January Principal Update
By John Burkholder
Each January as the calendar flips to a new year, I like to remind myself and others that we are together on this journey of ours around the sun. We can choose to work together, to gain perspective, and to find compromise, or we can push others away, sit in judgement, and seek conflict. I know how I'd prefer to travel.
As we move into the New Year, Hamilton staff members will continue their wonderful work to embrace the creativity and uniqueness of every member of our Hamilton community, whether student, staff member, family or community member. We want to take this time as 2021 gets under way to affirm the right of all students and community members, regardless of race, color, national origin, immigration status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or religion to participate in a schooling environment free from fear, violence, and intimidation, whether that schooling environment is virtual or in-person. As a school community, we will always celebrate our diversity and work to ensure that school is a safe and welcoming place for every student and every member of our community. We thank you for your partnership in making sure that our school is a welcoming and safe environment for all. I am proud to be part of this community!
Wishes for a happy and healthy New Year to all!
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Information on Reopening School Buildings
A reminder that the Madison school district will be making public announcements tomorrow, Friday, January 8, regarding the status of its district-wide timeline for our eventual return to in-person schooling. At this time as principal I do not yet have the details with regard to this timeline, but my assumption is that any eventual move back to in-person schooling at the middle school level will include options for families in efforts to address first and foremost the safety of students, staff, and the community. Please know that our Hamilton teachers and staff members will continue to work hard to meet the needs of all students at all times, whether in distant, in-person, or hybrid environments. Below is the link to the MMSD web page for information on reopening school buildings. My second assumption is that the linked site will have new information added at some point tomorrow.
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8th Grade Parent Meeting: Info for High School
Parents of 8th grade students will soon be receiving a letter from West High School. The letter is an invitation to West's Virtual 8th Grade Orientation and Elective Night, which will be on Jan. 19th, 2021. West principals and counselors will provide an overview of the SLC (Smaller Learning Community) structure, course offerings, the course selection process, and graduation requirements. There will also be an opportunity to learn from teacher representatives from elective classes. The information presented will be extremely important in helping students and parents make informed decisions regarding course selections for ninth grade.
A copy of the letter that parents will be receiving through US Mail can also be accessed in the follow link (both English and Spanish):
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Meet Pam Coltharp, New Hamilton Secretary
A shout-out and big welcome to Pam Coltharp, the newest member of our Hamilton Hawks aviary! Pam joins us as Secretary in our main Hamilton office, replacing Sandy Saether who has moved into a well-deserved retirement. Pam joins us from La Follette High School right here in the Madison school district where she most recently served as a neighborhood secretary. Pam also spent some years as a middle school secretary at Black Hawk Middle, and when presented with the opportunity to return to the middle school level, jumped at the chance! Have to love all people who find such joy in working with the middle school set! Welcome, Pam!
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Ergonomics and Chromebooks
Sitting at a computer for any length of time can result in physical discomfort. If your child is experiencing discomfort working on their Chromebook, it may be time to consider the ergonomics, or physical characteristics, of their workspace. Specifically, the following link to a document provided by the school district offers many ideas on improving the experience of working on a computer: Preventing and decreasing strains and pains from increased use of laptops/Chromebooks. The document has links to MMSD and external documents that discuss posture, wrist support, lighting, seating, taking breaks, etc.
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New Look to District Websites Coming Soon!
Just a quick note that all websites in MMSD, including the one for Hamilton Middle will soon have a new look to them as the district is currently working on a redesign.
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Student Schedule Changes
You may have noticed in Infinite Campus that your child's 3rd quarter schedule isn't complete. By Friday, January 15th, you will be able to access your child's full 3rd quarter schedule. Most classes will stay the same as 2nd quarter, but you may recognize a new Unified Arts class for 6th and 7th grade students.
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Meal Distribution Schedule: January
We are back to our regular schedule for meal distribution:
Meals are provided free of charge to all children 18 years of age and younger regardless of free, reduced or paid status eligibility for meals. Each site has pickup one day per week for your convenience. You will receive a market food box with all of the components for 5 balanced breakfast and lunch meals. Food safety guidelines will be provided with each market food box. The above information is also available at mmsd.org/food.
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Upcoming Dates of Interest |
Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates:
January
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18--MLK Jr. Holiday-NO SCHOOL
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22--End of First Semester-NO SCHOOL: Grade Reporting
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25--Third Quarter Begins
February
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11--Parent-Teacher Evening Conferences
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12--Parent-Teacher Conferences-NO SCHOOL
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Hamilton Quick Links:
Report an Absence: 204-4702
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Photo Finish
Photos here and above are of 8th grade student work completed in Jeanne Steele's Computer Arts class using Google Draw--enjoy!
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