Dear Jaguars Families,
As colder weather approaches, we want to ensure that all of our children are warm, comfortable, and ready to learn each day.
If your family needs assistance with cold weather clothing (such as sweats, sweatshirts, hats, or gloves), please know that support is available. We are happy to help connect families with resources at no cost.
Thanks to assistance from the DUO Program, started by School Board Member Ms. Linda Sanborn, we have funds available to help meet this need for our families.
To request assistance, please complete the short form here: https://tinyurl.com/3abuhjat.
Important Timeline:
• The form will close on Sunday.
• Shopping for as many families as possible will take place on Monday.
• Items will be delivered to students on Tuesday.
All requests will be handled discreetly and with care. If you have any questions or need additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the school.
Thank you for allowing us to support your family and take care of our children.
This is Brandon Koger, Principal of Hobbs Middle School, reaching out to inform you about an incident that occurred on campus today.
Mid-morning, anonymous phone calls were received regarding a possible threat to our school. Out of an abundance of caution, we placed the school in lockdown while local law enforcement responded to the report.
Please note that the lockdown was not the result of a confirmed or direct threat inside the building. The decision to initiate a lockdown was made solely to ensure the safety of our students and staff while the anonymous call was evaluated.
Once initiated, all lockdown procedures were followed exactly as trained. Our staff responded swiftly and professionally, and our students did an outstanding job listening and following directions. I could not be prouder of our teachers and staff for the calm and steady leadership they demonstrated, and I am incredibly proud of our students for how well they handled a stressful situation.
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the many law enforcement agencies who responded so quickly and thoroughly, including the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, Milton Police Department, Florida Fish and Wildlife, and other responding agencies. Their presence and coordination were reassuring and demonstrated that any potential threat to our schools is taken seriously and addressed thoroughly.
While today was a difficult day, it was also a reassuring one. It saddens me that schools are sometimes targets of threatening behavior, and I hope those responsible will be identified and held accountable.
Most importantly, today reaffirmed what I already know: our staff is prepared, our students are resilient, and our school community is committed to keeping one another safe.
Please give your students an extra hug tonight—they handled today with maturity and courage, and they deserve it.
Thank you for your continued trust and support.
💚 Jaguar Students and Families 💚
Please join us in celebrating and supporting the generosity of Mr. Leard, one of our science teachers at Hobbs. This January, he is donating his own hair to Wigs for Kids, a nonprofit that provides custom wigs to children experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions.
✨ Why it matters:
Each wig costs $1,800 to make. Along with his hair donation, Mr. Leard is raising funds to help provide a wig for a child in need.
💚 How students can help:
•Mr. Leard is collecting donations throughout the month
• Donations will be collected during lunch periods throughout January
• Students should place donations in the container labeled with their lunch period
🎉 Fun incentive:
The lunch period that raises the most money will get to watch Mr. Leard have his hair cut!
We commend Mr. Leard for his kindness and leadership, and we encourage our students and families to support this meaningful cause. Every dollar makes a difference.
Thank you for helping us make a positive impact!
Jaguars Students and Families,
Tickets for our next school dance will go on sale starting Monday and will be available during all three lunches through Thursday.
🕺 Dance Details
Date: Friday, January 16
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM (right after school)
Cost: $10 per ticket
Each ticket includes a drink and candy, and additional concessions will be available at the dance for $1 each.
This dance is a fundraiser hosted by our Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). All funds raised go directly toward supporting our students and staff. Events like Honor Roll celebrations, PBIS celebrations, and teacher appreciation are made possible only through fundraising efforts like this one.
If your student is unable or chooses not to attend but you would still like to support our PTA, donations can be made here: https://tinyurl.com/32p4kmzy.
Thank you in advance for your continued support of our school community!
The Amazing Shake is a dynamic and exciting live competition that rallies leaders and role models in a school’s community together to teach students about professional skills for success. During the Amazing Shake, students learn and develop professional qualities — from the mechanics of a proper handshake to how to “work the room” — so that they are able to present themselves exceptionally well for opportunities today and in the future.
The Amazing Shake is one of our most engaging extracurricular clubs. Students … don’t miss this!
Dear Parents and Families,
We know that the rising cost of tuition is a major concern as you plan for your child’s future. In Florida, the average cost of tuition and fees at a state university for the 2025-26 academic year is $6,093 per year. Over four years, this can add up to nearly $24,000—a financial burden that can feel overwhelming.
But here’s the good news: Take Stock in Children is here to completely cover all tuition and fees for your child’s college education.
This is the final opportunity to apply, with the deadline fast approaching on January 7th. The program has historically received few applications, meaning your child has a greater chance of qualifying for this life-changing support.
Don’t miss out on this incredible chance. Apply now and ensure that your child’s education is fully funded, so you can focus on what matters most—seeing them succeed.
How to apply:
Apply online by clicking the link here: https://formstack.io/5EBEA.
Need help?
I am here to help you every step of the way! I will even apply alongside you if you need assistance. Just call me at 850-983-5630 ext. 1046 or email me at kogerb@santarosa.k12.fl.us, and let’s get started!
Don’t let this opportunity pass by—apply today! Together, we can unlock a future of possibilities for your child.
We also wanted to remind you that Monday, January 5th, 2026 is a planning day. Students will return to school from Christmas Break on Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 which is also the start of the new nine weeks.
Finally, we here at HMS just wanted to take a moment to wish you happy holidays. Thank you for a great first half of the year; looking forward to what will surely be an even better second half!
In Ms. Patrick’s class, students engaged in a variety of WICOR strategies today. They practiced Writing by creating stories through a fun Roll and Write activity, where dice determined different elements of their narratives. They also demonstrated Reading skills by analyzing a social studies passage and finding evidence to support their claims.
To Organize their thoughts, students worked on a Wonder display, sorting ideas and main points from the book Wonder. This combination of writing, reading, and organization helped students think critically and structure their ideas effectively. Ms. Patrick’s class is building strong skills in Writing, Inquiry, Reading, and Organization through engaging, hands-on activities.
WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, Reading) strategies make learning engaging, meaningful, and fun—and at Hobbs, this is the type of hands-on, rigorous learning your students will experience! 🙌📚🔑
Jaguar business and community partners, we need your help! Our Crafting Club gives students a space to create, connect, and express themselves — a place where imagination and friendship come together. But creativity isn’t cheap! ✂️✨
Craft supplies like yarn, fabric, glue, and paint add up quickly. And with school budgets stretched thinner than ever, programs like Crafting Club — while deeply meaningful — are often the first to face cuts when funds run short.
That’s why we need your help. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps us provide the materials our students need to design, build, and imagine. Your support ensures that creativity continues to have a home at Hobbs Middle School.
🪡 Ways to Give:
• Checks: Payable to Hobbs Middle School (note “Crafting Club”)
• Cash: Directly to Mrs. Shackle, club sponsor
• Online: Donate easily through MySchoolBucks — https://tinyurl.com/3mckefh2!
Together, we can keep the arts — and creativity — thriving for our students. 💕
🎄✨ Hello Hobbs Families! ✨🎄
We are grateful to share the sign-up form for our 2025 Christmas Dinner Boxes & Snack Bags, created to support families experiencing food insecurity over the holiday season. 🎁🍽️ These resources are designed to help cover a holiday meal and provide additional food for Christmas break, thanks to the generosity of our TSS team next door and Food Raising Friends.
We anticipate having 20–25 boxes and snack bags available, offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If your family could use extra support with meals during the break, please complete the form below. 📝
👉 Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/ya9u99tc
⏰ Deadline: Noon on Sunday, December 14th
If more than 25 families sign up, we will reach out individually to explore additional ways we can assist over the Christmas break. 💚❄️
We hope this brings warmth, comfort, and stability to your holiday season. 🌟
— Hobbs Middle School 🐆💚
Did you know that many of our teachers use Rooms, our district communication platform powered by Apptegy, to keep students and families informed? Rooms is where teachers post class materials, share updates, make announcements, and communicate important reminders throughout the school year.
To stay in the know, please encourage your student to regularly access Rooms through their Rapid Identity account. Checking Rooms often ensures they don’t miss assignments, resources, or classroom news.
Thank you for staying connected and supporting your student’s success!
Jaguar parents, guardians, families, and students — this is a reminder about upcoming semester exams.
📌 Exams will take place December 17th–19th. Students will take two exams per day.
📌 December 17th and 18th are full school days; December 19th is early release.
📌 Exams are not given early. If a student is absent, they must schedule makeup testing with the guidance department or receive a zero. Please contact Ms. Hansen or Ms. Hodge if your student will be absent.
📌 Attendance matters. Students with 10+ absences must pass the semester exam to pass the semester.
Please help your student prepare — rest, breakfast, and regular attendance make a difference.
Thank you! 😊
Jaguars, please join us in congratulating Marie Hickman, who has been honored with the BEE the Change Award: Teacher of the Month (November)! 🌟
Tiggbee, a program adopted by our school district, plays a crucial role in providing career awareness and workforce readiness for students. By sparking curiosity about various career paths, Tiggbee helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and future job opportunities, preparing students for the workforce.
Through her extensive use of the program, Ms. Hickman has made a powerful impact, opening her students' eyes to the real-world possibilities that lie ahead. Here’s a look at what she’s achieved:
760 students participated in career-focused events
3 career events streamed, expanding learning beyond the classroom
379 hours and 18 minutes of real-world learning time, directly connecting classroom studies with future careers
Ms. Hickman’s efforts have created meaningful connections between education and career goals, making a lasting difference in the lives of her students.
Thank you, Ms. Hickman, for your dedication, passion, and for inspiring the next generation of leaders! 🌟
Hobbs Middle School Families — Important Reminder!
There is still time to apply for Take Stock in Children (TSIC) — a program that can shape your student’s future now by providing up to 4 years of FREE college tuition upon high school graduation.
This program does more than award scholarships — it guides students, builds confidence, provides mentoring, and helps them see college as a real, reachable goal. For many students, TSIC is the turning point that puts their future on track today.
Eligibility:
• Santa Rosa students in grades 7–9
• Minimum 2.0 GPA
• Qualify for free/reduced lunch
• Legal U.S. resident
Deadline: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Apply online at: https://formstack.io/5EBEA
More details: https://santarosaeducationfoundation.org/student-applications
If you need help, I am happy to walk through the application with you — your student’s future is worth it.
📞 850-983-5630 ext. 1046
📩 kogerb@santarosa.k12.fl.us
Don’t let this life-changing opportunity pass by — apply today and help your child take the first step toward their future!
🌟 Celebrating Our JAGS Students! 🌟
Just before Thanksgiving break, we held our JAGS celebration, where we recognized students who consistently demonstrate the expectations that make Hobbs Middle School a positive and safe place to learn: Just be Positive · Act Responsible · Gain Respect by Being Respectful · Stay Safe
We are incredibly proud of the students who model these behaviors every day. Their choices make a difference—not just for themselves, but for our entire school community.
As we celebrate the students who are getting it right, we also want to be honest: we are seeing an increase in conflicts between students. While our staff works hard to support students, teach expectations, and address issues as they arise, we cannot do this alone. Character, conflict management, and respectful behavior start at home.
We are asking for your partnership in reinforcing our JAGS expectations outside of school. Please talk with your student about:
✔ Choosing positivity, even when situations are tough
✔ Taking responsibility for their actions
✔ Showing respect—even when they disagree
✔ Making safe choices in person and online
When students hear the same message at home and at school, they are far more successful. A unified effort makes all the difference.
Thank you for your continued support and for helping us guide our students toward positive, responsible, and respectful behavior. Together, we can create the safe and supportive environment every child deserves.
Hobbs Middle School students and families,
As a reminder, the Monday we return from Thanksgiving Break, December 1st, will begin our FAST B testing. We will test according to the schedule below.
• 6th Grade: December 1–2
• 7th Grade: December 3–4
• 8th Grade: December 5–8
Please make sure students are present on their testing days. A good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast each morning will help them perform at their best.
For the full testing calendar, please click here: https://aptg.co/kThmRH.
Thank you for your support, and let’s encourage our Jags to give their very best effort!
🎶💚 HOBBS MIDDLE SCHOOL ALL-COUNTY BAND! 💚🎶
We are thrilled to announce that after Monday night’s auditions, Hobbs Middle had 32 students selected for the All-County Band! Our Jaguar musicians continue to shine, and we couldn’t be more proud of their talent, dedication, and hard work. 🌟🐾
A huge shoutout to Mr. Colón for his incredible leadership, passion, and commitment to our students. Their success is a reflection of the strong program he continues to build! 👏🎶💚
Flutes: Jaclyn Scott (3), Lilly Hunnell (6), Emma Gochenour-Jauss (9)
Bassoons: Everett Guinn (2)
Clarinets: Braelyn Luster (1), Marlayna Anderson (2), Naomi Jordan (4), Jake Erskine (9), Bradley Davis (10), Phoebe Petersen (12), Carrie Nelson (13), Posey Cowles (17), Trinity Walker (18)
Bass Clarinets: Gianna McWilliams (2), Sophia Gochenour-Jauss (3)
Alto Saxes: Alyssa Gwin (4), Madelyn Coursey (6)
Trumpets: Jackson Mollette (5), Xavier Carrillo (6), Luke Lomoriello (8), Abigail Haveard (11)
French Horns: Addalyn Guinn (2), Jackson Kilgore (4), Nolan Canon (5)
Trombones: Nathaniel Davis (3), Sidney Hanlon (8)
Baritones: Chase Powers (1)
Tubas: Emma Flanders (4), Wendy Chau (5)
Percussion: Declan Wixon (1), Bradley Taggart (2), Skylar Tubbs (7)
👏🎺 Congratulations to all of our outstanding musicians and to Mr. Colón! Your hard work and dedication make Hobbs Middle School shine. Keep reaching new heights, Jaguars! 🎶💚🐾