VHMS Hamilton Headlines

October 15, 2020

Vol. 2, Issue 14

New 2nd Quarter UA classes start on Monday, Nov. 2nd for 6th and 7th graders.

Did you notice that your 6th or 7th grader had a blank spot in their schedule for their 2nd quarter UA (Unified Arts) class? This is the only class that changes every quarter. We are scheduling students into their 2nd quarter UA classes this week, and it will be updated in Infinite Campus by Monday, Oct. 19th. For 7th grade students, this class is either 4th or 5th hour, and for 6th grade students, this class is either 7th or 8th hour. Also, If your 7th grade child has 4th hour Computers with Ms. Steele at any point this year, the focus is on coding, so it is different than Mr. Olsen's Computer class. If your 6th grade child has Art with Ms. Steele this year, the focus is on computer art, so it is different than Ms. McRae's Art class. Teachers will be making announcements in classes during the last week of October to help students access their new UA class on Monday, Nov. 2nd.

Keeping Emails Private

Hamilton staff members try to avoid using student names on the subject line of any email. Email threads can pick up additional people as they go, and we want to make sure that student information stays confidential on open screens. You just never know who may be seeing a computer screen at school or at home, so it is important to be a bit covert on the subject line of emails when the email is about a student. We encourage the same for parents who are emailing us about a student.

CBITS Screener Coming to Sixth Grade

What is the CBITS Program: "The Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools" (CBITS) program is a school-based, group and individual intervention. It is designed to reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and behavioral struggles, and to improve functioning, grades and attendance, peer and parent support, and coping skills." For more information, on the CBITS Program, click HERE.

The CBITS screener will be given some time later this month to all 6th-grade students. If you DO NOT want your child to take this screener, please fill out the form below. If you don't have the option to print/scan and return the form via email, please send Kristin Ensminger an email (ksensminger@madison.k12.wi.us) or text (608-561-2883) including child's name, parent's name, and that you are opting your child out of the CBITS screener. Thank you!

CBITS Opt Out Form in English

CBITS Opt Out Form in Spanish

How to Limit Chromebook Access to the Internet During Non-School Time

Did you know that you can use the Securly App to set offline schedules on your child's Chromebook that allow you to set an unlimited number of recurring times during which your child cannot access the internet on their school-issued device? Did you know that you can temporarily pause your child's internet access on their school device? You can do both! See the links below for guidance on how to use the Securly App to accomplish the above two items.

Securly Parent Info English

Securly Parent Info Spanish

Social Work Connect: A Google Classroom for Parents to Call Their Own!

Our Hamilton Social Worker has created a Google Classroom for parents. Don't worry, there will be no homework assigned! The classroom is just a place to house some great information and links to outstanding resources. Currently linked in the Classwork stream of this Google Classroom are topics such as how to get in touch with our social worker team, community resources on all things health and wellness related, virtual learning resources; materials around race, sexuality, gender, and social justice; and a calendar of upcoming events. Just click on the below link to join this parent Google Classroom.