First Thursday HMF Update
Week of August 14, 2025
Dear Hammer Families,
We’re off and running into the 2025–2026 school year, and we couldn’t be more excited to see our students, teachers, and community settling in so smoothly. Thank you to all the families who helped make the first week such a success—from warm smiles at drop-off to the steady stream of volunteers helping out behind the scenes. We’re off to a strong start!
Here are this week’s key updates from the Hammer Montessori Foundation (HMF):
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1. HMF Board Elections – We Need You!
We are thrilled to share that several parents have already expressed interest in joining the HMF Board—thank you! That said, we are still looking for more amazing community members to join our leadership team and help guide our efforts this year.
Currently, we are actively seeking volunteers for the following open board positions:
• Vice President
• Treasurer
In addition, both myself (Kristen Vlietstra, President) and Katy Bosworth (Secretary) were voted in as interim board members last year when our predecessors had to step down. These roles—President and Secretary—will also be open to any parents who would like to run in our upcoming board election.
This is your opportunity to bring your voice, vision, and unique perspective to the board. We are a community-driven foundation, and we welcome both new and returning parents to get involved. Whether you’re passionate about event planning, financial oversight, communications, or simply making a difference in the school community—we want to hear from you!
To nominate yourself or someone else, please email us at contact@hammerfoundation.org by Back to School Night: Monday, August 26.
Voting will take place immediately following back to school night and will be concluded by September 2nd at our Annual Meeting for HMF. We will make sure the voting portal is included on Konstella as well as in Mr. Bingham’s school update so every parent has access.
Let’s build a board that reflects the diversity, talent, and heart of the Hammer community!
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2. Traffic Reminder – Be Safe, Be Alert at Bird & Malone
We’ve had several reports this week of motorcycle officers posted at the T-intersection of Bird and Malone, issuing tickets to drivers performing rolling stops.
There are sometimes three to four officers at a time writing tickets, and we’ve heard from several families who were surprised to be pulled over.
Please make sure you come to a complete stop, not just to avoid a costly ticket—but most importantly—to keep our students, staff, and families safe. This intersection sees a lot of pedestrian traffic during drop-off and pickup, and your extra caution makes a big difference.
Let’s set a great example for our kids and help ensure everyone arrives at school safely.
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3. Principal’s Update – Welcome Back, New Staff, Uniforms & More
In his weekly message, Mr. Bingham celebrated a smooth start to the school year and introduced several new staff members who will be supporting our students:
• Stephanie Purpura – Instructional Coach
• Jeannette Kelley – Tuesday SJUSD Counselor
• Emily Selwyn – Monday PE Teacher
• Kent Kappen – Thursday/Friday PE Teacher
He also reminded families about the Galammer Uniform Policy, arrival/dismissal guidelines, and the ongoing uniform exchange happening now through August 15 (Mon–Fri, 9am–3pm in front of the school).
Looking to get more involved? Don’t forget that all volunteers (new and returning) must complete the SJUSD clearance process to support in classrooms or events this year:
🔗 Volunteer Process Info
Other highlights include:
• Afterschool Enrichment Programs: Soccer, Flag Football, Mad Science, Tennis, Legos, Chess, and more!
• Important Dates:
• Uniform Exchange: through August 15
• Scholastic Book Fair: August 25–29
• Back to School Night: August 26 (5:00–6:10pm)
• Labor Day: September 1 (no school)
As always, be sure to read the full message from Mr. Bingham in your email inbox for more details.
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Thank you for being part of what makes Hammer such a special place. We’re excited to work together to support our students and build another amazing year.
With appreciation,
Kristen Vlietstra
President, Hammer Montessori Foundation
📧 president@hammerfoundation.org