October 25, 2024

Good Afternoon and Happy Friday Hamilton Families!

I hope you and your families are doing well.  The SPS student headcount for October 1^st is complete. Hamilton International Middle school will receive more personnel as a result of SPS assigning more students than originally budgeted. As a result, some students’ schedules will have to be adjusted.

We will be introducing an additional class in the following subject at this time:

Mathematics 8

Over the weekend of November 2^nd, we will make schedule adjustments to some students currently enrolled in Math 8. On November 4^th, lists of all 8^th graders by alpha/last name will be posted in the commons. They will report to their designated classroom and get a paper copy schedule.

I recognize that staffing adjustments can be disruptive and frustrating for students, staff, and families, but they will benefit our school by allowing us to better serve our students academically. While we try hard to minimize disruptions, the adjustments will result in reduced class sizes.

As you are probably aware, principals have no control over how and when the district assigns additional FTE.

Schedule changes are permanent, and some students will be assigned to a different sequence in one or more subjects. Please know that we will only make the required changes to fill a new section of Math 8 and lower the number of students in our larger classes. As always, thank you for encouraging flexibility with your Hamilton student as we prepare for a potential change in their schedule.

If you have any further concerns, please call me at (206) 252-5810 and I will find time to answer any of your questions.

School Spirit Week: We are looking forward to finishing up October by having fun with a school spirit week!

• Monday – Flannel Day
• Tuesday – Dress alike day (dress the same as your friend(s))
• Wednesday – Hamilton colors day: 6^th: yellow, 7^th: blue, 8^th: white or black
• Thursday – Halloween costume
• Friday – pajama day

Thank you PTSA! I would like to thank the PTSA members putting together last night’s PTSA general meeting. The focus was on “School Safety” which covered social media safety, school emergency response and proactive measures that schools, parents and students can take. There were representatives from law enforcement & SPS Office of Safety Security present to answer questions. 

HIMS Spelling Bee: Did your kid snag a lunchtime spelling challenge in the cafeteria this week? Encourage them to join the first-ever HIMS Spelling Bee!  It’s free to participate and the rewards are super sweet…

It’s just 3 easy steps to sign up your student …

1. Go to https://online-test.spellingbee.com/login 
2. Click Register button at the top right corner
3. Enter zip 98103 & search for Hamilton International Middle School

Ready, Set, Spell!

“Eat Lunch with Your Child Day!” is next Wednesday on October 30, in the HIMS Commons. This is a day where we ask parents to come and connect with their children and friends during lunch. You can bring your child’s favorite food or eat lunch in the café’ with them. All parents who plan to attend during their child’s lunch must be an approved volunteer, in order to attend.  See volunteer application links below. If you are interested in attending lunch with your student please respond to this survey: https://forms.office.com/r/DM2yN6uhvT

Volunteer application process:

• Information for volunteers: https://www.seattleschools.org/volunteerapplication
• Definitions of different volunteer roles and categories: https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/volunteer/volunteer-handbook
• All volunteers approved during last school year 23/24, are good to go for another year.

Halloween October 31 – is next Thursday, parents if your child is wearing a costume to school, please review the acceptable protocols and expectations around costumes. We will need students to adhere to this policy.

•  All costume preparations are to be completed at home (No dressing or applying make-up or colored hairspray once students arrive at school.     
• No masks (other than a COVID mask) or full-face paint are to be worn during the school day.      
• No costumes that depict violence or violent characters.    
• Costumes that promote the use of illegal substances or activities, are derogatory or disrespectful (including cultural appropriation) are not allowed.   
• No big props (Swords, weapons, wands, etc.).    
• Teachers may take away any accessory that is used improperly or is considered inappropriate for school; students can claim the items in the Main office at the end of the school day.   
• All HIMS guidelines and expectations for appropriate dress will be enforced. Please help and guide students to make good choices for each day.    

PTSA Updates and Reminders:

Thank You for Coming to the PTSA General Meeting Last Night 

Thank you to all the folks who came in person to last night’s meeting on school safety, as well as the 71 people who attended via zoom. 

• Attendees learned about effectively reporting online threats to the police and using SPS’s 24-7 Safe Schools Hotline, 206-252-0510, to report concerns. 
• Dr Marshall said that he will use Talking Points from now on for incident updates, and he heard feedback to provide updates more quickly. Still in discussion: How much detail can be provided to students during shelter-in-place requests, as it’s usually fairly benign, but sometimes privacy is needed for a student in crisis. And, the topics of SPS suspension and expulsion practices and during-incident safety practices in schools will be continued discussion. 
• We are so pleased that a parent volunteered to step up into a newly created role to help our community further explore these topics — PTSA Safety Liaison. Thank you, Kareena Pierce. More to come soon on that. 
• Also, welcome to our new Vice President, Jane Chui! Jane will support projects as needed and lead the 8th grade promotion planning team.

PTSA Tech Team Teacher Survey & an Action Item for YOU

Our Tech Team member Kiley Riffell has surveyed HIMS teachers about Yondr pouch use. According to the survey, every single teacher says cell phone use has decreased in their classroom (or wasn’t there to begin with). We will provide more detail soon on www.hamiltonptsa.org, but in the meantime, one theme that emerged is a request for more parent support setting expectations for their kids. As one teacher said, “Parents are able to see if their kid is messaging people or using their phone during school hours via parental controls, and it would be wonderful if they reinforced the expectation to use the pouch at home.”

Ski Bus Update

From our Ski Bus Coordinator Brooke Castro: With huge demand for ski bus this year (240 sign ups), we are expanding beyond Mohan to use an additional vendor, Snow Sports Consulting Services (SCSCS). That’s currently getting sorted, and we should have more detail next week. The good news is that we are able to accommodate everyone, so get those skis and boards ready for a great season.

Join the PTSA’s Most Important Effort to Support HIMS.

Your student should have received a form from the PTSA from their advisory teacher, which should be completed and returned to your student’s advisory class. Our goal is to get 100% participation so check backpacks!

The first 3 advisory classes to turn in their slips will receive a donut party at the end of next month. This campaign will last through Nov. 15th. Let’s come together, Hawks, and help make this a year of YES!  Click here for all details.

11/8, Hawk Day Is Coming!

The first Hawk Day of the year is fast approaching! Hawk Day happens 3 times per year and is a celebration of the end of the quarter and all the hard work students have accomplished. The last 2 hours of the school day on 11/8 will be spent having fun! The events include the 6th grade dance, games, outdoor time, movies, karaoke, snacks for everyone, “chill time”, and more! We can’t do this without your help. Please sign up to volunteer here: Hawk Day Volunteer Sign Up

You must be an approved volunteer –AT HIMS– to participate. If you have never volunteered before, or need to update your volunteer status, see follow these links: 

• Apply to volunteer with SPS for the first time.
• Renew or edit your volunteer application.
• Already an approved volunteer at another SPS school?  Please be sure to add HIMS to your list of schools. To do this you will need to click “Edit or Renew Volunteer Application” and scroll down to the list of schools. Be sure the Hamilton International Middle School box is checked.

11/21: Staff Appreciation Lunch

Sign up here to contribute to the November 21 Staff Appreciation Potluck Lunch! The theme is (a very loosely interpreted) tailgate to celebrate fall and say thank you to our hardworking staff. We appreciate any and all contributions of food, budget, or time! Email Regina at staffappreciation@hamiltonptsa.org with questions, and thank you in advance for your help!!

Welcome to Our New PTSA Board Members – Thank You!

• HIMS PTSA VP, Jane Chiu
• 7th Grade Liaison, Jemma Turk
• Special Education Liasion, Shannon Currier

From Ms. Kiwon’s Spelling Bee Team:

Do you have a word whiz in your midst? It’s time to let them shine at our first annual Spelling Bee Competition! This isn’t just any spelling bee—this is an adventure in words, a journey of discovery, and a whirlwind of fun!  I will be posting weekly spelling challenges during lunchtime for your kiddo to get them buzzing.

 Here’s why your child will LOVE it:

• Word Power: Watch them master new words and boost their vocabulary to superhuman levels!
• Confidence Boost: Every correct spelling is a victory, building unstoppable confidence.
• New Friends: It’s not just about letters; it’s about connecting with peers and making new friends.
• Fun & Games: We promise, learning has never been this exciting!

Don’t let your child miss out on this spell-tacular opportunity. Sign up now and let the magic of words take them to new heights!  To register your child – please use the attached pdf, or link below, and follow the instructions!

 Ready, Set, Spell!

Registration information for parents guardians

We Continue to Add to the Teacher Wish Lists. 

Looking for ways to support classrooms and the incredible work of our Hawk Teachers?  Please consider helping them purchase books, supplies, and games from their wish lists! Follow this link!  Teacher and Staff Wish Lists! – Hamilton PTSA

Did you receive the PTSA Newsletter? 

The PTSA published the first newsletter of the year on October 8. We hope to publish our newsletter, “Hawk Talk” on a semi-regular basis this year to highlight PTSA efforts, news, & provide additional reminders.   Didn’t get it?  Did you check your spam?  Also make sure you are a current member of the

In Partnership,

Eric Marshall, Principal

Hamilton International Middle School

“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” ~ John Dewey

Telephone: 206-252-5810

ermarshall@seattleschools.org