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A Look Back

By Ms. Jessica Koedam

It’s December already, and the Holidays are upon us. What a busy year it has been for us here in middle school!

Already this year, these students have had their first big junior high dance of the year, designed and ordered their very own Hinton Middle School t-shirts, taken the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills, and  worked hard toward developing a sense of TEAM during their 6^th period DEAR time.

On top of all that, they have really learned a lot, too! One exciting assignment the seventh graders have completed is their “My Life in 25 Years” assignment. The kids looked deep within themselves to come up with a narrative about what their lives will be like when they are 37 or 38 years old. They discussed their future academic plans, career plans, travel plans, even future spouses, and family plans! What exciting lives lie ahead for these kids!

While the seventh graders have been refining their reading and writing skills, the eighth grade Language Arts students have been spending their time reading and reflecting on many kinds of literature. The stories we have read range from the popular hunting story entitled “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell, to the classic science fiction story “Flowers for Algernon” by Daniel Keys. Finally, after all that reading, the eighth graders got a chance to be authors of their own through the Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop.

In addition to all these scholastic achievements the

National Honor Society Induction Banquet

By Mr. Daniel L. Hudek

The Hilltop Chapter of the National Honor Society held their annual banquet and induction ceremony on November 14, 2006. The ceremony is one of solemnity recognizing students who meet the high standards of the organization. Induction into the society is based upon four criteria: service, leadership, character, and scholarship.

The induction ceremony was preceded by a banquet where one hundred people were served. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Mr. John Daniels made a presentation. It concluded a very special evening where students were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments.

The Hilltop Chapter of the National Honor Society is made up of the following members: Sara Baldwin, Katie Coffin, Cheree Coffman, Stephanie Dittmer, Alyssa Grigsby, Ryan Held, Kerri Klemmensen, Jessica Ream, Brecca Schindel, Jeremy Schindler, Jana Sitzmann, Joel Vondrak, and Rebekah Youtzy. The Society welcomed a special group of new inductees that included the following: Shelby Birocci, Marcus Edgington, Michael Edgington, Brittany Kroeger, Ben Nashleanas, Andrew Quandt, Amethyst Richards, Kaitlin Rodgers, Zachary Schoenrock, Samantha Thiele, and Cory Westphal.

middle school language arts students have been working on this year; one of the most rewarding things has been the Accelerated Reader program. This program allows students to earn points for reading books of their choice. Many of the students have gone above and beyond the requirements; some of them have even been challenging each other to point races!

Time has really flown by! It is a terrific feeling to look back on the many things we have done so far this year, and to think, it is less than half over! What a great year it is going to be!

Middle School/High School Concert

By Mrs. Minda Thompson

The middle school/high school Christmas concert will be held on Thursday, December 14 at 7:00 PM.. Groups that will be participating are the following:  Sixth Grade Chorus, Sixth Grade Band, JH Chorus, JH Band, HS Chorus, and HS Band. The annual Christmas cookie sale will be held to benefit the vocal music department. This concert is free to the public. Please make plans to attend!