Hammer Montessori Foundation Weekly Update
Week of September 9, 2025
Dear Hammer Families,
We’re cruising through September with a full calendar of exciting activities, community events, and opportunities to get involved. Thank you for helping us build a school community that’s kind, creative, and committed to making a difference.
Here’s everything you need to know this week:
1. Potluck Recap – Thank You!
Last week’s Galammer Staff Appreciation Potluck was a delicious success! Thanks to the generosity of our amazing families, we were able to feed all our teachers, staff, and volunteers—and there was even plenty left over for them to take home.
It was a beautiful reminder of how our small acts of kindness come together to make a big impact. Thank you to everyone who contributed!
2. Luna Park Chalk Art Festival – Volunteer Needed to Bring Our Square to Life!
🎨 The Luna Park Chalk Art Festival is a joyful, family-friendly community art celebration where local schools and artists gather to turn sidewalks into a colorful open-air gallery using vibrant chalk pastels. This year’s festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 20th, at Backesto Park in San José.
Hammer Montessori will once again have a square in the Youth Gallery, and we’d love for our students to participate! In years past, an artistic Hammer parent has volunteered to design and outline the square, and then Hammer students stop by to help fill it in—creating a truly collaborative work of art.
This is a beautiful opportunity to:
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Show our Hammer school spirit to the broader San José community
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Let our students experience public art hands-on
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Have fun while supporting a local cultural event
💡 We’re looking for ONE creative parent who’s willing to sketch out and lead the design for our Hammer square. You don’t need to be a professional artist—just someone with a little artistic flair and a willingness to help!
🖌️ We’ll provide the chalk and register the space—you bring the vision.
If you're interested, please email contact@hammerfoundation.org by next week!
📍 Festival info: Luna Park Arts Festival Website
Let’s keep this wonderful Hammer tradition alive and give our students another reason to be proud of their community and creativity!
3. Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat – Volunteer Sign-Ups Are Live!
🎃 Mark your calendars: Saturday, October 25 from 1–3 PM
It’s almost time for one of our most magical and exciting school traditions—the HMF Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat!
We need your help to bring it all together. Whether you love games, crafts, logistics, or simply being part of the action, there’s a spot for you.
💡 Roles include:
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Games & activities
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Basket donation themes
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Trunk hosts
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Festival setup & cleanup
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Committee co-chairs
Note: To join the planning committee or volunteer at the event, you must be cleared as an SJUSD volunteer.
📝 Start the clearance process here
4. Girls on the Run – Spring Coaches Needed!
Girls on the Run returns to Hammer for its 5th season in Spring 2026, and we need coaches to help make the magic happen!
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🗓️ March 2 – May 16
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🧍♀️ No experience necessary—just enthusiasm
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🧒 Coaches receive a discounted registration and guaranteed team spot for their child
This is one of our most joyful and empowering after-school programs.
🔗 Learn more & apply
📧 Questions? Email dfriedlander@alum.vassar.edu
5. Read-a-Thon is in Full Swing!
The Read-a-Thon runs through September 30 and helps raise funds for science camp while building a love of books in our students.
📚 We’re aiming to raise $30,000, and if we do, Mr. Bingham will dye his beard green!
📝 Packets went home last week
💚 Donate or share here
6. Hammer T-Shirts – Order Now!
We still have official Hammer Montessori T-Shirts available in youth and adult sizes. These are approved for school uniforms and delivered directly to classrooms.
🎨 Montessori & tie-dye shirts will not be restocked, so order soon if you want one!
7. Important Dates to Remember
📘 Read-a-Thon: September 1–30
📖 Literacy Night: September 16, 5:00–7:00 PM
👔 Buddy/Spirit Day – Dress Like a Staff Member: September 26
🍂 Fall Recess: September 29 – October 3
🎃 Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat: October 25, 1–3 PM
🏫 Next HMF Meeting: October 7th @ 6:30 PM in Room 120
Thank you for being part of our thriving Hammer community. Your time, your talents, and your presence truly make a difference.
With appreciation,
Kristen Vlietstra
President, Hammer Montessori Foundation
📧 contact@hammerfoundation.org
🌐 hammerfoundation.org
📝 View Meeting Minutes