🎉 This Week’s Update from the Hammer Montessori Foundation 🎉
Hello Hammer Families,
We are so excited to officially kick off one of our favorite events of the year…
👟 Walk-a-Thon 2026 – “We Are Better Together”
📅 April 24 | 🕒 3:15–5:00 PM | 📍 School Track
Our annual Walk-a-Thon is right around the corner, and this year’s theme is:
✨ “We Are Better Together” ✨
We asked our Hammer community to vote on this year’s student-designed T-shirt, and it was a very close race! We were blown away by the creativity and thoughtfulness of all the submissions.
🎉 We are excited to share our winning design!
Our other top designs will be featured as buttons given away to each student after they complete their laps!
🌍 More Than a Walk — A Celebration of Community
This year, the Walk-a-Thon is about more than just steps — it’s about celebrating our community, our heritage, and what makes each of us unique.
We’re inviting every family to participate in a special experience:
🎨 Create a “Culture Poster” to bring to the Walk-a-Thon!
These posters will be displayed along the walk route and carried by families to showcase what makes your background and story special.
What to include on your poster:
• “Better Together” written in your native or heritage language
• Fun facts — a favorite holiday, traditional food, or piece of history
• Visuals — flags, drawings, patterns, or meaningful images
• Music & dance — a song or tradition your family loves
💡 Why participate?
Because our community is a mosaic — every piece is different, but the picture is only complete when we stand side-by-side.
We cannot wait to see the creativity and pride our families bring to this event. 💙
🏫 Schools of Tomorrow Update
The Schools of Tomorrow process continues to move forward at the district level.
The Board of Education will hold a Special Session on March 21 at 9:00 AM to review the recommendation from the Schools of Tomorrow Implementation Committee (STIC). This meeting is for information, questions, and public comment — no decision will be made at this session.
The final vote is currently scheduled for March 26.
📌 Important details:
• Doors open at 8:30 AM for in-person attendance
• Public comment cards must be submitted by 10:00 AM
• Meetings will be livestreamed in English and Spanish
• Recordings will be available afterward
If approved, the anticipated timeline includes:
• March 27 – Families notified of changes
• April 17 – Deadline for transfer requests
• May 1 – Final school assignments shared
We know this process brings a lot of questions and emotions. We encourage families to stay informed, attend meetings if possible, and continue to engage thoughtfully.
📧 Questions or feedback: schoolsoftomorrow@sjusd.org
🌎 Multicultural Night – Rescheduled
📅 April 2 | 5:00–7:00 PM
We are excited to host our Galammer Multicultural Night on its new date!
This is a wonderful opportunity for families to represent cultures and countries from around the world. Come enjoy a trip around the world right here at school!
👉 Sign up here:
https://tinyurl.com/GalammerMulticultural
📸 Spring Picture Day – March 23
Don’t forget!
📅 Monday, March 23 (Free Dress)
📷 Order at: mylifetouch.com
🆔 Picture Day ID: EVT7R8CPW
💸 Use code S26SPRING for 20% off orders over $34.99
🎨 After-School Enrichment Opportunities
Looking for fun and enriching activities for your child?
👉 Learn more and register here:
https://tinyurl.com/hammerafter-school
👕 Still Need a Hammer Shirt?
Show your Hammer pride and support our school!
👉 T-Shirt Order Link HERE
📅 Important Dates
• SSC Meeting – March 20, 8:00–9:00 AM
• Spring Picture Day – March 23 (Free Dress)
• Walk n Roll to School – March 27 @ 8:35 AM
• Spirit Day – Silly Hair/Hat Day – March 27
• Spring Hammer Band Concert – April 1
• Assembly – 2:40 PM
• Concert – 5:00 PM
• Multicultural Night – April 2, 5:00–7:00 PM
• Science Camp Orientation – April 3 @ 2:40 PM
• State Testing – April 14 – May 1
• HMF Meeting – April 14 @ 6:30 PM
• 5th Grade Science Camp – April 14–17
• Hammer Open House – April 21, 5:00–6:10 PM
• Walk-a-Thon – April 24, 3:15–5:00 PM
• HMF Meeting – May 5 @ 6:30 PM
Thank you for continuing to show up, support one another, and make Hammer such a strong, connected, and joyful community.
💙 The Hammer Montessori Foundation