January 21, 2022
Vol. 3, Issue 24
Another Week...
We had another good week at Hamilton as we continue to navigate the spike in covid cases across our city and state. We have been able to cover staff absences with subs and with Hamilton staff members filling in when subs were at a premium. Teachers are busy today completing end of first semester grading tasks, while some staff members are participating in various virtual and in-person training opportunities. We hope you have a great weekend!
Interpretive History: Students in Ms. Zappia's 8th grade Social Studies classes drawing their interpretation of the Boston Massacre from a primary source. (Photo Credit: Ms. Zappia)
Hands-On Learning: Students in Mr. Wiedholz sixth grade Social Studies classes are learning about ancient civilizations and their processes for mummifying the deceased and how those who passed were honored. Hands-on experiences in the class include mummifying an actual store-bought chicken, developing a ceremony to honor said chicken, building a sarcophagus, and more.
Help From MMSD Central Offices
Helping us through this current spike in covid cases are MMSD central office employees who are certified teachers filling in as subs in our schools. The photo accompanying this note is of our MMSD Executive Director of Special Education, Nancy Molfenter, subbing this past week in one of our Hamilton sixth grade classrooms. Thanks, Nancy!
Tonight: Affinity Meeting for Parents Interested in Learning More About and Supporting Each Other Around Special Education in our Community
A reminder that our first meeting of a new affinity group for primary caregivers of middle school students with disabilities and advanced support needs is coming up on TONIGHT via Zoom. This meeting, the first in an ongoing series, is open to all interested parents, not just parents of students with identified special and advanced support needs. The purpose of the affinity group is to offer connection for parents, and to help grow understanding and advocacy in our Hamilton community around the inclusivity of all people with special needs.

Our first meeting is scheduled for tonight at 7:00pm and will take place on Zoom. Below is the link to the Zoom for this first meeting.
Please Help Us at End of Day Pick Up Time
If you have been picking your child up on Waukesha Street at the end of the school day, you will have noticed that there is a lot of traffic congestion. The congestion is holding up our buses, and creating unsafe situations for our students. Some families have arranged to pick their children up on adjacent streets, avoiding Waukesha Street altogether, which is really helpful. I encourage parents who are picking their children up by car to investigate alternative pick up locations on streets that are in the vicinity of our campus and to avoid using Waukesha Street. Lastly, a gentle reminder to not stop in the bus pick up area or enter our Waukesha Street parking lot to wait for your child at the end of the school day. Thank you!
Hamilton Quick Links:
An accurate visual definition of chillin'. (Photo Credit: Mr. Olsen)
Upcoming Dates of Interest
Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates:
January
  • 21-No School: Grade Reporting
  • 21-End of First Semester
  • 24-Beginning of Quarter 3

February
  • 11-No School: Parent-Teacher Conferences

March
  • 18-No School: Staff Professional Development and Wellness Day

Photo Finish
Our AVID program swag wear arrived, and the new shirts and hoodies look great!