Making Waves
Old Hammondtown School Weekly Family Newsletter
Dear Old Hammondtown Community,
The most meaningful part of building a school culture is the moment you realize it no longer needs to be led by you. It is being carried forward by the children themselves. Over the past two months, I have watched something truly special begin to take shape at Old Hammondtown School. What started as an intentional effort to celebrate kindness, recognize character, and help every child feel seen has grown into something far more meaningful: a culture where recognizing the good in others is becoming a natural part of who we are.
Each day this week, students approached me asking for the opportunity to recognize someone during our Whole-School Meeting. Not because they were prompted. Not because there was a reward waiting for them. Simply because someone had made a difference in their lives, and they wanted that person to know.
One student stood before our school to recognize a cafeteria and recess monitor, describing her as the glue that holds those important parts of our day together and thanking her for helping everyone feel safe. Another student spoke from the heart about our speech-language pathologist, sharing how much she has helped him strengthen his language skills and develop strategies to navigate challenging moments. And two of our fourth graders, visibly nervous but determined, took a deep breath, found their courage, and stood before their peers to recognize a paraprofessional for the many students she helps each day.
I wish I could capture what it feels like to stand in that gym and listen to children recognize the people who have made a difference in their lives.
Their words are not rehearsed or polished. They are genuine, thoughtful, and sometimes spoken through nervous smiles. But that is exactly what makes them so powerful. Our students are beginning to understand that the people who care for us, encourage us, teach us, and help us through difficult moments deserve to know the difference they make. They are learning to look beyond themselves and recognize the kindness, patience, and dedication of the people around them.
That is the kind of learning I hope stays with them long after they leave OHS.
I want our students to grow into people who notice when someone needs encouragement, who express gratitude without being asked, and who understand that a few sincere words can mean more than they may ever realize. My greatest hope is that recognition becomes more than something we practice at school. I hope it becomes an instinct, a way of seeing the world, and a part of the people they grow up to be.
I saw another beautiful example of this during lunch when I shared that our school would be running a drive to create letters, cards, and care packages for local veterans. Almost immediately, students began approaching me to say thank you. They were not thanking me for something they would receive. They were thanking me for giving them the opportunity to recognize and give back to someone else.
I have not been able to stop thinking about that moment and what it says about the kind of people our students are becoming.
There is something profoundly rewarding about hearing a child express gratitude for the chance to show gratitude. As a principal, I could not ask for a more meaningful reflection of the culture we are building. When children begin to find joy in making someone else feel appreciated, you know something special is happening.
That same spirit was beautifully reflected in the creativity of our sixth graders this week as they finished their artwork for the Lions Clubs International Peace Poster Contest. Inspired by this year's theme, “Harmony in Humanity,” students took hours to thoughtfully illustrate their own interpretations of peace, connection, and understanding. Each poster tells a unique story, reminding us that our students have meaningful ideas about the kind of world they hope to create. I encourage you to scroll below and admire a few of these beautiful expressions of creativity. Their artwork reminds us that our students are not only learning about compassion and humanity, but imagining how they can bring those values to life.
And in the midst of these larger moments, I find just as much joy in the smallest ones. Walking into classrooms and being greeted with smiles, excited voices, and hugs from our students will never get old. These moments may seem ordinary, but to me, they represent something extraordinary: the relationships and sense of belonging at the heart of our school.
Two months into this school year, I am seeing the beautiful ripple effect of that belief. Students who feel seen are learning to see others. Students who feel appreciated are learning to express appreciation. And students who experience kindness are finding their own ways to extend it.
That is how a culture is built. Not through a single assembly, a poster on the wall, or a lesson about kindness, but through hundreds of small moments that gradually become the way we treat one another. Our Think. Learn. Care. values are coming to life, and our students are making this culture their own. They are showing us that small acts of kindness and hard work create big waves—and every wave starts with you. 🌊💙
Warmest Regards,
Ms. Amanda Chamberlin
Principal
🌊 Weekly Seahorse Spotlight: Leah from Grade 5!
This week's Seahorse Spotlight shines on Leah, a fifth grader whose kindness and caring heart are making big waves at OHS! Leah consistently goes above and beyond in our cafeteria by helping scrape trays, wipe down tables, clean the floors, and thank our cafeteria staff. She even takes the initiative to help other students do the same!
What makes Leah's story even more special is that she is new to OHS this year. With her contagious smile and thoughtful spirit, she has already become such a wonderful part of our school community. She recently wrote her teacher a heartfelt note sharing how much she loves OHS and how welcomed she has felt.
Leah reminds us that kindness is not just something we say, but something we show through our actions each day. We are so lucky to have you as part of our Seahorse family, Leah! 💙🌊
Costumes & Classroom Fun at OHS 🎃
On Friday, October 30, students are welcome to wear school-appropriate costumes that are comfortable and allow them to move safely and participate in classroom activities. No masks or weapons, please. Students may bring goodie bags to share with classmates; we simply ask that they contain no food or candy and that there is one for everyone in the class. This is a half day, with dismissal at 11:30 a.m. We look forward to a fun morning together!
PTA Updates: Meadow Farms Fundraiser and Family Literacy Night at Center School!
Meadow Farms Fundraiser
The Meadow Farms fundraiser starts this Wednesday 10/28! Every student who's selling needs to be registered. Registration creates your own online store, and purchases turn into money!
https://portal.meadowfarms.com/?page=authSignup&groupid=1032141
Every student (or staff member) who sells 5 or more items is entered to win a gift card. There will be two winners, one from each school. The PTA is raising money to help support field trips and enrichment programs in school.
Stay Connected!
In addition to our weekly newsletter, there are a few other ways to stay connected and keep up with all that is happening at OHS!
- Follow us on Facebook for school updates, photos, reminders, and celebrations.
- Download the ORR Connect App on your mobile device to receive the latest school and district news, announcements, and updates. The app can be found in your device’s App Store.
Most importantly, please know that my door is always open. Families are always welcome to reach out to me by phone or email with questions, concerns, or simply to connect, and I am always happy to make time to meet. I truly value hearing from our families and look forward to getting to know you and working together throughout the year!
