February

Our school celebrated Read Across America Week with different reading activities! Our Second Grade student leaders chose which Spirit Day themes we would have. Some third graders from Mrs. Knorr’s class read our daily trivia question over the announcements. Homeroom teachers gave out Tickets to students who “Got Caught Reading.” Students received prizes if their “Caught Reading” Ticket was pulled. We set a school-wide goal of reading 3,000 books for the week. The students were able to vote on a Google Form for which “prize” they wanted if they reached the goal. The “prize” options involved our principal, Mr. Rush doing something silly during an assembly. The majority of our students voted to see him dress up in a silly chicken costume and do the chicken dance. Our students went way beyond the goal of 3,000 books and actually read a total of 4,109 books! Congratulations to everyone for a very successful Read Across America Week!

Check out this video to see our Chicken Dance Reward Assembly with Mr. Rush!

Our PTO is having a Tropical Fruit and Nuts Sale! Fundraiser packets were sent home with your child this week and it will run from Monday, March 10th through Friday, March 21th. Please contact hamiltonelementarypto23@gmail.com with any questions.

Hamilton Youth Association is currently having sign-ups for spring sports. Click here to learn more and register your child.

Grade Taught: 2nd

How many years have you been teaching? 9

What is your most memorable teaching moment? My most memorable teaching moment was handing out a diploma at HTHS graduation. I had a high school helper that year, and she chose me to hand her the diploma at her graduation. Sitting at the graduation and watching the students have their big moment was such a great experience and I was so lucky to be apart of it!

Who was your favorite teacher growing up?My favorite teacher growing up was my 7th grade math teacher, Mrs. Snell. She made learning math so much fun. She always had math projects and taught us ways to use math outside of the classroom!

Favorite place to shop?Target

Fun fact about yourself? I am from Michigan!

Position at school: Educational Aide

How many years in your field? 2

What do you enjoy most about your job? My favorite part of being with the school is the connections I have made with the children I work with. Being able to be a bright spot in their day makes me happy.

Who was your favorite teacher growing up?Mr. Larkin, he was my teacher in 4th and 5th grade. He approached every day as if it was your first and was the kindest person I've ever known. He had a smile that could light up the darkest night.

Favorite place to shop? Any and all book stores! Reading is the Best!

Fun fact about yourself? My hobby is to bird watch while hiking with my family!

Ms. Ferguson’s Art Club provides students with a welcoming space to explore their creativity through independent art practice. Meeting periodically, the club offers a relaxed environment where students can experiment with different mediums, refine their techniques, and work on personal projects at their own pace. Ms. Ferguson fosters a supportive atmosphere, encouraging artistic expression and skill development while allowing students the freedom to pursue their unique artistic visions. Whether beginners or experienced artists, members of the club find inspiration, guidance, and a sense of community in this creative space.

Check out the March newsletter from Ohio Guidestone below. This month focuses on words of encouragement for children.

This month's counselor's corner focus is honesty. Check out this video of 4th grader, Georgia Haukom, speak at a TEDXTalk event explaining the negative effects lying has in your life.

This week we learned about one of the key concepts of Habit 4: Think Win-Win is to balance the courage to voice our opinions with the consideration to listen to others’ opinions. Second grade students got to practice their acting skills when demonstrating a conflict in front of the class and how they could solve it with a win-win using both courage and consideration. You can practice these topics at home by discussing these questions as a family:

• What does the word “courage” mean?

• What does the word “consideration” mean?

• Why are both courage and consideration needed to find win-win solutions?

The following students demonstrated great examples of being Responsible, Respectful, and Safe at school: Karrington Snodgrass, Andrew Scott, Emanuel Valesquez-Chihuahua, Brantley Weiner, Reagan Limalima, Dakota Tinnes, Elijah Long, Elijah Barfield (not pictured),Isabella Korwisi, Parker Heath, Mathias Salas Calderal, Damia Johnson, Coven Molinar, Bariella Brodnax, Viktor Horlocker-Battle, Xaver Lawson (not pictured),Hafkin Hailu, Maddie Eblin, Braxton Mullins, Victoria Curran, Ava Jones, Delcie Chaffins, Gabby Lebron, Witchelie Salomon, Nora Cline, Abigail Wright, Addison Campbell, Kendall Watkins, Not pictured: Zakerra Rhoades, Nora Allen, David Wolford, and Ellie Hoffman. Congratulations to all our Ready Ranger ticket winners!

Monday, March 10th-Teacher Inservice

Thursday, March 13th

Thursday, March 13th- Login into ProgressBook to view your student's grades.

March 24th-28th: Spring Break

EVERY RANGER. This phrase is meant to include everyone—every student, every staff member, every graduate and every community member. All of us working together.

EVERY REASON. The primary focus of every school system is the academic achievement of all students. Our staff and, by extension, our community take on the challenge of doing even more for our students. We educate the whole child. Whatever the need, whatever the issue, whatever the REASON we are going to work together and do the best we can for each other.

EVERY DAY. Thank you to our HLSD community for making our students a priority every day, and for always pitching in to help one another