August/September Edition

Ranger Families,

What a great start to the 2026-2027 school year! We appreciate all you are doing to start the year off strong, helping students get into positive routines, and communicating with our staff to ensure we are meeting every child’s needs. Our partnership throughout the school year will be the difference in what our youngest Rangers can achieve. Thank you for working alongside our team to create that from day one.

You may have noticed your child talking about tickets or (Class) Dojo Points. These are part of our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) incentives at Hamilton Elementary. Students can earn tickets throughout the day for exemplifying positive choices and leadership that match our building expectations. Multiple days a week, we pull tickets from each grade for a small reward and recognition of their positive choices. Dojo Points accumulate over time (and can be seen through your parent Class Dojo app), and students can spend these at the Ranger Store throughout the year. If your student shares that they earned either of these at school, take a moment to celebrate with them and talk about how their positive choices help them and others.

Mr. Rush, Ms. Baehr, & Mr. Thompson

Mrs. Watts' first grade class read the book "Our Class is a Family" and discussed how they can work as a team, how a team can be respectful, kind, helpful and hardworking. Then they made bracelets using a color that represented each characteristic, and even some beads that changed color in the sunlight! They talked about if we worked together as a team, our class will glow like the beads in the sun.

Mr Thompson, our assistant principal, visiting Mrs. Moore's 3rd grade room and student eyes are closed envisioning their goals for this year.

Each new school year is a chance for students to grow—not just in their schoolwork, but in all parts of life. We want every child to learn and be healthy, kind, responsible, and ready to help others. At HES, we also believe every student has leadership potential. Ask your child how they are leading in their classroom! Check out this newsletter to learn more about Leader in Me and the Core Paradigms.

Check out our second grader leaders demonstrating how to find a win-win solution to a problem.

We are using Class Dojo as our main communication with parents this year. Teachers are able to share photos and information about classroom activities, as well as private messages regarding your student's progress. You can also view school wide updates on our School Story. We have already posted some videos of students around the building and important dates to remember. If you haven't joined yet, please reach out to your child's teacher to get a unique classroom invite link.

This is a club for 3rd grade girls where they work on their physical health, as well as confidence and character, all while preparing to complete a 5K run at the end of the session. Flyer included with information.

Please make sure we have an updated immunization record for your child. You may send a copy in your child's green folder or email to kbennett@hlsd.org

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