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Hamilton Elementary > Pages > welcome  

 Principals Announcements

Oprime el botón para la traducción en español.

 

Dear Hamilton Families: 

 

In July you will be receiving a report and an explanation of your child’s test results for the California Standardized Testing and Report (STAR) program, administered during May 2011.  For the thirteenth year, the STAR program included the California Standards Tests (CST) designed specifically to measure California’s content standards in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics.  In addition to the CST, students in grade 5 were assessed in Science Standards and students in grade 8 were assessed in Science and History Social Science Standards.  Student results for the California Standards Tests are reported as Performance Levels: Advanced, Proficient, Basic, Below Basic, and Far Below Basic.

 

The California Modified Assessment (CMA) was administered to students in grades 3-8, who have disabilities, and whose individualized education plan (IEP) indicated they would be assessed in ELA, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.  Student results for the CMA are reported as performance levels, as stated above.

 

The Standards-based Test in Spanish (STS) was administered to students in grades 2-8, who are Spanish-speaking English learners who receive instruction in Spanish, or Spanish-speaking English learners who have been enrolled in a school in the United States for less than 12 months.

 

Annual STAR testing is just one of the ways that Hanford Elementary School District measures student progress.  In addition to STAR testing, students in all grades have regular reading, writing, and mathematics assessments that document their progress toward English Language Arts and Mathematics Standards.

 

Hanford Elementary School District is dedicated to the belief that all students can and will meet California State Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics.  We continue to focus all of our resources on improving student achievement.  Please plan to work closely with your child’s teacher to insure that our instructional program is meeting his/her academic needs.  It’s very important that we work together so that your child can continue to grow.

 

If you have questions about your child’s STAR reports, please feel free to contact your child’s school.

Message from the Principal

 

Dear Hamilton Families, 

In the next several weeks our students will be taking trimester 2 benchmark assessments in reading and math. Benchmark assessments are aligned with grade level standards and the California Standards Test. The benchmark results in English Language Arts (reading comprehension, language conventions, writing strategies) and math help teachers identify student strengths and next steps for instruction.

 

In the benchmarks, students can score in three bands; No Reteach, Strategic, and Intensive. When students score an overall No Reteach, they have mastered grade level standards that have been taught. An overall score of Strategic means that students are making progress towards meeting grade level standards. When an overall score is Intensive, students are struggling with grade level standards up to this point in the school year. However, it’s possible for students to score well on certain standards and struggle with the others. As our teachers analyze the data, they identify standards that are the most difficult for students and plan lessons for reteaching. Students that struggle with certain standards are given additional support/ instruction in small groups or whole class.

 

This year we are rewarding students that score No Reteach or show progress from 1st trimester to 2nd trimester benchmarks. For example, if students move from Intensive to Strategic in math or in reading, they’ll be rewarded for their progress/ growth. All students that make growth, will be rewarded with popcorn and a movie. 

 

As your children take their reading and math benchmark assessments (February 1st- 10th), make sure they receive plenty of sleep and a good breakfast. It’s also very important that they come to school everyday. Please try to schedule doctor’s / dentist appointments after lunch since the assessments are administered in the morning.

 

If you have any questions about benchmark assessments, let us know.

 

Sincerely,

Javier Espindola

Principal

 Announcements

Wellness PolicyUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
It is vital that we as employees of HESD understand and adhere to the HESD Wellness Policy. It specifically states “Schools, to the extent possible, will not use foods or beverages that do not meet nutritional standards”.  In order to support our policy, as of October 1, 2009 we will no longer accept sweet treats for birthday snacks.  Parents are still encouraged to celebrate student birthdays by offering an alternative to sweet treats such as a goody bag with pencils, erasers, crayons, etc.  Another fun idea is to donate a hardback book to the library in honor of your student.  However, if you bring an edible treat, any of the following items are acceptable:
• Fresh Fruit
• Bananas
• Watermelon   
• Strawberries
• Apples     
• Granola Bars
• Applesauce 
• Yogurt    
• Raisins 
• Pretzels   
• Fresh Veggie
 • Cucumber
• Zucchini w/dip
• Celery w/PB
• Carrots w/dip
Minimum DayUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Every Wednesday is a Minimum Day - Please remember to pick up your children on time!
     K dismissed @ 12:00    -    Grades 1-3 dismissed @ 12:10    -    Grades 4-6 dismissed @ 12:20
Chaperones / VolunteersUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Spring is coming and that means field trips will soon be taking place.  In order for parents to be a chaperone for school sponsored events, they must go through the same process as volunteers.  Each year a new application must be submitted and approved by the HESD Board of Trustees, even if you have been approved in the past.  If you have not been previously approved, the application process can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months.  Please remember, chaperones will not be able to attend study trips if they are not approved for the 2009-2010 school year.  If you have any questions or concerns, contact Rani Thornsbury at 585-3820.
HESD MissionUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Everything we do must be for the expressed purpose of improving teaching and learning, therefore: “Our mission is to provide an educational environment which reinforces basic cultural values, ethical behavior, including respect for other, personal integrity, responsibility and accountability. We will work together to provide students with a safe environment in which they can discover their potential and strengthen their motivation for living and learning. As tomorrow’s leaders, students will be prepared to participate and function effectively in society.”
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OFFICE HOURS

 

7:30am to 4:30pm

Office Phone:  585-3820

Please phone in all absences to

ATTENDANCE HOTLINE: 585-3822

 

INSTRUCTIONAL HOURS
Kindergarten: 8:00 a.m. – 2:07 p.m.
Grades 1-3: 8:00 a.m. – 2:27 p.m.
Grades 4-6: 8:00 a.m. – 2:47 p.m.


MINIMUM DAYS – EVERY WEDNESDAY

Kindergarten: 12:00pm

Grades 1-3: 12:10pm

Grades 4-6: 12:20pm

 Parent Downloads

Categorical Program Parent Letter  Hamilton 11 12.pdfCategorical Program Parent Letter Hamilton 11 12Carlton, Douglas
Kindergarten Registration English- Spanish 2011-12.pdfKindergarten Registration English- Spanish 2011-12Thornsbury, Rani
Title I Parent Involvement Policy Hamilton.pdfTitle I Parent Involvement Policy HamiltonCarlton, Douglas

 Title I Meeting Narrated PowerPoint

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 School Information

Important Safety Information
  • Yard supervisors are on campus at 7:15 am Students are not to be on campus before then.
  • Drop-off/Pick-up Zone: Located in the driveway directly in front of the school.  This is not a parking area!  Please do not double park in this area.  This area is a ONE WAY.  Do not drop off students in the parking lot.
  • All students and adults should always use the crosswalk in the pick up area.
  • If you  need to get out of your car for any reason, please park your car in the parking lot
  • Maximum allowable speed in pickup/drop area is 10mph.
  • While in the loading/drop off area, move up to the next available spot.  For the safety of our students and to make sure the loading area moves along as smooth as possible, please do not double park
  • All adult visitors must check into the office before going on campus at all times.
  • All adults are prohibited from using student restrooms.  There are adult restrooms available in the office.
  • Do not leave siblings of students not enrolled at Monroe unattended while on campus