
📅 Picture Day is Friday, October 16, 2026 (Pre-registration available now!)
All students will take their school and yearbook photos during their Connections classes with School Days Photography.
😁 Start planning those outfits and don't forget your best smile!
Looking to purchase photos? Families may pre-register online at:
🔗 https://schooldays.gotphoto.com/proofing/en-us/jobs/1137436153/picture-day
Benefits of pre-registration include:
✅ Up to 10% off photo orders
✅ Early access to view and purchase photos
📌 Pre-registration is completely optional and does not affect whether your child is photographed. All students will have their picture taken.
Families who do not pre-register will receive photo proofs and ordering information after Picture Day.
Questions? Contact Keri Faw (keri.faw@dalton.k12.ga.us)
Company Information: School Days Photography at (706) 944-4912.


Be kind. Work hard. Soar high. 🪽
Congratulations to our Gryphons Golden Feather recipients for showing HOPE throughout September!
These students believed in themselves, encouraged others, looked for the positive, and kept going even when things were difficult:
🌟 TJ Smith
🌟 Charley Cook
🌟 Jonathan Arriola
🌟 Jazlynn Ramirez
🌟 Brian Hassett
🌟 Sofia Aguirre
🌟 Monserrath Romero
🌟 Christiane Herrera
🌟 Mia Espinoza Navas
We are also excited to celebrate Malorie Noles, our September Teacher of the Month! Thank you for bringing hope to our students each day by encouraging them, believing in their potential, and reminding them to keep going.
We are so proud of all our Gryphons! Keep spreading your wings and shining bright! 💛

Let’s hear it for our Ducks! 🦆👏
Oakley Allen and Mariel Avila were recognized for Being a Champion for Others. They celebrate their classmates’ wins, stand up for others, and help everyone feel included in the classroom.
Angel Garcia and Sophia Lopez were recognized for Expecting Excellence. These students are classroom leaders who work hard in everything they set out to accomplish!
Congratulations, Ducks! We are so proud of the example you set for others! 💙




These outstanding students have been recognized for exemplifying our Culturize values..
🌟 Liam Pacheco is a champion for students who consistently works hard, supports his peers and teachers, and brings a positive attitude to school each day. His willingness to help others makes a difference wherever he goes.
🌟 Rodrigo Esparza encourages those around him and helps create an environment where others feel supported and capable of success. His kindness reminds us that even small actions can have a big impact.
🌟 Alexander Garcia comes to school ready to learn and eager to take on new challenges. His enthusiasm, curiosity, and positive attitude make him a great example for others.
🌟 Ximena Meza leads with kindness, compassion, and genuine care for those around her. She consistently helps others feel valued, supported, and encouraged.
🌟 Shamorie Broom demonstrates hope through her kindness, strong work ethic, and willingness to help others. She sets a positive example for her classmates every day.
🌟 Tori Ortega exemplifies what it means to Expect Excellence. She brings a positive attitude to school each day and continually strives to be the best version of herself.
Thank you for your leadership, positivity, and commitment to making HCMS a better place every day. Keep being the hope, encouragement, and inspiration our school community needs! ❤️🖤🐯






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.



