Hamlow Elementary

Note from Mrs. Renken

We are off to a fantastic start! Students have been enjoying our new playground and turf, reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, and beginning to settle into our school routines and environment. Our teachers are also spending intentional time helping students build strong connections with their classmates and feel right at home in their classrooms.

Each month, you can expect to receive Hamlow Monthly News from me during the first week of the month. This newsletter will include school updates, highlights, and important information to help keep you informed and connected.

Learning Focus

At the beginning of each school we administer the DIBELS assessment to best understand student needs and strengths. DIBELS is a series of short, one-minute assessments designed to measure the key skills your child needs to become a proficient reader. Grade levels will be assessed on the following weeks:

• 1st and 2nd grade the week of September 8-12.

• Kindergarten the week of September 23-26

Information will be shared with you at your child's parent/teacher conference on Oct. 9th & 14.

Celebrations & Expectations

At District 145 and Hamlow Elementary, we are committed to teaching and supporting the whole child. Our goal goes beyond preparing students academically—we also focus on equipping them with the behavioral, social, and emotional skills they need to thrive in school and in life.

Below, you’ll find an overview of how we promote positive behavior and the supports we have in place to help every student be successful.

Celebrations

Viking Bucks:

• Students can

  earn Viking Bucks

  by showing positive behavior, following directions, and demonstrating good character.

• Just like real money, Viking Bucks can be

  earned and spent

  .

• Students may shop at the

  Viking Van

  (our school-wide store on wheels) every other week.

• Viking Bucks may also be used for

  classroom rewards

  .

• The system helps students practice

  math, budgeting, and money skills

  while celebrating their efforts

We CAN Awards

• Students may be recognized for positive behaviors and choices like, working har, showing effort, making positive choices, or other variety of reasons.

• When awarded, students will: receive a certificate, have their picture taken, be featured on our We CAN Wall of Fame

We CAN Monthly Assemblies

• Classes are recognized for f

  ollowing grade-level expectations and d

  emonstrating respectful, responsible, and safe behavior

• Winning Classes receive a trophy, get their picture taken, and earn a special privilege at school

• Awards: Spick and Span for cleanest classroom, Whistle Winners for lining up the best after recesses, Hallway Heros for the class who shows the best hallway behavior, Lunchroom Leaders for the class that exhibits the best lunchroom behaviors, and Best Bathroom for the cleanest and most tidy bathrooms.

Expectations

Calming Spot

• A

  designated place in the classroom

  for students to regroup

• Not a punishment

  – a tool to help students calm down and refocus

• Supports students in

  regaining control

  so they can return to learning

• Encourages

  reflection and learning

  from the experience

• Helps students

  stay out of trouble

  and make positive choices

Think Sheets

• A tool to

  aid in reflection

  – students are

  not in trouble

• Help students

  learn from mistakes

  and grow

• Encourage

  thinking about actions

  and their impact

• Focus on

  teaching, not punishing

• Promote

  self-responsibility

  and better choices moving forward

• A supportive classroom space students may go to if they are still struggling after using the Calming Spot

• Not a punishment – a tool to help students calm, reflect, and practice self-regulation

• Provides a chance to step away from distractions and regain control

• Students return to their own classroom once they are ready to be successful

• Encourages ownership of behavior and making positive choices moving forward

Absent & Attendance

We all know that regular school attendance is crucial for a child's success. In Nebraska, school attendance is governed by Nebraska Revised Statute 79-201. This law outlines the compulsory education requirements for children in the state. This law is important for ensuring that children in Nebraska receive an education and that parents and guardians are aware of their responsibilities regarding their child’s school attendance. At District 145 you will be notified after 5, 10, 15 and 20 day absences. The goal is to partner and support students and families to ensure we can get kids to school. Please review the image to the right that emphasizes the impact of missed school.

• Please email hes.office@district145.org or call 402-786-2341 if your child will be absent or you need to communicate dismissal plan changes PRIOR TO 2:30.

• Absences from school for future appointments or extended absences (like a vacation) may be given to the office at any time, preferably well in advance so we can inform your student's teacher and they can make arrangements for work while they are gone.

• We do not return voicemails left about changes in pick up plans, but we do check voicemails all day long and receive any changes up until 3:00 PM.

A Note from the Counselor

Hello Families,

My name is Megan Wynn and I am the school counselor at Hamlow Elementary. I am very excited to be in this position this year as it allows me the opportunity to work with so many more students and families. The thing that brings me the most joy at work is building relationships and connections with students and this position does just that. Over the year, I will be working with all students in a variety of ways.

My role at Hamlow is to teach a guidance class that is part of our specials rotation. Each classroom in the building will see me about every three weeks. For example, week one I will see all of the kindergarten classes. Next week I will see all of the first grade classes. And then the following week I will see second grade classes. The specials rotation schedule will start over. Each time your child’s class comes to me for guidance they will be learning about a new SEL (social emotional learning) topic. They will also be learning about different SEL topics within their homeroom classroom as well. Be sure to ask your child about what they learned about in guidance class!

Another part of my role is to assist students with missing skills. We all have areas that we are strong in and areas where we can improve. It is my job to help students improve in some of those areas. I will work with teachers and families to help provide lessons, supports, and strategies to build those missing skills up and increase success for your students if needed. I also assist families with getting their needs met within the community as well. So please feel free to reach out if there is something I can help you with or if you have any questions or concerns.

Please Use the Crosswalk

As you drop students off at arrival and pick student up at dismissal, if you choose to park, PLEASE USE THE CROSS WALK.

Student safety is the utmost of importance and we ask that you kindly walk down, and use the cross walk rather than crossing between cars in the pick lane.

Hamlow Early Childhood

Please see Early Childhood Handbook for payment tiers.