Hamilton News
November 6, 2026
Hello Hamilton Families,
I want to take a moment to introduce myself and share how much I've enjoyed my first week at Hamilton International Middle School. It has been a pleasure getting to know our students and staff and experiencing the welcoming and supportive community that makes HIMS such a special place.
Throughout the week, I have been impressed by our students' enthusiasm for learning, the dedication of our staff, and the strong partnerships that support student success. While I have not yet had the opportunity to meet many of our families, I look forward to getting to know you and working alongside you throughout the year.
Thank you for the warm welcome. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me or any member of our administrative team. We are here to support our students and families and look forward to partnering with you throughout the year.
Terri Anderson
Interim Principal
Hamilton International Middle School
- Mon, Nov 9: 7th Grade Parents Get Together
- Tues, Nov 10: IEP & 504 Parent Meet Up
- Wed, Nov 11: Veterans Day, No SCHOOL
- Thurs, Nov 19: Staff Appreciation
- Mon, Nov 23: Turkey Bingo @ HIMS Commons
- Thurs, Nov 26-Nov 27: Thanksgiving, NO SCHOOL
- Fri, Dec 18: Early Dismissal 1-hour early
Last Weeks Newsletter
Due to a technical issue with School Messenger last Friday, many of you may not have received last week’s Newsletter, dated October 30, 2026. For your review, please see the link for last weeks news: https://app.smore.com/n/xkw93
Picture Retake Day
Date/Time: November 12th (8:30 - 11:00 AM)
Location: Hawk’s Nest
- Staff who missed picture day can start at 8:15 AM
- Field trip - Students who want a photo before leaving should arrive before 8:30 AM
- Photo packets and orders. Please return the original packet to the photographer if you have it. Students can still get a retake if they forget it. Order forms are in the main office, and families can also order online at mylifetouch.com.
Reminder regarding Bluetooth Devices & Expectation around YONDR Pouch
Keeping Hamilton phone-free protects instructional time and supports students’ social and emotional well-being. It helps reduce inappropriate phone use and incidents of harassment, intimidation, and bullying. It also gives students space to practice self-care and feel more comfortable and secure at school.
Every morning. Bring your school-issued YONDR pouch and take care of it just as you do your school laptop. When you enter the building, turn off your phone, smartwatch, earbuds and other Bluetooth or communication devices and secure them in the pouch. Turning devices off keeps them quiet and helps protect personal information if they are lost, stolen or collected.
During the school day. If a device is used or found outside the pouch, staff will collect it on the first occurrence and place it in the main office. Main Office or either School administration will call a parent or guardian to pick it up.
Early sign-out. Ms. Castle, our Attendance Specialist, will unlock pouches for students who are signed out early.
At dismissal. Students can unlock their pouches and take out their devices once the bell rings. There are 15 unlocking boxes around the building, including near the east gym exit (1), at the east library exit by bus pickup (1) at the front entrance by the office (2), in the Hawk’s Nest (5) and on each floor (2 per floor). The north exit to the basketball court will also open at dismissal for students to unlock their pouches on the way out.
Thank you for taking a moment to review these expectations with your student.
Thanksgiving Week
Please note, that SPS Middle Schools will be open Mon. 11/23 - Wed. 11/25. There are no scheduled parent/teacher conferences during that time. The SPS calendar is referring to Elementary and K-8 school conferences. Please know that parents can request meetings with their teachers during the school year, if there is a need or concern.
STAMP Language Proficiency Testing for 8th Graders
Does your 8th grade student listen, read, write, and speak another language proficiently? If so, they may be able to take the STAMP language proficiency test for an opportunity to earn high school credits. The STAMP will be offered in the Hamilton library during the school day the week of March 29. Learn more about STAMP Language Proficiency Testing for 8th graders. There is no cost to test. To register your student, reach out to Ms. Stratton at clstratton@seattleschools.org. Include their name and the language they would like to test in. Current 8th grade Japanese and Spanish immersion students do not need to sign up; they will be automatically registered and will test with their classmates.
Reminder From the Attendance Office
If your student needs to be dismissed early from school, please contact the attendance office ahead of time.
Email hamiltonms.attendance@seattleschools.org or call 206-252-5814.
Please provide the following information: student's name and time of departure. Also indicate if your student is allowed to sign themselves out and meet you outside the building or if you will be coming to the attendance office to sign your student out.
Making these arrangements ahead of time limits interruptions to classroom instruction and expedites your student's early departure.
Continue to contact attendance if your student is arriving late, is home due to illness or you have a preplanned absence. We greatly appreciate your assistance with this.
From the School Nurse:
Parents of 7th graders: vision and hearing screenings will be happening for all 7th graders in the next couple of months, the goal dates are the week of Thanksgiving. This is a state required screening. Please make sure if your student wears glasses or contacts, that they are wearing them at school. Thank you!
Did you know Hamilton has After School Clubs?
Volunteer at Hamilton–Sign up now so you can participate and volunteer at future upcoming activities. Volunteering is a great way to support your student and connect with the Hamilton community. We strongly recommend completing the paperwork on the website and doing it at the beginning of the year.
Want to get involved? We're also looking for a volunteer to help coordinate a fun Wednesday afternoon hangout for our 7th graders!
Have questions, ideas, or want to lend a hand? Email 7thgraderep@hamiltonptsa.org.
Hope to see you there! 💙
👉 Volunteer or Donate to Turkey Bingo
🎁 Can't volunteer? You can still help! Purchase a prize from our Bingo Prize Wish List.
🎓 Calling all high school students! Looking for volunteer hours? Sign up to bake goodies for Bingo Night and earn volunteer hours while helping make the evening extra sweet! 🧁🍪
Come for the Bingo. Stay for the pizza. Help us make it a fantastic night for our school community! 🦃💛
Hawks Ultimate Frisbee
Saturday, Nov 7
- 8:30am Denny Dophins Blue vs. Hawks 7th Y @ Eagle Staff MS Soccer Field #W
- 10:00am Hawks 8th Varsity vs. Hawks 8th JV @ Eagle Staff MS Soccer Field #E
- 11:30am Salmon Bay K8 6th Grade Team vs. Hawks 6th X @ Eagle Staff MS #W
- 12:30pm Eckstein Prime vs. Hawks 7th X @ Ingraham HS Soccer #N_S
- 2:15pm Hawks 6th Y vs. Eckstein 29th Mythic @ Ingraham HS Soccer #N_N
- 2:15pm Hawks 6th Z vs. JAMS Blue @ Ingraham HS Soccer #N_S
Game schedule can be found here? Schedule
Head Coach: Chris Scheibe
Girls’ Soccer
Saturday, Nov 7
- Varsity vs. JAMS (quarterfinal), 8:30am @ Jane Adams Field
- JV vs. Catherine Blaine, 11:30am @ Ballard HS Field
- JV-C vs. TOPS, 10:00am @ Ballard HS Field
Coaches
JVC: Scott Pence and Dana Shemorry
JV: Mike Reneer and Steve Tavernier
Varsity: Eddy Reif and Gerardo Peña
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Winter Sports Info
Basketball Tryouts
Girls Basketball
- Tuesday, December 8: 4:00–5:45 PM
- Thursday, December 10: 4:00–5:45 PM
Boys Basketball
- Wednesday, December 9: 2:45–4:30 PM
- Friday, December 11: 4:00–5:45 PM
Athletes should plan to attend both days of tryouts.
Team Information
Hamilton plans to offer three teams for both boys and girls basketball: Varsity, JV, and JV-C. Roster sizes are designed to balance meaningful playing opportunities for student-athletes while allowing coaches to run effective practices that support individual development and team growth. 12-15 players per team is typical.
Practice Schedules
Boys Basketball
- Varsity: Mondays and Thursdays, 4:00–5:45 PM
- JV: Mondays and Fridays, 4:00–5:45 PM
- JV-C: Wednesdays, 2:45–4:30 PM
Girls Basketball
- Varsity: Tuesdays and Fridays, 4:00–5:45 PM
- JV: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:00–5:45 PM
- JV-C: Wednesdays, 2:45–4:30 PM
Games: January, February, March on Saturdays
Additional Information
If you have not already registered your student for HIMS athletics, please create your final forms account using https://seattleschools-wa.finalforms.com/.
Andrew Brown-Hamilton Athletic Coordinator
Office: 206.252.5892
Questions? Contact Andrew Brown, HIMS Athletic Coordinator: abbrown@seattleschools.org; 206-252-5892.
PTSA News
Below are some important reminders and notifications from the HIMS PTSA!