End of March

Hamilton Elementary School has been named a Governor’s Science of Reading Recognition Program School, making it the only school in Columbus, and one of only 47 in the state, to receive this honor. This designation highlights the school’s strong commitment to high-quality literacy instruction based on the Science of Reading, an evidence-based approach to teaching students how to read.

The recognition, awarded by Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, reflects the hard work of Hamilton Elementary’s teachers, staff, students, and families in making literacy a top priority.

Please take the opportunity to read the release from Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce here.

Hamilton Township High School's Student Inclusion Council has partnered to organize a clothing drive designed to help families in the Columbus area. Between now and Friday, April 11th, each Hamilton school will be collecting gently used tops, bottoms, and coats for donation. Students can bring items with them to school to be donated. Thank you for your help in making this a success!

The second grade classrooms had a visit from the Hamilton Power Rangers sponsored by the 2nd and 7 program. The Power Rangers were able to read the newest Hog Mollies book, "Troy's Top Troop," to each class and every 2nd grade student was given a book to keep as provided by the 2nd and 7 program.

During the March Board Meeting students from every building in the district presented about the Leader in Me program to the board members. Third grade students:Bailey Johnson, Felicity Camaquin, Owen Moore, Noah Leon, Parker Westfall, Angelica Alvarez, Jaxson Henry

Alanna Halfhill, Gavin Chambers, and Jason Henry presented about the first two habits, their favorite lessons during Successful Habits, and student leadership roles at the Elementary. Thank you to all our families who attended and helped make this possible. Our youngest leaders did a fantastic job!

The percentages were so close between grade levels for our March Attendance Challenge. Watch this video to find out who wins the March Attendance Challenge and earned an extra recess! Shout out to Mack McQuirt and Xavier Lawson for helping make the video.

Grade Taught: 3rd

How many years have you been teaching? 25

What is your most memorable teaching moment?I can't pinpoint a singular memorable teaching moment. However, I enjoy forming meaningful relationships with my students. I strive to make my students feel loved, safe, and heard. I really enjoy curious children! Children who ask lots of questions and want to understand the why behind their learning is one of the things I enjoy most about my job!

Who was your favorite teacher growing up?My favorite teacher growing up was Mrs. Bell, my 12th grade English teacher. She was tough as nails and pushed me everyday to work up to my fullest potential. I'm not sure I fully appreciated her when I had her, but I came to that realization a couple of years later while in college.

Favorite place to shop?My favorite place to shop is Macy's.

Fun fact about yourself?I am a real FOODIE! I know people are supposed to eat to live, but I LIVE TO EAT! After picking a vacation destination, the first thing I always do is scope out the best restaurants in the area! Lol!

Position at school: Secretary

How many years in your field?1 year

What do you enjoy most about your job? Helping families and seeing all the kiddos get so excited about bringing tickets to the office or just helping do an errand for a teacher.

Who was your favorite teacher growing up? Ms.Moore( our 2nd grade teacher) because she helped me grow and learn to love learning!

Favorite place to shop? Target!

Fun fact about yourself? I attended Hamilton Local School district my whole life and my daughter is the 5th generation to attend this school district!

This week Mrs. Maynard's kindergarten class had a special guest reader! Second grader, Delilah Kirk read Ben the Dog. Students loved getting to hear a story from an older student leader.

Ms. Wojo's 2nd grade class had a great opportunity to interview a Physician Assistant as an extension of their Human Body unit! Miss Wojo's sister answered all sorts of questions students had about the human body.

Miss Courter's first grade class have been studying the different habitats. Students created shoe boxes with the plants and animals that live in that habitat. They even went to visit other classrooms to check out their projects too!

Mr. Allgood collaborated with our Library and Successful Habits specials classes for Women's History Month! He taught second grade all about Amelia Earhart and how she was a pioneer of aviation as the first woman to fly alone across the Atlantic Ocean. After the read aloud, students wrote facts they learned and created an Amelia Earhart craft.

Healthy sleep habits impact our children's mental health and stress levels. Sleep helps our brain pay attention, learn new skills, and remember things. This On Our Sleeves link provides resources to help families achieve better sleep.

This week students learned about Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood by practicing how to listen with our ears, eyes, heart, and body. First and Second grade practiced their listening skills with partners as they shared how they get ready in the morning and playing whisper down the line. Use the resource Listen Before You Talk to play the game together with your learner!

We also learned about empathy and Empathic Listening. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Empathic Listening is using your eyes, ears, and heart as you are listening to understand the feelings of another. Kindergarten and Third grade practiced listening with empathy as they tried to understand how someone would be feeling in different situations. As a family, discuss these questions:

• How would you describe empathy?
• How does it make you feel when you are really listened to?
• How would you rate our family with Empathic Listening?

The following students demonstrated great examples of being Responsible, Respectful, and Safe at school: Alisson Mendez, Aria Khammachone, Talia Rodriguez, Logan Lowe, Hudson Cline, Samiksha Sarki, Antquan Edwards-Terry Cydnee Brown,Adriana Guzman, Josiah Hudson, Catalya Thompson, Dolly Trout, Tyler Baker, Bryson Hanna, Gabrielle Charles, Damian Esquivel, Ariel Slone, I-King Price, Addison Matheny, Kaiden Fletcher, Bryson Dague, Liam Justus, Jaceon Davis and Ky'lynn Allen are not pictured, Grace Brewer, Dyana Gomez-Hall, Ashlynn Davis, K'von Calhoun, Paisley Rouse, Hudson Dague, Kendall Watkins, and Amariyan Reid.

Congratulations to all our Ready Ranger ticket winners!

April 10th: Kindergarten & First grade

April 11th Second & Third Grade

Thursday, April 17th-Login to ProgressBook to view your child's interim grades.

Friday, April 18th- Good Friday

EVERY RANGER. This phrase is meant to include everyone—every student, every staff member, every graduate and every community member. All of us working together.

EVERY REASON. The primary focus of every school system is the academic achievement of all students. Our staff and, by extension, our community take on the challenge of doing even more for our students. We educate the whole child. Whatever the need, whatever the issue, whatever the REASON we are going to work together and do the best we can for each other.

EVERY DAY. Thank you to our HLSD community for making our students a priority every day, and for always pitching in to help one another