Spelling Bee wrap up

What a great time we had spelling on Friday!

The spelling bee went five rounds to determine our winner and then many more rounds to battle for 2nd & 3rd place. Here are the results.

1st place- Tansen (7th grade) winning word- chignon

2nd place- Linden (6th grade) and 3rd place- Ethan (8th grade)

The next step for these spellers is to take an online spelling and vocabulary test to see if they qualify for the regional bee to be held in March in San Ramon. Good luck to our top spellers.

Congratulations also to our classroom winners:

6th grade: Zayd, Thomson, Tristan, Raeya, Mikey, Linden, Anoushka, Pierce, and Prisha

7th grade: Sawyer, Everett, Octavia, Will, Kaeten, Daniel, Zoe, and Tansen

8th grade: Ethan, Sam, Daniel, Tyler, Jolie, Will, and Isabelle

Notice: This e-mail together with any attachments may contain information from Hillsborough City School District that is confidential and/or proprietary for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). Any review, disclosure, reliance or distribution by others or forwarding without express permission is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately and then delete all copies, including any attachments.

Buzz Reminder: Cell Phones & Other Tech

Good morning, Crocker,

Please ensure your phone and earbuds are turned off and stored in your backpack when you arrive at school. If your phone rings or vibrates during class, your teacher may ask you to take it to the office, where it will remain for the rest of the day. 

Additionally, your Smartwatch must be in airplane mode throughout the school day. If you use your watch for anything else, it may also be confiscated. Please remember the consequences when your device is turned in to the office (Crocker Handbook p. 13).

Thank you for your cooperation, Vikings,

Lisa Ayer Crocker Middle School Assistant Principal she/her

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Chess Tournament

 Hi Vikings!

The Chess Club will be hosting its first Chess tournament of 2026! It will be a round robin format and will be during Lunch and Lunch Recess. It will be hosted in Mr. Bounds' room, Lab 5A. There will be three levels to sign up for. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The dates will be January 22, 26, and 29. We hope to see you there, and good luck!

Sign up through this LINK.

Chess Club.

Math Counts!

 Good morning, Vikings.  January is Math Competition Month.

Interested Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Graders have the opportunity to compete in two national competitions at the end of the month… the AMC 8 and the MathCounts competitions.

If you’re interested, please drop by Room 4 and sign up for the AMC 8 and the MathCounts competitions with Mr. Kittredge.

Library News

Today is Overdue Day. Please check your backpack & locker for late books and return them before lunch. Anything checked out before break is now late. Please be sure you have turned in your core lit. 6th grade- Freak/Mighty, 7th grade- The Giver, 8th grade- LBW. Turn in your late books and get something new to read.

There is still time to complete Winter Reading at the Burlingame Public Library. You can pick up a reading log at the children's desk. This is a good opportunity to earn free books and other prizes. See Mrs. Gilchrist for more info. The last day to turn in your reading log is January 31st. 

Notice: This e-mail together with any attachments may contain information from Hillsborough City School District that is confidential and/or proprietary for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). Any review, disclosure, reliance or distribution by others or forwarding without express permission is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately and then delete all copies, including any attachments.

Buzz Reminder: Breakfast & Lunch

Good morning, Crocker,

• Students can pick up breakfast before school, from 8:00 to 8:25, or at morning recess, and lunch at the beginning of lunch. 

• During the initial rush, students should only be taking ONE meal. 

• Students are not allowed to take a meal for a friend; the friend should come through the line and get their own. 

• Students should pick up fruit/veggies, milk, and an entrée, and they give their cards to the adult at the POS computer or put them in the basket.

• If students want an extra meal, we usually have enough and can serve them after everyone has been served first (check back after 10 minutes).

• When students come for seconds, the volunteers will ask if they have given their cards already. We need every card to be reimbursed!

• When students do not pick up the meals, it becomes food waste and goes to the landfill.

• Lastly, students must clean up their trash before they go to play. Students should remind their friends too. If you drop food, please pick it up. Please respect our beautiful campus and our hardworking custodial staff. 

Thank you for your cooperation, Vikings,

Lisa Ayer Crocker Middle School Assistant Principal she/her

Notice: This e-mail together with any attachments may contain information from Hillsborough City School District that is confidential and/or proprietary for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). Any review, disclosure, reliance or distribution by others or forwarding without express permission is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately and then delete all copies, including any attachments.

Library News

This Thursday is Overdue Day. Please check your backpack for overdue books. Anything checked out before the break is likely due now. Please be sure you have turned in your core lit- 6th grade- Freak/Mighty, 7th grade- The Giver & 8th grade- LBW. These should all be turned in. Check your backpack for wet books and turn them in ASAP to see if they can be saved.

Congratulations to all of our classroom spelling champs who will be competing in the school-wide spelling bee on Friday this week. If you see them in the hallway, give them a high five. 

6th grade:

Zayd, Thomson, Tristan, Raeya, Mikey, Linden, Anoushka, Pierce & Prisha

7th grade:

Sawyer, Everett, Octavia, Will, Kaeten, Daniel, Zoe, & Tansen

8th grade:

Ethan, Sam, Daniel K., Tyler, Jolie, Will, & Isabelle

Notice: This e-mail together with any attachments may contain information from Hillsborough City School District that is confidential and/or proprietary for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). Any review, disclosure, reliance or distribution by others or forwarding without express permission is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately and then delete all copies, including any attachments.

Buzz Reminder: Be Kind on Both Personal and School Devices

Good morning, Crocker,

Whether you are using a school device or a personal device, kindness and respect are always expected. The way you communicate online—through calls, texts, social media, group chats, games, or apps—matters.

Even when something happens outside of school or on a personal device, the school may get involved if the behavior affects students at school. Unkind messages, rumors, or online conflicts don't stay online; they can impact how people feel and act during the school day and affect our school community.

If you are dealing with something serious or upsetting on a personal device, do not handle it alone. Talk with a parent or guardian right away so they can help you make safe and responsible choices.

Remember:

• Think before you call, post, or send.

• Treat others online the same way you want to be treated in person.

• If something feels wrong, get help.

Let's work together to keep Crocker a safe, respectful, and supportive place both online and offline.

Lisa Ayer Crocker Middle School Assistant Principal she/her

Notice: This e-mail together with any attachments may contain information from Hillsborough City School District that is confidential and/or proprietary for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). Any review, disclosure, reliance or distribution by others or forwarding without express permission is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately and then delete all copies, including any attachments.

Buzz Reminder: Responsible Use of Technology

Good morning, Crocker,

Crocker Middle School is dedicated to helping our students make respectful, responsible, and safe online decisions at school and home. Students should always think carefully before searching, posting, or playing games. "Responsible use" means using technology resources appropriately and following the rules outlined in the HCSD Responsible Use Agreement (RUA), which you and your parents have reviewed and signed before receiving your Chromebooks. Remember, playing video games at school is prohibited. Additionally, HCSD monitors all searches and Google apps (such as email, Docs, and Sheets) through GoGuardian.

Repeated misuse of your Chromebook will lead to the following consequences:
1st offense: Depending on the situation, a staff member will issue a warning or a detention. They may also take the Chromebook away for the remainder of the period or recess. An administrator will be notified.
2nd offense: Depending on the situation, you will turn in your Chromebook to Mr. Hager at the end of the day, meet with an administrator, and you will not have access to your Chromebook until the next day. You will need to use an alternate device for online homework, and your parents will be notified.
3rd+ offense: Depending on the situation, you will turn in your Chromebook to Mr. Hager each day for a week, which may include weekends. You will also use an alternate device for online homework, and your parents will meet with an administrator.
*For serious offenses, you will be sent to an administrator, your parents will meet with an administrator, and, depending on the severity, long-term suspension of the Chromebook and other consequences may be applied.

By following the Responsible Use of Technology Agreement, you can use your Chromebook as intended.

Thank you for using your Chromebook appropriately, Vikings,

Lisa Ayer Crocker Middle School Assistant Principal she/her

Notice: This e-mail together with any attachments may contain information from Hillsborough City School District that is confidential and/or proprietary for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). Any review, disclosure, reliance or distribution by others or forwarding without express permission is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately and then delete all copies, including any attachments.

The Sewing Project

Happy New Year! The Sewing Project is resuming in room 11 this Tuesday, January 6, during both lunch and lunch recess.  We're learning how to sew the Overcast Stitch today.  Please bring your lunch and join us!

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INTRAMURALS WEDS

OGLE VS BLAKE - COLONY BALL!

Come to the gym a little early and GAME ON

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Buzz Reminders: Welcome Back!

Welcome back, Crocker Students and Staff,

I hope everyone had a wonderful and relaxing break. Here are a few reminders as we begin the second half of the year.

1) Cell phones/Smartwatches--please remember our "off and away" policy. If you need to reach your parents, please use the office phone during break time. Cell phones are to be put away in your backpack or locker, and Smartwatches are to be in airplane mode from when you arrive at Crocker until the last bell of the day.

2) Lunch--Remember that our lunch locations are as follows:
6th Grade--continue to sit in the MPR throughout January, and Ms. Ayer will share expectations for sitting in the courtyards later this month.
7th and 8th Grade--MPR courtyard, blue table courtyard, on the grass in front of the Lecture Hall. 8th graders only may sit on the grass near the band room. Please, no eating in front of the MPR or the backside of the Makerspace room. Please remember to pick up any trash belonging to you and encourage your friends to clean up too!
If you are picking up a universal meal, please walk to the MPR and be patient as you wait to select your lunch. Remember, fast food and delivery service (like DoorDash) is not allowed, as it is unhealthy and causes conflicts with other students. 

3) Recess-- If you check out a ball on the blacktop, you must sign it out and return it at the end of recess. No food, drink, candy or backpacks are allowed on the blacktop. Use the restrooms in the MPR during morning and lunch recess.

Thank you for your continued cooperation, and I wish everyone a happy and healthy 2026!

Lisa Ayer Crocker Middle School Assistant Principal she/her

Notice: This e-mail together with any attachments may contain information from Hillsborough City School District that is confidential and/or proprietary for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). Any review, disclosure, reliance or distribution by others or forwarding without express permission is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately and then delete all copies, including any attachments.

Buzz Reminder: Rainy Days

It may rain during recess and lunch today and Tuesday. Please WALK under the eaves in the hallways to help stay dry, and do not run. Do not leave your backpack or Chromebook out in the open.

Locations to go during Recess, Lunch, and Lunch Recess:

Morning recess - Library, Lecture Hall, Maker Space, and MPR (No sports in the MPR)

Lunch/Lunch Recess - MPR, Lecture Hall, Maker Space, Library, and Gym for Intramurals

Roaming in the hallways is NOT an option. Choose a spot and stay there.

Please remember to pick up your trash and keep these indoor areas clean.

Stay dry and have a great day, Vikings!

Lisa Ayer Crocker Middle School Assistant Principal she/her

Notice: This e-mail together with any attachments may contain information from Hillsborough City School District that is confidential and/or proprietary for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). Any review, disclosure, reliance or distribution by others or forwarding without express permission is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately and then delete all copies, including any attachments.

The Sewing Project

The Sewing Project will be meeting in Room 11 during lunch on Tuesday, January 6. You don't need any experience.  Bring your lunch and come help us sew a special project!

Notice: This e-mail together with any attachments may contain information from Hillsborough City School District that is confidential and/or proprietary for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). Any review, disclosure, reliance or distribution by others or forwarding without express permission is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately and then delete all copies, including any attachments.

Buzz Reminder: Rainy Day Locations

RAINY DAY RECESS REMINDERS

Good morning, Crocker,

It may rain during recess and lunch today, Thursday, and Friday. Please WALK under the eaves in the hallways to help stay dry, and do not run. Do not leave your backpack or Chromebook out in the open.

Locations to go during Recess, Lunch, and Lunch Recess:
Morning recess - Library, Lecture Hall, Maker Space, and MPR (No sports in the MPR)
Lunch/Lunch Recess - MPR, Lecture Hall, Maker Space, Library or Club Ed at recess, and Gym for Intramurals
Roaming in the hallways is NOT an option. Choose a spot and stay there.

Please remember to pick up your trash and keep these indoor areas clean.
Stay dry and have a great day, Vikings!

Lisa Ayer Crocker Middle School Assistant Principal she/her

Notice: This e-mail together with any attachments may contain information from Hillsborough City School District that is confidential and/or proprietary for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). Any review, disclosure, reliance or distribution by others or forwarding without express permission is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately and then delete all copies, including any attachments.