Land Acknowledgement: We acknowledge that we are on the unceded lands of the Spokane Tribe. The Spokane people shared this place with other tribes through their relations, resources, history, trade, and ceremony. We thank the caretakers of this land, who lived, and continue to live here Since Time Immemorial. This land holds the knowledge, culture, and spirit of "The People of the River."
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I hope that your spring break was restful and gave you energy to make it through the end of the year. Our staff is excited to be in this part of the year to see the manifestation of all of the hard work of students. We are also excited about the upcoming events, field trips, celebrations and showcases coming up.
This month we will be busy with lots of learning and preparation. We are beginning preparations for our Husky Haul and we are hoping you will be able to join us on June 2nd.
See below for important information about upcoming testing for grades 3 - 6, safety messages, and information about our study of courage this month.
In partnership,
Stefanie
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Smarter Balanced Assessments |
In May our students in grades 3 - 6 will complete the annual state assessments in English Language Arts, Math and Science. Please do your best to make sure your child is at school to participate in these assessments. The dates for each grade level are listed below to help you in your planning:
3rd grade
ELA - May 16, 17 and 18
Math - May 24 and 25
4th grade
ELA - May 16, 17 and 18
Math - May 24 and 25
5th grade
ELA - May 16, 17 and 18
Math - May 23 and 24
Science - May 31
6th grade
ELA - May 17, 18 and 19
Math - May 24 and 25
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Save the Date - Husky Haul on June 2 |
On Friday, June 2nd PTG is sponsoring our Husky Haul. This is a fun run event for students to participate in and earn money for our PTG. Our PTG generously supports field trips, curriculum supports, incentives and prizes, events such as promotion and field day. The money raised by the Husky Haul all goes directly to our PTG.
This year the Husky Haul will take place during the school day and families are invited to join us for the event and a BBQ lunch. More information will be coming home soon, so be on the lookout for the packet.
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Safety and Organization at Drop-Off and Pick-Up |
Drop-off and pick-up is an especially busy time here. Please follow the safety guidelines below to ensure safety and organization.
- Use crosswalks. Students running between buses and cars to cross the street is very unsafe and can be chaotic. Please use the patrolled crosswalks at Thurston and Martin and Thurston and Crestline.
- Keep the drop-off line moving. If you use the drop-off line please have your child exit the car on the passenger side and go immediately to the blacktop. This allows traffic to move smoothly and to limit the back-up on the streets.
- If you would like to park and walk your student to the blacktop, please use the church parking lot or Napa street. The staff parking lot is small and needed for our staff.
- Use the main entrance to come into the building. If you need to come into the school for any reason, we ask that you use the main entrance. This includes checking the lost and found, talking with teachers, etc.... WE are working to maintain our safety protocols for all visitors to campus.
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As we move toward the end the year, teachers and staff begin the important process of determining each child’s class placement for the 2023 – 2024 school year. Through a complex process, we will work to create well-balanced classrooms utilizing a number of factors including academic achievement, behavior, ratio of boys and girls, learning style/teaching style, independence, and the need for support services. While most parents do not send requests, some do have information they want to share as part of the placement process, so I am sending this letter to outline the process for sharing information if needed.
Because of this need to balance classrooms in terms of all the factors mentioned above, we cannot promise to honor parent request for specific teachers. Such requests make it difficult to place students when teachers change grade level or leave their current building assignment. However, if you feel that your child has special needs academically or personally, or requires special accommodations that should be considered; please provide that information to me in writing by April 28th. The easiest way to do that is to email me at stefanieh@spokaneschools.org.
There are many variables at work as we plan for next school year including staffing ratios, class size adjustments and staffing plans. Final decisions about teaching assignments are fluid and can change even into August. After April 28th, I will not be able to accommodate additional requests as staffing decisions change.
Remember, those teachers who have worked directly with your child and know him/her very well in the school environment will be making the placements. Our goal is to create classroom groupings in which opportunities for achievement are maximized for all students. We value academic and personal growth for each child and strive to maintain an environment where all students are successful. Our ability to accomplish these goals is enhanced by your support and your trust in the placement process.
Classroom assignments for the 2023 – 2024 school year will be sent home in August, just prior to the start of the school year. Following district policy, in the case of over or under enrollment, we will use the first couple of weeks of school to make adjustments to class placements.
To further assist in the process, please keep us informed about any changes in your plans to return to Hamblen in the fall.
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This month at Hamblen we are talking about Courage. The definition we are working with at Hamblen is:
"Courage is choosing what is helpful, right and kind, even when it is hard or scary."
We all experience moments in our life when we have to make a choice to do what is right or kind. We need to have the right tools to make those big decisions and to be strong enough to follow through. Here are a couple ways families can incorporate courage at home:
- Reflect, think, and discuss with your student things you both would like to do, but find intimidating or scary. Maybe it’s a new hobby, trying a new game, sharing your art or invention with others, or going on an adventure somewhere. Give 1 of these things a try together and take a selfie to capture the memory!
- We have all demonstrated Courage in our lives. Many of us have seen people practice Courage in ways that have inspired us. Stories are powerful tools for connecting as a family. Protect time this week to share stories about Courage with each other (you can use the story prompts to get started). At the end of the conversation, think of 1 way you can practice Courage this week.
Story Prompts:
A time I (or someone else) showed Courage was _____.
An act of Courage that changed/challenged me was _____.
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Secure your bikes and scooters |
As the spring weather arrives, we know students will be riding bikes and scooters to school. Please make sure your child brings a lock and secures their bike or scooter on our rack. Unfortunately, we have experienced loss and theft at the bike racks and we know that locks are the best prevention. |
Want to know about what is happening at Hamblen? Please check out our calendar on the website. Events that are coming up quickly are shown on the homepage. When you click on View Calendar you will be able to access the calendar for the whole year. |
Stay in touch with Hamblen! |
Hamblen, and all other schools in Spokane Public Schools, utilize Blackboard Messenger to send recorded voicemails, emails and text messages to families. This is the main form of communication for notices and school closures.
If you are not receiving:
- Phone Calls - Call 855.502.7867
- Text Messages - Text the word START to 60680
- Emails - Check to see if SPS emails are routed to your junk folder. If that does not work, email Rachel Nicholson in the SPS Tech Dept at RachelN@spokaneschools.org and request that she assist.
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Click the blue button below to "Like" us on Facebook |
Our next meeting is here at Hamblen on Tuesday, April 18th at 6:30pm and we hope to see you there!
We are still in need of volunteers to help with the following positions:
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Treasurer Elect
- Hospitality Chair
Please email Stefanie Heinen at stefanieh@spokaneschools.org if you are interested.
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We are in need of noon recess supervisors and morning crossing guards. If you are interested please call or stop by the main office to get more information. |
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April
Calendar of Events
Trait = Courage
10 - Late Arrival
School Starts at 9:30am
11 - Husky Haul T-shirt contest submissions due
13 - South Hill Choral Festival @ Ferris High School
17 - Late Arrival
School Starts at 9:30am
18 - PTG Meeting Hamblen Library @ 6:30pm
20 - 1st grade to the Civic Theater
24 - Late Arrival
School Starts at 9:30am
26 - 4th grade Link-Up concert with the Spokane Symphony
28 - Spirit Day: Color Day
May 1 - Late Arrival
School Starts at 9:30am
3 - Band and Strings Concert at 6:30pm
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