Principal’s Newsletter: October 2026

Our HCSS Middle School community is enjoying a fantastic start to the school year! As we roll into October, our calendar is packed with festive fall activities, academic field trips, picture days, and opportunities to get involved.

Please review this month's major announcements, key events, and exciting opportunities for our middle school students and families:

🎃 Trunk or Treat!

• When: Thursday, October 22 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
• Details: Join us for a fun and safe evening of trick-or-treating out in the school parking lot!
• Donations: We are happily accepting candy donations in the main office leading up to the event.

🎨 Fall Family Pumpkin Painting Event

• When: Thursday, October 15 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Details: Bring the family out for a creative evening! Each student and family will receive a sugar pumpkin along with stickers, markers, and paint to decorate their pumpkin however they like. Everything is provided!

👻 Halloween Costume Dress-Down Day

• When: Friday, October 30
• Details: Students may wear a school-appropriate Halloween costume to celebrate! Please note that no masks, hoods, or props are allowed.

🍕 6th Grade Halloween Trivia Night

• When: Thursday, October 8 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Details: Sixth graders can gather to test their Halloween knowledge while enjoying pizza and soda!

🚌 6th Grade Field Trip: CT Science Center

• When: Wednesday, October 28
• Details: Our 6th graders will travel to the Connecticut Science Center for an exciting day of hands-on exploration and scientific discovery!

📸 School Picture Day

• When: Wednesday, October 14
• Details: Students may "Dress Up" in a nice shirt with their standard school uniform pants.

📖 Yearbook Early Bird Special (10% OFF)

• Offer: Save 10% on 2026–2027 yearbooks through the end of October!
• Pricing: Softcover ($23) | Hardcover ($31).

💗 Rays of Hope Walk & Run

• When: Sunday, October 18
• Details: Join the HCSS team as we walk and run to support breast cancer awareness! Check your Friday email for the official link to join our school team.

🌎 Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 – Oct 15)

We continue our month-long celebration honoring the history, culture, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

🗓️ Important Dates to Remember

• Oct. 8: 6th Grade Halloween Trivia (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
• Oct. 14: School Picture Day
• Oct. 15: Fall Family Pumpkin Painting Event (5:00 PM – 7:30 PM)
• Oct. 18: Rays of Hope Walk & Run
• Oct. 22: Trunk or Treat (5:30 PM – 7:00 PM)
• Oct. 28: 6th Grade Field Trip – CT Science Center
• Oct. 30: Halloween Costume Dress-Down Day & End of Quarter (Check with teachers regarding deadlines for missing work)

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