I enjoyed the opportunity to meet many of you at our recent

Open House, Ice Cream Social, and Back to School night. I

know your children are the most important thing in your lives.

It is a good reminder for us when we see children with their

families, and see the smiles, the love, and the care. I left

school Thursday evening with a renewed sense of the great

importance of the work we do with and for our children.

Your kindness and warmth meant a great deal to me. Thank

you for welcoming me and please continue to check in with

me throughout the year. I’m always interested in what’s going

on with you and your family.

This week students have been reviewing expectations and

procedures. I am hopeful that your child is comfortable at

school and your family has made the adjustment from the la-

zy days of summer. If your child is experiencing anxiety or

any other concern, please contact your child’s teacher. You

are welcome to include me on these communications. We will

speak with you on the phone or schedule a meeting to talk

together regarding ideas to help your child. When schools

and families work together, children are most successful!

Kelly Meisenzahl

Kelly Meisenzahl, Principal 540-751-2570 Kelly.meisenzahl@lcps.org September 2015

Upcoming Dates

9/4 8:30 PBIS Expectations Assembly

9/7 Labor Day—No School

9/9 6:30 PTA Meeting

9/10 6:00 Watch D.O.G.S pizza party and orientation

9/8-9/11 10:00-8:00 FLE Parent Preview @ Admin Building

9/11 DUE FLE Opt-Out Forms

9/11 1:30 5th Graders Paint the Rock

9/14 DUE: Student Directory/Volunteer forms

9/14-9/18 Universal Screening (K-2)

9/15 Phoenix Parent Portal Goes Live

9/18 Spirit Day—Wear a 1950’s outfit to school

9/18 5:30-7:00 Family Dance! Wear 1950’s clothes or come as you are.

9/25 8:30 Assembly Loudoun Symphony

9/27 12-4 Pet Wash Fundraiser at PetValu

10/1 Spirit Day for Respect Wear Blue Panther’s Spirit wear or blue

10/1 7:00-7:45 Family Breakfast

10/2 School Picture Day

10/5 2:30 Family Garden Clean Up

10/8 6:30 PTA Meeting

10/12 Columbus Day—No School

10/17 10-4 Fall Farm Tour Carnival

AHERA NOTIFICATION

Hamilton is routinely inspected in accord-ance with the Environ-mental Protection Agency (EPA) Asbes-tos Hazard Emergen-cy Response Act (AHERA). As required by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the EPA, this notification is to inform you that asbestos-containing material (ACM) is pre-sent in several loca-tions in our school. The ACM is inspected semi-annually by qualified LCPS personnel to insure that the materi-al remains in good condition and is not creating an exposure hazard for building oc-cupants.

The Asbestos Man-agement Plan indi-cates locations where asbestos-containing materials may be pre-sent. The plan can be found in the admin-istrative office at the school. In addition, a copy of the Asbestos Management Plan is located in the Loudoun County Public Schools Facilities Services Di-vision office at 1002C Sycolin Road, Leesburg, Virginia.

VISITOR ACCESS TO OUR SCHOOL

SCHOOL VISITORS:

Since the return to school, we have been reminded of the enhanced safety measures that have been put into place in many buildings, but specifically at our schools. While it may seem silly to ask people that we know well for an ID, it is critical that faculty and staff focus on the safety of the learning environment. The guidelines put in place by LCPS are intended to incorporate a brief communication to ALL school visitors, no matter the frequency of their visit, or personal knowledge one may have with the individual seeking access to the school. With that said, please review the guide-lines below, so we can ensure the safety of your children.

Parents and interested citizens are encouraged to visit our school to observe the in-structional program, to offer volunteer services, and to attend special events. During theschool day, all visitors are required to use the AIPHONE system which is located at the main entrance. All visitors are required to show a photo identification, regardless of whether staff personally knows you. You will be asked to hold your photo 3-4 inches from the camera. When advised to enter, please go directly to the office to sign in and obtain a visitor pass.

The doors will remain locked at all times; therefore, it is imperative that any stu-

dents arriving after 7:50 a.m. be escorted in by a parent or guardian.

School staff has the right to deny access to anyone who cannot provide identification or who is reasonably believed may cause a substantial disruption to the school environ-ment.

Visitors are reminded that teachers expect to continue with instruction during observa-tions and class visits, and that unscheduled conferences that interrupt this process areinappropriate. We request that you make arrangements with the classroom teacher prior to visiting classrooms to observe instruction.

In addition, if you are volunteering and see someone at one of the doors, please di-rect them to the main doors so we can use our secure system. If You See Some-thing, Say Something” is an initiative intended to emphasize the reporting of suspi-cious activity. Please notify the administration, or the authorities, if you observe sus-picious activity or behaviors on the school campus.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Please

remember to bring a photo

ID when visiting our

school.

Don’t forget!

The Student Rights and Responsibilities (English and Spanish versions) are posted on the LCPS Internet un-

der Permanent Links.

The Student Rights and Responsibilities for 2015-2016 for Loudoun

County Public Schools is available to all parents and students at

www.LCPS.org on the Home Page under permanent links. Parents and

students are encouraged to read the information on the web site and must

sign the “Signature Form” that was sent home on the first day of school.

If you need access to a computer or to the internet in order to read the document, we

invite you to visit our school’s media center and read the information online.

The Character Trait of the Month is: RESPECT- We will cel-ebrate spirit day on October 1st and all students are invited

to wear blue!

Future classes throughout the year will focus on dealing

with bullying, learning about careers, building friendships, inclusion, teamwork, and problem solving. Character educa-

tion is also part of guidance themes throughout the year. Each month we will celebrate a different trait.

Thank you to our PTA for our wonderful

ice cream social. A good time was had by

all! A big thank you to All American Ice

Cream Shop for donating the ice cream

for the event!

The family hour that was scheduled

for September 15th will be postponed.

School Breakfast Program:

Hamilton Elementary School participates in a take and go school breakfast model. Students interested in getting breakfast will go direct-ly to the serving line when they enter school in the morning. They pick up breakfast and eat in the cafeteria. The breakfast menu is the

same each week and is listed on the website or on the mobile app.

School Lunch Program:

Students may select from the daily entrées, yogurt or a salad plate. Along with the entrée selections, students are offered one serving of milk and grains or breads and three servings of vegetables or fruits. Students are not required to take a full lunch, but are offered all items. Students may also purchase a la carte items such as fruit, snacks, ice cream and juice. Menus will be on the website or on the new mobile app. Menus are subject to change without notice. Parents can implement restrictions on their students’ account by con-

tacting the cafeteria manager. (For example, if your child is only allowed to buy ice cream on Fridays.)

Free and Reduced Lunch Program:

Parents/guardians of students who wish to participate in the Free/Reduced Lunch Program must submit an application to the cafeteria manager. This information will be distributed at the start of the school year. Applications will be processed and parents will be notified within 10 school days. Application forms are available from the office for parents wishing to apply for free or reduced price lunches throughout the school year. Families

may also apply online for free and reduced meal benefits. Online applications are quicker to process and more secure. Visit: www.lcpshealthycafe.org for more information.

Free Mobile Menu App

You will have access to a free mobile app that will have menus, nutrition information and food allergy information. Look at the School Nutrition website to sign up and have all the information you need about healthy meals.

Smart Snack Regulations

Smart Snack regulations are in effect. See http://www.lcps.org/Page/152129 The new regulations are federal and state law. These regulations will impact fundraising, vending machines, and food at school events. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Thank you to our parents who

are coming for parent pick up at

the end of the day. I’ve heard

positive feedback about how

smoothly dismissal is going and

appreciate your help with the

new procedures.

REMINDER!!! REMINDER!!! REMINDER!!!

ALL HAMILTON ELEMENTARY DADS !!!

‘Dads and Kids’ Pizza Night Event!

FREE Pizza, Drinks and FUN!

Come learn about our

WATCH D.O.G.S. ®

(Dads Of Great Students)

Program!

NEXT THURSDAY, SEPT 10thfrom 6:00 –7:00pm

REMINDER!!! REMINDER!!! REMINDER!!!

ALL HAMILTON ELEMENTARY DADS !!!

‘Dads and Kids’ Pizza Night Event!

FREE Pizza, Drinks and FUN!

Come learn about our

WATCH D.O.G.S. ®

(Dads Of Great Students)

Program!

NEXT THURSDAY, SEPT 10thfrom 6:00 –7:00pm

Parent Resource Center Fall 2015 Event Schedule

*Unless otherwise indicated, events are held at the

LCPS Admin Bldg., 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, 20148

Events are cancelled when schools are closed or after school activities cancelled.

Call 571-252-2185 or go to www.lcps.org/prc to register. Titles are linked to event flyers.

Autism Series: Message of Behavior

Identifying and Analyzing the Communication Function of Behavior is Critical

Wednesday, October 7, 9-11 am

How to Raise Your Child’s Social IQ

For Parents of Elementary Age Children

Presented by Cathi Cohen, LCSW and Author

Presentation will highlight key skills necessary for children to make and maintain relationships

with others and offer creative tips, techniques, and games to help foster social success.

Wednesday, October 21, 9 am

PATH to Employment.pdf

Panel presentation by public agencies about how and when to access services to ensure

a timely and smooth transition to employment for students with disabilities.

Wednesday, October 28, 9-11 am

Positive Mealtime Strategies

Causes and Strategies for Eating Challenges

Wednesday, November 11, 9-11 am

TRANSITION SERIES

Middle School Connection, Moving on from Elementary to Middle School with an IEP

Thursday, December 3 from 6:30-8:00 pm

*Stone Hill Middle School* 23415 Evergreen Ridge Drive, Ashburn, 20148

Kindergarten Connection, Moving on from ECSE to Kindergarten with an IEP

Tuesday, December 8 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm

*Smart’s Mill Middle School* 850 North King Street, Leesburg, 20176

If due to a disability, you need assistance or an interpreter, call 571-252-2185 10 Business Days before an event.

Parent Resource Center Fall 2015 Event Schedule

*Unless otherwise indicated, events are held at the

LCPS Admin Bldg., 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, 20148

Events are cancelled when schools are closed or after school activities cancelled.

Call 571-252-2185 or go to www.lcps.org/prc to register. Titles are linked to event flyers.

Autism Series: Message of Behavior

Identifying and Analyzing the Communication Function of Behavior is Critical

Wednesday, October 7, 9-11 am

How to Raise Your Child’s Social IQ

For Parents of Elementary Age Children

Presented by Cathi Cohen, LCSW and Author

Presentation will highlight key skills necessary for children to make and maintain relationships

with others and offer creative tips, techniques, and games to help foster social success.

Wednesday, October 21, 9 am

PATH to Employment.pdf

Panel presentation by public agencies about how and when to access services to ensure

a timely and smooth transition to employment for students with disabilities.

Wednesday, October 28, 9-11 am

Positive Mealtime Strategies

Causes and Strategies for Eating Challenges

Wednesday, November 11, 9-11 am

TRANSITION SERIES

Middle School Connection, Moving on from Elementary to Middle School with an IEP

Thursday, December 3 from 6:30-8:00 pm

*Stone Hill Middle School* 23415 Evergreen Ridge Drive, Ashburn, 20148

Kindergarten Connection, Moving on from ECSE to Kindergarten with an IEP

Tuesday, December 8 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm

*Smart’s Mill Middle School* 850 North King Street, Leesburg, 20176

If due to a disability, you need assistance or an interpreter, call 571-252-2185 10 Business Days before an event.