Lions Lines
August 2016 * Hamilton Elementary School
Welcome Back!
Thank you so much for helping to make this an amazing start to our school year. It has been so much fun having our Lil' Lions back at HES!
This year our theme is "We are Family". One of the things I love most about Hamilton is that we have a deep sense of community and pride for our school. As a school, we can not do this alone, and consider each and every one of you as part of our Hamilton family. We will also be continuing our focus on building Kind Minds within our school community. Each month, Leo the Lion will give each class a challenge for the month that centers around an aspect of building both a sense of community and kindness.
Please be sure to sign up for School Messenger text messages, emails and phone calls. This is the way that both HES and CFISD communicate important information with you. At HES, our primary mode of communication will be email.
Thank you again for all you do!
Mrs. Conn
Every Minute Counts
Every Minute Counts: Why is every minute important? First instruction, with the classroom teacher, is the MOST valuable instruction that a student can receive. It cannot be replicated. It cannot be made up.
What happens in 15 minutes? Simply put... a lot. In 15 minutes, a classroom teacher and students do the following:
*Receive instruction on a new concept in reading, math, language arts, science and social
studies
*Conduct a Science experiment
*Small group instruction
*Reteaching a concept
*Skill practice
*Discussion group
*Project work
*Informal assessment of skills through conferring
The work that is made up during recess, lunch, before school or in the few minutes a child might have during the instruction day is not the same as the first instruction. While the teachers do their very, very best to replicate first instruction, it is a condensed version of the teaching and does not provide for the same level of support as when it was taught the very first time. First instruction is the best intervention that any student can receive.
Illnesses and emergencies happen. These are important reasons for a student to miss school. We respectfully request that absences, late arrival and early leave due to extracurricular activities, family vacations or convenience are kept to a minimum because Every Minute Counts.
UPCOMING EVENTS
1617 Calendar at a Glance: http://tinyurl.com/1617HEScalendar
August
30 Curriculum Night for PPCD, PK, K, 2 & 3 - see information below for times
September
2 College Spirit Day! Wear your favorite college shirt to school!
5 No School
6 First Day for Lunch Visitors
Curriculum Night for 1, 4, 5 & LS - see information below for times
9 VIPS/PTO Meeting - 9:00 am
First Day for Lunch Visitors September 6th
**** Counselor's Corner ****
Welcome back to school for the 2016-2017 school year!
I’m looking forward to a great year with your children, and I am excited to start getting into each and every classroom to start my guidance lessons for August. What are guidance lessons, you ask? As a part of my role here as the Hamilton Elementary counselor, I get the opportunity to enter into every single classroom, once a month, to present fun and engaging character education lessons. Some of these lessons might include our “word of the month,” such as this month (obedience). Some lessons may involve impromptu issues that may arise in the classroom, or simply what may be occurring at that time of the year. For example, a lesson on getting along with each other and respecting one another might take place; or a lesson on how to relax during stressful times of the year- think STAAR testing! Guidance lessons are one of my favorite things to do as your school counselor- to have the opportunity to share ideas and lessons with your children as a whole group. It makes my heart happy, and allows me to reminisce the days, way back when, when I was a classroom teacher!
As mentioned above, each month we will have a “word of the month.” Our word for August is “Obedience: trusting those who lead you by doing what you are asked to do.” Getting things done, working with a team, and accomplishing goals all require obedience, and they all require trusting someone to lead you. You can use our 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!
Mrs. Erickson
HES Counselor
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.
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 Information from Mrs. Lucas
A big thank you to Rebecca Patel, Patrice Lange, Valerie Arnold, Nita Patel and Kathy Salah for volunteering in the library and computer lab this week. If you are interested in being a regular fall library volunteer and/or volunteer for the November Book Fair, please be sure to sign up in PTO Manager in order to receive emails.
Look for Birthday Book information coming home with your child next week. No matter when the birthday is, this will be the time to purchase a Birthday Book to donate to the library collection.
Every student has a 6-digit ID number that stays with him/her until graduation. Please help your child memorize this number as it is used to check out library books, log on to school computers, and for home access of library eBooks. Contact your child's teacher for the ID number.
**** PTO Information ****
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
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***
Transportation Changes
All changes in transportation must be in writing by the student’s parent or guardian. Changes requested by any other person will not be permitted.
We are not able to accept phone calls or emails for transportation changes. All requests must be in writing and in the office by 3:00 p.m.
Please do not email the classroom teacher any change of transportation information. Seek guidance from the front office if a change is needed and you are not able to bring a note to school by calling 281.370.0990.
Helpful Information & HES Calendar at a Glance
Helpful Information page 1: http://tinyurl.com/HEShelpfulInformationPage1
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
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