RAZORBACK EXPRESS
A weekly newsletter brought to you by James Hogg Middle School
Vol. 5, Issue 13
Friday, November 8, 2019
  We are an IB World School in the heart of the Heights.
  • Black History Month Planning Mtg: Mon. 11/11, 6:30pm @2ndCup
  • STEAM Night: Thurs. 11/14, 6-8pm
  • Parent PTA Education Night: Tues. 11/19, 6-7:30pm
  • Hogg Spirit Night: Thurs. 11/21, 4-9pm @MelangeCreperie
Staff of the Week: Mr. Williford!
Mr. Andrew Williford, 6 th grade World Cultures and Texas History teacher at Hogg Middle School, is our Staff of the Week because he exhibits the IB Learner Trait of COMMUNICATOR! Mr. Williford believes he was chosen as COMMUNICATOR because he really wants people to understand what he is saying, so he tries to put into words people will understand.
Mr. Williford studied architecture at Texas Tech; however, he switched to teaching instead. When asked what inspires him, Mr. Williford replied, “I like kids, and I like trying to show them what the world is like.” He has 2 labs as pets, Finney and Major.
During his spare time, Mr. Williford likes to draw, read, and play video games. His advice to fellow colleagues is for them to be willing to listen to what people have to say. One secret that he shares with us is that it took him 10 years to finally graduate from college.

Mr. Williford (Communicator)- I just had a conversation with a parent that raved about how much he went the extra mile to reach out to her about her student and was extremely professional.

Interview and photograph by Victoria Ramazzini
Student of the Week: Gabriel Martinez!
Gabriel Martinez, 6 th grade student at Hogg Middle School, is our Student of the Week because he exhibits the IB Learner Trait of THINKER! Gabriel loves to play sports with his dad, help out with chores and play with his dog. 
He believes he was chosen as THINKER because he likes to find different ways to solve a problem or over think one. He is involved in football outside of school and is part of the Uno Advo Club at Hogg. Gabriel’s favorite class at Hogg is Karate because it is a welcome break from his other classes. He likes to learn new Karate moves and really likes his coach.
Gabriel’s future plans include attending University of Houston and pursuing a medical degree. In his spare time, he likes to play board games and football. He is proud to say he has received a 1 st place medal in basketball and he has also medaled in robotics competitions. 

His role model is Ms. Chance! He states that she is always there to encourage students. A piece of advice he would give a fellow peer is to be more helpful and encourage others. 

Gabriel Martinez (Thinker)- Exhibits critical thinking skills in his classes, and thinks before he acts. What a model student!

Interview by Valerie Pedraza, Photograph by Milo Greene
Jenna Garcia and Jose Herrera Lend a Helping Hand
This morning a milk truck lost three crates of milk on Pineridge Road outside of Hogg. Jenna and Jose quickly helped a Hogg neighbor/homeowner pick up all the milk cartons. Jenna and Jose displayed the IB traits of: Principled, Caring, Risk-taker, Thinker, Communicator, and Open-minded!

Way to go Jenna and Jose!
Shine a  Spotlight   on Good Deeds
Student and Staff Nominations Open to all Hogg Students, Teachers, and Families.

Have you seen a Hogg Student, Faculty or Staff member doing something that deserves recognition? Please complete the following form and submit a nominee for Student and/or Staff of the Week.

8th Grade Communication
8th Grade Parents,

Stay updated with the 8 th grade announcements. Join our new REMIND group.

Please email Ms. Segovia for the class code: vsegovia@houstonisd.org
Library Happenings
Eoin Colfer will talk to 5th & 6th Graders About All Things Fowl! November 11th in the Hogg Auditorium

Eoin, (Irish for Owen), Colfer's latest book The Fowl Twins is a spin-off from his Artemis Fowl series. The Artemis Fowl series is a James Bond meets Grimm fairy tale. They are full of action, adventure, trolls, and fairies! So get ready for the movie Artemis Fowl, which is coming out in May, by purchasing the graphic or chapter book above. Or you can also purchase his new book, The Fowl Twins! You do not need to read the Artemis Fowl series to read The Fowl Twins. This event that has been made possible through Blue Willow Bookshop.

Important!
Sixth graders who would like a book to be autographed can do so by clicking here. https://www.bluewillowbookshop.com/school-visits-eoin-colfer  If you used the link from last week’s Razorback Express to purchase a book – email Ms. Chance so we can ensure that it gets delivered to your child.  If you are a 7 th or 8 th grader wishing to attend, purchase the book and let Ms. Chance know so she can send you an invitation!
Travel Club Notice
Attention all 6 th grade parents, the last day for the early-enrollment window for the 2021 summer trip to New York City and Washington DC is Sunday, November 10 th, 2019 at midnight. If you’d like to lock in the lowest monthly payment plan possible, be sure to enroll now!
 
If you would like further information about the trip or have any questions, please contact Mr. Calvin Mark at cmark@houstonisd.org
Student Council
Does your student have a strong desire to be involved at school and help make Hogg a better place? Maybe your student wants "a seat at the table" so student voices can be heard. If so, have them apply for Hogg's Student Council! Encourage your student to apply. Applications require parent signature and two teacher endorsements.

Applications are due Friday, November 15th.
(Applications are available in the library and front desk.)

Students will be notified if they have been approved to run for Student Council and Campaign Season Begins: Friday, November 22nd

Campaign posters and morning announcement stump speeches: December 2-13

Early Elections: Monday, December 16th

Election Day: Tuesday, December 17th
Debate Club Needs Speakers

Hey Hogg Parents and Community Members!

We need guest speakers for our Hogg Debate Classes. We have 1 UIL Debate Advocacy class and 1 Non-competitive UIL Debate Advocacy class. If you have any Debate experience, we would love to have you! Please send this to anyone you might know!

If interested, please contact Mary Chance mchance@houstonisd.org.
PTA News
Still Have School Supplies?

We want your supplies!! Do you have school supplies that your student has not brought into the school yet? Please bring them to the school next week and place them in the grade level offices. There is a box in each grade level for your school supplies. Thank you!
Auction Sign Up Parties

Your Hogg PTA has some fun parties coming up!

Check these out and sign up to:
  • have a night out
  • meet new friends,
  • and raise some money for the school.  

Crafting with Ms. Reynolds and Ms. Guillory after school on November 15. All students welcome to decorate cupcakes, make jewelry, journal with art, and craft with Hogg's resident DIY-ers. Snacks and supplies provided. https://www.hoggpta.org/auction-store/crafting-reynolds

Dance Fitness Party on November 15. Learn a choreographed dance in a fun and low key environment with wine, cocktails, apps and friends. This is fun for all adults regardless of ability. https://www.hoggpta.org/auction-store/dance-fitness
Black History Month Planning Committee
The Hogg PTA is gearing up for an amazing Black History Month celebration on February 11, 2020 and we need your help!

Our first planning meeting will take place on November 11th at 6:30pm at 2 nd Cup.

Can’t make it? Reach out to programs@hoggpta.org for more information.
School Choice Fair at Heights High School
Heights High School Musical: Mamma Mia!
The Heights High School Theater Department would like for the community to join them for the ultimate feel-good musical: Mamma Mia! ABBA’s timeless hits tell a hilarious tale of love, laughter, and friendship. The performances are Thursday, November 14 and Friday, November 15 at 7:00pm, and Saturday, November 16 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm. Students tickets are $10 and adults are $18 – pay by cash or check at the door or online at  http://heightstheatre.ludus.com/. Bring the whole family!
Deadline to request GT testing is December 7 th
Dear Parents and Students,
 
If you are interested in (GT) Testing. Please refer to the following information below. If you are already labeled GT, you do not need to be tested again.
 
GT Testing Check List:
  • Turn in K-12 Gifted and Talented Programs Application to Ms. Mulready (paper copy). If you apply online please let Ms. Mulready know via email. 
  • Teacher recommendation completed by teacher in Chancery if a HISD student (student will choose a core teacher)
  • Turn in last school year (2018-2019) final Report Card to Ms. Mulready
  • Fill out the Hogg online G/T Registration Form: https://forms.gle/UHvreqBf2ybghTAc8  (This form is separate from the HISD Neighborhood application).
 
GT Testing
GT identification requires students to take a Nationally Normed Standardized Achievement test and a Cognitive Abilities test, all testing dates and times are broken down below. The dates and times listed are the only time we will offer test administration for GT identification for the 2019-2020 school year. There will not be make-up examsDeadline to request GT testing is December 7 th – No Exceptions
Estimados Padres y Alumnos,
 
Si está interesado en las pruebas (GT). Consulte la siguiente información a continuación. Si ya está etiquetado como GT, no es necesario que vuelva a realizar la prueba.

Lista de verificación de pruebas GT:
  • Entregue la Solicitud de Programas para Dotados y Talentosos K-12 a la Sra. Mulready (copia en papel). Si realiza la solicitud en línea, infórmele a la Sra. Mulready por correo electrónico.
  • Recomendación del maestro completada por el maestro en Chancery si es un estudiante de HISD (el estudiante elegirá un maestro principal)
  • Entregue el último boletín de calificaciones del último año escolar (2018-2019) a la Sra. Mulready
  • Complete el Formulario de registro G / T en línea de Hogg: https://forms.gle/UHvreqBf2ybghTAc8 (Este formulario es independiente de la solicitud de HISD Neighborhood).
 
Prueba de GT
La identificación GT requiere que los estudiantes tomen una Prueba de Rendimiento Estandarizado a Nivel Nacional y una Prueba de Habilidades Cognitivas , todas las fechas y horarios de las pruebas se desglosan a continuación. Las fechas y horas enumeradas son la única vez que ofreceremos la administración de pruebas para la identificación de GT para el año escolar 2019-2020. No habrá exámenes de maquillaje . La fecha límite para solicitar la prueba GT es el 7 de Diciembre: sin excepciones!
For questions: mmulread@houstonisd.org or 713-802-4700.
Click on the forms below to access them online.
Forms are also available at the Reception desk.

Para preguntas: mmulread@houstonisd.org o 713-802-4700.
Haga clic en los formularios a continuación para acceder a ellos en línea.
Los formularios también están disponibles en la recepción.

Listen, Learn and Give Your Input
HISD Community Meetings: Board Goals
The focus of these meetings will be to better understand the educational expectations of parents, students, and stakeholders. To learn more about HISD School Board: https://www.houstonisd.org/board.

All community members are invited to attend and share their thoughts on the student outcomes they believe to be most important.

Tuesday, November 12
6:30 – 8 p.m., Wisdom High School, 6529 Beverly Hill St., Houston 77057

Wednesday, November 13
9:30 – 11 a.m. , Westside High School, 14201 Briar Forest Dr., Houston 77077

Tuesday, November 19 
9:30 – 11 a.m. , Milby High School, 1601 Broadway St., Houston 77012
Calling all LVNs
Would you like to work on your student’s campus right here at Hogg MS?

Do you have a current LVN license in the state of TX?

The Memorial Hermann Health Center located right here on our campus is in need of a full-time LVN. Hours are 7:30-4. Medical and retirement benefits offered. If you are interested, please call or email Colleen Kimball, the Nurse Practitioner for the clinic. She would love to meet you. Thank you for considering!
Did you miss a previous issue of the Razorback Express? No problem!
Just visit the Hogg Website by clicking the link below.
James Hogg Middle School | ph: (713) 802-4700 | fax: (713) 802-4708 | jameshoggms@houstonisd.org