Welcome to HCMS! Cougar Club is excited to welcome our newest Cougars and their families. We’re glad you’re here and look forward to helping you connect with our school community.
Start here
Two essentials for new families
Take care of these first, then return to the guide whenever a question comes up.
01 · Stay informed
ParentSquare
Campus and district news, emergency notices, and school messages in one place.
ParentSquare help and sign-in →02 · Get connected
Cougar Club
Meet other families, volunteer, and support programs for HCMS students and staff.
Register with Cougar Club →Support HCMS
Make an impact at Hill Country
Family donations and community partnerships help Cougar Club support HCMS students, staff, programs, and campus priorities.
Families and friends
Friends of Hill Country
Give directly to Cougar Club’s annual campaign and help fund the programs and priorities that make HCMS exceptional.
Donate to Friends of Hill Country
View the Friends of Hill Country donor list →Local businesses
Community Sponsors
Partner with Cougar Club, connect with HCMS families, and show your support for our school community.
View the Community Sponsors list →2026–27 school year
Year at a Glance
A printable overview of the school dates and Cougar Club events families ask about most.
Dates and times may change. Please use the complete calendar for the latest details.
Need to know
Visiting campus and attendance
Keep these three procedures handy for campus visits, attendance reporting, and early pickup.
Visiting campus
Enter through the front office
Ring the doorbell by the front door to be admitted. All school access is through the front office. On your first visit, bring your driver’s license for the Raptor security check.
Leaving early
Student checkout
Submit the checkout form before pickup. A QR code is also posted at the front door. Bring your driver's license or another official photo ID and be ready to show it to the front-office camera; identification is required for student checkout.
Open the checkout form →Daily life at HCMS
Arrival, dismissal, and campus access
Extra staff will be outside during the first few days of school to help keep the car line safe and moving.
Car line checklist
- Enter the upper lot and choose one of two lanes.
- Have students and their belongings ready before reaching the unloading area.
- Pull forward to the second crosswalk before students exit.
- Stay right to exit onto Dusky Thrush Trail.
- Use the left, one-way lane for Walsh Tarlton, then turn right only.
Bikes and other wheels
Students should “Walk Your Wheels” on campus and lock bikes only in the designated racks to help prevent theft or damage.
Cougar Store
Cougar Cash
Cougar Cash is a prepaid digital gift-card balance students can use for purchases at the HCMS Cougar Store. Families can purchase or reload Cougar Cash online, and store volunteers use the student’s saved gift card in Square at checkout. Any unused balance remains available for a future visit.
How students use it
A cash-free way to shop
The Cougar Store does not accept cash. Students may pay with Cougar Cash or a physical credit card. If a Cougar Cash balance is too low, the student can pay the difference with a physical credit card or remove items from the purchase.
Families can also check the current Cougar Cash balance online at any time.
Family account actions
Manage Cougar Cash
Regular school day
Bell and lunch schedules
The first bell rings at 8:28 AM. All grades share the same morning and afternoon schedule; midday timing varies by grade.
6th Grade Lunch
A Lunch: 11:20–11:50
4th: 11:55–12:45
5th: 12:50–1:40
7th Grade Lunch
4th: 11:25–12:15
B Lunch: 12:15–12:45
5th: 12:50–1:40
8th Grade Lunch
4th: 11:25–12:15
5th: 12:20–1:10
Lunch: 1:10–1:40
Academic support
Before- and after-school resources
Three different options for make-up work, focused study time, and ongoing organization support.
Make-up assessments
Testing Center
Monday–Friday: 7:35–8:30 AM
Monday–Thursday: 4:00–5:00 PM
Bring supplies and confirm in advance that your teacher delivered the test or quiz. Students without a door code may buzz in through the front door.
Structured support
Study Buddies
After-school homework, assessment-preparation, study, and organizational support for students in grades 6–8 through Community Education.
Cost: $260.20 per quarter, plus a $5 materials fee ($265.20 total).
Quarter 1: Tuesdays, Aug. 25–Oct. 6, 4:00–5:00 PM
Quarter 1 registration details →
Quarter 1 has already begun; call 512-732-9045 for registration assistance.
Quarter 2: Tuesdays, Oct. 13–Dec. 8, 4:00–5:00 PM; no class Nov. 24
Family resources
The links families use most
Bookmark this section for transportation, school information, activities, and ways to connect.
Everyday HCMS information
Find your people
Activities, athletics, and community
Explore student groups, fine arts, athletics, and ways to connect with the HCMS community.
HCMS Athletics
Teams, athletics merchandise, and Booster Club
Use the HCMS Athletics site for team information. The HCMS Athletics Booster Club is the place to buy athletic class- and sport-specific apparel and spirit wear, sign up to volunteer at athletic events, and support Cougar athletics. Athletic Store purchases support HCMS athletes and help fund coach requests for all sports.
We are glad you are here
No question is too small.
Need help or have a question? Email Cougar Club using the button below, and we'll help connect you with the right person.
Upcoming Events
- Tuesday, September 8
- Friday, September 11
- Wednesday, September 16
- Wednesday, September 23
- Thursday, October 8
