Lions Lines
September 2016 * Hamilton Elementary School
UPCOMING EVENTS
1617 Calendar at a Glance: http://tinyurl.com/1617HEScalendar
September
2 College Spirit Day! Wear your favorite college shirt to school!
5 No School
6 First Day for Lunch Visitors
Curriculum Night - LS, 1, 4 and 5 - please refer to information below
2nd & 4th Graders Storytelling with Karen Lowery
9 VIPS/PTO Meeting - 9:00 am
13 Wear Gold in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness!
2nd & 4th Graders Storytelling with Karen Lowery
15 Power Up at Your Library Day & Dot Day
20 2nd & 4th Graders Storytelling with Karen Lowery
27 2nd & 4th Graders Storytelling with Karen Lowery
October
5 Watch DOGS Training - 7:30 am & 5:30 pm in the Cafeteria
7 PTO Meeting at 9:00 am
10 Parent Teacher Conference Day - http://tinyurl.com/ParentTeacherConferenceLetter
12 Fall Pictures
21 End of First Grading Period
PTO Neon Circus XXL 6-10 pm at the CFISD Exhibit Hall
24-28 Red Ribbon Week
24-25 Hearing and Vision Screening
26 Author Visit: Steve Swinburne for K, 1, 2
28 Storybook Character Dress Day
Transportation Changes
- All transportation changes must be submitted in writing to the front office by 3:00 p.m. Please send the note to school with your child or drop the note off at the front office prior to 3:00 p.m. Transportation changes may not be made by email or phone.
- The note must be written to the front office and include:
- Date
- Child's first & last name
- Teacher's name
- How the child will be going home: bus, car rider or day care
- Parent signature
- In the event of an emergency (hospitalization, car accident, etc.), please call the front office and an administrator will assist you with your request.
First Day for Lunch Visitors September 6th
Hamilton Lions Support Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September
Our Lion Family has been touched by Leukemia 5 times within the last several years. Former students Sydney Marquis (11th grade at CFHS), Grace Lopez (9th grade at CFHS), and Adam Lancaster (6th grade at HMS), and 2 current HES students Drew Carroll and Patrick, have all bravely faced the blood cancer.
In honor of our Hamilton 5, we are asking for our Lion Family to help increase support and awareness of childhood cancer by participating in any of the following activities & events.
1. Join the #CypressStrong Light the Night team with Hamilton staff and students. The walk takes place October 16th along the Woodlands Waterway. Money raised helps research a cure for blood cancer, but you do not have to raise funds to join and walk. Sign up at: https://registration.lightthenight.org/event-selected/44432/team-selected/446675
2. If you can’t walk with us at Light the Night, consider making a donation to the team using the link above.
3. Purchase a #CypressStrong t-shirt (all profit goes towards research) at http://cypress-strong.com/products/cypress-strong-t-shirt
4. Post the gold “Hamilton Elementary is #CypressStrong” flyer (will be sent home with your child) in your home’s window.
5. Tie a gold ribbon around the trees in your yard.
6. Send your student to school in gold/yellow for our Gold Out Day on September 13th.
7. Donate items to be given to children in cancer hospitals. Students who bring donations to the library during September will be given a paw to decorate and display in the library. Items that children can play with while sitting in bed are appreciated. Here are some ideas:
stickers
Word search books
Coloring books
crayons
Colored pencils
markers
Play-Doh
Rainbow Loom & bands
Nail polish
Sun catchers (no baking required)
**** Counselor's Corner ****
Word of the Month
Our word of the month for September is “Responsibility: proving that you can be trusted with what is expected of you.” You can use this word and its definition this month to remind your children that when they are asked to do something, and they are tempted to talk back or give a big SIGH, they can tell themselves that obedience is about more than following the rules; it’s about treating others right and making smart decisions!
Small Group Counseling
As part of the counseling program at Hamilton Elementary, I will be offering small group counseling sessions (grades 1st-5th). The purpose of small group meetings is to help children to be more successful in both school and everyday life. Possible topics may include:
· Friendship-making friends and getting along with others
· Divorce- issues dealing with a recent divorce or separation
· Grief-dealing with a death/loss in family
· Anxiety- learning how to manage stress and gain coping skills for success
· Self-Confidence- build self-esteem for those shy or withdrawn students
· Anger Management-Identifying and coping with anger
Groups will meet for 4-5 sessions during a non-instructional time. Groups will be made up of approximately three to eight students from their grade level. Enough group members need to participate in order for the group to be formed.
If you would like for your child to participate in a counseling group, or would like more information, please contact Michelle Erickson, Counselor, at michelle.erickson@cfisd.net or 281-320-7055.
Would You Like to Be a Mentor?
We need you! Are you interested in making a difference in a child’s life? The Cy-Fair Mentor program is a cooperative effort of volunteers from buisnesses, faith-based and/or non-profit organizations, the community, and Cy-Fair ISD designed to encourage students (K-12) to finish school and to focus on future education goals and career choices. A committed mentor can be a wonderful role-model by helping a student with his/her academic and social development.
If you are interested in making a commitment to a child here at Hamilton Elementary, you will first need to attend a district training session at the Berry Center, and complete a mentor application. If you would like to get more information, or to sign up for a training session and access the mentor applications, you can log onto the CFISD website at www.cfisd.net/mentor, or contact Leslie Francis in the Community Engagement Department at leslie.francis@cfisd.net or at 281-894-3950.
Information for all 5th grade Parents
Planning for 6th grade begins now for 5th graders! Some students may qualify to take advanced/ above-level classes in their 6th grade year. The terminology we use to describe above-level courses for middle school is Level-1. Level-1 is the term that you will be hearing this year in order for your 5th grade child to qualify for 6th grade Level-1 placement for the 2017-2018 school year.
Upon entering 6th grade, students who earn an 85 or above end-of-year average in either language arts, reading, math, science, and/or social studies at the end of their 5th grade year will be eligible for Level-1 placement into one or more of those individual subject areas. This screening for placement into Level-1 occurs in the spring semester of 5th grade, and your child may only enter a Level-1 class if he/she meets the qualifications for each individual subject area, agrees to meet the course requirements, and a parent signature is obtained for placement.
Level-1 classes generally move at a faster pace and may require more out-of-class time to complete assignments. When making the decision to place your child in Level-1, it is important to note that the Level-1 social studies class requires a strong reading comprehension base. Additionally, it is also recommended that students placed into a Level-1 science class have a strong math foundation.
Lastly, it is also important for you to note that:
1) Students have opportunities at the end of each year to enter Level-1 classes.
2) On-grade-level and Level-1 classes use the same state curriculum (TEKS: Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills).
3) On-grade-level classes, just like Level-1 classes, provide students with a college preparatory curriculum.
Gifted & Talented Testing Information
For parents interested in having your child screened for the Horizons (Gifted and Talented) program, your child will be eligible to test this spring in our regular GT testing cycle. The referral period for spring GT testing begins October 3, and will conclude on December 2. Actual GT screening/testing will occur when students return from the holiday break in January 2017. When the sign up window, or referral window opens on October 3, you can request the parent permission forms from your child’s homeroom teacher, the front office, or from Michelle Erickson, our school counselor.
Watch DOGS - Dads of Great Students Program Information
Great news! We will be continuing our Watch Dog program again this year! We are working diligently to get everything set and ready to go, and plan to begin our first of two Watch Dog trainings on October 5th. There will be two time options for you; 7:30 am or 5:30 pm to attend. Looking forward, the second training date will be in the second semester, January 11, 201, same times. The first day for Watch Dogs to be present as a volunteer on campus is October 11, the day immediately following Parent Conference Day.
There is one change this year: if you were a Watch Dog volunteer for us last school year (2015-16), you will not be required to attend another training to participate this year. However, if you are interested in volunteering for the Watch Dog program, and you were not trained last year, you will be required to attend a training prior to your actual volunteer date.
Be looking for the sign-up to be sent out in our next newsletter for the month of September. If you are interested, and have not ever been trained, please save the training dates for either the fall semester (October 5), or the spring semester (January 11) now! We are excited to get this wonderful and unique program as one of our volunteer opportunities again this year!
**** News from the Library ****
Library News
Volunteers: The library is in need of volunteers to help students check out books, shelve books, and assist with the many activities it sponsors. The morning shift is from 9:00-12:30, and the afternoon shift is 12:30-3:45 for each day of the week. Volunteers can choose the day of the week and morning or afternoon. We are also in need of substitute volunteers in case the regular person can’t make it. If interested, please register as Library Helper in PTO Manager to receive information about signing up. We also need Book Fair volunteers November 11th thru 18th, which is a separate sign-up in PTO Manager.
Home Access to eBooks and educational databases: The library provides 582 eBooks, and hundreds more eBooks, magazines and reference materials through our databases. Attached to the Lions Lines is a flyer with directions and access information, but no passwords due to contract rules. Your child will bring home a bookmark containing these passwords, so be sure to put it in a safe place.
Birthday Book Club
Each year, families are given the opportunity to purchase a pre-selected book to donate to the library in honor of your child’s birthday. No matter when the birthday takes place, NOW is the time to order a Birthday Book. Order forms are going home with students today (9/2) and also attached to this Lions Lines.
The Birthday Book program is an opportunity for you to donate a brand new book to the library in honor of your child's special day. Your child will be invited to the library office to select a book from pre-purchased, brand new, age-appropriate, highly recommended titles. A sticker stating that the book was donated in honor of your child's birthday will be placed inside, and your student will be the first to check the book out. Your student will also receive a special pencil and bookmark, and we will take a picture of each student with the birthday book to display in the library during the birthday month.
No matter when the birthday is, NOW is the time to order the birthday book. This program is OPTIONAL. If you would like to participate in the Birthday Book program, please return this form to Jennifer Lucas: http://tinyurl.com/1617BirthdayBook
**** PTO Information ****
PTO Membership Challenge
Hello Hamilton Parents! Our PTO membership challenge is well underway. As a quick reminder, the class that has the most children with parents that have paid their annual PTO dues of $15 per family will receive a sneaky recess and the teacher will receive a $25 gift card of their choosing! Only one class will win but I have broken down the frontrunners by grade level to get the competitive juices flowing! As of last count, the leaders in each grade are as follows:
Kindergarten: Ms. Schoech
1st: Ms. Flak
2nd: Ms. Meisner
3rd: Ms. Wells
4th: Ms. Arnoldi
5th: Ms. Humphreys
And Ms. Humphreys’ class has taken the lead for the entire school! Way to go 5th graders!!! The winners will be announced on the Tuesday following the September 12th deadline. This is such a great opportunity to show school spirit and support the numerous programs that are funded by the PTO every year as well as gaining access to the new, online only, student directory. Please help us continue to strive for excellence by following the link below.
https://hamiltonelementarypto.membershiptoolkit.com
Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!
Ashley Lowry
VP Membership
Hamilton Elementary PTO Information
The Hamilton Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) extends a warm-welcome to those of you who are new to our school and a “welcome back” to all of those returning for the 2016-17 school year!
Throughout the school year, our PTO funds and sponsors many educational activities including Junior Achievement, Field Day, author visits, field trips, classroom parties, cultural arts programs, and more. These activities require financial support as well as many hands and minds to support them. Working together we can continue to provide these activities and truly make a difference in the lives of our children.
Top 5 Reasons to visit our PTO website
https://hamiltonelementarypto.membershiptoolkit.com/home
1. Join Hamilton PTO - $15/family
2. Order Spirit Wear (Hamilton T-shirts, sweatshirts, etc.)
3. Sign up and view all volunteer opportunities at Hamilton
4. Receive important email communications from the PTO
5. Be included in the online Student/Family directory (must have paid your annual dues to access)
Come to our VIPS Meeting (Volunteers in Public Schools) and learn about the volunteer opportunities available at Hamilton. Meet the committee chairs and learn how you can get involved. There is something for everyone! Following the meeting will be the first PTO board meeting of the year. All are welcome and we value your input! Friday, September 9 at 9am
We are looking forward to a great school year! Go Lions!
The Hamilton Elementary PTO
Today is the Last Day to Order! Hamilton Lions Spirit Gear
Don't forget to order your Hamilton Lions Spirit Gear on our PTO website by September 2nd!
You do not have to be a PTO member to order. However, you will need to create a login so we know where to deliver your order once it's ready. Thank you for supporting our awesome school!
***School Information***
Update School Messenger Information
School Cash Online
Pay your child’s school fees online! Anytime, anywhere.
Avoid the hassle of having cash on-hand to pay for school fees.
Receive email notifications regarding school fees and events.
School Cash Online is our school’s preferred method of payment.
Get started today by registering your account at https://cypress-fairbanksisd.schoolcashonline.com/
When HES sets up items to purchase, parents will receive an email notification and the item will also show up in your School Cash Online account!
Example of items you may purchase from school:
· Birthday Books
· Author Books
· Registration Fees for Fit Girls, Chess Club, Student Council
· Choir Shirts
· Field Day Shirts
· Nature Trail Shirts
5th Grade Choir Shirts have already been set up to purchase online and Birthday Books will be available on Tuesday!
Don’t delay, sign up for your School Cash Online account today!
Helpful Information & HES Calendar at a Glance
Helpful Information page 1: http://tinyurl.com/HEShelpfulinformation1
Helpful Information page 2: http://tinyurl.com/HEShelpfulInformation2
1617 HES Calendar at a Glance - dates are subject to change. Please refer to the Lions Lines for updates: http://tinyurl.com/1617HEScalendar
School Cash Online sign-up link: https://cypress-fairbanksisd.schoolcashonline.com/
Parent & Student Handbook
***CFISD Information***
CFISD District Information
2016-2017 Calendar: http://www.cfisd.net/en/calendar/
School Messenger: Text Message Sign Up
The directions for adding text messages to your School Messenger account are in the link below. All parents need to update their School Messenger Information:
http://www.cfisd.net/en/parents-students/contacts-communications/schoolmessenger/
Stay Connected
Follow HES on Twitter @Hamilton_Lions
Follow our HES on Instagram by searching for Hamilton_Lions
Don't forget to keep up to date with PTO events, news, and reminders by "liking" their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HamiltonElementaryPTO
Hamilton Elementary
Email: hamiltonelem@cfisd.net
Website: http://hamiltones.cfisd.net/en/
Location: 12050 Old Kluge Road, Cypress, TX, United States
Phone: 281.370.0990
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HamiltonLions
Twitter: @Hamilton_Lions