Schools

Hamilton Middle School Grand Opening

Things have become much quieter over at Hamilton--signaling that, with exception of a few finishing touches, the school is ready for the big move.  According to a letter they delivered to homes in the immediate area, we’ll be seeing moving trucks shuttle furniture, equipment and books between Lincoln and the 41st and Densmore side of Hamilton this month and next, as crews prepare for the first day of school on Wednesday, September 8. The letter also announces two public events to…

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Goodloe-Johnson: No Confidence or No Kumbaya?

Before moving to Seattle in 2005, I lived in Charleston, South Carolina (where the Gullah word, kumbaya comes from), where I witnessed the school district's search for -- and eventual selection of -- a new Superintendent for the Charleston South Carolina School District.  Her name was Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson.  She talked about accountability, and diversity, and improving students' education, all of which Charleston sorely needed. Some of my neighbors did not like her, though. I kept hearing "she's black" or "she's…

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Hamilton Construction Update

After nearly two years, Hamilton Middle School's renovation is nearly complete.  Huzzah!  Over the last month, I've noticed a skeleton crew coming in early on Saturday mornings, which leads me to believe they're working pretty hard to wrap everything up.  During the next few weeks, the contractor plans to finish landscaping the north end of the property which butts up against the Wallingford Playfield. Hopefully, this means we'll have that length of running trail replaced soon (thanks to Wallyhood reader Greg,…

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Meet The New McDonald School Teachers

On Tuesday, June 15, parents and incoming students of the McDonald School will have a chance to meet the teachers.  The newly-formed McDonald School PTA is hosting an ice cream social at 6:30 p.m. on the McDonald School playground at 54th and Latona. And speaking of the PTA, over 50 new members joined the McDonald School Elementary PTA during its first meeting on Monday, June 7 -- an impressive turnout!  There's still an opportunity to join the PTA -- just bring…

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Call to McDonald School Parents

If your child will be attending the newly re-opening McDonald School this fall, Carolyn Cunningham and other parents want to meet you: It's time to know who is IN, and to start building our school community. Please follow the link below to briefly tell us about you and your child(ren), name and grade only. We realize some of you haven't finalized your decision yet, if you are highly likely or a sure bet, please let us know so we can begin…

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Hamilton Construction Update

This month’s Hamilton Construction Update is brought to you in part by the word “accoutrement”, as in: the construction workers at Hamilton are putting in plants, light fixtures and other accoutrement on school grounds. This to me signals the beginning of the end; the light at the end of the tunnel. Hallelujah! Over the last few days it’s been interesting to watch the installation of plants, trees, and beautiful wrought iron fencing around the perimeter of the school.  My only comment…

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McDonald School Seeking Volunteers for PTA

This is an exciting time for the parents and children who are attending McDonald School Elementary next fall.  If you're a parent of an incoming student, now is the time to start thinking about your involvement with the school.  Parents are invited to join--and lead--the PTA for the upcoming 2010-2011 school year. As a former board member for the PTSA at B.F. Day, I can attest that it's a rewarding experience, and the only way to develop high quality enrichment programs…

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