Please join us in welcoming the newest member of the Hawkeye Family! 🖤💛
Hamilton Community Schools is excited to welcome Cailey Kiekintveld as our new Secondary Speech & Language Pathologist!
A Holland native and recent graduate of Calvin University with her master's degree in speech-language pathology, Cailey is passionate about helping students grow in their communication skills and preparing them for success in the classroom and beyond.
We're excited to have her supporting our middle and high school students! Welcome to Hamilton, Cailey!
Hamilton Community Schools is excited to welcome Cailey Kiekintveld as our new Secondary Speech & Language Pathologist!
A Holland native and recent graduate of Calvin University with her master's degree in speech-language pathology, Cailey is passionate about helping students grow in their communication skills and preparing them for success in the classroom and beyond.
We're excited to have her supporting our middle and high school students! Welcome to Hamilton, Cailey!
Learning didn't stop when the school year ended for 15 Hamilton High School students.
Instead, they traded traditional classrooms for local workplaces as part of Hamilton Community Schools' Summer Project-Based Learning (PBL) Program, spending a week collaborating with Big Dutchman, Metal Flow, and West Michigan Regional Airport to solve real challenges facing each organization.
Unlike many classroom projects, the work students completed had a direct connection to the needs of local employers.
"One of the most valuable aspects of the Hamilton Summer PBL Program is that students are not working on hypothetical projects—they are addressing real business needs," Experiential/Work Based Learning Coordinator Ashley Meyer said. "In just one week, students immerse themselves in a professional environment, apply design thinking strategies, and present innovative solutions that create value for our community partners."
Working alongside business professionals, students researched each company, analyzed workplace challenges, developed potential solutions, and concluded the week by presenting their ideas to business leaders.
The experience also allowed students to earn credit toward a Work Based Learning graduation requirement while gaining firsthand exposure to professional environments and career opportunities.
"The Summer PBL Program is a unique opportunity for students to earn credit toward a Work Based Learning graduation requirement while stepping outside the classroom and into a real business environment," Meyer said. "Throughout the week, students collaborate with their peers and business professionals to solve authentic workplace challenges using the design thinking process. Along the way, they develop valuable skills in collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and problem solving—all while having fun, enjoying lunch with their teams, and gaining a deeper understanding of how local businesses operate."
Beyond the projects themselves, the program helps students strengthen employability skills, build professional connections, and explore future career pathways through meaningful partnerships with local industries. The week-long experience demonstrates Hamilton Community Schools' continued commitment to preparing students not only for graduation, but for success in college, careers, and life.
Hamilton Community Schools extends its appreciation to Big Dutchman, Metal Flow, and West Michigan Regional Airport for investing in our students and helping provide authentic learning experiences that make a lasting impact.
Instead, they traded traditional classrooms for local workplaces as part of Hamilton Community Schools' Summer Project-Based Learning (PBL) Program, spending a week collaborating with Big Dutchman, Metal Flow, and West Michigan Regional Airport to solve real challenges facing each organization.
Unlike many classroom projects, the work students completed had a direct connection to the needs of local employers.
"One of the most valuable aspects of the Hamilton Summer PBL Program is that students are not working on hypothetical projects—they are addressing real business needs," Experiential/Work Based Learning Coordinator Ashley Meyer said. "In just one week, students immerse themselves in a professional environment, apply design thinking strategies, and present innovative solutions that create value for our community partners."
Working alongside business professionals, students researched each company, analyzed workplace challenges, developed potential solutions, and concluded the week by presenting their ideas to business leaders.
The experience also allowed students to earn credit toward a Work Based Learning graduation requirement while gaining firsthand exposure to professional environments and career opportunities.
"The Summer PBL Program is a unique opportunity for students to earn credit toward a Work Based Learning graduation requirement while stepping outside the classroom and into a real business environment," Meyer said. "Throughout the week, students collaborate with their peers and business professionals to solve authentic workplace challenges using the design thinking process. Along the way, they develop valuable skills in collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and problem solving—all while having fun, enjoying lunch with their teams, and gaining a deeper understanding of how local businesses operate."
Beyond the projects themselves, the program helps students strengthen employability skills, build professional connections, and explore future career pathways through meaningful partnerships with local industries. The week-long experience demonstrates Hamilton Community Schools' continued commitment to preparing students not only for graduation, but for success in college, careers, and life.
Hamilton Community Schools extends its appreciation to Big Dutchman, Metal Flow, and West Michigan Regional Airport for investing in our students and helping provide authentic learning experiences that make a lasting impact.
It was great seeing the Hamilton football team back on the field today for 7-on-7 competition today against Holland!
A beautiful day to compete, improve, and continue building toward the fall season. The work being put in this summer will pay dividends when Friday nights arrive!
Go Hawkeyes!
A beautiful day to compete, improve, and continue building toward the fall season. The work being put in this summer will pay dividends when Friday nights arrive!
Go Hawkeyes!
A Familiar Face in a New Role!
Hamilton Community Schools is excited to introduce Abby Ekkens as a new counselor at Hamilton High School.
For many in the Hawkeye community, Abby needs little introduction. After 20 years in the classroom, she has made a lasting impact on countless students and families through her dedication, compassion, and commitment to helping every student succeed.
Now, she's beginning an exciting new chapter as a school counselor, where she'll continue supporting students in a different but equally meaningful way.
Abby's deep connection to Hamilton, combined with her years of experience building relationships with students and families, makes her a wonderful addition to the counseling team at Hamilton High School.
Please join us in congratulating Abby on this new role and wishing her the very best as she continues making a difference for our students!
Hamilton Community Schools is excited to introduce Abby Ekkens as a new counselor at Hamilton High School.
For many in the Hawkeye community, Abby needs little introduction. After 20 years in the classroom, she has made a lasting impact on countless students and families through her dedication, compassion, and commitment to helping every student succeed.
Now, she's beginning an exciting new chapter as a school counselor, where she'll continue supporting students in a different but equally meaningful way.
Abby's deep connection to Hamilton, combined with her years of experience building relationships with students and families, makes her a wonderful addition to the counseling team at Hamilton High School.
Please join us in congratulating Abby on this new role and wishing her the very best as she continues making a difference for our students!
Welcome to Hamilton, Mr. Bouvier!
We are so excited to welcome Rich Bouvier as the new Dean of Students at Hamilton High School for the 2026-27 school year.
Mr. Bouvier joins Hamilton Community Schools after 15 years at Zeeland Public Schools where he served as the Dean of Students at Zeeland West High School.
Please join us in giving Mr. Bouvier a warm Hawkeye welcome!
We are so excited to welcome Rich Bouvier as the new Dean of Students at Hamilton High School for the 2026-27 school year.
Mr. Bouvier joins Hamilton Community Schools after 15 years at Zeeland Public Schools where he served as the Dean of Students at Zeeland West High School.
Please join us in giving Mr. Bouvier a warm Hawkeye welcome!
Please help us welcome Alison Burns to the Hawkeye Family!
Alison joins Hamilton Community Schools as the Hamilton Virtual School Secretary, bringing a passion for supporting students, families, and staff. She was drawn to Hamilton because of its strong sense of community and commitment to putting students first—values that make our district such a special place to learn and work.
We're excited to have Alison on our team and look forward to the impact she'll make in supporting our Hamilton Virtual School students and families. Welcome to Hamilton, Alison!
Alison joins Hamilton Community Schools as the Hamilton Virtual School Secretary, bringing a passion for supporting students, families, and staff. She was drawn to Hamilton because of its strong sense of community and commitment to putting students first—values that make our district such a special place to learn and work.
We're excited to have Alison on our team and look forward to the impact she'll make in supporting our Hamilton Virtual School students and families. Welcome to Hamilton, Alison!
The biggest community event of the fall is back!
Join us on Friday, September 18, 2026, for the 6th Annual Hawkeye Hometown Tailgate from 4:30–7:00 PM at Hamilton Middle School and Cultivate Community Church. This year's event has been extended by an extra 30 minutes to give families even more time to enjoy all the fun!
As always, admission and activities are completely FREE and will include:
🍔 Great food
⛳ Mini golf
🐐 Petting zoo
🎸 Live family-friendly cover band
🔫 Laser tag
🧗 Rock climbing walls
🎨 Face painting
🎭 Street performers
🎤 Performances from our vocal music students
🥁 A special march and performance by the Hamilton High School Marching Band
Then stick around as the Hamilton Hawkeyes take on Spring Lake in varsity football action at 7:00 PM!
The Hawkeye Hometown Tailgate continues to be one of the largest community gatherings in Hamilton, bringing together thousands of students, families, staff, alumni, and community members for an evening of fun and Hawkeye pride.
While all activities remain free for families, the event is only possible through the generous support of our local business partners. Hawkeye Hometown Series sponsorship information will be mailed to area businesses in the coming weeks. We hope you'll consider joining us in making this incredible community tradition possible.
Mark your calendars now — September 18, 2026!
Join us on Friday, September 18, 2026, for the 6th Annual Hawkeye Hometown Tailgate from 4:30–7:00 PM at Hamilton Middle School and Cultivate Community Church. This year's event has been extended by an extra 30 minutes to give families even more time to enjoy all the fun!
As always, admission and activities are completely FREE and will include:
🍔 Great food
⛳ Mini golf
🐐 Petting zoo
🎸 Live family-friendly cover band
🔫 Laser tag
🧗 Rock climbing walls
🎨 Face painting
🎭 Street performers
🎤 Performances from our vocal music students
🥁 A special march and performance by the Hamilton High School Marching Band
Then stick around as the Hamilton Hawkeyes take on Spring Lake in varsity football action at 7:00 PM!
The Hawkeye Hometown Tailgate continues to be one of the largest community gatherings in Hamilton, bringing together thousands of students, families, staff, alumni, and community members for an evening of fun and Hawkeye pride.
While all activities remain free for families, the event is only possible through the generous support of our local business partners. Hawkeye Hometown Series sponsorship information will be mailed to area businesses in the coming weeks. We hope you'll consider joining us in making this incredible community tradition possible.
Mark your calendars now — September 18, 2026!
Welcome to Hamilton, Paige Mokma!
We're excited to welcome Paige Mokma to Hamilton Community Schools as a Math Teacher at Hamilton Middle School for the 2026-27 school year!
Paige is excited to join Hamilton because of the district's strong sense of community and commitment to building meaningful relationships with students. As a new Hamilton resident, she and her family are excited to become part of the community both inside and outside the classroom.
A few fun facts about Paige:
➕ Her favorite holiday is Pi Day
📚 She has taught Geometry, Precalculus, AP Calculus, and Physics
🐱 She has a cat named Leonardo Di-Cat-Rio
Please join us in welcoming her and her family to the Hawkeye Family!
We're excited to welcome Paige Mokma to Hamilton Community Schools as a Math Teacher at Hamilton Middle School for the 2026-27 school year!
Paige is excited to join Hamilton because of the district's strong sense of community and commitment to building meaningful relationships with students. As a new Hamilton resident, she and her family are excited to become part of the community both inside and outside the classroom.
A few fun facts about Paige:
➕ Her favorite holiday is Pi Day
📚 She has taught Geometry, Precalculus, AP Calculus, and Physics
🐱 She has a cat named Leonardo Di-Cat-Rio
Please join us in welcoming her and her family to the Hawkeye Family!
Help us welcome John Arlt to Hamilton Community Schools!
John will serve as our new Food Service Supervisor, taking over leadership of the district's food service program following the retirement of Paul Keene on August 31.
A Michigan native from Mount Pleasant, John brings a wealth of experience in school and university food service, including leadership roles at Purdue University, West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science, and Grand Valley State University.
"I am very excited to be a Hawkeye and look forward to a great school year!"
Please join us in giving John a warm Hamilton welcome!
John will serve as our new Food Service Supervisor, taking over leadership of the district's food service program following the retirement of Paul Keene on August 31.
A Michigan native from Mount Pleasant, John brings a wealth of experience in school and university food service, including leadership roles at Purdue University, West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science, and Grand Valley State University.
"I am very excited to be a Hawkeye and look forward to a great school year!"
Please join us in giving John a warm Hamilton welcome!
