Friday, May 23, 2025

Career Day on Friday, May 23

Ms. Slater has planned an awesome Career Day for you. 

Students leave their belongings outside their 6th-period classes, and then go to their 1st-period classes at 2:26 pm.  They should be with your 1st-period classes in their seats, ready to listen by 2:35. Teachers will take attendance. Students stay in the same location, and the presenters will move from class to class. 

Two 20-minute presentations:
1. 2:35-2:55 first presentation
2. 3:00-3:20 2nd presentation

Today, we will follow an assembly schedule.


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.

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Google Takeout to Transfer Drive & Gmail Content from School to Personal Account

Google Takeout to Transfer Drive & Gmail Content from School to Personal Account

Google Takeout Service

If you are leaving your school district, you can copy the contents of your Google Drive and transfer it to a personal Google account. Because files are copied, they will NOT be deleted from your school Google account, so it’s safe to do this process anytime.   

Video Tutorial

Step by step instructions are available in this short tutorial video HERE.

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Buzz Reminder: Thank You & CAASPP Makeups in the Library

Good morning, Crocker,

Thank you all for the excellent job you've done with CAASPP testing over the past two weeks. Your efforts and flexibility are truly appreciated.

We still have several students who need to complete the CAASPP ELA or Math. Makeup sessions will take place over the next several days during periods 1 and 2 in the library. If you are scheduled for the 8th-grade CAST or Math Placement Test during 1st period, please do NOT go to the library. These assessments take priority, and there will be ample time provided to complete the state tests afterward.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Thank you,

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.

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Career Day Expo

 Hello to you all. Here is the information about our upcoming Career Day Expo.  Please check out who you will have in your room for a presentation. If you have any questions please let me know.  

When: May 23rd from 2:30-3:20 at Crocker Middle School

What? Two 20 minute presentations to a group of 6th,7th and 8th grade students

Here are the topics your presenter may cover in your two 20 minute presentations:

·How you use skills from school in your career, e.g., math, writing, leadership, or teamwork

·Pivotal experiences that may have led you into this occupation

·Education, skills and on-the-job training that are required

·What you enjoy most about your work; aspects that are challenging

·Related careers with similar requirements

·Information on entry level salaries and demand in your field

·Work environment and with whom, occupationally, you work

The goal of this event is to look for ways to connect school experiences to the world of work that awaits them.  They are going on to high school within the next few years, and are very interested in their futures.

Speakers will have approximately two 20 minute presentations in which they will demonstrate and lead any activities, followed by a 5 minute question and answer period.  Groups of students will be limited to 30 per session, so please plan any handouts and souvenirs accordingly.  Presenters will be in a classroom at Crocker and may use PowerPoints, Google slides, pictures, discussion, hands on activities or any other model that helps portray their job.  An email will go out to each presenter about their room assignment and their student and teacher assistant on May 19th..  Student and teacher assistants will introduce the presenter and will escort them to their rooms.  All presenters will meet Mrs. Slater in front of the MPR on May 23rd at 2:20 pm with their materials.  Once presenters have checked in, they will then be escorted to their room for their two 20 minute presentations. Student assistants will then escort the presenters back to the front of the MPR at 3:20pm.

Monday, May 19, 2025

Library News

All library books are due this Friday. The only exceptions are 8th grade book club books and Call/Wild that you are still using in English. Please go to your library account and double check that you do not still have books to return.
Go to your HCSD student apps > library folder > Destiny > choose Crocker > Login with Google and go to MY INFO.  See Mrs. Gilchrist if you need to pay for a lost book. 

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.

CAASPP & CAST Testing

Good morning, Crocker,

CAASPP Testing will occur during your math and science 8 classes this week. We will follow the typical schedule each day.

Monday: Math Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) Day 1 during math class
Tuesday:  Math CAT Day 2 during math class
Wednesday: Science CAST Test Day 1 during (8th-grade only)
Thursday:  Science CAST Test Day 2 during (8th-grade only)   

If you haven't completed the ELA CAT or PT or math PT in the time given, your teacher can reopen the tests after you have completed the math CAT. If you need additional time or were absent, Ms. Ayer will work with you to provide the space and time to complete the tests. If students have Flex, Ms. Ayer will start calling students to complete their test(s) this week. 

CAASPP IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
  • Arrive at school on time each day.
  • Eat breakfast each morning, so your brain has fuel.
  • Bring your Chromebook and charger to school each day, and charge your Chromebook each night.
  • Bring reading materials each day. After you finish testing, you cannot use your Chromebook until everyone in class is done with testing.
  • Smartwatches and cell phones are not allowed during testing. Turn them off and leave them in your backpack or at home.
  • Relax and try your best.
Best of luck, Vikings!

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.

Friday, May 16, 2025

Buzz Reminder: Gum & Candy

Good morning, Crocker,

1. Chewing gum is not allowed at school.  Its use is disruptive to instruction, a health hazard, and improper disposal creates serious custodial and health problems. Continued chewing gum on campus may result in a referral for beautification or detention.
2. A small amount of candy, a couple of pieces for yourself, can be enjoyed at recess or lunchtime, but not during class. Wrappers must be thrown away in the garbage.
3. Candy is not to be widely distributed or sold to classmates. If large amounts of candy are shared outside of class, it will be confiscated, and the student may receive a referral for beautification or detention
4. Finally, food, including gum and candy, is not allowed on the blacktop, field, or gym, especially lollipops and gum. They are a choking hazard. Eat your food at the tables before going to play on the blacktop.

Thank you,

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.

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Buzz Reminder: CASSPP Testing

Good morning, Crocker,

CAASPP Testing will take place during your English and math classes this week and early next week. We will follow the typical schedule each day. 

Wednesday: ELA Performance Task (PT) Day 1 during English class
Thursday: ELA Performance Task (PT) Day 2 during English class
Friday: Math PT during math class
Monday: Math Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) Day 1 during math class
Tuesday:  Math CAT Day 2 during math class

If you haven't completed these ELA tests in the time given, your teacher can reopen the tests after you have completed the math tests. If you need additional time after that, Ms. Ayer will work with you to provide the space and time to complete the tests.

CAASPP IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
  • Arrive at school on time each day.
  • Eat breakfast each morning, so your brain has fuel.
  • Bring your Chromebook and charger to school each day, and charge your Chromebook each night.
  • Bring reading materials each day. After you finish testing, you cannot use your Chromebook until everyone in class is done with testing.
  • Smartwatches and cell phones are not allowed during testing. Turn them off and leave them in your backpack or at home.
  • Relax and try your best.
Best of luck, Vikings, you got this!

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.

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Buzz Reminder: Recess & Lunch Locations

Good morning, Crocker,

Students, remember that the areas you can be at lunch are:
  • Tables in the MPR (for 6th-8th grade)
  • Blue tables in the courtyard
  • MakerSpace/MPR courtyard
  • Upper grass in front of the Lecture Hall
  • In front of Ms. Slater's office
  • Lower grass by Band Room (for 8th-grade only)
If you need to use the restroom during lunch, use the ones inside the MPR. The restrooms are not for hanging out.

Students, these areas are OFF-LIMITS during lunch and recesses:
  • In front of the MPR
  • Behind the MPR (by the garbage/recycling)
  • Grassy area by the band room/portables (8th grade only)
  • Upstairs in the classroom hallways or bathrooms
  • Hallway or stairway by the Office, by rooms 1, 2, 3, and Art
  • In front of, behind, or around the Gym
If you are in these areas, you may earn a beautification consequence. Lastly, please pick up after yourself and throw your trash away. We have plenty of trash/recycle/compost bins around campus.

Thank you for cooperating,

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 Reimder: Cell Phones & Smartwatches

Good morning,

Please make sure your phone is 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 (Handbook p. 14). You cannot wear your Smartwatch or have your cell phone in your pocket during testing; they must be turned off and put away.

Thank you,

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.

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Reminder: CAASPP Testing Starts

Good morning,

CAASPP Testing will take place during your English and math classes this week, Tuesday through Friday. We will follow the typical schedule each day. Monday started with the English-language arts (ELA) Training Day to ensure you could log on.

Tuesday: English Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) during English class
Wednesday: ELA Performance Task (PT) Day 1 during English class
Thursday: ELA Performance Task (PT) Day 2 during English class
Friday: Math Performance Task during math class

CAASPP IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
  • Arrive at school on time each day.
  • Eat breakfast each morning, so your brain has fuel.
  • Bring your Chromebook and charger to school each day, and charge your Chromebook each night.
  • Bring reading materials each day. After you finish testing, you cannot use your Chromebook until everyone in class is done with testing.
  • Smartwatches and cell phones are not allowed during testing. Turn them off and leave them in your backpack or at home.
  • Relax and try your best.
Thank you for your cooperation and good luck!

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.

Leadership Elective emails will be sent out today after school

Good Morning!

Thank you to all of you who have applied to Leadership Elective.  You will be receiving an email today after school letting you know if you will be enrolled in the class for next year.  Thank you for your patience during this process. 

Ms. Mendy

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.

Student Council Election Applications Due Tomorrow

Good Morning!

Just a reminder that StuCo Applications are due tomorrow.  Along with the online application you must pick up a parent/guardian permission slip in the office.  This will be turned in tomorrow upon entrance of our mandatory meeting during lunch in the lecture hall.

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow, 
Ms. Mendy



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.

Monday, May 12, 2025

Wellness Week in Front of Ms. Slater’s Office at Lunch

 Wellness Week in Front of Ms. Slater’s Office at Lunch

Monday: Anxiety and how sour candy can help refocus your thought

Tuesday: Showing gratitude can help boost your mood.

Wednesday: Mandala Coloring offers a unique pathway to stress reduction

Thursday: Box breathing and eating mints can help with anxiety and stress

Friday: Rock painting can enhance overall wellness

Anxiety is a natural human emotion characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. It's a normal response to stress. Interestingly, some individuals find a peculiar comfort in sour candy during moments of anxiety. The intense, sharp flavor can act as a sensory distraction, jolting the mind away from anxious thoughts and focusing attention on the present experience of the sour taste. This sudden shift in focus can be a grounding technique, helping to interrupt the cycle of worry and bring a sense of being back to the moment. The intense sensation of sour candy can offer a temporary and accessible way for some to find a brief anchor amidst feelings of anxiety.

Showing gratitude can be a surprisingly powerful tool for boosting your mood. When you consciously focus on the good things in your life, no matter how small, it shifts your attention away from negative thoughts and worries. This simple act can increase feelings of happiness, joy, and contentment. Regularly acknowledging the positive aspects of your day, your relationships, or even just the simple comforts around you can cultivate a more optimistic outlook. This practice helps to release feel-good hormones in your brain, contributing to an overall improvement in your emotional state and fostering a greater sense of well-being.


Reminder: Posted in the HCSD Newsletter




Dangerous TikTok Trend - #ChromebookChallenge

A recent TikTok challenge is encouraging students to stick lead pencils or paper clips into the ports of thier Chromebook in an attempt to create an electrical short-circuit that will create smoke and potentially a fire. While this is an emerging trend, we have seen evidence of it within our schools.

We encourage parents to speak to your children about the risks of electrical shock, fires and damage to the device that could be caused by inserting objects into a Chromebook/laptop port or electrical outlet. It is also encouraged for parents to be aware of what your children are watching or sharing on TikTok and other apps, as well as to talk to them about online trends and peer pressure.

As a reminder, student issued Chromebook are the property of HCSD and students are responsible for any intentional damage or vandalism to the device.