Historical June 1976 Hamilton school report; future plans and programs refer to 1976.
As the 1975-76 school year closes students and faculty at every school have mixed feelings. It’s great to look back over the many things our children have done and to know they are ready to move into a higher grade, but you hate to say goodbye. However, summer is here and it’s time for a little rest before the new school year. There are many things that have to be done to efficiently close the school year—records, report cards, and putting away all the books, decorations, games, and many other things that make learning interesting and fun for our children.
Here at Hamilton Branch 3 we have tried to plan worthwhile excitingly different activities for our children to keep their interest in school high even to the last day. Rooms 101, 103, and the kindergarten had an all-day picnic and trip to the zoo in Forest Park.
Room 103 have expanded their flower garden project, and it now includes corn, peas, beans, and other vegetables. They are learning early to raise their own and save money.
Room 101 already has corn sprouting its windows from the corn kernels that the children planted, and, of course, some of the students have written experience stories with their room mother Mrs. Frantzie Couch, who has been helping them write all school year.
Our children appreciated the opportunity to enter their different projects in the Skinker-DeBaliviere Art Fair. Many children received certificates and several won ribbons. The kindergarten won “Best in the Show” award for their tie-dyed banner. Nicole Krippner, Room 101, won second place for her ceramic bowl. Robin Sayles, Kia Dickson, Yvette Lampkin were among the winners.
A group of seniors from DeSmet High School came May 26 and presented a delightful, much enjoyed play to the whole school.
Mrs. Billups and her 201 third graders did it again. They published their final issue of the Hamilton Branch 3 Newsbirds. We hope you got a chance to read this creative and interesting paper. We are very proud.
Our third graders attended an aesthetic appreciation workshop at Cemrel. Many mini-courses were offered at the school for our children: Arts and Crafts and woodworking by Wanda Penny from Harris Teachers College and our art teacher, Dodie Smithers; Cookery for Kids was offered by
Mrs. Deavens; Photography by Terry Boyd; American Celebrates the Bicentennial by 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Billups; and Ecology Awareness by parent Mrs. Carol Rhem.
Our Annual Awards Day Program, June 3, saw many children receiving awards in Effort, Scholarship, Attendance, Service, and Citizenship. We were also pleased to give over 50 special certificates to our much appreciated parent volunteers.
May 24-28 was designated Teacher and Teacher Aid Appreciation Week at the school. Many delightful activities were planned by parent including a surprise faculty reception after school May 25. Mrs. Deavens had the honor of meeting with the League of Women Voters May 18 and was happy to speak with a group of people who have supported our schools in every effort.
On May 13 the whole school in a luncheon gathering and in room parties said goodbye to the last group of apprentices who helped individualize for our children. Mrs. Deavens attended the Harris Teachers College Honors Day May 19 and presented 15 Certificates of Merit to the apprentices who served at our school this year through the Portal School Program.
Parents: the summer workshops will still be offered. Please call the school for the program and more information. Due to the passage of the tax the Magnet Schools will be operating in September. Call the school if you are interested.
For those parents of 1976-77 Kindergarteners who missed our May 26, 27 prescreening, please arrange to register your children in August.
So, as we close the year we say happy summer to all of you and we are looking forward to working with you again next school year.
We wish to thank all our parents and friends who supported and attended our Spring Extravaganza Sunday, May 2. It proved to be a successful project and the funds profiled will be well used in extending the learning at our school. One of the highlights of our program was the presenting of our Hamilton Branch 3 Special Community Service Awards to three persons:
28th Ward Alderman Vincent C. Schoemehl, Jr. 28th Ward Democratic Committeewoman Mrs. Venetta Barbaglia. 28th Ward Democratic Committeeman John George Storey.
These political leaders and their supporters were vital forces in our efforts for the passing of the April 27 School Tax Election.
It is gratifying to be actively supported in our efforts for quality education by such concerned politicians and friends.
Originally published in The Paper, June 1976.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Printed “Room 103 have,” “American Celebrates,” and “funds profiled” retained.
Original source: SD_Times1976_06.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
