October 14, 2021
Vol. 3, Issue 11
***NO SCHOOL FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22***
Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences
In just about a month we will be holding our Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences. The actual dates set aside for these conferences are Wednesday evening, November 17 and all day on Thursday, November 18. Note that students stay home from school on November 18 to clear the slate for conferences. For Fall conferences we hope to connect with a family member for each of our students to discuss progress to date in the school year. Advisory teachers will be contacting families soon to schedule conferences, so for now, please be thinking about a time that might work for a conference with your child's teacher(s).
What Happens on Those Staff Only Days When Students Stay Home?
There are currently four days on the MMSD calendar for the 21-22 school year on which students do not come to school and that are listed as "Staff Only". In general, for these four days individual schools plan and carry out professional development activities for staff members. At times the district may also push out agenda topics for us to include in our work and learning.

For the date coming up on October 22, our Hamilton staff members will be participating in a somewhat diverse agenda of learning. We will begin the day at 8:30 with a potluck breakfast to load up on carbs and caffeine. We then launch into our day at 8:45 with about an hour devoted to the ongoing work of creating an anti-racist school culture at Hamilton. Following this work, we dive into the data surrounding some of the early year assessments that students have taken, and consider implications for core instructional practices and the support of individual students. By late morning we move into vertical content team meetings. These meetings include teachers and staff members from any given content area, say Math, and across all three grade levels. In these meetings discussions take place about the progression of learning that students are doing as they move from 6th through 8th grade. When we have vertical content meetings on the agenda it usually means that we do two rounds as many teachers teach across two or more content areas. After lunch our agenda focuses on teachers writing their required individual plans for professional growth for the school year. We will also spend time in the afternoon creating and recording information for inclusion in our "Open House" slideshow that will be coming your way soon.

So there you have it. These Staff Only days throughout the school year are important to us and we really work hard to make the learning on these days meaningful for our staff members, and impactful for our students.
AMC 8 Math Assessment
The AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40-minute, multiple choice examination in middle school mathematics designed to promote the development of problem-solving skills. This assessment is open to any interested student. The AMC 8 provides an opportunity for middle school students to develop positive attitudes towards analytical thinking and mathematics that can assist in future careers. Students apply classroom learned skills to unique problem-solving challenges in a low-stress and friendly environment.

If you are interested in registering for this optional assessment, please fill out the form that can be accessed by clicking the below button. Included in the link is additional information about the AMC 8. After registering, you will then receive an email from Ms. Jamae (amjamae@madison.k12.wi.us) with instructions for completing registration. The exam will take place Jan.18th during 6th hour. 
Last Chance: Deadline Approaching for Free Chromebook Repair
The deadline for taking care of chromebook problems before the district starts charging the cost to your family is October 18. Just to clarify: the things you would be charged for are loss or actual physical damage to the chromebook or charger. You will never be charged for login problems or anything about how the Chromebook operates. Questions? Email our Librarian, Ms Phelps
Hamilton Science Olympiad
We are currently planning for the 2021-2022 Science Olympiad season. Science Olympiad has been an important learning opportunity for many Hamilton students for 12 years. This year due to staffing challenges and the pandemic, we need to be creative on the best way to preserve this successful program for our Hamilton students.

In order to move forward with care, this year Sci O will focus on returning 7th and 8th grade members. Our goal is to allow these students who have had experience with Sci O in the past to continue to develop their knowledge and competitive skills. Even with this smaller student number, parent volunteers will be needed to continue Science Olympiad at Hamilton.  

With this severe staff shortage we are reaching out to parents for help. Parent volunteer support can take different forms. 
1)   Volunteers with knowledge of event topics can coach small groups through Zoom or in person. 
2)   Parents can lead an event group by organizing and encouraging the students to study together, helping them find the resources available online. This does not require knowledge of the event.
3)   We will also have West students coaching who have done these events in the past; parents can take on a supervisor role for these events to support these student coaches.

The time commitment for these roles will vary, but are roughly 1-3 hours per week.
Before we can get this new competition year started we need to know what parent volunteers are available. Please email Katie Venturini at kaventurini@madison.k12.wi.us to volunteer your time and talents.  


Thank you!
Assignment Calendar Links
Below please find Assignment Calendar links for students in 7th and 8th grade.
Upcoming Dates of Interest
Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates:
October
  • 22-Professional Development Day, No School
  • 29-End of Quarter 1

November
  • 1-Begin Quarter 2
  • 4-Picture Day Make-Ups


MSCR After School Programming
MSCR after school programming is currently taking place. See the below links for more information. Keep in mind that all students have been given the opportunity to join a Google Classroom that will keep them up to date on after school programs.
Students in Mr. Branch's 6th grade Social Studies classes were giving there Early Peoples presentations in class this week.
Hamilton Quick Links:

Photo Finish
Our newest covid safety protocol.....An apple a day keeps the doctor away.