The Local School Council held its Organizational Meeting on Tuesday, July 11. The agenda included electing officer positions, re-adopting by-laws and norms, setting the regular meeting schedule for the year, and an update from Dr. Blathras on summer activities inside the building.
Dr. Blathras began her update with a review of Hamilton’s Mission and Vision informing us that she is working with Hamilton Leadership to update the vision and mission to reflect the updated priorities uncovered during the CIWP processes. Once a few drafts of the Mission and Vision are available CIWP committees will work to refine them and arrive at a final version.
The CIWP includes Connectedness & Wellbeing priorities which for year one will include professional development and support for the adults in the building. There is a CPS Directed meeting later this week for Instructional Leadership Team members. This work will begin in earnest when staff return to the building in August.
Improvements are underway inside the building. The front desk has received a facelift of fresh blue paint and a mounted Hamilton logo. There are 47 bulletin boards being hung throughout the building and rugs are being added to the hallway learning coves.
The layout was adjusted for the Teacher’s Lounge based on how staff used the room last year. New doors were added to the case manager’s office in the library and new lockers will be installed for 6th graders.
Hamilton is ahead of all other Network 4 schools for summer cleaning, thanks to the custodial staff’s effort and dedication.
Students returned to the building last week for summer camps. They are enjoying their sessions and bringing plenty of energy to the building!
Sustainable Fashion Club with Mr. Southall
Crafting with Cricut with Ms. Tania and Ms. Cynthia
Sports with Ms. Walker, Mr. Deshon and Ms. Remie
Art Explorers with Ms. Zoe and Ms. Hayden
¡Habla Ya! with Ms. Laura and Ms. Irene
Kick Off To Kindergarten is also underway. Several new families to the Hamilton community took advantage of this 5 week program being run by 2nd grade teacher Colleen Picchietti, Special Education Classroom Assistant, Annie Newboe and Student Teacher, Bridey Jones. The kids are brushing up on their school skills and getting ready to be the best kindergarteners they can be when school starts in the fall.
To help with the transition to Middle School, Hamilton is hosting a “Step-Up To Middle School” session for all incoming 6th graders and newly enrolled 7th and 8th graders. In addition we will have a Meet The Teacher morning on Friday, August 18th from 8-9am.
For SY24, Middle School students will all have individualized schedules. This ensures IEP minutes are met as well as preparing students for managing their own schedules in high school, college and beyond. Schedules are being finalized and shared with students and families in early August.
Thus far 77 GoCPS offers have been accepted which is nearly two times the amount accepted at this same time a year ago. Expected enrollment is around 470 students for SY24.
To welcome these new families to the Hamilton community there are several New Parent Orientations planned as well as playdates for Preschool and Kindergarten families. Please see the Hamilton Public Calendar or contact the Hamilton Action Team for more information.
A quorum was established with 9 members present including LSC Student Member and Student Voice Committee Member, Dominick Macri, attending his first meeting since his election by the student body last spring. Dominick is the first student representative in the history of the Hamilton LSC and will serve a single year term. Erin Bassett, Parent Member, was re-elected as Chairperson, Emily Basque, Parent Member, was re-elected as Secretary and FOIA/OMA Officer, and Holly Kohli, Community Member, was re-elected as Sergeant of Arms.
A few agenda items were deferred to the August 30th meeting including electing the Vice-Chair, confirming sub-committee assignments, and re-adopting the norms.
A proposed amendment to the norms includes a clarification around information being distributed ahead of time. For the 2024 school year, the agenda as well as a copy of the principal report will be distributed to the LSC via email at least 48 hours ahead of the meeting. Agendas are also posted 48 hours in advance on the doors of the building and for SY24 a PDF copy will be included in the meeting listing on the Hamilton Public Calendar.
SY24 Regular Meeting Schedule:
August 30, 2023 at 6pm
September 27, 2023 at 6pm
October 18, 2023 at 8:15am (Learning Walk)
November 29, 2023 at 6pm (State of the School)
January 31, 2024 at 6pm
February 28, 2024 at 6pm
March 13, 2024 at 6pm
April 17, 2024 at 8:15am (Learning Walk)
May 22, 2024 at 6pm