
HMS News
a year ago
Thank You HMS PTO for the Awesome Donation.
Thank you to Shahanna Fredrick, PTO President 2019-2020 & Heather Martin, PTO President 2020-2021 for making our main entrance and front desk beam with Topper Pride. We love our PTO for making HMS the place to be!!!!!!!
Mary Ruth Wright, Principal
Zane Thomas, Assistant Principal




A Big Topper Thank you.
Thank you Desiree Abrams from DD's Closet for the donation of 250 face shields for Houston School District teachers. HMS teachers were over the moon excited to get these comfortable face shields!!!!!


HMS Teachers Wear Many Hats
HMS teachers preparing for the return of our students.

Thank you for Coming out for Curbside Pickup. We can't wait to have you back at school!!!!!
2020-2021 HMS curbside Student schedule pickup
For upcoming 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students
JULY 21, 2020 FROM 10:00 A.M. UNTIL 6:00 P.M. AT HMS
During this time, parents may drive through the car rider line and pick up a class schedule, school reopening procedures, and free masks for HMS students that have completed online registration. If you do not have access to online registration, you will be able to complete a form and then receive your HMS student schedule and mask at that time.
**All HSD schools will have Curbside Schedule Pickup on this day and time at their respective schools.**

2019-2020
HMS Celebrates Graduation Awareness Month
Houston Middle School would like to thank all involved in helping us celebrate Graduation Awareness Month this February!

The Career Expo
(If the link will not work, please search “Houston Middle School Career Expo WCBI News” on YouTube to view the news clip.)
Houston Middle School’s eighth graders researched careers, created displays and dressed the part for the third annual career expo, with elementary students touring during this three-hour event.

Anthony Bowdry of Toyota spoke to 8th graders.

Coco Chandler of State Farm Insurance spoke to 6th graders.
Guest Speakers:
6th Grade – Coco Chandler of State Farm Insurance in Houston encouraged students to work hard, use their talents to serve others and find their place to shine, whether that be in the workforce or college.
7th Grade - Gina Black, Tupelo CDF, informed students about the student Tek2Go camps, which are free and available to interested middle school students. These hands-on camps are designed to introduce students to the world of advanced manufacturing and learn skills, such as welding, painting and using different machines, that are highly valuable in today’s workforce and available close to home!
8th Grade - Anthony Bowdry, Toyota Training and Development, who grew up in Shannon, Miss., shared his personal story, emphasizing to students the decisions they make today can positively or negatively impact their future tomorrow. He also spoke to high school CTE students and shared with them how the skills they are learning at CTE are preparing them for some high-paying and interesting work opportunities at Toyota and similar industries.

College Tours
Eighth graders visited Itawamaba Community College Belden and Fulton campuses. (Sixth and seventh graders toured college campuses (NEMCC/EMCC) earlier this school year.)

6th Grade

7th Grade - Winner
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8th Grade
Hallway Bulletin Board Contest
Each hallway decorated a bulletin board with the theme “2020 Vision: The Future is Clear!” The seventh grade hallway won! Great job by all!
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College Days/College Scavenger Hunt
Students and staff participate in College Day each month, earning incentives to promote college. Students in each grade also participate in a college scavenger hunt twice a year. The most recent bulletin board showcases the scavenger hunt for Itawamba Community College.
Work Skills/Character Traits Videos
Mrs. Joy Deason, HSD Career Coach, presented to HMS speech and drama classes the work skills and character traits local employers desire in their employees. In turn, these students wrote, directed, acted, and videoed skits displaying these skills and traits. The videos were shown during technology classes this month.
Morning Announcements
Announcements were also made each morning by eighth graders, highlighting the graduation monthly events, statistics about graduation and encouraging students to pursue college and/or career after high school.
HMS 7th Graders Tour EMCC
For the second year in a row, HMS 7th graders toured East Mississippi Community College - Mayhew Campus. They learned about EMCC's welding, diesel and automotive, information technology systems, allied health, and marketing programs. In addition, they also toured the new EMCC Communiversity, located nearby. At the Communiversity, they toured the Imagination Center, which features modern, high tech design, and visited several computer-based manufacturing labs.




















HMS Celebrates
Red Ribbon Week 2019
Students and staff participate in spirit days, a school-wide assembly, hallway decoration contest and an escape room activity to bring awareness to drug prevention!

HMS Choir performs at the Red Ribbon Assembly.
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Local Nurse Practitioner Angela Furr and Bridget Logan, LPN, warn students about the dangers of vaping.

Deputy Sheriff Bo Yeatman and K9 Rex demonstrate law enforcement skills.

HMS Speech and Drama perform a skit about saying no to drugs despite peer pressure.

HMS Cheerleaders pump up the audience for the rally!

A group of teachers end the rally with a silly dance, showing students fun without drugs!!



Above: Congratulations to the 8th grade for winning the Red Ribbon Hallway Contest!
Below: Students have fun completing an escape room activity based on facts about Red Ribbon Week with HMS Counselor Leigh Ann Mabry!



















HMS Science Winners compete at regionals at NEMCC

6th Grade
(Front) Langley Smith (placed 3rd at regionals in Medicine and Health), Millie Heeringa, Katelyn Collins; (Back) Jace McAlpin, Steven Cook, Rialey Gage Tucker and Jose Vazquez

7th Grade
Kennedy Pearson, Jamal Pulliam, Jon Hodge Murphree and Jayden Lawrence (placed 1st at regionals in Engineering, Computers and Math)
Cyber Crime Investigator speaks to HMS Students

Angela Adams Williams,
Special Investigator with the Mississippi Attorney General's Office and ICAC Commander, speaks to Houston Middle School students about cyber crime.

Ms. Williams informed students about the different types of cyber crime and informed students that cyber crime is illegal, considered a felony, and children as young as 10 can go to jail for committing cyber crime.
HMS Jr Beta competes at sTate convention
Congrats to:
Breeanah Bell, who placed fourth in Three Dimensional Design, and Taylor Higginbotham, who placed fifth in science, at the 2019 Mississippi Jr. Beta Convention in Biloxi, Miss. These students are eligible to compete at Nationals in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, this summer.
We are so proud of all of our students who competed! Go Toppers!!


HMS Math Winners
Pictured below are the winners of the 2019 MCTM Mathematics Tournament at Houston Middle School. These students will go on to compete at the district level Friday, March 22, 2019, at Itawamba Community College.

7th Grade
1st Place - Drew Black
2nd Place - Braxton Porter
3rd Place - John Hodge Murphree

8th Grade
1st Place - Tre Hall
2nd Place - Jocelynn Burton
3rd Place - Maddox Clouse
Clouse Wins 1st Place at State Reading Fair

We are so proud of Kimble Clouse, sixth grader at Houston Middle School! She won first place at the State Reading Fair in the Individual Literary Fiction category. Way to go, Kimble!
HMS Students
Place at Regional Reading Fair

Congratulations to Houston Middle School students Kimble Clouse and Chloe Mitchell for placing at the Regional Reading Fair in Oxford, Miss. Kimble placed first in the fiction category for her division and will go on to compete in Jackson, Miss., at the State Reading Fair. Chloe placed third in the non-fiction category for her division. Both girls placed first in their categories at the district level.
HMS Science Fair Winners

Botany: Millie Heeringa - 1st Place

Environmental Science: Kaleigh Townsend - 2nd Place; Kennedy Pearson - 1st Place

Engineering, Computers and Math: Jamarion Hamilton - Honorable Mention; Jonathan Childress - 5th Place; Brayton Gray - 1st Place; QuDarrius Conway - 4th Place; Jayden Lawrence - 2nd Place; Makerra Williams - 3rd Place

Chemistry: Katelyn Collins - 5th Place; Clara Boykin - Honorable Mention; Tracy Neal - 1st Place (Tie); Rialey Gage Tucker - 2nd Place; Lara Hollingsworth - 4th Place (Not pictured: Aimee Buckley - First Place - Tie)

Medicine and Health: Kimble Clouse - 5th Place; Alyssa Murphree - 4th Place; Ivette Gonzalez - 3rd Place; Langley Smith - 2nd Place; Jon Hodge Murphree - 1st Place; (Not Pictured; Allyssa Little and Cortez Brandon - Honorable Mention)

Physics: Taylor Higginbotham - 5th Place; Steven Cook - 1st Place; Jose Vazquez - 2nd Place; Jamal Pullium - 5th Place; Jace McAlpin - 3rd Place; Joby King - 4th Place; Tyler Davis - Honorable Mention
HMS Named National Beta School of Distinction

National Beta is proud to announce Houston Middle School as a 2018-2019 National School of Distinction. This award is an honor for Beta Chapters striving towards academic achievement, exemplary character, demonstrated leadership and service to others. With an ongoing quest to instill these qualities in more students, the National Beta School of Distinction Award is designed to award those schools that show an increase in membership for the current school year.
“We are so excited to receive this honor again!” said Mrs. Stacey Chapman, Beta Club sponsor for HMS. “Our membership has increased to 90 members since last year, and we are excited to be a part of this distinguished class of scholars. We look forward to what the future holds for Houston Middle School Beta and hope to encourage other students to strive for excellence.”
Award recipients received a National Beta School of Distinction banner to proudly display as a symbol of their accomplishment. In addition, National Beta School of Distinction recipients will be publicized at the 2019 National Beta Convention in Oklahoma City, OK this June.
“This prestigious honor is a true indication of Houston Middle School’s dedication to academic excellence, leadership development and commitment to celebrating their student’s achievements,” said National Beta’s Chief Executive Officer, Bobby Hart.
About National Beta: National Beta is the largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization in America. Since its beginnings in 1934, National Beta has been committed to providing students with a positive experience in a supportive manner in grades 4-12. The organization recognizes outstanding achievement, promotes character and social responsibility, encourages service involvement to school and community, and fosters leadership skills.
HMs Celebrates
Red Ribbon Week
Houston Middle School celebrated Red Ribbon Week Oct. 22 - Oct. 26 with a hall decoration contest between grades and daily spirit themes and ended the week with a big celebration with guest speakers and performances from HMS Chorus, HMS Cheerleaders, HMS Speech & Drama and HMS teachers.


Jeremy Voyles from the Sheriff's Department speaks to students about the importance of being drug free.

Bo Yatemean brings the K9 Drug Dog for students to see.

HMS Lady Teachers?!?

Corie Jones from The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi informs students about the marketing tactics tobacco companies use to lure children and young people to buy their deadly products.

HMS Speech & Drama



HMS Cheerleaders

HMS Chorus
Community Leaders Motivate Middle Schoolers!

HMS wants to thank Kellie Atkinson,
Cat Gathings and Stacy Parker for speaking to our students earlier this semester about the importance of graduating high school and post-secondary education! They all did a great job!! #topperstrong


HMS Awards Programs

6th Grade Highest Overall GPA - Kennedy Pearson

7th Grade Highest Overall GPA - McKenzie Bivens

8th Grade Highest Overall GPA - Sarah Brassfield

HMS Hall of Fame Winners:
Sarah Brassfield, Jessica Torres, Trinity Buggs, Saraya Crawford

HMS Hall of Fame Nominees

HMS Hall of Fame Nominees

7th Grade Worldmen History Award - Alise Neal

8th Grade Worldmen History Award - Ollie Franklin

Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award Middle School Level - Brittany Horn

Jr. Beta 2018 State Competition - 1st Place for Speech: Trinity Buggs

6th Grade Duke Tip

7th Grade Duke Tip

6th Grade Highest Averages

7th Grade Highest Averages

8th Grade Highest Averages

6th Grade Citizenship

7th Grade Citizenship

8th Grade Citizenship

6th Grade Most Improved

7th Grade Most Improved

8th Grade Most Improved

6th Grade Music

7th Grade Music

8th Grade Music

6th Grade Science Fair

7th Grade Science Fair

8th Grade Science Fair

8th Grade Science Bowl

Speech & Drama
Hall of Fame Nominees: Christopher Alexander, Ramaiya Armstrong, Karis Autry, Addison Ball, Heather Blakely, Sarah Beth Brassfield, Autumn Britt, Brantley Brown, Kaliya Brownlee, Trinity Buggs, Precious Cooper, Saraya Crawford, Oliver Franklin, Olivia Funderburk, Teylsa Guido, Alyssa Haire, Diamond Hall, Jasmine Key, Maddie King, Alexis Laster, Jaxon Laster, Hayden Mann, Keonte McIntosh, Marilyn Montoya, Makinzi Moore, Gracie Moreno, Sabrina Moreno, Malik Price, Kaliyah Prophette, Yasmin Ruth, Bailey Shaw, Graciela Soto, Jessica Torres, Garret Vance, William Vance, Tayisha Walker, Whitney Walters, Kalena Williams and Khenyia Williams
Duke Academic Awards
6th grade: Nevaeh Brinker, Aimee Buckley, Jeremy Cooper, Ivette Gonzalez, Jonathan Murphree, Kennedy Pearson and Jalen Washington
7th grade: McKenzie Bivens, Sommer Fredrick, Andrew Hall, Raven Hall, Larry Mims and Nicolas Moreno
Highest Average Awards
6TH Grade
Islam Al-Omari – Math, Accelerated ELA
Drew Black – Compacted Math (Miller)
Katie Cook – ELA (Eldridge)
Ivette Gonzalez – ICT, History
Kennedy Pearson – Science
Makayla Pernell – ELA (Griffin)
Devonte White – Math (Griffin)
Art Award – Anna Bevill
7th Grade
McKenize Bivens – Advanced ELA, ICTII, Science, Compacted Math
Kaia Brady – ELA (Chapman)
Chloe Mitchell – Math (Moore)
Zariyia Moore – ELA (Griffin)
Alyse Neal -- History
Art Award – Haley Moore
8th Grade
Sarah Brassfield – Science, Advanced ELA, Compacted Math, ICT
Saraya Crawford – Math
Alexis Ellison – MS Studies (Kirby)
Landry Harrell – Math (Griffin)
Destiny Soden – ELA (Ward)
Jessica Torres – World Geography (Kirby)
Art Award – Dalton Johnson
Citizenship Awards
6TH Grade
Corley Carter – Melissa Moore; Stewart
Katie Cook – Eldridge
Madison Crowley -- Higginbotham
Ivette Gonzalez -- Miller
Cecelia Gutierrez -- Alford
Jessenia Gutierrez – Boatman & Gates
Jalashia McCoy -- Cooper
Tyshawn Vance – Griffin
7th Grade
Logan Alvarado – JMoore
McKenzie Bivens -- Eldridge
Khloe Flake – Pierce
Raven Hall – Melissa Moore
Kayleigh Heair – Chapman
Jayli McNease – Brown
Alyse Neal -- Higginbotham
Jordan Pratt -- Horn
Taylor Pulphus -- Ward
Greta Tate -- Chandler
8th Grade
Autumn Britt – Eldridge
Diamond Hall -- Ward
Jasmine Key – Lancaster
Brianna Laster -- Kirby
Aaliyah Millsap -- MMoore
Amy Murillo -- Brown
Jayla Prophette -- Griffin
Jessica Torres – Borst
William Vance -- Gann
Khenyia Williams – Dendy
MOST IMPROVED
6TH Grade
Jimmy Bell – Miller -- Math
Anna Bevill – Alford -- Science
Corley Carter – Boatman – ICT
Kyla Clarett – Stewart -- History
Lea Grace Dendy – Higginbotham – Math
Alex Gordillo – Eldridge – Speech & Drama
Kylan Marble – Eldridge -- ELA
Hugo Murillo – Cooper – ELA
Sherlin Rodriguez-Diaz -- Gates
7th Grade
Tymekia Clark – Ms. Ward -- ELA
Kemper Cook – Mrs. J Moore – Math
Tristan Griffin – Mrs. Horn -- History
J’Mya Hatchett – Mrs. Pierce – Science
Lexi Heair – Brown – Compacted Math
Fantasia Hill – Mrs. Griffin
Jordan Pratt – Mrs. Chapman – ELA, Higginbotham -- Math
Michael Smith – Mrs. Chandler -- ICTII
Most Improved and Hard Worker – 7th Grade Math – Tydouglas Buchanan & Paul Buford – Mrs. J Moore
8th Grade
Malik Buchanan – Coach Kirby – 8th Grade History
Eli Erickson – Lancaster – 8th Math
Justin Flatt – Gann – ELA
Penelope Harrell – Brown – Compacted Math
Kirk Johnson – Mrs. Griffin
Kirklyn Johnson – Ms. Dendy – ICT
Amber Kilgore – Ms. Ward -- ELA
Jenna Walters – Borst – Science
HMS Music Awards
Choir
6th grade
Choir Leadership Kennedy Pearson
Rising Star Julie Beth Murphree
Citizenship Corley Carter
7th grade
Choir Musicianship Rihanna Criddle
Rising Star Jocelyn Burton
Citizenship Raven Hall
8th
Choir Musicianship Alexis Ellison, Katie Hill, and Bailey Shaw
Choir Leadership Kirk Johnson
Rising Star J.D. Criddle
Citizenship Aaliyah Millsap
Band
6th
Most improved beginning performer-Kaileigh Townsend
Beginning Band Director’s award-Ivette Gonzalez
7th
Most Improved intermediate performer-Larry “Trey” Mims
Intermediate Band Director’s award-Rhianna Criddle
8th
Most improved advanced performer-Kaliya Brownlee
Advanced band director’s award-Maddie King
Science Fair
6th Grade: Kennedy Pearson, Makiya Chandler, John Hodge Murphree and Aimee Buckley
7th Grade: Maddox Clouse, Jaylee Sullivan, Zariya Williams, Latasha Burt, Khloe Flake, Raven Hall, Yessica Zarate, Chloe mitchell, Blakely Andrews and Hydiea Farr
8th Grade: Christopher Alexander, Hayden Crump, Will Wright
Special recognition:
Will Wright- 2nd place Chemistry (Advances on to State Science Fair)
Raven Hall & Hydiea Farr - Winners of the American Meteorological Society Award & NOAA's 2018 Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award
Za'Riyah Williams & Yessica Zarate - Regional Water Prize Award
Science Bowl
Sarah Brassfield, Alexis Ellison, Payten Dotson, Oliver Franklin, and Jessica Torres
Speech and Drama Awards
Best Actor: Ollie Franklin & Richard DeLaCruz
Best Actress: Sarah Brassfield & Jessica Torres
Stage Crew Award: Autumn Britt
Speech & Drama Award: Makinzi Moore & Jaxon Laster
HMS Beauty Review

HMS Beauties and Winner:
Miss Jr. Hilltopper 2018 - Kylee Martin
Harley Blakeney
Greta Tate
McKenzie Bivens
Paris Gates
LuLu McNease
Kaylee Miller
HMS Sends 54 Beta Students to Convention



Houston Middle School sent 54 Beta students to Biloxi, Miss., for the 2018 State Jr. Beta Convention March 28-April 1. Students competed in areas of academics, visual arts, talent, technology and highlighting their club. HMS was well represented and plans to continue to compete each year. Trinity Buggs placed 1st in speech competition and is eligible to attend the National Beta Convention in Savannah, Georgia, in June. The list below includes the students who competed.
Front Row – Trinity Buggs, Speech
Kennedy Pearson, Math
Aimee Buckley – Social Studies
Katie Hill – Special Talent
Alexis Ellison – Digital Art – Photography
Telysia Guido – Color Photography
Seninah Conway – Tshirt Design
Rhianna Criddle – Banner
Second Row – Ivette Gonzalez – ELA
Jocelynn Loaeza – Banner; ELA
Alyse Neal – Banner
Karis Autry – Spotlight Your Club
Laura Ann Gann – Banner
Kalena Williams – ELA
Ramiya Armstrong – Spotlight Your Club
Breeanah Bell – Banner
Third Row – Jalen Washington – Science
Kayleigh Estes – Handmade Jewelry
Carrie Bivens – Advertising Design; Math
Jasmine Key –Tower of Power
Kaliyah Prophette – Wreath
Back Row – Jocelynn Burton – Advertising Design
Sommer Fredrick – Black/White Photography
Amber McIntosh – Social Studies
Khloe Flake – Banner; Science
Precious Cooper – Tower of Power
Greer Nabors – Quiz Bowl
Khenyia Williams – Essay
Malik Price – Science
Julius Lyons – Tower of Power
Peyton Dotson – Quiz Bowl
William Vance – Quiz Bowl
HMS Students Place at Regional Science Fair
Congratulations to the following HMS students who advanced to the NEMCC Region IV Science Fair in Booneville, Miss., on March 23 and March 27.


March 23rd: Kennedy Pearson, Makiya Chandler, John Hodge Murphree and Aimee Buckley
March 27th: Maddox Clouse, Jaylee Sullivan, Zariya Williams, Latasha Burt, Khloe Flake, Will Wright, Hayden Crump, Christopher Alexander, Raven Hall, Yessica Zarate, Chloe mitchell, Blakely Andrews and Hydiea Farr
Special recognition goes to the following students who placed at the regional science fair:
Will Wright- 2nd place Chemistry (Advances on to State Science Fair)
Raven Hall & Hydiea Farr - Winners of the American Meteorological Society Award & NOAA's 2018 Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award
Za'Riyah Williams & Yessica Zarate - Regional Water Prize Award
HMS students compete in MCTM Math Competition
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Congratulations to Jahiem Brownlee, winner of the National School Breakfast Week $24 Wal-Mart gift card.
Jahiem was eligible for the drawing, because he ate breakfast every day this week in the cafeteria at HMS!


One Voice
HMS Choir Performs for community
HMS Celebrates "Graduation Awareness Month"
HMS spotlights high school graduation and college/career.

Grade-Wide Assemblies

Lee Womack (Game Warden) - 6th Grade

Lajaysha Echoles Gaston (Nurse Practitioner) - 7th Grade

Tony Cook (HSD Superintendent) - 8th Grade
HMS Career Expo

Football Coach

Politician

Personal Trainer



Animal Trapper

Meteorologist

Social Worker

Sky Diver

Robotics Engineer

Chemist

Travel Agent

Interior Designer

Baseball Player

Real Estate Agent

Accountant

Fisherman

Screen Writer

Photographer

Architectural Drafter

Demolition Engineer

Electrician

Veterinarian

Secretary

Truck Driver

Bike Designer

Medical Physics

Marine Biologist

Mechanical Engineering Technician

Athletic Shoe Designer

EMT

Coroner

Forensic Artist

Informatics Nurse Specialist

Marriage & Family Therapist

Neurosurgeon

Nurse Practitioner

Childcare Aide

Actor

Nurse Practitioner
HMS Occupation Day

Students in grades 6th - 8th grade dressed up for their future career and answered questions about the job duties, salary range, and education/training needed for their career.
Hall Decoration Contest


8th Grade Hall
1st Place



6th Grade Hall
2nd Place



7th Grade Hall
3rd Place

College Scavenger Hunt

Each month our students in ICT do a college scavenger hunt to learn information, such as tuition and scholarships, about different community colleges and universities. Teacher Academy then displays this information on a bulletin board in our commons area.
College Wall

Our teachers attended college, and our students can, too! Follow the road to success!
Itawamba Community College Tour
Our 8th graders visited ICC Tupelo and Fulton campuses Friday, Feb. 16. Students split into groups and visited either health sciences programs or transportation programs at the Tupelo campus. All students participated in a campus tour at Fulton.














HMS 8th Graders compete
in Science Bowl

From L - R: Alexis Ellison, Jessica Torres, Sarah Brassfield, Ollie Franklin, and Payton Dotson competed in the Mississippi Regional Middle School Science Bowl on Feb. 3, 2018, at Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, Miss. (Not pictured: Coach Kay Borst)
Science Fair Winners




Behavior Science Division: 1st place- Hayden Crump
Botany Division: 1st place- ZaRiya Williams & Yessica Zarate; 2nd place- Raven Hall & Hydia Farr
Chemistry/ Medicine & Health Division: 1st place- Maddox Clouse; 2nd place-Kennedy Pearson; 3rd place-Chloe Mitchel & Latasha Burt; 4th place- Jaylee Sullivan; 5th-Tre Gillespie & Dylan Hughes; Honorable Mention-Alyssa Murphree; Honorable Mention- Jamalik Wofford
Physics/Engineering Division: 1st place- Jon Hodge Murphree; 2nd place- Qudarius Conway; 3rd place-Christopher Alexander; 4th place- Aimee Buckley; 5th place-Will Wright; Honorable Mention- Blakely Andrews & Khloe Flake; Honorable Mention-Makiya Chandler
HMS School choir performs
Let There Be Peace on Earth and Let It Begin With Me

Jr. Beta Club Induction
Houston Middle School inducts 92 students into the Jr. Beta Club.




HMS Science Teachers meet Apollo 13 Astronaut

HMS science teachers Kountess Pierce, Amy Alford and Kay Borst pose with Fred Wallace Haise, Jr., American former NASA astronaut, fighter pilot with the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Air Force and test pilot. The teachers met with Haise at the Mississippi Science Teacher's Association conference in Biloxi, Miss., in late October. Haise is one of 24 people to have flown to the moon, having flown as Lunar Module Pilot on Apollo 13. He went on to fly Space Shuttle Approach and Landing Tests in 1977. He retired from NASA in 1979.
HMS Reading Fair
Overall 1st Place Winners

1st Place Individual Fiction Category - Taylor Pulphus

1st Place Group Fiction Category - Payten Dotson & Malik Price

1st Place Informational Text - RJ Utz
HMS Receives
Dollar General Grant

HMS/PACE Awards Ceremony
Students in grades 7th - 9th grades earn incentives for high and improved test scores from state tests taken last spring at HMS.
Incentives were funded by PACE (Partners in Achieving Community Excellence).

9th Grade $100 Earners
Front Row (L-R): Allison Blansett, Michael Ann Chandler, Cade Ellison, Brianna Hughes, Jaden Johns, Paige Kilgore and Jacob Mchann. Back Row (L-R): Abbigale Blansett, Justin Morgan, Zalexus Atkinson, Cali Barnett, Kaitlynn Murphree, Cote Pena, Grace Tate, Morgan Young, Jaiden Linley and Keyae Morgan.

8th Grade $100 Earners
Front Row (L-R): Gibson Caulder, Ollie Franklin, Makinzi Moore, Jessica Torres, Heather Blakely, Olivia Funderburk, Alexis Ellison and Maddie King. Back Row (L-R): Payten Dotson, Haylie Pettit, Precious Cooper, Sarah Brassfield, Brantley Brown, William Vance, Kalena Williams, Kheniya Williams and Whitney Walters.

7th Grade $100 Earners
Kahner Moreno, Trey Mims, Andrew Hall, Maddox Clouse and McKenzie Bivens
Students won a variety of incentives:
1) Students who scored a 96 or higher on the ELA or math state tests received $100.
2 Students who scored a proficiency level of 5 on either test received a trip to the movies during the school day, popcorn at the movie and lunch at Pizza Hut.
3) Students who scored a proficiency level of 4 on both the ELA and math tests received a pizza party and a 50 minute break.
4) Students who scored a proficiency level of 3 and/or 4 on both the ELA and math tests received an ice cream party and a 50 minute break.
5) Students who showed growth from the previous school year received a snow cone party and 50 minute break.
6) The top three scorers on the 8th grade science test and the Algebra 1 State test earned $25 gift cards.
Teachers of the Month
a year ago
Hope Stantz
January 2020
I am the Library Media Specialist at Houston Middle School. I graduated from Houston High School and Mississippi State University. This is my 18th year of teaching.

Carey Ward
December 2019
As a graduate of Houston High, I am honored to teach in my home town. This is my eleventh year at HMS and I love the middle grades with all of their challenges and achievements! I currently hold a bachelors of science degree from Mississippi State University and a Master's degree from University of Mississippi. My plans are to continue my education, because we never stop learning!

David Boatman
November 2019
I am the ICT 1 teacher for 6th grade. I graduated from MSU with a degree in Business Management. This is my 20th year working in the Houston School District."

Keith Jernigan
October 2019
I am the 6th - 8th grade physical education teacher, as well as the 7th and 8th grade girls basketball coach. I graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in Health and Physical Education.

Lizzie Brandon
September 2019
I am the 8th grade science teacher at Houston Middle School. I work with the 8th grade students to teach them fun and interesting things in science, prepare them for state tests, prepare them for high school, and help to prepare them for life in general. I have a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education-Biology and General Sciences from Mississippi State University. I have previously worked at Starkville High School teaching biology, physical science, and environmental science. I love what I do. I truly enjoy seeing students work hard, achieve their goals, and learn new and interesting things in science. The most rewarding part of my job is watching students work hard and have that “light bulb” moment where everything finally makes sense!

Freda Morgan
August 2019
Special Education Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Freda Morgan, Special Education Assistant Teacher, is theTeacher of the Month for August. Mrs. Morgan was voted teacher of the month for several reasons. She goes above & beyond for her students and pushes her students to learn and grow. She always has a positive attitude and a smile that is contagious. We appreciate all you do, Mrs. Morgan!!

Carey Ward
April
7th and 8th Grade Language Arts
As a graduate of Houston High, I am honored to teach in my home town. This is my eleventh year at HMS and I love the middle grades with all of their challenges and achievements! I currently hold a bachelors of science degree from Mississippi State University and a Master's degree from University of Mississippi. My plans are to continue my education, because we never stop learning!

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Donna Turman
March
8th Grade Science Teacher
Mrs. Turman is a retired science teacher who is filling in this spring semester at Houston Middle School.
We are so thankful to have Mrs. Turman teaching our 8th graders. She is preparing our students for the 8th Grade Science State Test.

Alfreda Morgan
February
Special Education Assistant Teacher
"Mrs. Morgan has a genuine love for her students. She works so hard to make sure they get what they need to be successful."
"She is the most selfless person I know, constantly going above to show the students and teachers she cares."
"She is always positive!"
"She goes over and beyond her job many times. She has a love for her students."

Hannah Dendy
January
STEM 8th Grade Teacher
I received my Bachelor's in Education at the University of Mississippi. I took my first teaching job at Houlka Attendance Center teaching 7th grade through 12th. I was there for two years. I taught ICT I, ICT II, 7th grade Reading, ACT prep, and Theatre I. Last year I was excited to come back to my hometown and become a part of the HMS family.

Derick Kirby
December
8th Grade Geography-MS Studies Teacher/Head Softball Coach
I am the 8th grade Geography/MS Studies teacher as well as the Head Softball coach. I have taught and coached in the Houston School District for 5 years. I received my bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University and am currently seeking my Master's in Educational Leadership. I have been married to my wife, Tonya, for 14 years and have 3 kids, Anna Claire, Mylee, and Tyler who all attend school in this district. "We are never defeated unless we give up on God." - Ronald Reagan

Susan Eldridge
November
Language/Arts Teacher
I teach Language Arts and Speech and Drama at Houston Middle School. I am a graduate of Amory High School, Itawamba Community College, and Mississippi State University.

Melissa Moore
October
Music Teacher
I'm Melissa Moore, and I grew up in Houston. I've taught music in several places, including Houston Lower Elementary about 20 years ago. (I may have taught some of you parents!! :-) I took several years off to do other things, butI am thrilled to be back in Houston teaching middle-school and high-school chorus! The halls are alive with the sound of music!!

Carol Lancaster
September
8th Grade Math Teacher
I teach 8th grade math and math tutorial at HMS. This is my 28th year teaching. I have also taught Kindergarten, 5th grade, 6th grade, and 7th grade. I have a degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in math from Mississippi State University. GO DAWGS!

Brittany Horn
August
7th Grade U.S. History
I have been teaching history at Houston Middle School for five years. I have a degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in history from Mississippi University for Women.

Bullying Procedures for Processing a Complaint
5 years ago
By Shane Presley
Procedures for Processing a Complaint
Any student, school employee or volunteer who feels he/she has been a victim of bullying or harassing behavior, or has witnessed or who has reliable information that a student, school employee or volunteer has been subject to bullying or harassing behavior shall report such conduct to a teacher, principal, counselor or other school official. The report shall be made promptly but no later than five (5) calendar days after the alleged act or acts occurred. The school official shall complete a “Bullying/Harassing Behavior” complaint form which shall include the name of the reporting person, the specific nature and date of the misconduct, the names of the victim of the misconduct, the names of any witnesses and any other information that would assist in the investigation of the complaint. The report shall be given promptly to the principal or superintendent who shall institute an immediate investigation. Complaints against the principal shall be made to the superintendent and complaints against the superintendent shall be made to the Board chairman.
The complaint shall be investigated promptly. Parents will be notified of the nature of any complaint involving their student. The District official will arrange such meetings as may be necessary with all concerned parties within five (5) working days after initial receipt of the complaint by the District. The parties will have an opportunity to submit evidence and a list of witnesses. All findings related to the complaint will be reduced to writing. The District official conducting the investigation shall notify the victim and parents as appropriate when the investigation is completed and a decision regarding disciplinary action, as warranted, is determined.
If the victim is not satisfied with the decision of the District official, he/she may submit a written appeal to the superintendent. Such appeal shall be filed within ten (10) working days after receipt of the results of the initial decision. The superintendent will arrange such meetings with the victim and other affected parties as deemed necessary to discuss the appeal. The superintendent shall provide a written decision to the victim’s appeal within ten (10) working days. If the victim is not satisfied with the decision of the superintendent, a written appeal may be filed with the Board. Such appeal shall be filed within ten (10) working days after receipt of the decision of the superintendent. The Board shall, within twenty (20) working days, allow the victim and parents as appropriate to appear before the Board to present reasons for dissatisfaction with the decision of the superintendent. The Board shall provide a written decision within ten (10) working days following the victim’s appearance before the Board.