First Thursday HMF Update
Welcome to the 2025–2026 School Year!

Dear Hammer Families,

Welcome back to a brand-new school year at Hammer Montessori! Whether you're returning for another year or joining our community for the first time, we’re so glad you’re here. The Hammer Montessori Foundation (HMF) is energized and excited about the year ahead—and we’re especially looking forward to building community, funding impactful programs, and supporting our incredible teachers and students together with you.

This year, our goals include expanding classroom enrichment, supporting field trips and assemblies, funding teacher materials and training, and continuing to enhance our beautiful campus. But none of that happens without you. Our parent community is the heartbeat of our success—and we need your help.

Below are a few important ways you can get involved right now:

1. We Need a Vice President and Co-Treasurer – Join the Board!

This year, we are starting off with two vital vacancies on the HMF Board: Vice President and Co-Treasurer. Both roles are essential to our work, and we cannot move forward effectively without them.

Last year, two amazing board members (parents of 5th-grade graduates) completed their service, and while we’re so grateful for their contributions, their departure has left big shoes to fill. We’re looking for passionate, organized, and committed parents who want to make a meaningful impact at Hammer.

• Vice President helps support overall board leadership and assists the President with planning, meetings, and events. It’s a great stepping-stone into future leadership.

• Co-Treasurer works with our Treasurer and accountant to ensure financial records are accurate, budgets are maintained, and we stay compliant as a nonprofit.

No prior board experience is required—just a willingness to learn and contribute. We are happy to mentor you and help you get up to speed quickly. You can read about our board structure and mission here: https://hammerfoundation.org

If you are interested in either of these positions or have questions, please reach out to us as soon as possible at contact@hammermontessori.org. These roles are crucial—we can’t do it without you!

2. Financial Audit Volunteers Needed – Help Us Stay Strong and Transparent

We are also seeking two parent volunteers (who are not currently on the board) to conduct our 2024–2025 financial audit, which must be completed by November 2025. This internal audit is a vital part of keeping our nonprofit transparent, accountable, and eligible for grants and matching programs.

Thanks to last year’s successful audit, we now have a clear roadmap and materials that make this process far easier for new volunteers. If you’re detail-oriented or have any experience with finance, accounting, or bookkeeping—or just want to lend your time and brainpower—we’d love your help.

This is a short-term but impactful commitment. Please email contact@hammermontessori.org if you’re interested.

3. Where Did Your Donations Go? HMF Spending Report Now Available

We know many of you are curious about how your generous donations were used last year. This week, we presented a full financial overview to our teaching staff so they could see the direct impact of your support. From funding classroom materials to making possible exciting field trips and learning events, your dollars went a long way!

We invite you to explore the full presentation here to see the breakdown of how funds were allocated:
📊 2024–2025 HMF Spending Presentation

You'll see how we funded:

• Teacher-requested classroom materials

• Schoolwide enrichment events and assemblies

• Capital projects to improve the school

• Teacher appreciation and professional development

It’s a great snapshot of the power of collective giving—and we’re aiming even higher this year!

4. First HMF Board Meeting of the Year – August Minutes Now Posted

We held our first HMF board meeting of the year this past week to align on our goals, budget, and upcoming events. Topics included:

• Open board positions

• Upcoming audit and volunteer needs

• Fundraising plans for 2025–2026

• Community events 

• Ongoing teacher and classroom support

You can review the full meeting minutes here:
📝 August 2025 HMF Board Meeting Minutes

We are committed to transparency and communication, and we welcome all Hammer families to stay informed and involved.

As we begin this new school year, we want to thank you—parents, caregivers, teachers, and staff—for being part of this vibrant community. HMF exists to support and enrich the Hammer experience for every child, and your involvement makes it all possible.

Whether you’re able to volunteer, donate, attend events, or simply read these newsletters—you matter. Your participation is the foundation of our success.

Here’s to a joyful, successful, and connected school year ahead. We’re so glad to be on this journey with you.

Kristen Vlietstra
President, Hammer Montessori Foundation
president@hammerfoundation.org