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Hamlin Herald - Week of October 27, 2025

Posted Date: 10/26/25 (6:00 PM)

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Hamlin Herald

A NEWSLETTER FOR HAMLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Principal's Message

I want to thank everyone for their support of Huskython Fun Run. Our community continues to amaze me! Your support of our school is truly incredible! The students and staff had a blast completing the obstacle challenge. Also, a gigantic thank you to our PTO and volunteers. Thank you! 

Also, Trunk or Treat was a big success and we thank everyone so much for participating, volunteering, and joining us for a fun night, as well as those who donated candy for the event!

On Thursday, November 19, Hamlin Elementary will participate in Teach-In as part of American Education Week. We encourage our parents or business leaders to participate if they would like to talk to a class about their career, skills and academics. If interested, reach out our media specialist, Mrs. Hohman at Amy.hohman@ocps.net. As a reminder, you must be registered as an ADDitions volunteer to be in the classroom and participate in Teach-In. You can register at volunteer.ocps.net.

Finally, we just started our second marking period and it is essential that our students are present for daily instruction. We would like students to be in their classroom at the first bell at 8:40 AM. I ask that, if possible, you refrain from planning trips and appointments during the instructional day. It is difficult for our students to master concepts and skills when they aren’t present to receive the instruction. The school calendar is available on the district website for you to check when planning upcoming vacations for student holidays and non-school days. Also, in order for a vacation to be excused for three days per school year (if you have good attendance already), you must fill out the pre-arranged absence form.

Best Regards, 

Dr. Angela Murphy-Osborne
Principal
 
Logo for Sakowitz Smiles Orthodontics, featuring a smiling tooth with braces.
Visit the Hamlin ES Website
 

Important Dates

October 27-31 – Red Ribbon Week
October 29 – PTO Meeting
October 30 – 3-5 Field Trip to the Orchestra
November 5 – 12 – Book Fair
November 19 – Teach-In
November 24-28 – No School

As a reminder, Wednesdays are early release days and we dismiss at 2:00 PM. 
 

This Week

Poster for Hamlin Elementary's Red Ribbon Week, with daily themes and dates.
Pink ribbon graphic promoting Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Pink Out Day.
 

Students of the Week

Five students proudly display their 'Student of the Week' certificates in a school hallway.
A young girl smiles, holding a 'Student of the Week' certificate in a classroom.
Four students stand in a school hallway, smiling at the camera.
Four smiling students stand together, holding awards and ribbons in a school hallway.
A smiling girl holds a 'Student of the Week' certificate in a classroom.
Three students proudly display their 'Student of the Week' certificates in a classroom.
Five students proudly hold 'Student of the Week' certificates in a classroom.
 

Student Code of Conduct

The School Board of Orange County, Florida (Board) Policy JIC, titled “Code of Student Conduct,” in addition to Section 1006.07, Florida Statutes, requires the adoption of a Code of Student Conduct (Code). Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) has developed the Code to help students, parents/guardians, and school personnel understand the guidelines for maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment. The Code shall be discussed with students, school advisory committees, and parent/teacher associations at the beginning of each school year and quarterly thereafter and for transferring students upon their enrollment. 

An electronic copy of the Code can be found online at the District website, on the OCPS app, or on OCPS school-issued devices.
Student Code of Conduct
 

Art News

Art newsletter with artwork examples and information about Ms. Shiver's art class.
 

Media Center Updates

For Grades K-2, we are reading about The Spotless Giraffe by Peter Millett.  It is based on a real life giraffe who was born without any spots in 2023.  We are comparing and contrasting to other animals presented in the story to find how the animals are alike and different from each other. In Grades 3-5, we are working on a digital citizenship lesson on what images are real or fake on the internet.  We are looking at how to spot the alternations and why the designers would create the images for advertising, persuading or entertainment. 
A cartoon husky dog reads a book with an orange cover.

Accelerated Reader is Available

Accelerated Reader is a digital program that helps students and teachers manage and monitor independent reading practice in both English and Spanish. Students pick a book at their level and read it at their own pace. When students finish the book, they take a short quiz on a computer/device to check their understanding. As students read and take quizzes, they earn points and track their progress toward their individualized Accelerated Reader goals.

All students in K-5 have the ability to use AR at school or home. You can access the program by using Launchpad. 

In Launchpad, Click on Renaissance.  
Then Click on Accelerated Reader
Type in the title of the book the student is quizzing on.  Then Click Start Quiz.
Go to LaunchPad

Brag Tags to Collect for Reaching AR Goals each Quarter

Grade K-2 students can earn brag tags for completing badges in the program and for 9 passed quizzes on their reading range level each quarter. 

Grade 3-5 students can earn brag tags for meeting their quarterly goals. 

Our library does have several books with an AR quiz (those are the books labeled with a dot sticker on the side of the library book). 

SSYRA Brag Tags are also passed out to those who take and pass an SSYRA book.  
SSYRA, Jr for Grades K-2
SSYRA for Grades 3-5

Digital Device Care Tips to Review with Students

At school, we will be going over how to take care of devices. If you could also review with your child the following procedures, it will help us take care of the devices for many years. 

  • Hold the device with both hands. 
  • Never bend the laptop screen back too far. 
  • Never poke the screen with a pencil. 
  • Never yank headphones from the device. Hold onto the prong and gently pull out of the jack. 
  • Never eat or drink near your device. 
  • Keep your device in the center of your desk/table. 
  • Keep your device off the floor. 

If a key pops off, do not throw it away. Give it to your teacher. Someone at school might be able to pop it back on again. 
 

Storybook Pumpkin Patch

A poster announces the 4th Annual HES Storybook Pumpkin Patch, with rules and examples.
Calling all little bookworms and pumpkin artists! It’s time for the 4th Annual HES Storybook Pumpkin Patch—where imagination meets decoration! Grab an artificial pumpkin (9 inches or smaller), channel your favorite storybook character, and let your creativity shine. Add your name, teacher’s name, and character label on a notecard to turn in, then drop it off in the media center by October 29. One entry per student or teacher, so make it magical!

Let the patch be packed with personality—your pumpkin could be the next literary legend!
 

Music Notes

Mrs. Miller, the music teacher, smiles in a photo on a flyer with musical notes and instruments.
 

Physical Education

The flyer announces Cooperative Games for the week, with activity suggestions.
 

Yearbooks

We have a fantastic school year ahead of us. As we anticipate the memories, friendships, and special times ahead, we're also looking forward to one of our favorite traditions - the yearbook. We will accept early bird yearbook orders on the Lifetouch website, specially priced at $27 until December 31, 2025 for a softcover. You can upgrade to a hardcover book for the total price of $33. Starting January 1st, the regular price of the book will increase in cost and can be ordered until April 3, 2026. 

Don't miss out on this special offer! Yearbooks will be given out in May 2026.  

Yearbook ID Code: 15317126
Go To Lifetouch
 

PTO

PTO News announcement from Hamlin Elementary School, celebrating a successful Huskython.
An event flyer announces a PTO meeting and a Trunk or Treat event.
 

Save the Date: Teach-In is Coming! — Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Join us for an exciting day of inspiration and discovery as we prepare our students for the future! We’re calling on passionate community members like YOU to step in and spark curiosity by sharing your unique career and experiences.

Whether it’s reading a book that ties into your profession, leading an exciting demonstration, playing an instrument, sharing an educational story, or even conducting a hands-on science experiment—your involvement can ignite a lifelong love of learning and empower our students to dream big!

Ready to inspire the next generation? All volunteers must be ADDitions approved. Signing up is easy—just Sign Up below to claim your spot!
Sign Up Here
For scheduling and grade-level matching, please reach out to Mrs. Hohman at Amy.Hohman@ocps.net

Let's make this Teach-In unforgettable together!
 

ADDitions

Hamlin Elementary is getting opportunities ready for volunteers to come in to help!  All volunteers will need an active ADDitions account and review all the Guidelines and Waivers provided by our OCPS district. 

Being up to date in ADDitions helps the process of being a field trip chaperone, lunchroom helper, attending/participating in daytime events held at the school, PTO events, classroom volunteer, media center help and so much more!  

Here’s how to sign up/update your ADDitions account: 
Sign Up/Update ADDitions Here
  • Click "Sign Up” - Create a New Account / Answer the application questions
  • Login (if you're a returning volunteer) / Update your safety questions
  • Watch the ADDitions training video – located on the Main Dashboard

Opportunities Ready
Lunchroom Help is Needed during the month of October!  If you are looking to help, we need volunteers who enjoy circulating the entire room to help students in all grades with opening items, passing out utensils and napkins, and reminding students how to continue to be the best Hamlin Huskies in the lunchroom. This is not just to assist one child or have lunch with your child.

October Lunch Volunteer Shifts available:
Sign Up For Lunch Shift Here
Help Our Upcoming PTO Events- Check the PTO Website for details:
Sign Up to Help PTO Here
Hamlin Elementary School logo featuring a smiling husky dog and paw prints.

16145 Silver Grove Blvd | Winter Garden, FL 34787-9279

Phone +1 407-395-9830 I hamlin_es@ocps.net

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