HMF Update – May 1, 2025
Teacher Appreciation, Walkathon Results & What’s Coming Up!
Dear Hammer Community,
As we enter May, there’s so much to celebrate — from the amazing results of our Walkathon to a heartfelt week of Teacher Appreciation ahead. Read on for how you can get involved and stay connected!
Teacher Appreciation Week Is Coming – May 6–10
Let’s show our incredible Hammer and Galarza staff just how much they mean to us! There are daily opportunities for families to participate in celebrating our teachers:
- Monday: Students bring a handwritten note of appreciation
- Tuesday: Send your child with a snack for their teacher
- Wednesday: Contribute something handmade — a drawing, poem, or craft
- Thursday: A gift card or a heartfelt “Kid Coupon” (e.g., “I promise to read a new book” or “I promise to try something new today”)
- Friday: Teacher Potluck + Gift Bags – HMF and Galarza parents are hosting a joint lunch for our educators, complete with take-home treat bags
Sign up here to bring a potluck dish or contribute a gift item:
Konstella Sign-Up Link
Gift bag items may be dropped off at the front office on May 7 or 8.
Let’s make this a week our teachers will remember — your participation, no matter how small, makes a big impact.
Walkathon 2025: A Huge Success
A huge THANK YOU to all the families, donors, and volunteers who helped make this year’s Walkathon a phenomenal community event — even the drizzle couldn’t dampen our spirits!
Here’s what we accomplished together:
- $27,000 Raised (Goal: $20,000)
- 204 students submitted lap counts
- 3,082 total laps walked — that’s over 616 miles
- Class averages ranged from 170 to 298 laps
- Rewards include:
- Free Dress and Pizza Day: Friday, May 9
- Extra Recess: Friday, May 16
- Fun Fact: 616 miles is the distance from San Jose to Eugene, OR… or Provo, UT… or even Baja California
Your efforts made this event joyful, memorable, and impactful. Thank you for showing up and making it happen.
Yearbook Orders – Last Chance to Order is Tonight
Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of this unforgettable school year.
Orders close tonight.
Secure your copy of the 2024–2025 yearbook full of student highlights, events, and special moments.
Use: this link
5th Grade Promotion – Save the Date
Mark your calendars for our 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony:
Thursday, May 29 | 5:00 – 6:00 PM
More details and a participation sign-up form will be sent out soon.
HMF’s New Digital Home and Email Address
We’ve moved to a centralized Google Workspace to make communication easier for everyone.
Our new contact address is: contact@hammerfoundation.com
Please use this for any questions, suggestions, or feedback moving forward.
Next HMF Meeting
Tuesday, May 6 at 6:30 PM (virtual attendance available)
Join us to stay informed and connected.
[Check the latest meeting minutes HERE]
Email us anytime: contact@hammerfoundation.com
Thank you for all that you do to support our students, teachers, and community.
Warmly,
Kristen Vlietstra
President, Hammer Montessori Foundation