Thursday HMF Update -- Its a long one but a must read!!
Thu, Apr 3 9:09pm

Let’s Walk It Out, Hammer! The 2025 Walkathon Is Here!

Mark your calendars and lace up those sneakers—the Hammer Walkathon is happening Friday, April 25 from 3:15 PM to 5:00 PM at the Hammer Track Field! This isn’t just any school event—it’s a celebration of determination, health, and community spirit!Every student is invited to set a personal goal, hit the track, and show what they’re made of. Whether it’s 2 laps or 24, it’s all about building confidence, having fun, and showing up for our school!

🔥 Here’s how to get involved:

  • Register your child and set up a pledge page: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/walkathon80
  • Share the link with friends and family—every lap walked brings us closer to our fundraising goal!
  • All students get a FREE Hammer Walkathon T-shirt on Thursday, April 24 to wear for the big day!
  • Check-in begins right after school at 3:00 PM at the blacktop/field area. Students will receive a 24-lap card and bracelet holder to track their progress.

Let’s rally around our students and cheer them on as they take on this challenge with pride and perseverance. Every dollar raised goes directly to supporting programs and activities that enrich the Hammer experience.

💥 Ready to make an impact?
Donate now or set up your pledge page: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/walkathon80

Let’s walk, cheer, and give back—together!

Fundraising Milestones:

  • $5,000: Free Dress Day
  • $10,000: Pizza Party
  • $15,000: Extended Recess
  • $20,000: Mystery surprise involving Mr. Bingham!

Join the Hammer Montessori Walkathon Committee!

We are excited to announce the formation of the Walkathon Committee at our school! This committee will help plan, organize and run the walkathon in coordination with the HMF events team.

How to Join:

HERE


Board Meeting Recap – April 1, 2025

This week’s Hammer Montessori Foundation (HMF) board meeting was full of exciting updates, thoughtful planning, and gratitude!

Highlights include:

  • A huge thank you to families for helping fund the new smartboards! Teachers and students are already loving them.
  • New PE equipment is on the horizon, including more balls and a sturdier cart. The board also plans to allocate $1,000 annually for playground upgrades starting next year.
  • Upcoming Capital Improvement Projects will focus on ideas like art park upgrades, garden fencing, and new arts/STEM programs. Staff will submit proposals soon, and families will get to vote on the most impactful ones.
  • The board is working on a professional video about Montessori at Hammer to help inform future families and showcase our amazing school community.
  • Teacher reimbursements and field trip support are continuing, with discussions on increasing next year’s budget due to rising costs.
  • Plans for next year’s board positions are underway. Several roles, will need new volunteers—please reach out if you're interested!
  • The Walkathon (Friday 4/25) is nearly here! T-shirts are ordered, giveaways are prepped, and volunteer sign-ups are still open. We’re looking forward to a fun, circus-themed event!
  • Marilia has been nominated as our new Communications Chair, and Cinthia has taken the lead on T-shirt sales—thank you both!

Financially, the foundation remains strong. The board approved a $10K budget for capital projects and reviewed recent classroom reimbursements.

Full transparency and teamwork are at the heart of every decision—thank you for supporting our school!


Upcoming Event: Y for Youth Community Festival

Mark your calendars for the Y for Youth Community Festival on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PMat the Dogpatch YMCA at Crane Cove Park in San Francisco. This free, family-friendly event celebrates the grand opening of the new Dogpatch Y and offers a variety of activities for all ages.YMCA of Greater San Francisco+9YMCA of Greater San Francisco+9YMCA of Greater San Francisco+9

Event Highlights:

  • Live Performances: Enjoy music and dance performances throughout the day.
  • Interactive Booths: Engage in hands-on activities suitable for children and adults.YMCA of Greater San Francisco
  • Delicious Food: Savor a selection of food options available on-site.
  • Family Activities: Participate in games and entertainment designed for the whole family.

This festival not only offers a day of fun but also supports YMCA programs dedicated to empowering youth in the Bay Area. Admission is free, and all community members are welcome to join in the festivities.

For more details and to register, visit the YMCA of San Francisco's event page.

Yearbook Orders – Reserve Your Copy!

Don’t miss out on the 2024-2025 school year memories! Yearbook orders are now open. Secure your copy by placing an order through [this link]. Keep the memories alive with a keepsake filled with student highlights, events, and special moments. Order today before it’s too late!

End-of-Season Sale – 50% Off Long Sleeve Apparel!

Stock up on Hammer Montessori spirit wear while supplies last! All long sleeve apparel is now 50% off through the end of March. This is your last chance to grab cozy school gear at a great discount before the season changes.

Don’t miss out—once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Click the link HERE to purchase!

 

 HMF Has a New Digital Home!

We’re excited to announce that the Hammer Montessori Foundation has officially moved to a centralized Google Workspace! As part of this transition, our updated email address is now:
📧 contact@hammerfoundation.com

This shift is part of our ongoing effort to streamline communication between the board and our amazing parent community. Whether you have questions, ideas, or need support, this will be your go-to way to connect with us moving forward.

Thank you for helping us stay organized, efficient, and connected!

Our next monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 6th, at 6:30 PM.

Stay Connected:
[Check out our most recent meeting minutes HERE]
Email us: contact@hammerfoundtion.com

 

Kristen Vlietstra
President, Hammer Montessori Foundation