11/2/26
Dear Hamburg School District Learning Community,
It is hard to believe we are already through the first quarter of the 2026/2027 school year. We have a lot to celebrate and a lot of momentum to continue to build on. Be sure to tell your student(s) they are doing a great job and to keep working hard. If you see staff around, please remind them of your appreciation for the positive impacts they are making in the lives of our students. Without the great staff here at the school, none of this would be possible.
We are working on making things the best they can be at HCSD. Here is a brief overview of what we are doing. Please let us know if you have any questions.
The Wildcat Way - We are using the acronym CATS to unify and talk about expectations. C stands for commitment. A stands for accountability. T stands for teamwork. S stands for service.
NTHS - National Technical Honor Society. We have started this chapter to celebrate our highest performing students with induction into NTHS. I will be the advisor with help from other staff members. If your student has been chosen, you will be notified via phone call and email. We look to have this done by the first of December. We want to make this very special for students and yourself as this is a first here at HCSD. We are the second chapter in the state, so this is something we are out ahead of!
Celebrations of Learning - We are celebrating the great learning that is going on here each quarter with a student assembly with award certificates. We will celebrate honor roll, perfect attendance, and paws and applause for deserving students in each grade (elementary) and subject area (MS/ HS, including CTE courses).
MTSS - Multi-tiered System of Supports - These are systems we use to support our students. This is not just academic, but also social and emotional. We are working to build up our MTSS system to benefit all students in both ways. This is a process that will take time, but once implemented, will show great dividends. Below are some of the things we are using/ things we are working on that are/ will be part of the system.
IXL - We are utilizing IXL to help fill the gaps in our students' learning and to bring them to proficiency in math and ELA. Students can work on IXL anytime… even at home! Please ask your child’s homeroom teacher for their login credentials.
Zones of Regulation - The Zones of Regulation is a social and emotional system to help students learn to recognize and regulate their feelings so they can get back in the learning zone. We are starting professional development on this this week, led by some of our staff. We will start implementing this before the end of the second semester.
PBIS - Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports - Professional development on this will take place after the completion of the Zones of Regulation. PBIS focuses on reinforcing good behavior to diminish negative behaviors that can take place.
It is important to set goals to work towards as a district. Staff have worked together to set the following goals to make our school the best it can be.
Goals for the 2026/ 2027 school year
Raise math and ELA scores on state testing by bringing at least one more student from not proficient to proficient.
Lower the absentee/tardy numbers. Students who are not at school do not have the chance to learn. Being here and feeling like a part of the team is important. It is our goal and responsibility to ensure all students feel safe and have a sense of belonging.
Goal for the future five years
100% proficiency in math and ELA on state testing. This is a lofty goal but is very attainable. Hitting this target will show everyone how special Hamburg is and that it is the destination school for those wanting to be among the highest achievers.
Continuing to build and refine the charter school for expanded opportunities and excellence.
We have a lot going on and a lot to be proud of. The future is bright for our students, staff, and community. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
Sincerely,
Mr. Clark
PK-12 Principal
PS - If you are looking for educational resources to help your students learn, here are a couple.