HCS December Calendar
December 2: HCS Board Meeting
December 17: Second Harvest Distribution
December 19: Abbreviated Day 11:30 Dismissal
December 22-January 2: Winter Break (Teachers return 1/5/26, Students return 1/6/26)
December 2: HCS Board Meeting
December 17: Second Harvest Distribution
December 19: Abbreviated Day 11:30 Dismissal
December 22-January 2: Winter Break (Teachers return 1/5/26, Students return 1/6/26)

Congratulations to Hawkins Elementary School for being named a Reward School by the Tennessee Department of Education!
Each year, schools and districts receive designations based on key indicators of student success. These measures include how well students perform academically, how much they improve from year to year, student attendance, high school graduation rates and college/career readiness, and how effectively English learners make progress in language development. Together, these indicators provide a comprehensive picture of how well schools are meeting the needs of all learners.
Each year, schools and districts receive designations based on key indicators of student success. These measures include how well students perform academically, how much they improve from year to year, student attendance, high school graduation rates and college/career readiness, and how effectively English learners make progress in language development. Together, these indicators provide a comprehensive picture of how well schools are meeting the needs of all learners.

Congratulations to Cherokee High School for being named a Reward School by the Tennessee Department of Education!
Each year, schools and districts receive designations based on key indicators of student success. These measures include how well students perform academically, how much they improve from year to year, student attendance, high school graduation rates and college/career readiness, and how effectively English learners make progress in language development. Together, these indicators provide a comprehensive picture of how well schools are meeting the needs of all learners.
Each year, schools and districts receive designations based on key indicators of student success. These measures include how well students perform academically, how much they improve from year to year, student attendance, high school graduation rates and college/career readiness, and how effectively English learners make progress in language development. Together, these indicators provide a comprehensive picture of how well schools are meeting the needs of all learners.

Congratulations to Mt. Carmel Elementary School for being named a Reward School by the Tennessee Department of Education!
Each year, schools and districts receive designations based on key indicators of student success. These measures include how well students perform academically, how much they improve from year to year, student attendance, high school graduation rates and college/career readiness, and how effectively English learners make progress in language development. Together, these indicators provide a comprehensive picture of how well schools are meeting the needs of all learners.
Each year, schools and districts receive designations based on key indicators of student success. These measures include how well students perform academically, how much they improve from year to year, student attendance, high school graduation rates and college/career readiness, and how effectively English learners make progress in language development. Together, these indicators provide a comprehensive picture of how well schools are meeting the needs of all learners.

Surgoinsville Parents,
The school system has been advised that Surgoinsville Police Department officers will issue tickets for illegal passing because of after school traffic. Passing cars have created safety concerns for oncoming traffic. You can assist by doing the following:
Please do not arrive at school prior to the end of school or until the campuses are open for cars to line up.
Please do not pass stopped traffic on the roadway in front of the schools.
Sincerely,
School Administration
The school system has been advised that Surgoinsville Police Department officers will issue tickets for illegal passing because of after school traffic. Passing cars have created safety concerns for oncoming traffic. You can assist by doing the following:
Please do not arrive at school prior to the end of school or until the campuses are open for cars to line up.
Please do not pass stopped traffic on the roadway in front of the schools.
Sincerely,
School Administration

It’s Giving Tuesday! This day was established in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y and United Nations Foundation. Their goal was to create a day of giving and volunteering. One way you can help is visiting the HCS DonorsChoose page. Today, donations will be 1.5X. We currently have 5 projects:
Laura Bright – CHMS
Benjamin Mahan – Bulls Gap
Bethany Musslewhite – Bulls Gap
Josh Peterson (2) – VHS
https://www.donorschoose.org/hawkinscountyschools?active=true
If you cannot give, share it with friends and family.
Laura Bright – CHMS
Benjamin Mahan – Bulls Gap
Bethany Musslewhite – Bulls Gap
Josh Peterson (2) – VHS
https://www.donorschoose.org/hawkinscountyschools?active=true
If you cannot give, share it with friends and family.

Wow! Time flies! We've already completed half of the school year with 90 days! Congratulations to students who have missed fewer than 4 days – that’s less than 5% of the school year! You're setting yourself up for success! Positive attendance builds strong academic foundations, boosts confidence, and develops valuable habits that will benefit you throughout life.

Join the Mission: Become a GEAR UP Site Coordinator!
Do you have a passion for mentoring students and guiding them toward college and career success? The GEAR UP Partnership is hiring a Site Coordinator in Hawkins County to coordinate tutoring, college visits, workshops, and family involvement. Help us empower our students to achieve their highest potential!
Apply today! https://jobs.etsu.edu/postings/32696
Do you have a passion for mentoring students and guiding them toward college and career success? The GEAR UP Partnership is hiring a Site Coordinator in Hawkins County to coordinate tutoring, college visits, workshops, and family involvement. Help us empower our students to achieve their highest potential!
Apply today! https://jobs.etsu.edu/postings/32696

Congratulations to Church Hill Elementary staff on achieving the Best Staff Attendance Average in the district for October! Your commitment is outstanding. CHES was treated to a decadent Coffee/Tea and Dessert Bar. This appreciation reward was proudly supported by the Utrust Employee Appreciation Program. Well done, CHES!


Second Harvest Food Distribution Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Cherokee High School in the football field parking lot from 10:00am to 10:45am. These will be on a first come / first serve basis. There will be no distribution at Volunteer. No preregistration necessary.

Today we're giving a huge shout-out to our very own superintendent, Matt Hixson! He's a true superhero for our schools, leading with dedication and a clear vision for our students' futures. We're so grateful for his incredible leadership! #HCS #SuperheroSuperintendent

Digital Safety Alert: Know the Deepfake Risks
We want to make our community aware of a growing national concern: AI-generated "deepfake" media.
Deepfakes use artificial intelligence to create false, but highly realistic, videos or audio clips that can wrongly appear to show staff members or students saying inappropriate things.
While HCS has NOT experienced an incident, we need your partnership:
If you see a clip of a staff member or student acting out of character, please PAUSE before sharing it. Instead, contact the district office directly so we can verify its authenticity.
Creating deepfakes violates policy and can lead to disciplinary and legal consequences. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and honest environment!
#HCSignite
We want to make our community aware of a growing national concern: AI-generated "deepfake" media.
Deepfakes use artificial intelligence to create false, but highly realistic, videos or audio clips that can wrongly appear to show staff members or students saying inappropriate things.
While HCS has NOT experienced an incident, we need your partnership:
If you see a clip of a staff member or student acting out of character, please PAUSE before sharing it. Instead, contact the district office directly so we can verify its authenticity.
Creating deepfakes violates policy and can lead to disciplinary and legal consequences. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and honest environment!
#HCSignite

Hawkins County Schools would like to thank all the men and women who have served in the US Military on this Veteran's Day. #thankyou #HCSignite

Hawkins County Schools will open and operate as normal following the two hour delay this morning. Buses will operate on clear roads. Bus delivery may be delayed in some areas.
HCS Delay Alert: Due to freezing temps and precipitation overnight, Hawkins County Schools will operate on a two hour delay, Tuesday, November 11, 2025. The weather will be evaluated early Tuesday to determine if further changes are required. Please watch for any additional updates.

Our Hawkins County PE teachers spent Tuesday receiving specialized instruction in Pickleball from local Pro Coach, Ben Farne! They practiced everything from scoring and serving to doubles play, and they are now ready to bring the fastest-growing sport in America back to our students.
With courts available in Church Hill, Mt. Carmel, and Rogersville, we look forward to offering more exciting pickleball instruction!
A big thanks to Rogersville City Parks and Recreation for the use of their courts! #HCSignite #PickleballLife
With courts available in Church Hill, Mt. Carmel, and Rogersville, we look forward to offering more exciting pickleball instruction!
A big thanks to Rogersville City Parks and Recreation for the use of their courts! #HCSignite #PickleballLife

Due to freezing temps and precipitation overnight, Hawkins County Schools will operate on a two hour delay, Monday, November 10. The weather will be evaluated early Monday to date if additional changes are required. Please watch for any additional updates.

Investing in excellence! Our elementary teachers spent the day collaborating during their in-service session, focusing specifically on supporting our students in grades 3 through 5. This crucial time allows them to fine-tune instruction and share new strategies for learning and growth. Thank you, teachers, for your dedication! 👏 #HCSignite

💛 Shout-Out to Our Amazing Kindergarten Team! 💛
A huge thank you to Surgoinsville Elementary Kindergarten teachers Nikki Miller, Alli Bridgeman, Jennifer Cassell, and Rhonda Hill for the incredible work they’re doing with our 59 kindergarten students!
This team has built such strong relationships with their students and families, creating a real connection between home and school. They have faced challenges but continue to stay positive, and give their all every single day.
Their dedication and teamwork are making a real difference and it shows in the growth and smiles of their students!
We are so proud of you and grateful for everything you do for our kids! 💕
A huge thank you to Surgoinsville Elementary Kindergarten teachers Nikki Miller, Alli Bridgeman, Jennifer Cassell, and Rhonda Hill for the incredible work they’re doing with our 59 kindergarten students!
This team has built such strong relationships with their students and families, creating a real connection between home and school. They have faced challenges but continue to stay positive, and give their all every single day.
Their dedication and teamwork are making a real difference and it shows in the growth and smiles of their students!
We are so proud of you and grateful for everything you do for our kids! 💕

🌟 Shout-Out to the RMS Science Department! 🌟
Dr. Krista Mann would like to recognize the RMS Science Department Monica Hurd, Mischa Fairchild, Autumn Deal, Amber Davis, Kelsie Hale, Derek Kestner, Sherry Espinosa for their continued excellence in the PLC process!
A special shout-out to Monica Hurd, who does an outstanding job leading discussions around learning targets and developing CFAs. The entire department models what true collaboration looks like, working together to strengthen instruction and support student success.
We’re so proud of your teamwork, dedication, and commitment to continuous growth!
Dr. Krista Mann would like to recognize the RMS Science Department Monica Hurd, Mischa Fairchild, Autumn Deal, Amber Davis, Kelsie Hale, Derek Kestner, Sherry Espinosa for their continued excellence in the PLC process!
A special shout-out to Monica Hurd, who does an outstanding job leading discussions around learning targets and developing CFAs. The entire department models what true collaboration looks like, working together to strengthen instruction and support student success.
We’re so proud of your teamwork, dedication, and commitment to continuous growth!

