
Mrs. Elizabeth Jaquez, a dedicated and hardworking member of the HJH family, is currently battling cancer while continuing to work through her chemotherapy treatments and doctor's appointments. Known for her unwavering commitment to the students and for going above and beyond, she often works late and on weekends to ensure everything is done. To support her during this challenging time, a SURPRISE Potato Bar Fundraiser was held on Thursday, December 19th, during staff lunches. All proceeds benefit Mrs. Jaquez’s fight against cancer.
Additionally, teachers took part in a Chili Cook-Off. There were six chili entries from both HJH and HES, each assigned a number and placed in unmarked containers to ensure anonymity. Judges, including Hilltop and HJH administrators, as well as Mr. Stevenson, head of the HJH Que Team (BBQ Team), were also assigned numbers for their score sheets. The competition focused on key criteria: taste, texture, color, aroma, and aftertaste, with a unique recipe being valued alongside excellent flavor. Prizes included a ribbon, $75, $50, and $25 gift cards, and a chef's hat. Once judged, the chili was served at the event and enjoyed by Hilltop and HJH faculty and staff. Winners of the Chili Cook-Off were Erica England (1st), Veronica Noel (2nd), and Michelle Shepard (3rd).
A large sign with an inspirational message for Mrs. Jaquez was displayed in the media center, where everyone stopped by and added their note of support.
This fundraiser and event served as a heartfelt opportunity to show appreciation for everything Mrs. Jaquez has contributed to HJH, highlighting the love and support she has from her colleagues during her courageous battle.









📚✨ LAST CHANCE TO GET YOUR 8TH GRADE YEARBOOK DEDICATION PAGE! ✨📚
The deadline is fast approaching for 8th grade families, and we don’t want you to miss out on the chance to leave a lasting message in this year's yearbook. Whether it's a shoutout to your friends or a memory that will last a lifetime—now's your time to shine! 🌟
💌 Why get a dedication page?
Celebrate achievements & memories
Personalize with photos & messages
Make it a keepsake for years to come
⏳ Hurry, space is limited! Don’t wait—order your dedication page TODAY before it’s too late!


Hardee Middle FFA competed at Sub Districts today. They all did great and we are very proud of them all!✨
Opening & Closing Ceremonies- 1st Place
Parliamentary Procedure- 1st Place
Extemporaneous Speaking- 1st Place
Prepared Public Speaking- 1st Place
Creed Speaking- 2nd Place







🎄✨ Our art students are working together to create festive Christmas piñatas! 🎅🎨 Some made adorable shooting stars, while others created sweet gingerbread men and reindeer. It's such a joy to see their creativity and teamwork shine as we get ready for the holiday season! 🦌🍬 #HolidayFun #ChristmasCrafts#PiñataMaking











🎉 Don't miss out! Yearbooks are still on sale! 📚✨
It's the perfect way to capture memories from this unforgettable school year. 🏫 Order yours today before they’re gone! 📅 #Yearbook2024 #MemoriesToLast #SchoolSpirit


🎄✨ AVID's College-Themed Christmas Trees! 🎓🌟
AVID students are bringing festive cheer with a creative twist this holiday season! We’ve decked out Christmas trees with college spirit—showcasing our dreams and aspirations for the future. From Ivy League to local favorites, each tree is designed to represent the university we’re aiming for, filled with school colors, logos, and all the holiday magic that comes with it.
🎅💡 These college-themed trees not only brighten up our celebrations but remind us of the power of education and the endless opportunities ahead.
#AVID #CollegeBound #ChristmasCheer #FutureScholars #CollegeGoals
📚🌟 Let's keep reaching for the stars and making those college dreams a reality! 🌟📚

Hardee Middle FFA Tool ID Team competed at State Finals on Tuesday and placed 7th out of the top 20 teams in the State of Florida. Way to go team!✨ 🔨


🎄✨ Reminder: Next week is Christmas Spirit Week!
🎅🏼 All students are invited to join in on the festivities and spread some holiday cheer. Each day will have a fun theme, so get your festive outfits and creativity ready! 🎁
Parents will join the fun during Parent Night on Tuesday, Dec. 17th! We hope to see you there.
#ChristmasSpiritWeek #HolidayCheer #FestiveSeason 🎄


The Hardee Middle FFA Vegetable Judging team participated in the State Finals on Friday! They placed 8th out of the top 20 teams in Florida. Good job girls!✨

The HJH Agriculture department has been hard at work in the greenhouse! Not only can you grow conventionally (in the soil), but you can also grow crops in water. This is called Hydroponics. The ag department has several hydroponic systems working to grow butterhead lettuce and romaine lettuce (science fair project).



🚨 Attention Students and Parents: Testing Time is Here! 🚨
It's important to be prepared and focused. Here are a few reminders:
📅 Test Dates: Mark your calendars!
⏰ Get Rest: A good night’s sleep before test day is crucial.
🥤 Eat Well: A healthy breakfast fuels your brain for success.
Stay positive, stay confident, and give it your best shot! You’ve got this! 💪📈


🎉🎉 Congratulations to Our December Teacher, Staff, and Students of the Month! 🎉🎉
We are beyond proud to announce our Student of the Month, Teacher of the Month, and Staff Member of the Month for December! 🏆✨Your hard work, dedication, and positive attitude have truly shone through. Keep up the amazing effort – we are so proud of you!






The Tool ID and the Vegetable Judging teams competed in Okeechobee on Friday.
Tool ID placed 6th and Vegetable Judging placed 4th. Both teams are preparing for their State Finals Contest in December!



This morning, HJH treated our amazing teachers to a little warmth and refreshment with hot chocolate and iced coffee on a chilly day as they finished out the week in their comfy sweats! A small way to say thank you for all the hard work and dedication they put in every day. They truly deserve it! ☕️🍫 #TeacherAppreciation #Grateful #SmallGesturesBigImpact











Congratulations once again to Daniel Estrada and Wendy Mayer. We are so proud that you are our Teacher and ESP of the Year!




Hardee Middle FFA Families don't forget your RSVP to the Thanksgiving Potluck! RSVP with the following link.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdeTJIhkKbrjWBYJLOucYrgPnbNwHYfyQuHW_ThylJjJnMb5A/viewform

Want to know how to help your student with their grades? Check out these suggestions.


Come out tonight to show your support for Hardee Junior High's Basketball teams!


Students in Mrs. Nicholson’s 6th grade science class took a trip that was out of this world! 🚀🌎
Students had to work together to escape from outer space! What a great way to review important information about Earth’s atmosphere and have some Friday fun, too! 👩🏼🚀💫🧑🏾🚀











HJH is proud to announce that two of our judging teams made it to the State Finals! Congratulations to the Tool ID Team and the Vegetable Judging Team!
