Middle School Matters

Hamilton Middle School:

A safe, caring, and inclusive community

where fun fuels connection, sparks growth,

and everyone aims to reach their full potential.

Over the past week, through all of our conversations related to the Roof Renovation Project, one consistent thread has come through clearly:

How is this best for students, and what can we do to support them?

As I reflect on the week, I recognize that there are many emotions present—and what stands out most is the deep care you have for your students. This care isn’t just expressed in words; it is evident in your actions, your questions, and your advocacy for what is best for kids.

That is what I will remember most about this week.

Enjoy your additional break day—you’ve earned it.

• February 11 Staff Meeting-is canceled in lieu of the Grade Level meetings being held this week and last week to review the 26-27 Schedules and room assignment next steps.

• Joscelyn Fritsche - will be a paraprofessional starting this week in our building through the end of May. Over the next few weeks she will be shadowing Venus and Michelle to learn how to best support the students they work with. Joscelyn will be subbing for Michelle from March 9-the end of May. Michelle will be subbing for Allison Lesh while she is on materinity leave
• Laura Blowers - will be Malory Postma's substitute while she is on Maternity leave.

Big Behavior Follow-Up: We’ve Got You!

We know that "big behaviors" don't just affect students; they affect you, too. Based on your feedback provided to the SLT team, we want to make sure no staff member feels stranded after a difficult incident.

How to ask for support: When someone retrieves a student from your room (or when you call the office), please explicitly ask to "Request a Follow-up." Much like the "Request for Additional Support" drop-down action menu in SWIS, this phrase is our signal to check back in with you.

We want to make sure you’re alright, keep you in the loop on actions taken, and—if you need it—step into your room for a moment so you have time to regroup. You don't have to be "hardcore" all the time; we're here to help. :)

Upcoming PBIS Meetings:

• Sub-Attendance/CICO/Behavior Committee Meetings: Tuesday

• SLT Meeting: Tuesday at 2:55 pm in the blue conference room

• Tier 1 Support Meetings: During lunch on Wednesday.

• Tier ⅔ Meeting: Wednesday at 8 am.

HUGE Shout out to each grade level for meeting with me and your honesty and transparency about your thoughts along with your flexibility!

SCHEDULES:

5th, 6th and 7th grade: please be sure your input is given to Liz by February 20th.

8th Grade: please complete the shared form (Linked here also) prior to February 13th.

Next steps-

1. Kris and Sarah Z. will be scheduling students
2. Students (current 4th-7th grade students) are entered into Power School
3. Special Education staff holds 3-4 different projection days.
4. THEN the next draft for each schedule will be shared.

CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENTS:

The Department/Grade Level Chairs will be sharing their opinions on/thoughts as it relates to the 27-28 room assignments options prior to February 14.

BOXES/TUBS for moving:

Still waiting for an update. Thank you in advance for patience.

This section will provide the specific monthly work and new learning we will engage in to refine the experience we provide for students.

Annie - for supporting Sean in brainstorming next steps as it relates to room assignments for 8th grade 26-27.

Mitchell - for being able to pivot at the last minute on Monday morning to attend an IEP.

Abbigail, Cam, Margarita, Kenna-your professionalism, patience, due diligence, and above all -remaining focused on what is best for a student as we walk through new territory for all of us.

STAFF

February 2

• School Counselor Appreciation Week

• 6th Grade Business Visit - Postma - Royal Technologies (9:00-11:30AM)

• 6th Grade Business Visit - Schuiteman - Holland BPW (9:00-11:30AM)

February 3

• School Counselor Appreciation Week

• 6th Grade Business Visit - Lillmars - West MI Regional Airport (9:00-11:30AM)

• 6th Grade Business Visit - Luhmann - Gentex (9:00-11:30AM)

February 4

• School Counselor Appreciation Week

• Crossing Guard Appreciation Day

• Department Chair Meeting (6:45-7:30AM)

• 6th Grade Business Visit - Chambers - K&R Truck Sales (9:00-11:30AM)

• 6th Grade Business Visit - Pretzer- Xylem (9:00-11:30AM)

• 6th Grade Business Visit - Riemersma- Cento Anni (9:00-11:30AM)

February 5

• School Counselor Appreciation Week

• Tiffany Craige ISD - in building to meet with teachers (7:30A-2:45P)

• 7/8th Grade Band Pre-Festival Concert (7:00-8:00PM)

February 6

• School Counselor Appreciation Week

• Zero Grade Email’s Sent

• HMS Unified Basketball Game - ABC Night (3:45-4:15PM)

February 9 - NO SCHOOL - MID WINTER BREAK

• Board Meeting (6:00-7:30PM)

February 10

• Attendance Team Meeting (8:00-9:00AM)

• SLT Meeting (2:55-3:55PM)

February 11 - SPRING COUNT DAY

• Problem Solving Meeting during lunch

• Tier 2/3 Team Meeting

• DIT meeting (10:30A-1:30P)

• Staff Meeting (3:00-3:45PM)

February 12 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRESTON SAYCOCIE!!

• STREAM off-campus experience

• 6th Grade Band Concert (7:00-8:00PM)

February 13

• School Resource Officer’s Day

February 14 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY STACY DEWEERD!!

February 18 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAMERON BOEVE!!

February 19

• Tiffany Craige ISD - in building to meet with teachers (7:30A-2:45P)

February 20

• Unified Basketball game - Away (12:15-2:15PM)

February 24

• 8th Grade STREAM outdoor learning w/professionals

February 26

• 7/8 Grade Musical Performance (7:00-8:00P)

February 27

• Unified Basketball Tournament (9:00A-2:00P)

• 7/8 Grade Musical Performance (7:00-8:00P)

Tier 1 Student Support Form-complete when you desire support for any student for any reason. (academic, emotional, behavioral)

Allison Lesh Collaboration Form

Taylor Sale Collaboration Form

Community Circle Activities

Library Check-out Calendar

Mandated Reporter Form

Very little information will be carried over from week to week. Previous newsletters follow:

Each Month Liz sends a Parent Matters Newsletter. IF you want to read what is sent they can be found here as well as in the shared drive.