Here's the Scoop

It’s official, the year is up and running! It feels like fall… It IS fall… Students are learning… Families are (hopefully) feeling good about their routines of bedtime, homework, bus time and all the other parts of making sure our students are ready for school each day.

My time this past month has been spent making sure each of your children are getting what they need to be successful in school this year. Thankfully, we have a tremendous team of paras, custodians, teachers, cooks, noon supervisors and administrative support to serve our students every day. While your children will continue to be my main focus, I will be shifting some of my time to connect with families. I plan on doing two things to learn from you:

The first is to host a “Coffee with the Principal” event at 10:00 on the first Friday of the month. You are invited to the first of these events on Friday, October 7 in the cafeteria. There will not be a prepared agenda but rather a time to learn from and connect with families. No reservations needed, just show up!

The second way I will be connecting with families is to make regular calls to homes. The intent of these calls is to learn about families’ personal experiences with Hamilton Ridge. Stories from families will help us learn how to better serve our students. So if you get a call from the principal, don’t assume there is a problem!

I look forward to more connections with the adults who love the children we serve!

Yours in partnership,

Sam

Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school, and themselves. If children don’t show up for school regularly, they miss out on fundamental skills for learning, including reading and math. Missing 10%, or about 2 days each month over the course of a school year, can significantly impact learning. Research has shown that children who were chronically absent in kindergarten and 1st grade were less likely to read proficiently at the end of 3rd grade. Review the graphic below for tips on how to create good attendance habits.

Prior to school starting this year you should have received a link to the Parent and Student Handbook.

One of this year’s updates in the Parent and Student Handbook is around student use of personal electronic devices. It states:

Personal electronic devices must be turned off in the classroom and are not to be used during school hours unless under the direct supervision and permission of the instructor. Personal devices may not be used during recess or lunch time. The school district is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

Any personal electronic devices should be kept in backpacks or with the teachers during the day so that students can focus on learning without distractions.

To add clarity around this procedure we offer the following guidance:

All cell phones, tablets and gaming devices must be shut off and stored either in the students backpack or with your child’s teacher during the day.

Smartwatches (ie. Apple Watches, Fitbits, Galaxy watches, etc.) may be worn during the day as long as they are used solely as watches and not for other purposes. This includes gaming, communication and other uses that distract from learning. Using a smartwatch to communicate with family, friends or other students is not allowed in school. Communication with those outside of the school needs to be under the direction and supervision of school staff. Prohibited use of a smartwatch will result in the loss of privilege to wear the watch.

Thank you for your support and attention in this matter.

Get those smiles ready! Hamilton Ridge Fall Picture Day is Thursday, October 6. All students will be photographed. Pictures can be pre-ordered online at Strawbridge.net using online code FM388562. The online ordering window is open now and up to 48 hours after the event. Those families who do not order, will receive a proof with online ordering options. An envelope/flyer will be coming home today or was sent home earlier this week for those who wish to send a check or cash on picture day. Retakes are on Tuesday, November 15.

• LAST CHANCE to fill out information for the school directory. This is voluntary, but all entries must be in by Oct. 3 so we can sort by class and deliver to teachers. Easy to fill out here: https://forms.gle/bYHjjcVssoNHaaXe9
• Put your artistry to work! Mrs. Sullivan (art) is hosting a yearbook cover design contest for all students! See Seesaw for details -- entries are due Oct. 18!
• We will be finalizing details in the coming weeks for our school-wide fall fundraiser. Stay tuned!
  
• The October meeting will be MONDAY, Oct. 3, at 6:30 p.m., instead of our usual Tuesday meeting. We want to honor those who observe Yom Kippur.
• October restaurant nights:
  -Oct. 10: Culvers: We're looking for volunteers to run food that night in their Laker/HRE wear! Sign up here for an hour-long shift: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4FA5A628A6FCCE9-culvers
  -Oct. 23: PLate on Main

• As always, stay up to date on all things PTC on Facebook or reach out to us at HamiltonRidgePTC@gmail.com!

Thank you for your patience and effort to make our drop off and pick up times safe for our students. We love our students, and their safety is our priority. Please be extra careful when you enter or exit the parking lot, with a few reminders:

-Traffic moving on 157th street does NOT have a stop sign in either direction.

-Be watchful of our children who use the crosswalk.

-For parent who drop off or pick up, if you are interested in bus transportation we can make that adjustment easily. Open enrolled families also qualify for a district bus stop within HRE boundaries. Just give the office a call at 952-461-7800. Thank you!

Hamilton Ridge is offering an option for families to purchase books in honor of students and help our library grow! It is called Legacy Book Club (follow the link to learn more). This is a positive way for your child to give a unique gift to all students at Hamilton Ridge.

If your family chooses to purchase a book to donate to the Hamilton Ridge Media Center, we will place a book plate in the book with your child's name, and he or she will be the first student to check out the new book. Thank you!

• October 6 Fall Picture Day
• October 19 No School - Staff Work Day
• October 20-21 No School - MEA Break
• November 11 No School - Staff Work Day
• November 15 Fall Picture Retake Day
• November 15, 17 & 21 Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences
• November 23-25 No School - Thanksgiving Break
• December 22 - January 2, 2022 No School - Winter Break
• January 3 Classes Resume

Student School Hours 9:20 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.

Main Office Hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Attendance Line 952-461-7801

Main Office 952-461-7800

Fax Number 952-461-7849

Health Office 952-461-7806, Tiffany St. Michaels, LPN tstmichael@plsas.org

Sam Fredrickson, Principal sfredrickson@plsas.org

Lindsay Comstock, Dean of Students lcomstock@plsas.org

Kirsten Schoeller, Administrative Assistant kschoeller@plsas.org

Beverley Null, Administrative Assistant (attendance) bnull@plsas.org

Andrea Carin, Social Worker acarin@plsas.org

IT Help Desk 952-226-0048 or ithelpdesk@plsas.org

District Transportation 952-226-0050 or jswedberg@plsas.org

Prior Lake Bus Company (after hours) 952-440-1166