Welcome to Hill Creek's Middle School Information Page. If you need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the school office for more details.
Welcome & Overview
We’re so glad you’re here. Hill Creek Middle School is a place where students are supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow—both academically and personally. Whether you’re a parent learning about our program or a student exploring what middle school will be like, you’ll find a caring community, engaging classes, and opportunities to discover new interests. We’re excited to partner with your family and help every Bulldog put their best P.A.W.S. forward as they navigate this important and exciting stage of learning.
Meet the Team
Administration
- Principal: Chastity Forster
- Vice Principal: Monica Farren
- Counselor: Cassandra Millsap
6th Grade Teachers
Jane Montler (Math and Science)
Laura Goldman (English and History)
7th Grade Teachers
Martha Cordova (Math and Science)
Hannah McCarthy (English and History)
8th Grade Teachers
Dominic Kostamo (Math and English)
Charles Applegate (Science and History)
Special Education & Support Staff
Rudy Ramirez (Resource Specialist for 5-8)
Laura Stablein (Instructional Assistant for 5-8 resource)
Classes & Academic Program
Core Classes
- English Language Arts: Students analyze literature and informational texts and develop writing, speaking, and language skills aligned to the CA Common Core ELA standards.
- History: Students use inquiry to study world history, evaluate sources, and build understanding of past societies and civic concepts following the CA HSS Framework.
- Science: Students learn through three‑dimensional NGSS instruction, applying core ideas, scientific practices, and crosscutting concepts to real‑world phenomena.
- Math: Students build conceptual understanding and problem‑solving skills in proportional reasoning, expressions, geometry, and statistics under the CA CCSS‑Math standards.
Physical Education
- Students develop motor skills, fitness knowledge, healthy movement habits, and positive social behaviors
- Uniform requirements: Teal shirt and black shorts available for purchase at Al’s Sport Shop
- Locker room procedures: Students are administered a locker and combination lock to change in and out of their PE clothes.
Grading & Academic Expectations
Grade Scale:
A = 90–100%
B = 80–89%
C = 70–79%
D = 60–69%
F = 59% and below
Categories:
- Academic: Assessments, classwork, projects, quizzes, and writing assignments
- Effort: Participation, preparedness, on-task behavior, and completion of practice work
- Citizenship: Behavior, collaboration, respect, and adherence to classroom norms
Honor Roll Criteria:
- Principal’s Honor Roll: 3.75 GPA or higher
- Honor Roll: 3.5–3.74 GPA
(No D’s or F’s in any class.)
How Students & Parents Check Grades:
- All grades are updated regularly in PowerSchool, where students and families can monitor progress, missing work, and overall performance.
Technology & Devices
Students receive a district‑issued 10th‑generation iPad (with keyboards for grades 4–8) and are expected to use it responsibly by following district guidelines, caring for the device, and completing required digital forms. All devices are covered by AppleCare+ for Schools, but students must follow responsible‑use expectations, including appropriate online behavior learned through the digital citizenship unit. Students are expected to bring iPads to school fully charged, store them safely in their cases, and follow all classroom procedures for device use, handling, and care as outlined in the district’s 1:1 iPad policies
Student Life
ASB (Associated Student Body) is the student‑led organization on campus that represents the interests, voice, and spirit of the student body. It plans and runs school events (like dances, spirit weeks, fundraisers, and lunchtime activities), manages student club funding, and promotes a positive school culture. ASB members learn leadership, teamwork, responsibility, and service while helping make school a more engaging and connected place for all students.