Hamilton Headlines News and notes from Hamilton Middle

May 1, 2020

Vol. 1, Issue 33

Thank a Teacher, Thank a Staff Member This coming week, May 4-8, is Teacher and Staff Member Appreciation Week. Gone will be the boxes of bagels in the staff lounge, a lunch buffet, handwritten notes from students, cupcakes, etc. In their place, please consider sending an email of thanks and perhaps a virtual cupcake to Hamilton staff members working hard to continue to make a positive difference in the lives of our students. Thank you!

Quick Links Online Learning Info for Hamilton Hamilton Library Resources Hamilton PTO (New and Improved!) Request a Chromebook Replacement or Tech Support

Distance Learning Feedback Moving from a brick and mortar format of instruction to an online environment in response to the pandemic was a monumental achievement for schools across America, including Hamilton Middle. An initiative that under normal circumstances would have taken a year of planning, another year of small group pilots, and then a gradual rollout over a period of years got up and running in just three weeks. I am proud of our response to this challenge at Hamilton, but do recognize that this format of learning is far from perfect and that we can improve. Please take a moment to give us some open ended feedback on your and/or your child's experience to distance learning by clicking on the below link. There are just three open ended questions pertaining to what seems to be just right, and where we might consider doing more of less. Thank you for your feedback!

Distance Learning Feedback

High School Credit Classes For student participating in classes that earn high school credit (i.e., higher level math and foreign language classes) please know that the grading for these classes will follow the model currently in place for high schools. Specifically, students will earn a grade of Pass/Fail for these classes when looking to transfer credit to their high school. Earning a Pass in any of these classes allows a student to move on next year to the next level of challenge in the subject area. A grade of Pass has no impact on cumulative grade point average at the high school.

MSCR Programming MSCR programming is now available for Hamilton students who would like to connect with their peers during this time of social distancing. We will have one video meeting a week held in google classroom and moderated by MSCR staff. Students can join and talk with friends and maybe play some games led by staff. Additionally, we will have a flipgrid set up where we will post fun questions and activities for students to discuss and post pictures and videos. For any students interested, they should join the google classroom with the code  bighnso.  All further information will be available in the google classroom. Thank you and take care!  Your MSCR Staff

Groceries for Families in Need There is grocery assistance available to families in need.  If you would like to receive a small basket of groceries delivered every other week to your home, please complete this form. Volunteers or a social worker will call you when the groceries are to arrive. Grocery Assistance

Hamilton Business Connect A reminder that our PTO has created and continues to add to a list of businesses that are run by current Hamilton families. Please check out the below linked list and think about supporting these businesses when making purchases for your families. Together we can make a difference for our entire community!

Hamilton Business Connect

Are you a Hamilton family that runs a business in our community and want to add your business to the PTO list? Please contact Sherry Nieds at sherylnrdh@gmail.com .

COVID-19 Resources and Information Use the links in this section to access a variety of resources and information pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic. The link directly below offers a compendium of most anything that you might want to know about COVID-19 including links to resources to address issues that include financial, emotional, logistical, and childcare challenges. Resources have been collected from news articles, local Facebook groups, grassroots organizations, etc. This document is not an MMSD creation. Madison Resources Hamilton COVID-19 Info MMSD COVID-19 Info The below last link is to a survey provided by Madison General Defense Committee and is a way to request support for basic needs. Again, not an MMSD link. MGDC Resource Request

Photo Finish Taking a virtual break from social distancing....

Hamilton Middle Website

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