Hamilton Headlines

News and notes from
Hamilton Middle
May 28, 2020
Vol. 1, Issue 37
Key Reminder : Locker Item Pick Up and Materials Return

Leadership at the district level in MMSD is asking all schools to devise a plan to repatriate student personal belongings with students, and to arrange for students to drop off items belonging to schools in a safe manner. See the below link for a complete description of the plan for Hamilton. Read the document carefully as it will t ell you what specifically you need to return to Hamilton, what you do not need to return, the specific date and time assigned to you for pick up, and the locations for pick up/drop off . We are working to accommodate 756 students, so it is critical that all families follow the linked directions as closely as possible. Thank you in advance!
8th Grade Chromebook Still at School?
If your 8th grade child left their Chromebook at Hamilton because they use their own machine at home, note the following: We will keep your child's Chromebook at Hamilton. Next year at West High (or another MMSD high school), your child will be issued a new Chromebook .
Check Out Hamilton Library Books for Summer Reading
Students may check out books for the summer! They will need to place holds by Sunday evening (5/31). Books will be checked out and delivered to your car during your scheduled homeroom pick-up/drop-off time during the week of June 1. Please watch the "How to Place Hold on a Book" video on the  Library Portal .
Making a Difference in Working to End Violence and Oppression of African Americans
At Hamilton Middle, as a staff we believe in humanity, community, restoration, and growth as we work to close gaps of inequity and help every member of our community to have a sense of belonging. While recent events of aggression, oppression, and violence toward people of color, and in particular African Americans, have taken place in locations far from our Hamilton community, we recognize the impact that these events have on ourselves, our students, and our families. It may be difficult for students to feel like significant action can be taken in a time of pandemic, so we encourage you to explore the below linked book titles with your child as a way to grow understanding of important issues and to feel like action is indeed being taken. These eleven titles on racism, the Black Live Matter movement, and more are geared toward young adult readers.
Hamilton Grad Wins Pulitzer
Hamilton grad and son of current Hamilton staff member Marguerite Hill was recently recognized with a Pulitzer Prize for his work in International Reporting. To read the story, see the following link. (Photo Credit: Ali Haj Suleiman)
Thank You PTO and Donors: Supporting Families During Covid-19
Thank you to our PTO and to all those who have donated to support Hamilton families during this time of pandemic! Early on in our national closure, the PTO board decided to spend all funds on hand to support Hamilton families, and in addition has spearheaded fundraising to continue the support as we move forward. See the below graphic for additional information on how you too can support these effort--thank you!
PTO School Supply Fundraiser
Even though we don't know exactly how school will look next year, we do know our teachers and kids will still need supplies in the fall. In order to help families and our teachers, the VHMS PTO is hosting the school supply fundraiser again. 

A portion of proceeds will go to our PTO to support our school and families next year. Purchasing your supplies through the PTO also allows you to avoid having to go to stores during these times.
  
Please order according to your child's grade level for the 2020-21 school year!

To help a family in need, consider donating a box when ordering.

Stay strong and stay well, 
VHMS PTO
Quick Links
Additional Nutrition Resource in a Time of Pandemic
If your income has changed due to our recent circumstances, please apply at the MMSD Food & Nutrition Website for free and reduced benefits at this link . Income eligibility guidelines are on the website.
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.
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.
Photo Finish
Friendship flashbacks...
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