Heads Up Hamilton: Friday, October 22th

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The Week Ahead

Monday, October 25

  • Flag Football Practice 4:15pm-6:00 pm
  • Volleyball Practice 4:15pm- 5:45 pm

Tuesday, October 26

  • HMS Brain Bowl @ 8:30 am (click the link for more information)
  • East High School “Future East Angel Experiences” (more information below)

Wednesday, October 27

  • Flag Football Practice 4:15pm- 6:00 pm
  • Volleyball Practice 4:15pm- 5:45 pm

Thursday, October 28

  • HMS Brain Bowl @ 8:30am (click the link for more information)

Friday, October 29

  • Flag Football Away Game (click the link for more information)
  • Volleyball Practice 4:15pm- 5:45 pm

School Reminders

  • 10/23 Lifetouch In-House Retakes (more information below)
  • 10/31 Halloween and Dia de los Muertos begins
  • 11/1 First day of American Indian Heritage Month
    • Volleyball Home Game
  • 11/3 Transgender/Non-binary Allyship 101 Webinar (more information below)
    • PTSA meeting (more information below)
  • 11/3-11/4 Parent-Teacher Conferences
  • 11/5 Parents Encouraging Parents (PEP) Conference
  • 11/7 Daylight Saving Time ends
    • Denver South Soccer Clinic
  • 11/9 Volleyball Away Game
  • 11/10 Flag Football and Volleyball Home game
  • 11/11 Flag Football Home game
  • 11/29 Asynchronous Day for Students
  • 05/27/22 8th Grade Continuation
  • Free Citizenship Assistance with Catholic Charities of Denver (click on the link for more information)
  • Parents Encouraging Parents (PEP) Conferences (click on the link for more information)
  • Free Lunch & Snacks for All Hamilton Huskies (click on the link for more information)
  • LifeTouch School Pictures- For help ordering pictures online please contact Lorene Kennedy at 303-565-5203 or lorenek@lifetouch.com
  • Nurse’s Note- Doing some fall cleaning? We are in need of clothing items for students to change into. Please reach out to our Liaison dimarlys_suarez@dpsk12.org or our nurse regan_Thornburg@dpsk12.org
  • Covid Protocols Click the link to learn more.

Lunch Updates!

In order to adhere to updated social distancing recommendations that students stay at least 3 feet away from each other during times they are most vulnerable to contracting COVID, we have implemented a split lunch for all grade levels. Students will have 15 minutes to eat in the cafeteria, and 15 minutes to play outside. All students are expected to sit with one seat in between them during lunch. Students who do not follow the expectations will be assigned a table to sit at alone.

It’s important to know that DPS has a nutrition standard for snacks. Students should not be bringing or eating bags of chips. If food is consumed outside of assigned snack times, students will receive a reminder to put the food away, and if directions aren’t followed, the food will be taken and thrown away. 

Nutrition Standards 

  • Food Provided, But Not Sold to Students expectations are taken from DPS School Board Policy ADF-R
    • Food provided, but not sold, to students on the school campus, during the school day must meet the following nutritional guidelines:  
      • BEVERAGES:  First ingredient may not be a form of sugar (sugar, honey, HFCS, sucrose, corn syrup, brown sugar, cane sugar, etc.).
        • EXAMPLES:
          • Water
          • 100% juice, 4.23 oz portion (1 juice box)
          • Lowfat white milk, 8 oz portion
      • FOODS: Single serving size only and must be less than 300 calories and less than 20 grams of sugar.
        • EXAMPLES:
          • Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, unlimited
          • Low-fat dips to accompany fruits and vegetables (1 T. per student)
          • Fruit cups, no added sugar, ½ cup serving
          • Low-fat pudding cups, ½ cup serving
          • Pretzels, crackers, 1 oz portion
          • Vanilla wafers, animal crackers, 1 oz portion
          • String cheese, cheese sticks (1 oz portion)

Safety Reminders

  • Extra masks- Please send your child with extra masks for the day. It is extremely important to continue to follow COVID protocols and understand that masks are required in the building. Many students do not like the masks we offer and prefer to wear their own. There has been an influx of scholars losing their masks throughout the day. If students are not wearing masks, teachers will be contacting home. For students who are repeatedly asked to keep their masks over their noses, a meeting with administration will be scheduled. Not only is the expectation for all students to wear masks correctly, blatant disregard for directives will not be tolerated. Lunch detentions will be assigned to students so they have time to practice wearing their masks, unless they are actively eating or drinking. If students still do not respond to the directives to wear a mask, they will be sent to an isolation station where they can practice social distancing, and will work remotely until a family member is able to come to the school for a conference.
  • Water Bottles- Have your child bring a water bottle every day! Students are not allowed to drink from the water fountains due to COVID Safety guardrails. Water bottles can be refilled within the building with our water bottle electric fountains.
  • Check out HMS school policy page for information on dress codes, phones, and more. Please remind your child they are are not allowed to wear hoodies, pjs, and clothes must cover students bodies.
  • Bus Reminder– Students without a mask will NOT be allowed to ride the bus. Buses will no longer provide masks to students. Please send your child to school with backup masks.
  • School starts at 9:05 and we dismiss at 4:05. We do not have supervision available for your child prior to 8:45. DO NOT drop your child off prior to that time.
  • Please DO NOT make U Turns when dropping/picking up students. Our safety guards will be giving out tickets. 
  • The front of the school is reserved for emergencies, visitors to the front office, and buses/transportation only.
  • Please adhere to the school speed limit and drive SlOWLY during drop-off/pick-up.
  • We ask that you insist your child USE THE CROSSWALK or CROSSING GUARDS instead of darting between parked cars and traffic when crossing the street. 
  • PARENTS OF 6TH GRADERS ONLY MAY PICK UP ON THE STREET IN FRONT OF HOLM ELEMENTARY. 

BESS Screening & Individual Career Academic Plan

If you have not already done so, please complete your BESS by Oct. 22nd and ICAP by Oct. 31st.


Teacher Parent Conferences

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held virtually this year.  They will be held on the evening of Nov. 3rd and 4th.  Some teachers may have make-up conferences on the 2nd or 5th.  There will be a sign-up for the conferences coming next week.  Conferences will be in ten-minute increments with each teacher.  Please make sure you are signing up for the teachers you need to meet with most.  IF all slots are filled, please email the teacher for an alternate meeting date.  Families who must meet in person due to hardship may also email the teacher to request this option.


ALL 6TH GRADE ONLY Remote Learning Day

Please click on the link to learn more about remote learning for all 6th graders until Nov. 1st.


Interim Principal Message

Did you miss Mendoza’s Message this week? You can click the link to read her message to the community.

Wes Montoya will be our Interim Principal of Hamilton Middle School while Ms. Mendoza is on leave. You can click the link to read his message to the community.

New Principal For Hamilton Middle School

We are about to launch the process of finding a new Principal for Hamilton Middle School. Please allow us to share with you what the hiring process looks like and how you will be asked to participate. Click the link for more information.

Did you know?

The school is named after Jessie M. Hamilton as evidenced by this plaque.  The school’s dedication plaque reads:

1968 – This school is named in memory of Jessie M. Hamilton who served the Denver Public Schools from 1901 to 1941 as a teacher, elementary school principal, and Junior High School principal.

Jessie M. Hamilton may have been an early principal of Morey Junior High School according to this 1922 Pattern’s American Educational Directory.


8th Grade Continuation


Lifetouch In-House Retake

We have an In-House Retake take scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 23rd. Click on the link to register.


Asynchronous Day for Students

Hamilton Middle School will have a Teacher Workday with an asynchronous day for students, where they can work at their own pace, on Nov 29, 2021. All staff will be in the building for a partial-day staff meeting, work time, and student work time as well.


Join the Conversation: Transgender/Non-binary Allyship 101 Webinar

This talk, brought to you by the DPS Prevention Services Lunchtime Webinar Series, will cover some high-level basics of supporting a child on a gender journey, dispel common misconceptions, and provide recommended resources as you travel this path with your student. To join the conversation and learn more click the link.


HMS Brain Bowl

There is still time to join the Hamilton Brain Bowl! Practices are in Room 127 Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 am – 8:55 am. Brain Bowl is open to all Hamilton students; regular attendance is required to be a member of a competition team. Read more about Brain Bowl at https://optimistbrainbowl.org/ or our school liaison dimarlys_suarez@dpsk12.org if you have any questions.


Mentorship Opportunities for 5th-12th Grade

Community Resources’ Academic Mentors Project is a wonderful, FREE opportunity for your student to connect with a volunteer mentor in their area of passion or career focus. The Academic Mentors Project matches highly motivated, passionate 5th through 12th grade DPS students with community volunteers who are accomplished professionals in their field.  Students meet with their mentors to learn more about a particular career, or to increase the student’s understanding and competence in an area of ability or interest. 
Together mentors and students complete a short-term project to demonstrate student learning and the student is then responsible for a presentation to their classmates. A successful mentorship student would be: 

  • A student who has a true passion for their area of interest and has exemplified this over an extended period of time.
  • A student who is able to work one on one with an adult, ask thoughtful questions, and stay engaged
  • A student with a family that is able to provide transportation, and encourage the student during the mentorship progresses

 Detailed program information can be found on CRI’s website. There is no formal deadline for nominations; however, the program typically reaches capacity in late October.  Please note that students are accepted to the program based on their nomination form and interviews with teachers and parents.
If you would like to nominate your student please email GT Itinerant Teacher, Chelsea Chappell-Cox, at chelsea_chappell-cox@dpsk12.org


HMS Sports News

  • Volleyball News– Click the link to read about upcoming practices.
  • Flag Football News– Click the link to read about upcoming practices.
    • Huskies won their first game 13 to 12!

Late Fall Sports Schedule

Denver South Soccer Clinic– Click on the link to read about the soccer clinic, cost, and registration.

If you have any other questions, contact the coach directly or visit Hamilton’s Athletics page for more information.


PSTA News

The Hamilton Middle School Swag Shop will close on October 17th! Delivery and pick-up will occur the week of November 7th. Instructions for school pick-up will be posted on Digital Deets. All profit goes to Hamilton PTSA! The next PTSA meeting is Wednesday, November 3rd. Click the link to join the call.


HMS Diversity Calendar

We are committed to upholding an inclusive culture where students and team members can show up as their authentic and best selves. Click on the link to visit HMS Diversity Calendar for more information on what’s happening in the month of October!


Celebrate Career and College Success Month this October

Help DPS celebrate Career and College Success Month in October! With schools back in person, it is more important than ever to encourage our students from all grade levels to prepare for success after graduation. Throughout the month, we will share student stories, upcoming career and college events, and graduation resources across the DPS website, social media, and newsletters. 

To help celebrate this month, here are some ways to get involved: 

  • Participate in College Spirit Fridays at your school or building.
  • Initiate career and college conversations with students.
  • Take part in the “My Plan” campaign by highlighting your students’ career and college plans through this form.
  • Utilize resources in the Career and College Success Month toolkit to highlight your students and celebrate CCS month.  

Future East Angels Virtual Experiences

This year we are offering  “Future East Angel Experiences” so that you and your student can build a quality, meaningful, understanding of what East High School has to offer. In order to accommodate more families, provide everyone with a greater variety of engaging and diverse perspectives, these virtual events will take the place of our previous “in building” shadowing program.

Upcoming virtual Future East Angels Experience Events:

  • Tuesday, October 26th from 6:00-7:30 pm
  • Thursday, December 9th from 6:00-7:30 pm
  • Wednesday, January 12th from 6:00-7:30 pm

Click Here to RSVP We also encourage you to check out some of the incredible arts, athletic, and extracurricular events you can find on our East calendar here. We look forward to connecting with you.


Crossing Guards

DPS is hiring Crossing Guards and Hamilton Middle needs you! $15.87/hour. Apply today! Applications are accepted online @ http://careers.dpsk12.org

  • Click on the career link.
  • On the Career Page, top right click apply now.
  • Next Click on the Direct link to Job Board
  • On the bottom right of the page, recent job listings put in the #48811 for job code. Then click search jobs.
  • It will pull up the school crossing guard, at the bottom of that listing click apply now. And start the process.

How to Support Hamilton Middle School?

Join the PTSA!

The Hamilton Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) welcomes ALL Hamilton families, staff, and students to become members! CLICK HERE to complete a membership form and pay annual dues.

Other Ways to Support Hamilton


AMAZON SMILE

Simply shop at smile.amazon.com and tap on “AmazonSmile” within the Programs & Features menu or Settings and follow the on-screen instructions. AmazonSmile will donate to Hamilton Middle School PTA, at no cost to you!



BOXTOPS FOR EDUCATION

The new and improved Box Tops mobile app uses state-of-the-art technology to scan your store receipt, find participating products and instantly add Box Tops to your school’s earnings online. Learn more at boxtops4education.com.


KING SOOPERS COMMUNITY REWARDS

Connect your Loyalty Card to Southmoor Elementary!

  • Click on the link
  • Link your account to Hamilton Middle and King Soopers will donate a portion of every dollar you spend back to our school.
SCHOOL DONATIONS

Thank you Hamilton families for your support. Your help with donating any of these classroom supplies at any time during the school year is appreciated. If you would like to donate school supplies, click here for more information.

Our Design and Modeling STEM students will be designing and building prototypes of a foot orthosis (brace) for children with cerebral palsy. We need A LOT of supplies for the students to use. If you have any of the following materials in your home that you would be willing to donate please contact our school Liaison Dimarlys_suarez@dpsk12.org or bring them down to the front office. Thank you for your generosity and continuous support. 

A huge THANK YOU to the Optimist Club of Monaco South for the gracious donation.


Technology Update 

Dear Families, your scholars should already have received a school-issued Chromebook and charger last year.  If they are new to the district or need a new Chromebook due to damage, they will receive one on the first or second day of school. You MUST fill out this form so that we are able to prepare accordingly for our scholars to make sure we have what we need on hand for all scholars to be successful. Please have your scholar notify their teacher if they need a new Chromebook.


Questions?

Registrar Esther Blackmonesther_blackmon@dpsk12.org/720-423-9505
AttendanceTJ Rameythomas_ramey@dpsk12.org/ 720-423-9504
Technology Daytona DriggersDaytona_Driggers@dpsk12.net/720-423-9542
School LiaisonDimarlys Suarezdimarlys_suarez@dpsk12.net/ 720-423-9456
Transportationtransportation@dpsk12.org/ 720-423-4699
GT/504/SpEdRachel Langbergrachel_langberg@dpsk12.org

Parent Portal

  • Log in to Myportal.dpsk12.org
  • Tech. support? Call 720-423-3163 or email dps_portalteam@dpsk12.org

COVID-19 Updates

  • Gaiters and vented masks are NOT permitted at DPS, even if it has two layers or is folded to create two layers.
  • Please send them to the nurse’s office for an approved mask.
  • DPS Update on Masking and Health Procedures