Principal's Welcome
September 2025
Dear Hamilton Learning Community,
Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year at Hamilton Elementary School. Hamilton Central School remains committed to providing a nurturing and inspiring learning environment where each child can flourish and reach their highest potential. The dedicated team of educators is passionate about offering dynamic and engaging instruction that sparks curiosity, fosters creativity, and instills a lifelong love of learning.
Several updates are in place for the new academic year:
Students in Grades 3–5 will continue using the Writing Units of Study and will begin piloting the Reading Units of Study this year. Together with Fundations in the early grades, these programs offer a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to literacy instruction, equipping students with the foundational and advanced skills necessary to grow as confident readers and writers.
In mathematics, instruction will continue with the Eureka Squared curriculum, aligned with the New York State Math Standards. This curriculum promotes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and includes digital resources to help students build and demonstrate their mathematical understanding.
Hamilton Elementary continues to implement a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), a comprehensive framework that provides targeted academic and behavioral support to all students. Regular progress monitoring and data-informed decision-making ensure individualized support for every learner.
Social-emotional learning will remain a core component of the K–5 experience through the Second Step program, which includes a Bullying Prevention Unit. Students will continue to build essential skills such as empathy, emotional regulation, and problem-solving. In addition, quarterly character education assemblies will celebrate students who demonstrate strong character and positive contributions to the school community.
The music program will offer orchestra for students in grades 3–5, with string lessons available to second-grade students. Chorus will continue for grades 3–5, and Band will be offered for grades 4 and 5. Winter and spring concerts will give students the opportunity to share their musical growth with the school community.
The ongoing partnership with Colgate University continues to enrich student learning. Colgate students will again be supporting classroom instruction and providing individualized tutoring assistance throughout the year. Colgate University students also support our first graders through the Liberty Kids program, which offers weekly after-school mentoring and literacy activities while Colgate is in session.
A variety of extracurricular activities will be available, including Art Club, Literary Magazine, Student Council, Math Club, Kickball Club, and Drama Club. These clubs offer students the chance to explore their interests, build friendships, and grow beyond the classroom.
The 2025–2026 school year will begin with an Open House on September 2 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Families are invited to attend a PTO celebration at 5:00 p.m., and an MTSS/AIS and Assessment Information Session will take place in the auditorium from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. This session, co-hosted with the school librarian, will provide an overview of support services, assessment procedures, and library programming.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child’s education. If you have any questions, please contact the elementary school office at (315) 824-6330 or email me at hthomas@hamiltoncentral.org. We look forward to another wonderful year filled with learning, growth, and memorable experiences!
All the best,
Heather Thomas
Elementary Principal