Principal's Welcome
September 2024
Dear Hamilton Learning Community,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2024-25 school year at Hamilton Elementary School. At HCS, we are committed to providing a nurturing and inspiring learning environment where each child can flourish and reach their highest potential. Our dedicated team of educators is passionate about providing dynamic and engaging instruction that sparks curiosity, fosters creativity, and instills a love for learning in every student. It is our mission to empower them to become confident, compassionate, and resilient individuals.
I'm excited to share some updates for the upcoming academic year.
This year, we will be implementing the new Grades 3-5 Units of Study in writing. We believe these units will significantly enhance our students' writing skills and contribute to their overall literacy development.
In math, we are continuing to use the Eureka Squared curriculum, which aligns with the New York State Math Standards. This curriculum emphasizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), hands-on learning, and critical thinking. It also includes digital resources that help students practice and demonstrate their mathematical thinking in a digital format.
Our Response to Intervention (RtI) program has transitioned to a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). MTSS is a comprehensive framework designed to provide targeted academic and behavioral support to all students. It uses data-driven decision-making to ensure that every student receives the individualized support they need to succeed.
In the area of social and emotional learning, we are continuing to use the Second Step program in grades K-5, which includes an added Bullying Prevention Unit. This program helps students develop essential social-emotional skills, such as empathy, emotion management, and problem-solving. Additionally, we are still implementing lessons from the Positivity Project (P2), which focuses on character development and fostering positive relationships within our school community.
In our music program, orchestra will be available for students in grades 3-5, while second graders will be offered the opportunity to take string lessons, allowing them to start their musical journey. Chorus will continue for grades 3-5, and Band will be offered for grades 4 and 5. Our winter and spring concerts provide students with an opportunity to showcase their musical growth and knowledge.
We are fortunate to continue our partnership with Colgate University, where Colgate students provide extra support in tutoring and classroom activities. This collaboration enriches our students' learning experience and offers personalized attention to help them thrive.
We are pleased to offer a variety of extracurricular activities for our students this year, including Art Club, Literary Magazine, Student Council, Math Club, Kickball Club, and Drama Club. These activities provide wonderful opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we embark on the 2024-25 school year. If you have any questions, please contact the elementary school office at (315) 824-6330 or email me at hthomas@hamiltoncentral.org. I look forward to working with you to support your child’s educational journey this school year.
All the best,
Heather Thomas
Elementary Principal