Hammer Montessori Foundation Weekly Update
Week of September 2, 2025
Dear Hammer Families,
We hope your long weekend was relaxing and fun—and we’re diving into September with a full slate of great activities, events, and updates to keep you in the loop!
Here’s what’s happening this week:
1. Galammer Staff Appreciation Potluck – Happening Tomorrow!
Our Teacher & Staff Potluck is tomorrow, Friday, September 5, and we’d love to see you there! Whether you’re able to drop off a dish, stay for lunch, or just pop in to say hello—it’s a great opportunity to show our gratitude to the incredible Hammer and Galarza staff.
📍 Faculty Lounge
🕛 Lunchtime on campus
🍽️ Click here for potluck details & sign-up
Even small contributions go a long way in helping us thank our educators for everything they do!
2. HMF Board Election Results – Say Hi to Your Board!
We held our Annual Meeting last week and are pleased to announce your officially elected 2025–2026 HMF Board:
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Kristen Vlietstra – President
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Katy Bosworth – Secretary
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Lynn So – Vice President
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Jasmine Llamas – Co-Treasurer
Thank you to everyone who voted and participated. If you see us around campus, please don’t hesitate to stop and say hello—we’re here to support, connect, and serve our incredible school community.
📝 View the Annual Meeting Minutes
3. Survey Feedback & How You Can Help
Thank you to everyone who completed our community feedback survey! We heard you—and we want to keep the momentum going.
What we learned:
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Several suggestions involve changes that would need to come from SJUSD (district level), but there are plenty of ways parents can support change at the school level too!
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After-school programs: Many of the clubs and activities currently offered at Hammer started because a parent recommended or brought in a program. If you know of a great program running at another school—or have a connection with a vendor who works with SJUSD—bring it to Mr. Bingham! Bonus points if it’s already district-approved!
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Childcare at evening events: We hear your request and are actively exploring whether this could become an HMF initiative for next year.
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Volunteering: So many parents said they want to help—don’t wait! We need you!
🌟 Become an SJUSD-Approved Volunteer
Complete the process now so you’re ready to support events, reading buddies, field trips, and more.
🔗 Start here
4. Girls on the Run – Coaches Needed for Spring 2026!
Girls on the Run is returning for its fifth season at Hammer, and we’re looking for coaches to help empower a new generation of girls!
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No experience needed—just enthusiasm and a heart for helping
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Program runs March 2 – May 16 for 3rd–5th graders (2nd grade with a parent coach)
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Coaches receive discounted registration and guaranteed team spots for their kids!
💻 Learn more or apply here
📧 Questions? Contact David Friedlander: dfriedlander@alum.vassar.edu
Let’s make this season the best one yet—Girls on the Run is SO MUCH FUN!
5. Read-a-Thon Has Begun!
The Hammer Read-a-Thon is live from September 1–30! This school-led fundraiser supports science camp and encourages a love of reading.
Your child should have brought home a packet this week with all the info. Help us reach our $30,000 goal—if we do, Mr. Bingham will dye his beard GREEN!
📚 Donate or share the campaign here
6. T-Shirts Are Still Available!
Show your Hammer pride! T-shirts are available in youth and adult sizes and are part of the official school uniform.
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Orders are delivered directly to classrooms
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Montessori and tie-dye shirts will not be restocked—get yours before they’re gone!
7. Important Dates to Remember
📘 Read-a-Thon: Now through September 30
🗳️ SSC Meeting: September 5 @ 8:00 AM in Room 120
🥗 Teacher & Staff Potluck: September 5
🧑🏫 Next HMF Meeting: October 10 @ 6:30 PM, Room 120
Thank you for being part of this amazing community. From reading challenges to volunteer teams to green-bearded principals—we couldn’t do it without you.
With appreciation,
Kristen Vlietstra
President, Hammer Montessori Foundation
📧 contact@hammerfoundation.org
🌐 hammerfoundation.org
📝 View Meeting Minutes