
In remberance and honor of Martin Luther King Jr.


You may have noticed that we have added quite a few new faces to our Mustang Family lately. We have also had to say congratulations and farewell to two of our beloved teachers.
Mr. Randy Epling has taught math and social studies at HMS on every grade level in his 15 years of service. He has taken on many other duties as well, including coaching, and maintaining our front sign to keep every one informed of current events. He is now retired and looking forward to starting a new adventure with his wife, Ginger.
Mrs. Kim Garrett came to HMS from Central Elementary and became a cornerstone of the math department at our school. She is a tireless teacher who is able to draw out the best in every student. She has accepted a position as the High School Math Instructional Coach for RCS.
Our hearts may be broken, but we are excited for these new adventures. Join us is saying "Congratulations Friends, but always remember, there's no place like Holmes"



Sweetheart Court for Holmes Middle School Fundraiser
💖 Attention Students! 💖
Are you interested in running for our Sweetheart Court? 🌟 This opportunity is open to all students—both males and females! 👑 If you'd like to learn more, please come to the office at the end of announcements.
📢 What to Know:
As a participant, you'll be authorized to fundraise for our school. 🎉
Each penny you receive equals one vote! 💰
The students with the most votes will be crowned King and Queen of the Sweetheart Court. 🏆✨
A set of Runners-up will be crowned Prince and Princess! 👸🤴
📄 If you’re interested, come grab your form from the office! Let’s make this event unforgettable! 💕
Forms can be picked up at the front office!

Updates for 1/20 Week
🌟 Good Evening Holmes Families! 🌟
Here are the events coming up this week:
🎉 Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend! 🎉
A favorite quote from Dr. King is: "Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend." 💖 It reminds us that everyone has a story, and as kind humans, we should show compassion to others. I hope this quote brings you hope and peace as we celebrate MLK Day tomorrow. 🙏
🖼️ The picture included is from the 2024 Washington, DC, trip featuring our current 7th and 8th graders visiting the MLK Monument. 🏛️
📚 Curl Up With A Good Book - Title 1 Night 📚
Join us on Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. to kick off our One School One Book event! 🎉 The entire school will be reading Restart by Gordan Korman in February. At the event, you’ll receive a free copy of the book, pick up your child's report card, and chat with teachers. Fun activities and treats await! 📖
⚽🏀 Spring Sports Tryouts 🏐⚾
Spring sports start on Feb. 12. Dates for tryouts will be announced soon. Remember, students must have a current physical on file with the school to participate. 🩺 Physicals can be turned in at the office. Eligibility for spring sports is based on fall semester grades and attendance. 📅✅
💃🕺 Valentine's Dance 💌❤️
Student leadership is hosting a Valentine's Dance on Friday, Feb. 14. 💃 Permission forms will be sent out on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Tickets are $10 and due by Feb. 12. Mark your calendars for a night of fun! 🎶🎈
Have a fantastic week ahead! 🌈✨
This Week:
January
1/20- Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday, no school for students
1/21- Regular day for students
1/22- Regular day for students
1/23- Teacher Workday, no school for students
1/23- Teacher Workday, no school for students
Upcoming Dates:
January
1/27- Student leadership committee will be selling Candy Grams during lunch starting January 27. Cost is $1. Candygram includes card and blow pop.
1/29- Curl Up With A Good Book Title 1 Mtg- 6:00pm
1/25- Wrestling Conference Championship at MHS (Saturday) Moved to 2/1
1/29- Early College Visit to Holmes for 8th Grade
February
2/1- Wrestling Conference Championship at MHS (Saturday)
2/3-7- Check in Testing
2/12- Spring Sports Begin
2/14- Sweet Heart Dance, 3:30pm- 6:00pm
2/21- All County Choir Performance; 7pm Rock Middle
2/27- Early Release
2/28- Teacher Workday, no school for students
March
3/4- Battle of the Books Competition
3/5-6: 6th Grade Field Trip to Atlanta
3/11- Future Mustang Day! Rising 6th graders visit Holmes during the day and parent visit at 6:00pm.
3/14- Park’s Club Fieldtrip
3/23- End of the 3rd 9 weeks
3/24-25: 8th Grade Field Trip to Outer Banks
3/26- Early Release
3/26- PBIS Celebration #3
3/27- Teacher Workday, no school for students
3/28- Teacher Workday, no school for students
April
4/1- Last day to order a yearbook
4/8- Spring Picture Day
4/11- Early Release
4/14-21- Spring Break!
May
5/22- PBIS Celebration #4
5/26- Holiday, Happy Memorial Day, No school for students
5/27- 6/6- EOG Testing Window
5/28- 8th Grade Dance
June
6/6- 8th Grade Move Up Ceremony
6/6- Last Day of School for the 2024-25 year
Reminders:
*Would you like to attend a field trip? Please complete the mandatory field trip background check: https://securevolunteer.com/ROCKINGHAM-COUNTY-SCHOOLS/home
*8th graders- The new application for Early College for the 2025-26 School year is now available. Here is the direct link to the application:
https://rockapex.maxapex.net/apex/rcstech/r/173/rcechs-admission-application?session=8722738714346&tz=-5:00
**Attention all 8th grade families. You will receive information on how to get your baby pictures to the yearbook staff this week. You will also receive information on tributes! Remember, these are opportunities only available to our 8th grade students! Start finding your baby picture now!

🌟 Holiday Reminder - All RCS Offices & Schools Closed🌟
On Monday, January 20, 2025 Rockingham County Schools will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This day reminds us to reflect on Dr. King's vision of equality, justice and unity for all.


Holmes Middle School Yearbook
Tribute
Thank you for your interest in purchasing a tribute or advertisement in the
2024-2025 Mustang Yearbook! We are very grateful to you.
Please review the attached documents to find all information about what is required for your purchase, or email Mrs. Meadows at mmeadows@rock.k12.nc.us




Welcome to Mustang Country Mrs. McLaughlin!


Welcome to Mustang Counrty Mrs. Matos!


📢 Attention Rockingham County Schools Families:
Rockingham County Schools will operate on a normal schedule tomorrow, Wednesday, January 16, 2025. Students and staff should report at the regular time.
Have a great evening!


College for NC is hosting an 8th Grade Kick Off to College info session January 28, 2025 at 6p.m. via zoom. The session will provide information on preparing your 8th grader for high school and college. Scan the QR code for additional information.


Hello, HMS Family! 😊
My name is Kristin Nuckles, and I am so excited to join your school as the new Career Development Coordinator (CDC)! I have a true passion for education, especially at the middle school level. Over the years, I’ve taught 6th and 7th grade ELA and Social Studies, and most recently, I served as a North Carolina Principal Fellow and Assistant Principal at Rockingham Middle School.
A little about me: I’m a proud graduate of UNCG and was born and raised right here in Rockingham County. I have an amazing and supportive husband, Jacob, and we are parents to a beautiful 11-month-old baby girl, Rory (yes, named after my love of Gilmore Girls 😊). We also share our home with two might-as-well-be-human fur children, Lyla and Sadie Mae. In my free time, I’m a big book nerd, love spending time outdoors, and enjoy making memories with my large (and very close-knit) family.
I absolutely love working with middle school students—it’s such a pivotal and exciting time in their lives. Helping them realize their potential and begin planning for their futures is incredibly rewarding. I’m thrilled to collaborate with the CTE department to bring meaningful career exploration opportunities to our HMS students and help them navigate their paths toward bright and successful futures.
I can’t wait to get to know each of you and to work together to make a positive impact on our students and community. Here’s to an amazing journey ahead!
Check out me and my sweet family below:




Dear RCS Students and Families:
Rockingham County Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay for students tomorrow, Wednesday, January 15th. Staff will report at their normal time.
RCS Childcare will operate on its normal schedule.
We look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Date Updates!
Please note that Tuesday and Wednesday are now student days and Thursday and Friday are the end of semester workdays!!
This Week:
January
1/15-Wrestling HOME vs. RCMS
1/15- Boy's Basketball AWAY vs. Dillard
1/15- Girl's Basketball AWAY vs. RCMS
1/16- Wrestling HOME vs. Dillard
1/16- Basketball Championship TBA
1/17- End of 2nd 9 weeks
1/20- Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday
1/21- Regular day for students
1/22- Regular day for students
1/23- Teacher Workday, no school for students
1/23- Teacher Workday, no school for students
*No Winter Dance. We will have the SweetHeart dance on 2/14.
Upcoming Dates:
January
1/30- Curl Up With A Good Book Title 1 Mtg- 6:00pm
1/25- Wrestling Conference Championship at MHS (Saturday)
1/29- Early College Visit to Holmes for 8th Grade

Due to school closings & remote learning days, here are changes to the RCS school calendar for January 2025:
End of Semester moved from 1-17 to 1-22
MLK day, 1/20 Holiday for all students & staff
School days 1/21 & 1/22
Required teacher work days 1/23 & 1/24
Report Cards 1/30


🚨 Weather Update 🚨
After reassessing road conditions, RCS has decided that tomorrow, January 14th, will be a remote learning day for students.
🕘 Staff will report on a 2-hour delay.
👶 RCS Childcare will operate on its normal schedule and families must provide snacks and lunch


📢 Attention Rockingham County Schools Families:
Rockingham County Schools will operate on a 3-hour delay for students tomorrow, January 14, 2025. RCS staff should report at the regular time. Childcare will open at the normal time. CYT!


📢 Attention RCS Families:
Due to lingering snow and ice on roads and neighborhoods, RCS will have a remote learning day for students tomorrow, January 13th. All RCS buildings will open at 10:00 am. Updates to the school calendar for the remainder of January will be shared soon.


📢 Attention Rockingham County Schools Families:
Rockingham County Schools will have a remote learning day for all students, tomorrow, January 10, 2025 due to the forecast of inclement weather. Childcare will be available in the morning as scheduled and close at 12:00pm.


With the inclement weather forecast for our area tomorrow, RCS is considering our options including a remote learning day for students. We will be providing additional information on our websites, social media and the local news later this evening.


**📢 Attention Rockingham County Schools Families:
Rockingham County Schools will operate on a normal schedule tomorrow, Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Students and staff should report at the regular time. We look forward to seeing everyone! Stay safe and have a great evening!
