🎉 This Week’s Update from the Hammer Montessori Foundation!
Hello Hammer Families,
What a joyful week it’s been! Our campus is buzzing with holiday spirit, community pride, and so many wonderful moments to celebrate. Here’s what’s new and what’s coming up at Hammer. 💙
✨ 1. Winter Bazaar: A Huge Success!
What an amazing night! The Winter Bazaar was a wonderful celebration of creativity, community, and holiday cheer. Our kids had so much fun, teachers generously read stories, beautiful crafts were made and sold, and the energy in the room was truly special. ❄️🎄
A heartfelt thank you to all of our incredible volunteers who helped plan, set up, bake, sell, clean up, and cheer everyone on. Events like this simply wouldn’t be possible without our supportive and generous Hammer community. We are so grateful for each and every one of you! 💫
💛 2. Annual Appeal Update: We’re at 41%!
Thanks to your generosity, we’ve reached 41% of our Annual Appeal goal—thank you! Our Annual Appeal is one of the most important ways we support Hammer students, teachers, and programs throughout the year.
Funds raised go directly toward classroom materials, enrichment programs, field trips, assemblies, and community-building events that make Hammer such a special place to learn and grow.
📅 The Annual Appeal runs through January 1, 2026, and we encourage all families to participate if they are able.
💡 Don’t forget about corporate matching—many employers will match donations and instantly double your impact!
👉 Donate here:
https://www.konstella.com/open/donations/68cadea1f6bab18ccfa20adb
🏃♀️ 3. Girls on the Run: Registration Opening Soon!
We’re excited to share that Girls on the Run registration opens this Saturday, December 6th! This program is open to girls in 3rd–5th grade (and 2nd graders with a parent coach/volunteer).
We are thrilled to host a GoTR team at Hammer for the fifth consecutive year, thanks to our amazing coaches—including two of our wonderful teachers! 💕
Here are the details:
• Season runs from the week of March 2nd through the annual 5K on Saturday, May 16th
• Practices are Mondays and Wednesdays, right after school until 4:50pm
👉 Register here or learn more about Girls on the Run
📧 Questions? Contact head coach and Hammer parent David Friedlander at dfriedlander@alum.vassar.edu
👕 Still Need a Hammer Shirt?
Show your Hammer pride!
👉 T-Shirt Order Link
📝 Missed the Last Meeting?
Catch up on everything we discussed.
👉 Read the Meeting Minutes
🥫 Food Pantry & Drive: Let’s Show Up for Our Community
In light of food uncertainty around the holidays, Hammer and Galarza are running a joint food drive and pantry effort to support our families. Thank you for helping care for our broader community. ❤️
🧃 What to bring:
• Unopened non-perishable food
• Hygiene products
📍 Drop off items at school anytime through December 12
📚 More info:
👉 What to Bring Presentation
💸 Virtual Drive via Second Harvest
📷 Be sure to check out the pantry set up in our front hallway!
🏫 Spread the Word: School Tours Start in January!
Do you know a family that would LOVE Hammer Montessori? Tours for prospective families begin in January for those interested in joining via the lottery.
🗣 Please share this flyer:
👉 Hammer Tours Info
📅 Important Dates to Remember
• December Spirit Week – December 12–19
– Friday, Dec 12: Festive/Silly Sweater Day – Free Dress
– Monday, Dec 15: Cozy Sock Day – Uniforms
– Tuesday, Dec 16: Warm or Festive Headgear Day – Uniforms
– Wednesday, Dec 17: New Year Celebration Glamour Day – Free Dress
– Thursday, Dec 18: Two-Tone Thursday (Blue/White or Red/White) – Free Dress
– Friday, Dec 19: Pajama Day – Free Dress
• Korey the Dribbler Assembly (Grades 3–5) – Dec 16 @ 2:00pm
• San Jose Fire Truck Assembly (Grades K–2) – December 17
• Early Release Day – December 19 (1:00pm dismissal)
• New Year Recess – December 22–January 2 (No School)
• Hammer Montessori Foundation Meeting – January 6, 6:30–7:30pm
• School Site Council Meeting – January 9 @ 8:00am
• Principal Coffee with Mary Eschen – January 13 @ 9:15am
• 100th Day – January 22
• Galammer Science Night – January 23, 5:30–7:00pm
Thank you for being such a kind, generous, and engaged community. We are so proud to support Hammer alongside all of you. 💙
Warmly,
The Hammer Montessori Foundation