Hamilton Headlines

News and notes from
Hamilton Middle
May 26, 2022
Vol. 3, Issue 41
Safety Visit Update
As shared in an email yesterday, our combined Hamilton and Van Hise campus had its scheduled school safety visit yesterday. These visits are happening at all schools across the year and are designed to be comprehensive, with our district level visitors checking everything from the presence of active supervision, transitions between classes, protocols for school emergency situations such as lockdowns, to the working condition of equipment including machinery, windows, doors and PA systems, and the storage of materials and supplies in classrooms and other spaces. The comprehensive list is actually longer than what was just listed, with the district using a 144 point checklist across their day-long visit.

Overall, the district was impressed with our Hamilton Middle protocols for the supervision of students. Our visitors found additional strengths in the areas of a welcoming school environment, the display of student work, club options for students, supervising staff wearing safety vests, signs and posters promoting inclusivity, and teachers and staff members in the hallways monitoring students during transitions.

Some areas for us to improve upon include additional emergency signage, reminding all teachers to teach with classroom doors closed (which then automatically lock), a few classroom doors needing their window covers removed (so law enforcement can see into rooms quickly if the need should arise), some recommendations on removing stacked storage on shelves in classrooms, and the need to secure tall bookcases to walls.

Overall it was a good visit and the district was impressed with the plan for safety and security on our campus. We will of course be taking action to implement the district's recommendations moving forward.

Lastly, if you did not see the above referenced safety email that was sent yesterday, you can see a copy at the below link.
MSCR After School Classes Come to an End, But There are Summer Options!
This was the last week of MSCR after school programming. We thank Kris Anderson for her leadership in providing these programs to our Hamilton Middle students across the school year! After school programming will return in the fall! Now, on to summer...

Registration is open for MSCR summer camps!
Enroll your child in summer opportunities with MSCR! MSCR is offering fun, full-day experience for incoming 6th-9th grade students! 
 
 
Here are some highlights: 
Camp Adventure
Give your middle schoolers the gift of the great outdoors in Camp Adventure!
 
Creative You Art Camp
Calling artists of all experience levels! Create your own masterpieces and have fun with drawing, painting and more.
 
Middle School on the Move                              
Everyone is welcome to explore weekly themes!
 
Sports Camp
Enjoy active games and sports? Get ready to be active and sweaty! All skill levels welcome! 
7th Grade Action Civics Showcase
Parents and family members of 7th grade students are invited to join us to learn about the contemporary issues our 7th grade students are passionate about including the actions they have taken thus far to make changes in their neighborhood, city, state and world. Check with your child to find when they are scheduled to be presenting. Masks required for all attendees. Click the below button for more information.
Reminder: Library Books Due May 31
All library books are due in the library by the end of the school day on Tuesday, May 31! As of this writing, we have lots and lots of books still checked out, which is awesome. Most of those books are overdue, which is not awesome. Students can check their email for notification of what is due and overdue. Please turn in ALL library books by Tuesday, May 31. Thanks!
MMSD Strategic Framework Recalibration: Join The District for Community Input Sessions

You are invited to attend and participate in an in-person input session, sharing your ideas about how MMSD can meet the three goals outlined in the Strategic Framework. We want to hear your perspectives about MMSD’s strategic plan, learn about your experiences within MMSD, and better understand your needs and concerns.

Three future input sessions have been scheduled across Madison; please attend the date/location most convenient to you. Refreshments and childcare will be provided; middle and high school students are invited to participate in the input sessions.

Thursday, May 26 • 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Mendota Elementary School-gym, 4002 School Road

Wednesday, June 1 • 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Memorial High School library, 201 South Gammon Road

Thursday, June 2 • 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
The Life Center-auditorium, 4402 Femrite Drive

Additionally, one virtual session (via Zoom) has been scheduled for Wednesday, June 8, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Zoom link to follow.

Again, the school district hopes you are able to join them at one of these sessions; your voice will help to inform the Strategic Framework recalibration process. Thank you!
Hamilton Quick Links:
PTO
Yep, more amazing original artwork by a Hamilton student in Sarah McRae's Art class, this one by Emily F.
Upcoming Dates of Interest
Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates:

May
  • 27-Asynchronous Learning Day
  • 30-No School: Memorial Day

June
  • 9-Last Day of School (Thursday)
Photo Finish
Sixth grade students have been taking field trips two classes at a time out to the Madison School Forest High Ropes Course. It is a great confidence building activity to help launch these students into seventh grade!
Hamilton Middle Website