Hamblen Elementary News
Principal's Message
September was a busy month of learning routines, getting to know classmates and teachers and baseline assessments. October will be just as busy and very fun. This month we will enjoy cheering on our cross country runners, the first field trips of the year, and our fall Scholastic Book Fair! Our school is a busy and exciting place. Thank you for sending your children each day!

October is the time each year that we teach Personal Safety. The letters are going home this week, so please be looking for that information. If you have questions or would like to preview the curriculum please call our office or email our school counselors.
Introducing our new Principal's Assistant
Jayme Merritt is our new Principal's Assistant. We are so lucky to have her join our Hamblen Family. Here is an introductory message from her:
"Hello! I have worked all around our district as a behavior interventionist and multi-tier support specialist. This year marks my 16th year at Spokane Public Schools! I have a husband, a 20-year-old daughter and a 17-year-old-son. Both of my kids have spent their education in Spokane Public Schools and my son still attends Ferris High School. In my spare time I love spending time with family and friends, going to new restaurants and traveling. I have really enjoyed getting to know each of your kids. I feel so lucky to work within the Hamblen Community!"
Pick-Up and Drop-Off
Here are a few reminders to help us have the safest and most efficient morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up:
  • Please leave dogs at home
  • Use the Hamblen drive through to drop off and drive away
  • Use the church parking lot if you'd like to park and walk your child to the blacktop
  • In inclement weather we will line up inside and Kindergarten and 1st grades line up in the gym. All other grades line up in the halls by their classroom door.
Counselor's Corner
Each month at Hamblen we talk about a character trait utilizing our Purposefull People curriculum.

In September, classes enjoyed talking about respect. We defined respect as "seeing good in all people and things and treating them with care." Students engaged in meaningful conversations and enjoyable classroom activities to get to know each other and practice respect.

During the month of October, we are talking about Responsibility. One way to define Responsibility is “taking action and understanding the impact of our choices.” Taking action can mean doing the right thing or completing the tasks you have been assigned. Understanding the impact of our choices means that our actions matter. Positive and responsible actions can help people and irresponsible actions can hurt others. Responsibility is 1 of 3 traits we will focus on throughout the year that helps students Be Strong. Throughout this month and year, students will be developing skills like focusing, organizing, and goal-setting. 
 
Table Talk!
Here are a couple of ideas you can implement during a family meal or during a conversation at home to continue your student's understanding of responsibility.
  • Can you describe the difference between being Responsible and irresponsible?  
  • What does it mean to you to be engaged in school?
  • A time I (or someone else) showed Responsibility was _____.  
  • An act of Responsibility that changed/challenged me was _____.
Community Support: Socktober
Hamblen is participating in SOCKTOBER again this year during the month of October. Please donate new and gently used socks and toiletries to help keep those in need in Spokane stay warm during the cold months ahead. 
Our Student Leadership group will be sorting and dispersing all donations to area agencies that provide clothing and hygiene assistance to the Spokane community. 
Hamblen students and families can bring their donations to school and drop them off in their classroom. Please help if you can! 

Items needed: New and gently used socks (all sizes), Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Shampoo, Soap 
Join us on Facebook!
PTG Happenings
The Ice Cream Social was a big success! Thank you to all of you that were able to attend. If you'd like to stay up-to-date on the PTG news please join our facebook group at Hamblen PTG. You can also email us at hamblenelementaryptg@gmail.com.

Looking for a way to be involved? We are in need of a Volunteer Coordinator. Call the school office or email the PTG if interested.

Here are a list of October events for you to put on your calendars:
  • Book Fair October 10 - 13
  • PTG Meeting on Zoom October 11
  • Science Night October 24, 6:30 - 7:30 Hamblen MP Room
Hamblen Needs You!
We are in need of noon recess supervisors and morning crossing guards. If you are interested please call or stop by the main office to get more information.
October
Calendar of Events

Trait = Responsibility

1 - 19 PTG Cookie Dough Sale

5 - Cross Country Practice 3pm - 4pm

6 - 1st grade to Walter's Fruit Ranch

10 - 13 Book Fair

10 - Cross Country Practice 3pm - 4pm

11 - PTG Meeting 6:30pm on Zoom

12 - Cross Country Meet 3:30pm @ Hamblen

14 - No School, Teacher Learning Day

17 - Cross Country Practice for All-City Qualifiers

19 - Cross Country Practice for All-City Qualifiers

21 - 5th and 6th graders to Ferris to hear Carla Peperzak

22 - Cross Country All-City meet @ Ferris High School 12:00 noon

24 - Science Night 6:30pm to 7:30pm

25 - Picture Day

26 - Hearing Screening

28 - Crazy Hair Day