Heads Up Hamilton: Friday, December 9th

Posted December 9, 2022

The Week Ahead

Monday, December 12

Tuesday, December 13

Wednesday, December 14

  • 7th Grade Hearing and Vision Screening
  • Spring Musical Tryouts 4:15-5:45 pm
  • Right at School Enrichment 4:15 – 6:00 pm
  • Multilingual Education (MLE) Districtwide Advisory Committee 5-7 pm

Thursday, December 15

Friday, December 16


Upcoming Events
  • Dec. 19- Jan. 2 Winter Break
  • Jan. 3rd Non-Student Contact Day

Check out our Family Calendar and Year at a Glance Program Events Flier. We will continue to update and add dates throughout the school year. Our most up-to-date calendar is on our website and can be found here. Feel free to reference this calendar anytime.

Breathe for a Change Community Workshop

Did you miss our first workshop? No worries! We have them every 3rd Wednesday of the month.

  • Google Meet joining info
  • Or dial: ‪(US) +1 929-399-7684‬ PIN: ‪729 247 191‬#
PTSA Events
  • Staff appreciation event 12/16 (more info to come)
Lunch Menu

Hamilton Administration News

Admin Wants You to Know

SchoolChoice Round 1 Application Dates: Jan. 13- Feb. 14, 2023. Read more here.


Save the Date

Hamilton is having a Culture Event on April 20, 2023, and we would love to have you and your family participate.

We are looking for students, staff, families, and people from the community who are interested in showcasing their culture. This can be making a dish, an interactive display, teaching about a country and language, wearing traditional clothing, performing, planning, etc.

Interested? Fill out the survey.

Spanish Survey

Arabic Survey

Amharic Survey


Winter Break: December 19 – January 2
Non-Student Contact Day: January 3


Holiday Support for Families

Don’t forget the scroll all the way down to our community section for holiday support.


Get Notified for Snow Days and Delays

It’s that time of year when inches of snow can fall at any time! As a reminder, be sure to check our school website and the DPS homepage at www.dpsk12.org for information about delays and closures. For additional information about severe weather policies, including a FAQ, visit the DPS Weather webpage.


Schools and families of multilingual learners are invited to attend the Multilingual Education (MLE) Districtwide Advisory Committee (DAC) meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 5-7 p.m. at Abraham Lincoln High School.

At this in-person meeting, families and staff will learn more about the resources to advocate for their students on the topics of School Choice & Enrollment, ACCESS testing, and where to view results. 

Registration is open here. For more information, visit the MLE DAC webpage or call 720-423-2661.

MLE DAC December ’22 flyer- Spanish

MLE DAC December ’22 flyer-Amharic

MLE DAC December ’22 flyer-Arabic

MLE DAC December ’22 flyer-Somali

MLE DAC December ’22 flyer-Chinese

At this in-person meeting, families and staff will learn more about the resources to advocate for their students on the topics of School Choice & Enrollment, ACCESS testing, and where to view results. 

Registration is open here. For more information, visit the MLE DAC webpage or call 720-423-2661.


A Community Hub right in our neighborhood: Are you looking for assistance with food, clothing, rent, etc.? Visit the newest DPS Community Hub at Place Bridge Academy. They have a long list of services including GED, Computer Skills, English and Spanish Classes, Emplotment services, and more! Visit or call today!

Southeast
Academy Bridge Place
SECommunityHub@dpsk12.net

720-424-1040


School News

HMS Christmas Concert

Hamilton’s Band and Choir students will be performing on Dec. 13th from 6-7:30 pm in the school auditorium. The event is FREE! Come support our students and enjoy some holiday tunes.

Students must attend with an adult

Bring a gently used or new coat to donate.


Snow Ball Dance

The Snowball will be on December 15th from 6-8 pm! Free for HMS students.

Requirements to attend:

  • Students must have 90% attendance and at most 5 tardies between Nov. 1st and Dec. 15th.
  • Passing classes by Dec. 8th.
  • Formal Attire- NO hoodies or sweatpants.

Bring a gently used or new coat to donate.


Husky House Boutique

Hamilton is working on a clothing boutique for our students. We will be collecting gently used or NEW items for our Husky House Boutique. If you are cleaning out your closets during the break and would like to donate the items, see the guidelines below and contact Dimarlys Suarez for questions.

Donation Guidelines

All Items Must Be: 

  •  New or gently used (Would you give it to a friend?) 
  • Clean and ready to wear (No stains, holes, damage, or broken zippers, please!)  
  • Current styles (Appealing to kids, pre-teens, teens, and young adults.) 
  • Age appropriate (Suitable for school.)

Accepted Items for Students Ages 11-21

  • Shoes (youth 4 -adult 10) that are in good condition and suitable for school. Our most popular styles are athletic (i.e. tennis, basketball, running, skate, etc.), slip-ons (i.e. Vans), canvas (i.e. Converse or Toms), flats, and boots (all types – fashion and winter).
  • Warm winter coats and light jackets (Youth size 11-adult). 
  • Jeans, pants, and shorts for Girls and Boys (youth 10- adult 20). 
  • Shirts for Girls and Boys (Youth S- adult XL).
  • Adult-size clothing that would be worn by pre-teens, teens, and young adults: 
    • Pants and shorts for Young Women (sizes 00-26) and Young Men (waist sizes 27-48) 
    • Shirts for Young Women (sizes XS-3XL) and Young Men (sizes XS-5XL) 
    • Athletic styles (basketball shorts/pants, yoga pants, joggers, etc.) are especially popular! 
      • NEW underwear and socks in unopened packages (youth S-adult).
  • Dresses and skirts (Youth-adult)
  • Extras: Accessories, belts, bags/backpacks/purses, pajamas, swimwear, sportswear/equipment, hats, jewelry, books, toys, school supplies, and winter accessories.
  • Hangers

Items We Don’t Take:


Great Things Happening at HMS

Hamilton’s Yearbook

We know we’re only halfway through the year, but we don’t want to forget any of it! We’ve partnered with TreeRing to create a 22-23 Hamilton Yearbook!

  • Sign up now to buy a yearbook for $20. There’s a limited supply, so don’t wait!

8th Grade Families will be able to purchase a Baby Ad Space for their student!

  • Create 2 FREE Custom Pages By April 9, 2023
  • Consider sharing your photos from the year by creating an account, or sending them directly to  rachel_langberg@dpsk12.net 

Create an account and get your yearbook today! Click HERE

Code: 1016696453002973


Squishmallow Drive

Student Council had a Squishmallow Drive and ended up collecting 41 squishmallows to donate to the Third Way Center for Christmas gifts! We’re very proud of them.


UA Showcase

Thank you all for joining us and support of huskies at the UA Showcase this week.


Spring Musical Tryouts

We will be producing “Matilda” for our spring musical. Anyone who wants to be in the musical can be! Those who want to be in the chorus can sign up on the board across from the Drama room. For those who wish to try out for a speaking/solo part, I am planning on hosting a meeting next Wed the 14th from 4:15 – 4:45. At this meeting students will select a monologue and sign up for a 5 min audition slot the week we get back from break. This gives them time to work over the break on their monologue and 16 bars (60 seconds) of a Disney song.

Questions? Contact Ms. Nyhus!


AAYLS Summit VI

Our Huskies had a great time at the AAYLS Summit VI. They had the oppounity to explored personal interests, careers, have a career dicussion with Black Womrn of Excellence, and more.


Enrichments at Hamilton

Enrichments at Hamilton
Denver Children’s Choir @ HMS

Denver Children’s Choir @ HMS

THERE IS STILL TIME TO JOIN!

DCC meets every Monday from 8:00 am -9:00 am. If you have any questions please contact Mercedes Campana.

Want to join the fun? Fill out the application form online! Click here to fill it out.

Brain Bowl Wants YOU!

Brain Bowl Wants YOU!

Brain Bowl is off to a good start this year.  We currently have a 7th-grade team and an 8th-grade team for the competition, which will be on January 21 at Heritage High School in Littleton.  Are you in 6th grade and want to exercise your brain!? JOIN US on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

 

Brain Bowl will not meet on the following days:

Thursday, September 29

Tuesday, October 4

Thursday, October 6

The next Meeting is on October 11th

FREE Enrichment Sign Ups

Enrichment Sign Ups

Please fill out one form per child. See below for the extracurricular activities currently being offered at Hamilton.

Sign Up Form

Email Rachel_Langberg@dpsk12.net with questions. 

 

(Please note we are still working on our contract with Nexplore and KidztoPros and will update families as soon as we have more information and opportunities. THANKS in advance for your patience!)

——-

Por favor llene un formulario por niño. Consulte a continuación las actividades extracurriculares que se ofrecen actualmente en Hamilton.

Envíe un correo electrónico a Rachel_Langberg@dpsk12.net si tiene preguntas.

 

(Tenga en cuenta que todavía estamos trabajando en nuestro contrato con Nexplore y KidztoPros y actualizaremos a las familias tan pronto como tengamos más información y oportunidades. ¡GRACIAS de antemano por su paciencia!)

Formulario de Registro

NextGen Denver Workshop

NextGen Denver

Earlier this year, Girls with Impact — along with U.S. Bank and Trimble— kicked-off NextGen Denver to bring an impactful College and Career Readiness program to young women (14-24) in Colorado.

Their goal is to equip your students with the skills, knowledge, and resources to become a part of the next generation of female leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs through our comprehensive 10-week business and leadership academy.

This is a fantastic opportunity to give students a tremendous leg-up for college and career. Full scholarships are available ($995 normal tuition) – making the program fully free for those who qualify. All others get a 70% scholarship ($249).

Fall classes start the week of October 10 and will fill up, so sign-up today. Classes are held 1x/week from anywhere.

Get real work experience. Build your confidence. Network with peers nationwide.  

Register here now.

Qualify for FRPL? Use code: NEXTGENDENVER

All other students for 70% off use code: DENVER

Right at School Program

Right at School 
Every day from 4:05pm-6:00pm
email jennie.vie@rightatschool.com
Fill out the registration here. (Access Code: DPSHamilton22)
ONLY 40 spots available. Kids receive daily homework support, hands on learning experiences, engage in activities like chess, art, reading, and team projects, and participate in fitness games and sports. Daily activities are designed to build positive character traits, self awareness, and lifelong social skills. Are you interested?

Justo en la escuela
Todos los días de 16:05 a 18:00
envíe un correo electrónico a jennie.vie@rightatschool.com
Llena el registro aquí. (Código de acceso: DPSHamilton22)
SOLO 40 lugares disponibles. Los niños reciben apoyo diario con la tarea, experiencias prácticas de aprendizaje, participan en actividades como ajedrez, arte, lectura y proyectos en equipo, y participan en juegos y deportes de acondicionamiento físico. Las actividades diarias están diseñadas para desarrollar rasgos de carácter positivos, conciencia de sí mismo y habilidades sociales para toda la vida. ¿Estás interesado?

African American Youth Leadership Summit (AAYLS) Program
Sims Fayola Foundation: Empowered Ambition Youth Development

15 spots are available next semester for 6th graders.

Young men of color engage in deep reflective work using restorative practices, conflict resolution, and goal-setting practices while developing their leadership skills, art skills, and financial literacy. Students are paired with online mentors to further facilitate the lessons and principles they engage with during weekly sessions. The goal is to assist young men and boys of color to increase their capacity to be better stewards of their choices, careers, and ultimately their lives, while developing into positive, culturally aware, and emotionally healthy young men. Are you interested? Email rachel_langberg@dpsk12.net


HMS Sports

Winter Sports Registration Now Open:

  • Girls Basketball: Click Here to register for basketball
  • Boys Basketball: Click Here to register for basketball

*ALL athletes must register and have an updated & signed physical BEFORE they are allowed to try out. No Exceptions, you will be asked to leave tryouts without a physical. Please check out our website for more links and information. Coach Elmore, Athletic Director Victoria_Elmore@dpsk12.net


PTSA News 

WE APPRECIATE YOU

Thank you for supporting our PTSA Dines Out at Birdcall this week. The food is always delicious and they are so generous with their give back program. Between Slices and Birdcall we have made over $500. Thank you families for supporting our dines out events and helping to support the PTSA. 

We also want to thank you for your support with the poinsettia sales. The plants are absolutely gorgeous. We were able to sell over 180 plants. Way to go Huskies! 

UPCOMING EVENTS

More detailed information about these events will be posted in Digital Deets.

  • Staff appreciation event 12/16. PTSA is sponsoring a coffee cart for all the Hamilton staff members. We are asking for parents to supply breakfast treats for the morning event. Please sign up using this link to donate a delicious baked good. Or this link to donate money and a PTSA member will go shopping for a yummy breakfast treat. 
  • In Person PTSA meeting on Wednesday, January 11th
  • Chipotle Dines Out on January 25
WAYS YOU CAN HELP
  • Support PTSA through membership. Become a member with a $10, $20, or $50 donation. There is no need to attend meetings, volunteer at events, or sell items. We won’t hound you to participate further but we will inform you of what is going on and how PTSA is supporting Hamilton. Your membership donation goes to helping Fund classroom projects and supporting our staff through appreciation events and more. Become a member today by clicking this link
  • Stock the Shelves: Purchase an item for our stock the staff lounge ongoing campaign. We are working to keep the staff lounge stocked with yummy snacks for our amazing Hamilton staff members. We collect money to purchase these items but we also collect the goodies. Please use this link to donate money towards the Stock the Shelves fund or if you would prefer to donate a box of granola bars, bags of popcorn, etc. then email us at hamiltonptsadenver@gmail.com and we will be in touch on how you can donate these much-appreciated goodies. 

Community Information

Christmas Tree Sales from the Optimist Club of Monaco South

The Optimist Club of Monaco South now has its Christmas Tree Lot open every day through December 23rd. Location: 2285 S. Monaco Parkway, in the Villa Monaco Shopping Center, NW corner of S. Monaco & E. Iliff.

This is the club’s major fundraiser for the year and provides the funding foundation for more than thirty-five youth and community projects, including our Super Citizen Programs at Bradley International, Ellis Elementary, Hamilton Middle, Holm Elementary, Lowry Elementary, McMeen Elementary, Most Precious Blood, Samuels Elementary, and Slavens Elementary schools. Additionally, the club provides Thanksgiving and Christmas Day Food Baskets, Thanksgiving dinner to over 900 kids at the Boys and Girls Clubs/Girls Inc, and programs such as Respect for Law and Brain Bowl. Assistance is given to the Thomas Jefferson High School Art Fest, March of Dimes Mudd Volleyball Tournament, Multiple Sclerosis Society BikeMS events, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, ADA Camp Colorado, and many other community projects. The lot is open starting November 25th, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day through December 23rd


Family Resources

  • Food Pantry at Denver Green School, 6700 E. Virginia Ave. Denver, CO 80224- Saturdays 8:00 am come and get FREE food from the Food Pantry. Follow the line of cars for entry. This Food Pantry will be open year-round. This is part of the Food Bank of the Rockies and you can find more locations here.
  • Denver Library Food Boxes– Follow this link to find a Denver library near you that provides FREE food boxes.
  • There are many farmers’ markets this summer throughout October and November in the metro area.  Please save this map for locations and times.
  • SNAP benefits provide money on an EBT card.  This is a public program open to anyone regardless of documentation status.  More information here.
  • Shephard’s Pantry– Every 3rd Saturday for a Pancake Breakfast! ‘Shop’ for what you need, or help distribute food to those who could use the assistance!
  • Check out a full list of resources here.

More Community Resources

Other Community Resources
 Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
Healthy Food Boxes Program
FBR Mobile Pantry – Risen Christ Catholic Parish
LOCATION

3060 South Monaco Parkway Denver Colorado 80222

Get Directions

ELIGIBILITY

No eligibility requirements for Mobile Food Pantry.

TEFAP food is available for income-eligible households and to households that participate in select public assistance programs. Please bring a photo ID to sign up. No proof of income required.

PHONE

303-371-9250

HOURS

2nd & 4th Thursdays starting at 3:00pm.

NOTES

TEFAP and Non-TEFAP products are available at Mobile Pantry Sites. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

First time visiting a Food Bank of the Rockies Pantry? Speed up your visit by using Link2Feed. It’s as simple as creating a client profile ahead of time at NewClient.Link2Feed.com. Already have a Client ID number? No need to reregister.

Need Help Paying Your Energy Bill?

Clothes to Kids
Southeast Community Hub

DPS Community Hub in Our Neighborhood

Southeast Community Hub

Denver Public Schools opened a free grocery store at Place Bridge Academy to help families that are dealing with food insecurity. The free grocery store will be a part of the DPS’ new Community Hubs, through the Family and Community Engagement Department (FACE). This is to provide access to resources and help build relationships with the community around schools in DPS.

Southeast Location: Place Bridge Academy, 7125 Cherry Creek N Drive, Denver CO 80224, SEcommunityhub@dpsk12.net, 720-424-1040


Toy Drive for Everyone



December MyDenver Calendar

Did you know that MyDenver is FREE for all school-aged children? Visit your local Denver Rec Center to register for a free card and check out November’s calendar below.


School Reminders

School Reminders
Reminders

School Hours
School hours are 9:05 am- 4:05 pm
School starts at 9:05 and doors open at 9:00
Breakfast is served between 8:20 and 8:45
No Early Pick-up After 3:45 pm (to ensure there is no interruption to their instructional time)
Adult supervision for our students will be available from 8:55 AM-4:05 PM ONLY unless your child is signed up for after-school activities.

Student Supervision
Please remember that student supervision does not start until 8:55 am unless the child is in the cafeteria for breakfast, which starts at 8:20 am, or for school enrichments they have signed up for. If your child is dropped off at school, they will not be able to enter the building until 8:55 am.

Weather Ready
As the weather gets cooler, please make sure students are coming to school with the appropriate weather attire as they do go outside after lunch.

Dress Code
Now that the weather is getting colder, we have seen students wearing pajama pants, which is not part of our dress code. Please click here to review our dress code. If a student comes to school wearing pajama pants we will call home and ask you to bring a change of clothes.

Application for Student Meal Benefits 
All Hamilton families should complete this application as it helps the school receive funds. The submission and approval of a Household Application for Student Meal Benefits provide advantages beyond eligibility for free or reduced-priced meals.  It also helps ensure students receive the maximum amount of benefits they are eligible for, including discounts on bus passes and some school fees, such as athletics, and reduced AP testing fees. It ensures schools receive additional resources to support healthy meals for students and after-school programs. Your assistance in completing and submitting the Household Application for Student Meal Benefits is greatly appreciated and has the potential to help all DPS schools.  Apply now at myschoolapps.com. If you have questions, please email foodservices@dpsk12.org.

Lunch Information

Due to the expiration of Federal Waivers that Nutrition Services has been operating under since the beginning of the pandemic, school lunches will no longer be free for all students in the 2022-23 school year. All students will need to be recorded by student ID numbers when they take their breakfast and lunch. Breakfast will remain at no charge for all students.

Lunch prices for 2022-23 will be as follows:
Elementary lunches: $2.60
Middle School lunches: $2.75
High School lunches: $3

Parent Teacher Home Visits at Hamilton

In case you missed the info session about the Parent Teacher Home Visit Program, check out the slide deck and interest form here.

SchoolPool Rideshare

We are still in need of carpooling in our community. If you are able and willing to shareride, please consider signing up. #HMSHuskyStrong

We have partnered with Schoolpool, a program to help parents get their students to/from school. It’s free and easy to use. It is a way to connect families who are willing to assist with rideshare in a safe way with those who need rideshare.

How does Schoolpool work?
  1. Using a computer (not a smartphone or tablet), create an account and register your household address or intersection with a link only obtained by emailing our school liaison Dimarlys Suarez, once you have been verified as a parent of a Hamilton child. To maintain the highest level of privacy and security, this link is the only way for Hamilton Middle school participants to register.
  2. Add comments to indicate special requests or preferences, such as “can provide morning rides in exchange for afternoon rides,” “student is in after-school activities,” or “looking for a walk buddy in the mornings.”
  3. Find and contact interested Hamilton families in your neighborhood or along your drive to/from school.
Ways to Support Hamilton

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 REWARDS PROGRAM

Connect your Loyalty Card to Hamilton Middle School!

  • 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. If you have any questions, contact the school liaison at 720-423-9456.

Sign Up for Digital Deets

Hamilton will be using Digital Deets to streamline school-to-home communication this year. Their “one app for all” solution enables all of the members of a school community to easily receive information. Here’s how you can sign up:

  1. Head to www.digitaldeets.com or download their mobile app available for iOS and Android.
  2. Sign up and connect to your child. (No Digital Deets Code for your child? No problem! Use the Look it Up Link.)
  3. You will begin to receive targeted, relevant information related to your children.
New Parent Corner

Visit our Parent Corner for information on school policies, lunch menus, Way to Go School Pool, Parent Portal, family resources, and more!

New Student Corner

Visit our Student Corner for more information on our bell schedule, school supplies, school trips, HMS school calendar, and more!

Whole Child Team
Community Liaison: Dimarlys Suarez
dimarlys_suarez@dpsk12.net
720-423-9456
Social Worker: Audrey Torrez-Fluent
audrey_torrez-fluent@dpsk12.net
720-423-9511
School Counselor: Rebecca Taylor
REBECCA_TAYLOR@dpsk12.net 
720-423-9448
Dean of Culture (7th | 6th last names M-Z): Ike Ogbuike
ike_ogbuike@dpsk12.net 
720-423- 9461
Dean of Culture (8th | 6th last names A-L): Michelle Powell
Michelle_powell@dpsk12.net 
720-423- 9521
Student Support Liaisons: 
Gloria Sanchez
gloria_sanchez22@dpsk12.net 
Katrina Craig
katrina_craig@dpsk12.net 
720-423- 9533
Psychologist: Emily Johnson
emily_johnson3@dpsk12.net
720-423-9513
Psychologist Intern: Alexis Wagemanalexis_wageman@dpsk12.net
720-423-9507 
Nurse’s Corner

A bill to extend the I Matter program, House Bill 22-1243, passed the Colorado Senate on April 29. With the Governor’s signature, free mental health services will be available to all Colorado youth for another two years. Read these stories of impact on the Rocky Mountain PBS blog and at KSBY.com.

I Matter provides free therapy sessions in English and Spanish for youth in Colorado age 18 and younger, or age 21 or younger if receiving special education services, and has reached 2,350 youth with at least one session.

Visit the Nurse’s Corner here.


Questions?

Registrar Esther Blackmonesther_blackmon@dpsk12.net | 720-423-9505
AttendanceRicardo Guerrajose_guerra@dpsk12.net | 720-423-9504
Technology Jean Barcelo-Cabezajean_barcelo-cabeza@dpsk12.net | 720-423-9542
School LiaisonDimarlys Suarezdimarlys_suarez@dpsk12.net | 720-423-9456
Transportationtransportation@dpsk12.net | 720-423-4600
GT/504/SpEdRachel Langbergrachel_langberg@dpsk12.net | 720-423-9508