TILT (Teens Interacting and Learning Together) have been busy this month! Pictures include game day - Wednesday is game day where students can interact and practice various social skills, our 4th annual gingerbread house contest - students use their teamwork and communication skills to create a gingerbread scene and staff votes to determine the winner, and our TILT dinner at Roma in King William - building connections beyond the classroom where authentic friendships are celebrated and students can just enjoy spending time together. HHMS is thankful for our students for building inclusive friendships and to the staff sponsors for their ongoing commitment to belonging and community.

Mrs. Gregory's Transitions class went on a community-based instructional trip to purchase gifts for their families at Dollar Tree and then went to McDonald's for lunch! They practiced using the dollar up method in a real-world setting and also got to practice shopping, using manners, listening, working as a team, patience, personal space, communication, budgeting, and making and using lists. Students and staff had a fantastic time and are looking forward to wrapping all the gifts next week!

🎉 Shoutout to our Quarter 2 fitness champions! 🎉
We’re so proud of the students who recorded the top fitness scores this quarter — your dedication, grit, and teamwork set a great example for everyone.

Which Spirit Days will you rock? 🎄✨

Spirit Week Schedule:
• 12/15 — Flannel Day
• 12/16 — Christmas Sock Day
• 12/17 — Santa vs. Grinch Day
• 12/18 — PJ Day (pajamas are allowed only this day)
• 12/19 — All Out Christmas Day

Please remember the school dress code must be followed. Exceptions: pajamas are allowed on Thursday only. Flannel pajama pants may NOT be worn on Monday. No hats, onesies, or slippers are allowed on any day. We encourage participation—let’s celebrate while keeping instruction on track! Which day are you planning for? 🎅🤶🎁

Hands + candy + curiosity = DNA discovery! 🧬🍭
Our students crafted double-helix models from marshmallows, Twizzlers, and toothpicks to explore DNA’s structure and how genetic code passes from parent to offspring. The models made an abstract idea totally tangible — and super sweet! 😄

Hands + candy + curiosity = DNA discovery! 🧬🍭
Our students crafted double-helix models from marshmallows, Twizzlers, and toothpicks to explore DNA’s structure and how genetic code passes from parent to offspring. The models made an abstract idea totally tangible — and super sweet! 😄

Greetings! The current weather forecast for Friday morning continues to predict snowfall with up to several inches of accumulation by 8:00 AM, which is likely to create hazardous road conditions for the morning commute. As a result, and with safety in mind, all KWCPS schools and offices will be closed for in-person learning on Friday, December 5. Students will have an asynchronous Flex/Remote Learning day at home. Maintenance/custodial staff will be contacted by their supervisor regarding work hours, if needed. We will continue to monitor weather, road, and facility conditions throughout the day and provide additional updates to families and staff as needed. Have a safe weekend ahead!

Which Spirit Days will you rock? 🎄✨

Spirit Week Schedule:
• 12/15 — Flannel Day
• 12/16 — Christmas Sock Day
• 12/17 — Santa vs. Grinch Day
• 12/18 — PJ Day (pajamas are allowed only this day)
• 12/19 — All Out Christmas Day

Please remember the school dress code must be followed. Exceptions: pajamas are allowed on Thursday only. Flannel pajama pants may NOT be worn on Monday. No hats, onesies, or slippers are allowed on any day. We encourage participation—let’s celebrate while keeping instruction on track! Which day are you planning for? 🎅🤶🎁

On Tuesday, Nov 25th, our HHMS Unified Basketball and cheering teams, comprised of our TILT club students, traveled to KWHS to play their first game of the season. Although we lost by 2 points, the students did an amazing job! True teamwork and sportsmanship were on display, and they represented HHMS so well! Congrats to the Cavaliers on their win, and looking forward to the next game on Dec 5th at HHMS!

Want to make someone’s holiday sweeter? 🎄🍭 HHMS SCA is selling Christmas Candy Grams from 12/8–12/18! Choose a large candy cane ($2 — Peppermint or Skittles) or a small candy cane ($1 — Dr Pepper or Peppermint). Candy Grams will be distributed during WIN on 12/18 & 12/19. Pay with cash or on MPP — pick up a form in the HHMS office.❤️

Ready to train like a Cavalier? 🔥👑
All female athletes — join Cavalier Training Club starting 12/2! Tuesdays • Room 511 • 3:30–4:30 pm. Make sure you have a VHSL physical dated after 5/1/25. Sign up on Band: bit.ly/KWCTC 📲See Coach McGuckin or Welshonce with questions.

🎉✨Congratulations to our November Teacher of the Month, Ms. Alvis, and our Staff of the Month, Mrs. Canada! 🎉✨

Students who nominated Ms. Alvis said: "She makes a bad day a good day", " she is my favorite. She helps me when I don't understand something", "She always is in a good mood, and it's fun to be around her.", and "she is a sweet and kind-hearted person."!

Students who nominated Mrs. Canada said: "She is so amazing to the point where it is indescribable, but I KNOW that she really deserves it", "because she is never mean and you can always talk to her, and she never judges and she can always make you laugh", "She is amazing, relatable, the best person to talk to, and funny", and "She is so nice and always keeps the cafeteria in order during lunch."

Thank you for all that you both do to support our students! 👏👏

Ready to hit the field this winter? ❄️⚾️ Off-season practice kicks off 12/2 at the KWHS Softball Field — Tuesdays, 4:30–5:15 PM. Don’t forget: you need a VHSL physical dated after 5/1/25 to participate. Save the date, bring the hustle, and tag your squad! 💪📅✨

November 21st is Substitute Educator's Day! Let's give a big shout-out to the educators who keep classrooms running when regular teachers are away! 🎉 These substitutes step in, adapt, and keep learning moving every single day.