Here's the Scoop
Summer 2022
A Note from Mr. F
I hope your summer has been relaxing and rewarding. It has certainly been both for me. After a road trip to visit our daughters who are working at Lake Tahoe (relaxation) I was able to start my tenure as your new principal (rewarding). Knowing my excitement to start at Hamilton Ridge, my children gave me a custom pair of Chuck Converse high tops. I thought you would like to see them in the photo to the right.
Now that I’ve been with Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools for two weeks, I can see what a special place Hamilton Ridge is. One of my goals is to have a 1:1 meeting with each staff member this summer. So far I’ve met with 11 staff members and can truly say we have amazing people working with your children.
Thanks to the PTC for funding an addition to our playground. We’re in the process of solidifying an installation date. Once we know that, we are going to set a couple “Play with the Principal” dates in August so we can come together to play as a community. These will be late afternoon/evening times from 4:30-6:00. More information to come soon.
Other than that, we are using our time to gear up for the first day of school on Thursday, September 8. We are also looking forward to meeting with your children during our assessment days which are Tuesday and Wednesday, September 6 and 7. Please read the rest of this newsletter so you are aware of other important dates this summer.
I’m looking forward to starting to #climbtheridge with you and your family!
Warmly,
Sam
PS - If you are wanting to learn more about my thoughts on beginning at Hamilton Ridge, you can read the principal page on our website.
Save the Dates - Important Scheduling Information for Your Child
Great Start to Kindergarten August 3, 9 & 10
During the first week of August, we will be conducting the “Great Start to Kindergarten” assessments for incoming Kindergarten students. A trained staff member will work with each child one-on-one to measure reading, math and social skills. The testing will take up to 30 minutes and will help us place your child in the kindergarten classroom that is best suited for him/her. A PTCFast sign up link has been sent to incoming Kindergarten families. Please contact Kirsten at kschoeller@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us if you have questions.
Welcome Visit and Assessment Days
On September 6 and 7, all students in grades K-5 will meet with their 2022-23 teacher individually for approximately 30 minutes. This time will be spent getting to know students and their families. Grades 1-5 will also take a literacy assessment. The assessment results will give teachers the data they need to target instruction for students from the first day of the school year. You will receive communication mid-August that will include information on how to sign-up for Welcome Visit and Assessment Days. The first official day of classes for students in grades K- 5 is Thursday, September 8.
2022-23 Teacher Assignments
Kindergarten and newly enrolled families: In the coming weeks, you will receive a Welcome Letter (in the US Mail) from the PLSAS district office with instructions on how to set up Infinite Campus and other tools the district uses to manage information, activities, etc.
Mid August, all families will receive an email indicating teachers have been assigned and are available to view in Infinite Campus. Teacher assignments will not be sent by mail. Please be sure you are able to log into Infinite Campus. If you need assistance with Infinite Campus, please contact the ithelpdesk. The Hamilton Ridge Office cannot reset passwords.
Important School Lunch Information
In June, the federally funded waivers enacted during the pandemic providing free meals for all students ended. Meal prices for all grade levels will remain the same as they were pre-pandemic and are located on our website here. Students will begin using their PIN numbers once again, these PIN numbers are located in School Cafe and in Infinite Campus, all accessible in the Parent Portal on our website here. Your students PIN number will also be available in the classroom at the Welcome Visit and Assessment Days.
In order to qualify for free and reduced price meals an Application for Educational Benefits must be filled out yearly and is also located on our website and in the School Cafe app.
2022-23 Bus Information
Bus information will be posted online through Infinite Campus mid-August. Once you log in you can view this information under the Transportation tab. If you need assistance with Infinite Campus, please contact the ithelpdesk.
2022-23 School Supplies
School supply lists for next year are available on the Hamilton Ridge website. If you choose to order supplies through the online store, School Tool Box (now open), please go to www.schooltoolbox.com. 4% of all School Tool Box sales will be returned to Hamilton Ridge in the form of a fundraiser. Thank you for shopping with School Tool Box!
District Calendar
A printable version of the District Calendar is available on the web site along with Free-and Reduced Price lunch information on the Parent Resources page.
Family Address Changes
If you are moving or have any family status changes, please keep your school office informed. You may call and leave a message for at 952-461-7804, or email: kschoeller@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us This information will help as we create our class lists for next year and ensure that we have current mailing information.
Summer Office Hours
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM. The Hamilton Ridge Office is open this summer, but please call ahead if you plan on stopping by as there will be times that we are at meetings and enjoying some time off. To enroll a child at PLSAS, please contact our District Services Center at 952-226-0000.
Hamilton Ridge PTC Update
Happy Summer families!
-- Please help us welcome our new PTC treasurer, Katie McCall! She has a son entering 2nd grade and daughter going into 1st grade. She's also a Laker alumni! This summer she's been busy tending her garden and trying new parks with the kiddos. We're so excited to welcome her to the board and use her financial expertise!
-- Over the summer, the PTC has been busy strategizing for the coming year and brainstorming new ways to not only raise funds for HRE, but get more families involved. Stay tuned as we solidify some exciting things! In the meantime, check out our brand new website (thanks to HRE parent Kristen Walker who donated her time and talents to build it)! Stay up to date on all things PTC, as well as sign up to get involved. We're so happy to have this new resource! https://hr_ptc.mailchimpsites.com/
-- Mark your calendars for the first PTC meeting of the school year -- Sept. 13 at 6:30 at the school. Traditionally, meetings happen on the first Tuesday of the month, but we wanted to be in school a few days before we met.
-- Don't forget your Laker spirit wear! Our PTC partners with Paar Sports for a HRE school store, where every purchase brings proceeds back to our school. You can buy HRE-specific gear or general Laker wear. Here's a link: https://hamiiltonridgeelementary.itemorder.com/shop/sale/
Contact Us
Student School Hours 9:20 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.
Main Office Hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Attendance Line 952-461-7801Main Office 952-461-7800
Fax Number 952-461-7849
Health Office 952-461-7806, Tiffany St. Michaels, LPN tstmichaels@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Sam Fredrickson, Principal sfredrickson@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Lindsay Comstock, Dean of Students lcomstock@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Kirsten Schoeller, Administrative Assistant kschoeller@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Beverley Null, Administrative Assistant (attendance) bnull@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Andrea Carin, Social Worker acarin@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Technology Helpdesk 952-226-0062 or ithelpdesk@plsas.org
District Transportation 952-226-0050 or jswedberg@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Prior Lake Bus Company (after hours) 952-440-1166