
As part of our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, HCMS students had the opportunity to hear from a community panel and learn from the experiences, stories, and perspectives shared by our guests.
Our panel featured:
Ana Karen Ruiz
Erik Zamora
Jose Zamora
Miguel Gonzalez
Alex Mejia
Faviola Pena
Mariela Vazquez
With our awesome host, Marcos Rojo, guiding the discussion!
Students explored the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month, which celebrates the cultures, histories, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
It was a meaningful opportunity for students to learn, ask questions, and connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.


It's time to take a well-deserved break!
📅 October 8 - No School
📅 October 9 - No School
📅 October 10 - No School
📅 October 13 - No School
We hope our Tigers enjoy a safe, relaxing Fall Break filled with family, fun, and plenty of time to recharge.
We'll see everyone back at HCMS ready for an exciting rest of October! ❤️🖤


The Spartans are proud to recognize students and a teacher who exemplified our September character trait: Hope.
Hope means believing in what is possible, encouraging others, and helping those around us see a positive future. These outstanding Spartans have demonstrated that mindset through their actions, attitudes, and leadership.
👏 Student Honorees
D'Angelo Ocampo
Layla Brackett
Diego Lopez Navarrete
Robert Rangel
Lainey Helton
Ellie Chlebisch
Orianna Ocando Rios
Gael Rodriguez Casillas
Eimy Molina Gutierrez
Jovani Hurtado
Wilder Aguilar Gabriel
🍎 Teacher of the Month
Lucy Ruiz
Thank you for helping make HCMS a place where students support one another, believe in their potential, and look toward the future with confidence.
Keep leading the way, Spartans! ❤️🖤🐯








Today we celebrate Cheryl Weaver and Haley Powell for the support, encouragement, and expertise they provide to teachers and students every day.
Thank you for helping our school community continue to learn and grow!

Hadad has been recognized for Expecting Excellence by consistently doing his best and going above and beyond what is expected of him.
Whether in the classroom or throughout the school day, Hadad demonstrates the dedication, effort, and positive attitude that make a difference. His commitment to excellence serves as a great example for those around him.
Thank you for your hard work and for representing HCMS so well. We are proud to celebrate you, Hadad! ❤️🖤🐯

This month's character trait is Organization, and these outstanding students have set a great example in their Connections classes.
Being organized helps students succeed both in and out of the classroom. Organized students keep track of their materials, manage their time wisely, and come to class prepared and ready to learn each day.
🌟 6th Grade Honorees
Art: Allie Claire Coon
Band: Gracelyn Pierce
Broadcasting: Bryan Simon Hernandez
Careers: Lauren Wilkerson
Computer Science: Ethan Ball
Chorus: Leila Ramos
Drama: Hunter Fowler
Spanish (Guyer): Yadiel Garcia
German: Deacon Owens
P.E.: Jayce Mitchell-Dixon
🌟 7th Grade Honorees
Art: Daniela Leon
Band: Sarie Gil
Broadcasting: Annalia Galvan
Careers: Hugo Obando
Computer Science: Maliha Patel
Chorus: Fraymi Santos
P. E.: Gideon Barton
Drama: Keila Navarrete
German: Jazmin Gonzalez
Spanish (Guyer): Addilyn Hurtado
Thank you for demonstrating responsibility, preparedness, and a commitment to excellence. We are proud of each of you and the example you set for others!
👏 Join us in congratulating our September Connections Students of the Month!


Join us TODAY for Raising Resilient Families, a free family workshop offered through the Sharing is Caring Program.
Participants will learn about trauma, stress, resilience, and ways to strengthen communication and relationships with their children.
📅 Monday, October 5
⏰ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
📍 Hammond Creek Middle School
🗣️ Offered in English and Spanish
🎓 Participants will receive a 2-hour certificate
We hope you'll join us for this valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and build stronger family relationships.


A short road map this week, but there’s still plenty to cheer for before and during Fall Break!
🎮 Wednesday, Esports is up first at HCMS (Room 502) with Madden matches starting at 3:30 PM
👟 Saturday, our Cross Country runners are back in action as they head to Commerce for the Peach State Middle School Championship at East Jackson High School!
BOYS | 10:00 AM
GIRLS | 10:30 AM
Two different competitions. Two chances to cheer on the Cats!
Good luck to everyone competing this week, and enjoy Fall Break!
Go Cats! 🐾

Mark your calendars, Tigers!
📅 Friday, October 16, 2026
Students will take their school and yearbook photos during the school day with School Days Photography.
😁 Start planning those outfits and don't forget your best smile!
For additional details, visit our webpage:
🔗 https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/o/hcms/page/yearbook


Participants will learn about trauma, stress, resilience, and ways to strengthen communication and relationships with their children.
📅 Monday, October 5
⏰ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
📍 Hammond Creek Middle School
🗣️ Offered in English and Spanish
🎓 Participants will receive a 2-hour certificate
We hope you'll join us for this valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and build stronger family relationships.


Today, we celebrate the hardworking individuals who help keep HCMS clean, safe, and ready for learning every day.
Thank you for everything you do behind the scenes to support our students and staff. We appreciate you!

This month, we're reminding our Tigers that everyone has the power to make a difference.
Choose kindness. Include others. Support your peers. Speak up when someone needs help. Remember, your words have power.
Together, we can create a school where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.

Mrs. Lyttle’s 7th graders stepped into the courtroom and took their roles seriously! From presenting evidence to defending their arguments, students put their critical thinking and public speaking skills to the test as lawyers and judges.
Who had the strongest case? We'll let the jury decide. 👏📚




This month, we're celebrating our principal, Heather Lawson, and the many ways she helps make HCMS a special place to learn, grow, and succeed.
From supporting students and staff to leading with vision, care, and purpose, Mrs. Lawson consistently goes above and beyond for our school community. Her dedication, positivity, and commitment to excellence help create the welcoming and supportive culture that makes "The Creek" such a great place to be.
As our school theme reminds us to Be Legendary, we're thankful for a principal who leads by example every day.
Thank you, Mrs. Lawson, for all you do for HCMS and for the impact you make on our students, staff, and families.

Our Tigers continued to make reading a priority, and the numbers speak for themselves!
📖 1,665 checkouts this month 📚 3,947 total books checked out this school year
🌟 Top Reader: Harper
🏆 Top Homeroom: Mrs. Flowers' Homeroom
📕 Most Popular Book: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck
❤️ Mrs. Anderson's Favorite Book: Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
Thank you to all of our students who continue to visit the Media Center, explore new books, and make reading part of their daily lives. We can't wait to see what October brings!

As we wrap up August and September, we'd like to recognize the outstanding teachers and students who have been selected as our Legendary Spotlights.
🏆 Teacher Spotlights
• Cassy Hile
• Shena Flowers
⭐ Student Spotlights
• Valerie Maldonado
• Jimmy Knotts
These individuals were recognized for their leadership, character, dedication, and positive impact on our school community. Whether supporting students, inspiring classmates, demonstrating creativity, showing perseverance, or leading by example, each one helps make Hammond Creek a truly special place.
Thank you for helping us celebrate the incredible people who make our school community stronger every day and show us what it means to Be Legendary. 💙🐯
Please note that not all spotlight recipients are pictured. Some recipients have requested that their photos not be shared publicly, and we are happy to honor those wishes.




The Book Fair raffle has officially wrapped up, and our lucky winners are...
🥁🥁🥁
🏆 Annalia Galvan
🏆 Avery Luffman
These Tigers walked away with some awesome prizes, and we couldn't be more excited for them!
Thank you to everyone who participated, visited the Book Fair, supported reading, and helped make this year's event such a success. The excitement around books was incredible, and we loved seeing so many students discover new favorites.
Help us congratulate Annalia and Avery on their big win! 🎊📖🐯
Capture the memories, friendships, events, and milestones that make this school year special.
✅ Yearbooks are currently $30
✅ Price increases to $40 on March 1, 2027
✅ Order by April 9, 2027 to attend the Yearbook Party
Yearbooks may be purchased online, with cash, or by check payable to HCMS. Order forms are available in the Media Center.
For complete ordering information and online ordering, visit our Yearbook webpage:
🔗 https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/o/hcms/page/yearbook
Questions? Contact Mrs. Faw or Mrs. Barmore.


There is a LOT happening at Hammond Creek Middle School this October! Be sure to mark your calendars and join us for a month full of celebrations, learning, family events, and Tiger Pride.
📅 October 5 | 10:00 AM
💙 Raising Resilient Families
📅 October 8-13
🍂 Fall Break (Student Holiday)
📅 October 16
📸 Picture Day
📅 October 21
🧡 Unity Day
⏰ Early Release Day
📅 October 22 | 6:00 PM
🎶 Chorus Concert
📅 October 23
📖 Carmen Deedy Visit (7th Grade)
📅 October 26-31
🚫 Red Ribbon Week
(Dress-up days coming soon!)
📅 October 27
🌎 Social Studies & Culture Night
📅 October 30
🎃 Halloween Extravaganza
It's going to be a busy and exciting month for our Tigers! Keep an eye on our social media pages and website for reminders, updates, and event details throughout October.

Participants will learn about trauma, stress, resilience, and ways to strengthen communication and relationships with their children.
📅 Monday, October 5
⏰ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
📍 Hammond Creek Middle School
🗣️ Offered in English and Spanish
🎓 Participants will receive a 2-hour certificate
We hope you'll join us for this valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and build stronger family relationships.

