Recap: 9/9 PTO Meeting

Thanks so much to everyone who joined us for the 9/9 PTO meeting! Here’s a brief recap, for those who couldn’t make it.

Principal’s Update

• John has been working to improve the efficiency of the bus routes as much as possible.

• He has added a morning soft landing to help mitigate late bus arrivals and is working with MMSD Transportation on the afternoon bus arrival times.

• He is also working to have crossing guards added to key intersections: Mineral Point, Midvale, and University Ave. at Segoe and Midvale. 

• He is also working to add a snack time for students, since 7th graders eat relatively early, and 8th grade eats relatively late. Parents and PTO will likely be asked to help provide snacks.

• Hamilton’s School Based Leadership Team (SBLT) met 9/9 for their regular meeting and discussed the exciting news that Hamilton has been awarded $99,000 in Esser-2 funds. Staff unanimously voted to put the funds toward a middle-school specific playground (something like an asphalt pad with a walking path around it, with materials that entice kids to congregate). More news to come on additional funding possibilities, any fundraising needs, and progress.

• John reiterated the information from Hamilton Headlines about how COVID notifications will work this year.

• Marwa asked about plans for student absences; Hamilton staff is exploring the options. We don’t want kids coming to school sick, so we need ways to deal with absences/excuses and keeping kids engaged if they are quarantined.

Student Services Update

• Monetary donations are still welcomed by the West Side Collaborative, which will be offering help to families throughout the year, focusing on rent and utilities. Hamilton will assist families with cleaning supplies.

• See the donation request list and Amazon wish list, if you’d like to donate.

• 6th grade will be taking a REST/CBITS screener at the end of the month to assess student mental health/the impact of trauma and how we can help here at school.  

Budget Update

• PTO will fund student T-shirts and welcome back lunch for staff and anticipates receiving about $2,000 from the school supplies fundraiser. 

• We'll be at roughly $6,000 after that.

• PTO Board voted to fund the Math Counts program.

Fundraising Update

• This year’s fundraisers will include Roman Candle, REAP Taste of Wisconsin Sale, B&N, and a Hamilton Apparel Sale.