
SCH Weekly
Scott E. Miller, Superintendent
Issue 15 - June 8, 2020
Dear SCH Family,
The recent tragedies surrounding the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor have rightfully shaken American society to its core. Revealing conclusively and definitively that not all people in our country are afforded the most basic of human rights, the right to life and the right to live without fear. The goal should be that all lives matter equally, but both recent events and the history of systemic racism in America demonstrates that people of color have not been afforded the same privileges and rights of their fair-skinned fellow citizens. This has to change.
As a school system that services over 80 percent minority students, we must not only root out racial injustice in our walls, but must also aggressively pursue life-giving opportunities for our students. To say one is “anti-racist”, it implies actions against racism are being taken. When reflecting on your own actions, don’t limit your reflection to overtly racist acts, but ask yourself if you are using your talents, privileges and voice to advocate for those who society doesn’t hear. This standard of fighting against injustice, rather than just being content with not being unjust, is the challenge I have for myself and each of you.
In our own way, we can show the greater Hammond community what it’s like to be both diverse and united. We must continue to strive to become a school community where all children and staff feel valued and loved. Where respect is foundational, and all stakeholders are provided what they need to become successful. We already do many great things for kids, but it will take more personal learning, sacrifice and dedication for us to provide all kids with equitable opportunities.
I had the privilege to march in the Hammond March for Peace this past Saturday. What I saw was a group of community leaders and citizens desiring to be part of the solution. All of us, no matter our position, has the chance to do our job in a way that shows we value and love the children who attend Hammond schools. Our mission has truly always been one of hope. That if a child attends Hammond schools, receives an education, there is hope for them to live a fulfilled life. Please join me in renewing your personal commitment to providing hope, love and equity to all of the lives that come into and through Hammond schools.
-Scott
Elementary Curriculum
Congratulations to all of our 5th Grade Elementary Graduates! Good luck in Middle School!
Materials Pick- Up Drive Through
5th Grade……..…………...........................…Thursday, June 4th - 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
2nd/3rd/4th Grade………........................Thursday, June 11th - 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Stay Safe! Stay in your car!
Elementary Reverse Parades
All parades will be held in the school's parking lot.
The following parades occurred on Wednesday, June 3rd:
- Harding - 2 p.m.
- Irving - 1 p.m.
- Jefferson - 1 p.m.
- Maywood - 10:30 a.m.
- Morton - 1 p.m.
- O’Bannon - 1 p.m.
- Wallace - 12 p.m.
Hess ES and Lincoln ES held their parades today, Monday, June 8th
Kenwood ES will have their parade on Wednesday, June 10th at noon.
Franklin ES will have their parade on Thursday, June 11th at 9:30 a.m. during materials pick-up
SCH Elementary Virtual Summer School
Monday - Thursday
June 8th - July 2nd 2020
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
Food & Nutrition
Summer Meals Program
Just a reminder that this week starts our Summer Meals program! We will be out at 7 of our school sites serving the same 'Grab & Go Curbside' meals that we have been for the last 11 weeks.
We will be at the following schools (below) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays handing out meals from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.:
- Edison
- Franklin
- Harding
- Irving
- Maywood
- Morton Elementary
- O'Bannon
Click on the video below to see a fun summary recap video of last year's Summer Meals program!
Hammond Academy for the Performing Arts
HAPA wishes everyone a safe start to the summer. Our Enrollment is still ongoing so please check us out! Keep in touch via Facebook and YouTube as we will be creating all summer!
Please check out our recruitment video below! You can find the HAPA application by visiting our website (HAMMONDAPA.COM) or clicking the link below.
Congrats to our HAPA Students who were celebrated with top honors!
- Donald H. Berwanger Scholarship Award, $2,000
Marta Frank, Hammond Academy for the Performing Arts
- Michael & Barbara Golden Memorial Golden Award
Eric Rubio for Hummingbird, Hammond Academy for the Performing Arts
Head Start
One of the items on the Head Start Parent Survey offered parents the opportunity to identify questions they have for Kindergarten Teachers as their children transition from Head Start to Kindergarten. The questions were compiled and forwarded to each of the elementary schools, so parents could receive building-specific responses to their questions from the K-Teachers in the schools their children will be attending in the Fall. A SHOUT OUT!!! goes to the Kindergarten Teachers for the time and attention they gave to answering the questions. Thanks, too, for the additional building-specific transition supports we have received from K-Teachers that we will be sharing with our parents!
Human Resources
Wishing a very Happy Birthday to all the staff members who had birthdays last week and to those who have birthdays this week!
Birthdays from June 1st through June 6th:
Elizabeth Aguilar, Kara Auer, Amy Boyer, Alejandro Contreras, Raymond Cross , Susan DeAngelo, Bridgette Dickelson, Nicholas DiGrispino, Jennifer Doah, Jennifer Dukes, Kristin Duncanson, Robert Gaskill, Rashanda Hassel, Lisa Jimenez, Lora Jorgensen, Barbara Klaich, Kelsy Littlejohn, Tracy Moyers, Davy Oswalt, Judy Patterson, Mariecruz Perez, Elsa Regalado, David Reyes, Valerie Rice, Timothy Roberts, Debra Rosado, Maribel Sanchez. Ashley Schindley, Jo Smith, Proche Tatum, Heather Thomas, Samantha Thomas, Lorenza Thompson, Kalani Tooks, Marilyn Velez, Danielle Wall, and Elizabeth Zamot.
Birthdays from June 7th through June 13th:
Cristal Alas, Justine Brasseur, Alex Brown, Leslie Campbell, Edward Clark, Mitchell Daniels, Thomas Davis, Carolyn De St Jean, Sharon DiMauro, Dominique Dreux, Graziella Eenigenburg, Linda Eichensehr, Gerry Fellows, Kiara Frazier, Victoria Gonzalez, Dana Graves, Anthony Gustafson, Deborah Hurley, Jacob Klocek, Linda Kolodziej, Diane Lunn, Robert Maldonado. Steven Massey, Deborah Matonovich, Tiffany McCauley, Jacqueline Minkalis, Nicole Motley, Tiffany Palmer, Kimberly Penrod, Tijana Perkins, Dennis Peters, Richard Ray, Jeanette Rhinefield, Alexander Sajkich, Dana Spain, Elyce Statum, Marcia Taylor, Matthew Truttling, Kasandra Tucker, Arnold Uhrina, Anjanette Upshaw, Cecilia Valazquez, and Laura Zappia.
Secondary Curriculum
Congratulations Class of 2020!
Special Education
APPLE BOOSTS ACCESSIBILITY ASSISTANCE DURING COVID 19
With the COVID-19 pandemic increasing reliance on technology, Apple says it is rolling out extra help for people with disabilities using its products for remote learning and other purposes.
Apple said Thursday that it is introducing a dedicated support team to address accessibility questions as well as a new support site and how-to videos focused on using such features. In addition, the company is now offering one-on-one virtual coaching sessions for students with disabilities and their teachers who are engaged in remote learning.
Apple said it is also prominently featuring a curated collection of apps designed to address communication, fitness, gaming and other interests for people with disabilities in its App Store. And, in honor of Accessibility Awareness Month this May, the company will highlight films and television shows that include actors with disabilities on Apple TV.
The specialized customer support for those with disabilities can be accessed through Apple Care by phone, online and through chat.
Technology
It is inventory time for your SCH issued devices. For everyone that was issued a device, please fill out this Google Form (below) by the end of the week.
SCH Highlights
Language Development Program
The Language Development Program would like to congratulate Mrs. Graciela Brewer on her retirement! Graciela was part of the former Bilingual Education Program and Language Development Program for almost 25 years. Graciela is very much appreciated for her years of service and dedication to our multilingual leaners and their families. We wish you a very happy and enjoyable retirement.
Lincoln ES Jr. SmartBots
For the first time ever, a Hammond Jr. FLL team had been invited to the World Festival Expo in Detroit, Michigan, on April 30th – May 2nd. The Lincoln Elementary School Jr. SmartBots, all in third grade, were going to present all that they had learned about construction and buildings to several judges and other teams. Only 60 Jr. teams from around the world had been invited! Unfortunately, the event was cancelled due to COVID-19. We would like to celebrate those incredible and hard working students -
Liam Kaminsky, Elizabeth Ortiz, Lily Pridmore, Analia Huerta, Quetzalli Charo, Amie Robledo and their coaches, Karla Davis and MJ Champion.
Way to go, Jr. SmartBots!
Stay Informed
An update from the Superintendent is distributed at the beginning of the week.
View previous weekly updates from Mr. Miller here.
Follow us on Social Media
If you are on these platforms, please LIKE, FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to see the great things happening in our district!
Email: schadmin@hammond.k12.in.us
Website: www.hammond.k12.in.us
Location: 41 Williams Street, Hammond, IN, USA
Phone: (219) 933-2400
Facebook: facebook.com/SchoolCityofHammond/
Twitter: @SCHK12