This week, we celebrate the heart, compassion, and unwavering dedication that Mrs. Menz brings to our school community every single day. As our School Social Worker, she is a constant source of support, guidance, and encouragement for our students, families, and staff.
Whether she’s offering a listening ear, helping students navigate challenges, connecting families with resources, or simply brightening someone’s day with her kindness, Mrs. Menz makes a lasting difference in countless lives. Her commitment to student well-being helps make HMSHS not just a school, but a caring and supportive community.
Thank you, Mrs. Menz, for your compassion, dedication, and the positive impact you make every day. We are so lucky to have you at HMSHS! 💛👏
🚗☀️ Driver Education – Summer 2026 ☀️🚗
The Nassau County School District is offering Driver Education for Summer 2026!
Program Overview:
Driver Education will consist of:
✔️ One week of classroom instruction (30 hours)
✔️ Two days of in-vehicle training (6 total driving hours per student)
Students who successfully complete the course will receive:
🎓 ½ elective credit
📄 A certificate of completion (suitable for insurance documentation)
📊 A grade that will count toward the student’s overall GPA
📅 Class Dates: June 8–12, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
🥪 Students should bring a lunch.
🚘 Driving Portion:
Students will meet the Driver Ed car at the school. Each student will be assigned two days of in-vehicle training between June 13 – July 10. (Dates/times are flexible, but once assigned, attendance is required.)
📌 Requirements for Enrollment:
• Must be 15 years of age or older and enrolled in Nassau County Public Schools
• Must have a Learner’s License OR obtain one within one week after completing the classroom portion (students may not drive without a license)
• Must attend 100% of classroom instruction and complete both in-vehicle training days (no exceptions)
📄 Enrollment is first come, first served based on submission of a complete application including:
Application Form with Parent Permission
Off-Campus Form
Notarized Medical Authorization Form
Copy of Student’s Driver’s License (if available)
👉 Students need to see Mrs. Barbie Hadden in the front office to sign up.
Don’t wait — spots will fill quickly! 🚦
Students had the incredible opportunity to spend the day alongside professionals in a variety of career fields, observing, asking questions, and truly experiencing what a day on the job looks like. From learning about daily responsibilities to exploring the education and skills needed for different professions, our students gained meaningful, hands-on insight that simply can’t be replicated in a textbook.
Throughout the day, students engaged in real-world tasks, participated in discussions, and saw firsthand how teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and dedication play an essential role in every career path. These authentic learning experiences help our students connect classroom learning to future goals and inspire them to begin thinking about their own career aspirations.
We are incredibly grateful to all of the employees and businesses who welcomed our students and generously shared their time, expertise, and mentorship. Your willingness to open your doors and provide this hands-on learning experience made a lasting impact. Thank you for investing in the future of our students and our community!
We are so proud of our 8th graders for representing HMSHS with professionalism, curiosity, and enthusiasm. Be sure to check out the photos of our students in action! 📸
While diving into Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, students used a game of Jenga as a hands-on way to explore the novel’s complex themes. Each block pulled revealed a prompt—ranging from characterization and symbolism to themes of ambition, isolation, and responsibility. If they could successfully analyze the prompt, they kept building. If not… well, the tower (and sometimes their argument!) came crashing down.
This interactive approach helped students:
-Strengthen textual evidence skills
-Practice on-the-spot critical thinking
-Engage in meaningful peer discussion
-Make connections between structure and theme (just like the fragile balance in the novel itself!)
Learning doesn’t have to stay in the book—sometimes you have to stack it up, take risks, and see what holds. So proud of these seniors for embracing creativity while sharpening their analytical skills! 💡
Through engaging instruction and project-based learning, students are diving headfirst into the legislative process by drafting and writing their own bills for HMSHS Law. From identifying real-world issues to crafting formal legislative language and debating policy details, they’re experiencing authentic, hands-on learning at its best.
This dynamic assignment promotes critical thinking, collaboration, civic literacy, and student voice, while giving seniors meaningful insight into how laws are created and refined. It’s a powerful example of real-world application in action.
Way to go, seniors! Your dedication, creativity, and leadership are truly impressive! 🇺🇸📚
Mrs. Russell’s 6th Grade Science classes had an amazing opportunity to learn from the wonderful volunteers of Friends of Fernandina Aviation (FoFA), who presented their engaging Science of Aviation STEM program!
Students explored the science behind flight and had the chance to work alongside volunteers during this hands-on presentation. It was an exciting experience that connected real-world aviation concepts to what they are learning in class.
The volunteers also shared information about an exciting upcoming opportunity — Young Eagles Day in May at the Fernandina Beach Airport. This special program allows students to register for a free flight in an airplane! 🚁
🗓 Registration opens April 16th
⚠️ Spots fill up quickly, so families are encouraged to sign up early!
In addition, FoFA is hosting their first-ever Aviation 5-Day Summer Camp from June 8–12 — a fantastic opportunity for students interested in aviation to dive even deeper into the field.
We are so grateful for this partnership and the inspiring experiences it provides for our students.
#STEM #ScienceOfAviation #FuturePilots #HandsOnLearning ✈️
One quote on the wall reminds us: “Honor those who stepped forward when others were thinking backwards.” It’s a meaningful tribute to the courage and leadership of those who paved the way for progress.
Another display highlights the historical significance of quilt codes believed to have been used by enslaved African Americans to help navigate the Underground Railroad — a powerful reminder of resilience, ingenuity, and hope in the face of unimaginable hardship.
A beautifully painted banner reads: “Dream like Martin Luther King Jr., Fight like Malcolm X, Write like Maya Angelou.” These words honor the lasting impact of leaders whose voices and actions continue to inspire generations.
Thank you to students, faculty and staff that helped create these meaningful displays. Building 5 stands as a space of reflection, education, and celebration this Black History Month. ❤️
Our talented students combined art with mechanics by designing and building unique puppets featuring movable parts — all crafted from playing cards. From carefully engineered joints to imaginative character designs, students explored how form and function work together to bring their creations to life.
This hands-on project challenged them to think like both artists and engineers, blending creativity, problem-solving, and precision. The result? One-of-a-kind puppets full of personality, movement, and innovation!
We are so proud of the craftsmanship, collaboration, and creativity on display in Mrs. Cash-Canode's Art Lab. Amazing work by our Fine Craft Art students! 👏✨
These individuals go above and beyond each day to support our students, colleagues, and community. Their dedication, teamwork, and commitment to growth truly make a difference across our campus.
Congratulations to our February EPIC award recipients — and thank you for living out EPIC in action! ⚡
What a BATTLE from start to finish! The intensity was real, the crowd was loud, and our boys did not give up!
Next up… REGIONAL FINALS for both girls and boys. ♥️🏀⚡️
The road to STATE just got a little closer… and we’re not done yet. 👏🏻
Next up: Friday, 2/20 at Flashes Gym vs Fort White!
Let’s pack the gym and keep the momentum rolling!
Nassau County School District schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents' Day.
Classes will resume on Tuesday, February 17.
Parents and families can view the complete school calendar at:
🔗 https://www.nassau.k12.fl.us/calendar
#WeAreNassau
Hilliard Middle Senior High School CNA students took part in a hands-on lesson focused on infection control and proper glove removal techniques.
Using chocolate syrup and strawberry syrup to represent germs, students practiced removing contaminated gloves correctly without spreading contamination. This engaging simulation reinforced the importance of safety, precision, and proper procedure in healthcare settings.
Through the CNA program, students can graduate high school as a Certified Nursing Assistant, earning a valuable industry certification while gaining real-world healthcare experience.
Students interested in enrolling in their high school’s CNA program are encouraged to reach out to their school counselor or visit the Nassau County School District Career and Technical Education page for more information.
These authentic learning experiences help prepare students for future careers in healthcare.
#WeAreNassau #HilliardMSHS #CNAProgram #CareerReady #CTE #HealthcareCareers
The Nassau County School District invites students and families to attend the 2026 College and Career Fair.
Join us on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. at the Yulee High School Cafeteria to explore postsecondary education options and career pathways.
A free sweet treat will be provided to each student who attends, sponsored by the Nassau Education Foundation and The Gates’ Foundation, and provided by Mr. Softee and 904 Squeeze.
#WeAreNassau #CollegeAndCareerReady #StudentSuccess #FutureReady
The Nassau County School District is hiring school bus drivers to support safe, reliable transportation for students across our community.
Competitive pay. Strong benefits. Meaningful work.
✔ Hiring bonus of $2,500–$3,000*
✔ $18–$19+ per hour*
✔ Annual attendance and safety bonuses
✔ Free training provided
✔ Millage bonus for the 2025–2026 school year: $5,877 (prorated)
Join a team that plays a vital role in student success every day.
📞 Questions? Contact the NCSD Transportation Department at 904-225-0127
🚌 Apply to be an NCSD Bus Driver today.
*Hourly pay based on union contract negotiations and years of experience.
#SchoolBusDrivers #NowHiring #TransportationJobs #EducationCareers #PublicServiceJobs #NassauCountyFL #WeAreNassau
The Nassau County School District invites students and families to attend the 2026 College and Career Fair.
Join us on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. at the Yulee High School Cafeteria to explore postsecondary education options and career pathways.
A free sweet treat will be provided to each student who attends, sponsored by the Nassau Education Foundation and The Gates’ Foundation, and provided by Mr. Softee and 904 Squeeze.
#WeAreNassau #CollegeAndCareerReady #StudentSuccess #FutureReady
Paying for college starts with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) — and now there’s even more reason to submit yours.
✅ Complete your FAFSA and you could win:
🎁 Gift cards for everyone who submits by February 14
💻 A Microsoft Surface Pro (drawing at the end of March)
💰 Plus access to grants, scholarships, and federal aid
The FAFSA can open the door to free money you don’t have to pay back — and completing it enters you into an exclusive prize drawing.
Free to apply. Takes less time than you think. Could save you thousands.
📅 Complete FAFSA. Submit. Win.
Your education is worth it — and so are the prizes.
