REMINDER: There is NO SCHOOL this Thursday, October 22 or Friday, October 23!

Find the full school calendar on our website: https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/6171/Hcs/48ed6a77-fc85-4ea5-af10-f8c22570408d/Downloadable-2026-27-School-Calendar.pdf?disposition=inline

A beautiful sunrise over the countryside at Blue Star Elementary School. It’s another great morning in Hawkeye Country!
Thank you, Mrs. Scholten for sending this over!

October is Principal Appreciation Month, and we’re grateful for the leaders who support students, staff and families across Hamilton Community Schools.

Thank you for the care, commitment and leadership you bring to our school community every day!

Front row, from left: Dean Kramer, Hamilton Elementary; Mary Wilkinson, Hamilton Virtual School; and Dr. Kari Huckaby, Blue Star Elementary.

Back row, from left: David Sheppard, assistant principal at Hamilton High School; Mitch Bosch, Hamilton High School; Jared Randall, Bentheim Elementary; Liz Morehouse, Hamilton Middle School; and Sean Deiters, assistant principal at Hamilton Middle School.

There's nothing like a visit to an elementary school before a big game!

The Hamilton varsity football team stopped by Blue Star Elementary School on Friday for a special "Hero Walk!" Fourth-grade student Henry helped lead the excitement by introducing the players over the PA system as students cheered them on!

What a great way to bring our Hawkeyes together before Friday night football!

View the video of the visit on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHvj5afdx0w

Let's Go, Hawkeyes!

A little rain couldn’t dampen their curiosity!

All fourth graders in the district took their learning beyond the classroom Wednesday with a visit to ArtPrize and the Grand Rapids Public Museum!

The trip brought their new curriculum to life as students explored how artists use creativity to express themselves, share ideas, and help us see the world in new ways. At ArtPrize, they asked questions, shared observations, and considered the stories behind the artwork. At the museum, they continued making connections through exhibits filled with history, creativity, and discovery.

A wonderful day of exploring, wondering, and seeing learning come to life!

Hamilton’s Got Talent is back—and it’s your time to shine!

Registration is open for our 2026 Hamilton’s Got Talent fundraiser supporting Hamilton Vocal Music! Have a talent you’d love to share? Sign up to audition and show us what you’ve got! 🎤✨

⭐ Auditions: October 10
⭐ Top 20 Finals: October 17 at 7 p.m. in the Hamilton High School Auditorium

Ready to take the stage? Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyjBSmxO47P1g6AlsDv5ncyKCmlL8i1M1zf0QGB4MqJcy3ug/viewform

Come share your talent and help support vocal music in Hamilton!

Hot dog day calls for the proper attire!

Our Blue Star Elementary School Nutrition Services team was dressed for the occasion today — ketchup, mustard and relish!

We love the fun that this group brings every day!

Find our food service menus here: https://www.hamiltonschools.us/page/nutritional-services

There’s nothing like bringing all of our teachers together to learn and grow!

Friday’s first professional development day of the school year was a success, giving our teachers time to connect, collaborate, and share ideas to support our youngest Hawkeyes. Here are photos of our Young 5s-4th Grade staff working together!

Thank you to our teachers for the care and energy you bring to our classrooms every day!

“A little sun, a little shower, a little seed for me to sow…”

It’s a familiar song at Blue Star Elementary, but this summer, it traveled thousands of miles away!

View the YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEADd4z0QbM

First grade teacher Mrs. Vruggink brought the song with her during a mission trip to Kenya, where she had the opportunity to sing it with students there. During Blue Star’s first assembly of the school year on Friday, she shared stories from her trip — including the special moment of students in Kenya singing the same song our Blue Star students know so well.

Mrs. Vruggink also shared an important message about gratitude. Many of the students she met don’t have access to the books, technology and other resources that can be easy for us to take for granted each day.

It was a heartwarming reminder that something as simple as a song can connect students from opposite sides of the world — and that there is so much to be thankful for right here in Hamilton.

Read more about Mrs. Vruggink's trip: https://www.hamiltonschools.us/article/3021379

Reminder: There is NO SCHOOL for students this Friday, September 18, 2026! However, we hope to see you at the Sixth Annual Hawkeye Hometown Tailgate from 4:30-7:00 PM! All are welcome.

REMINDER: There is NO SCHOOL on Friday, September 4 and Monday, September 7!

Taking a look back at the Blue Star Elementary School Open House!

There were plenty of smiles from students, staff and families as everyone prepared for another great school year. The excitement was evident, and Blue Star is already off to a fantastic start!

Thank you to Baylee Arendsen for providing these fantastic photos!

For 24 years, Food Service Director Paul Keene drove an hour each way to serve Hamilton Community Schools. Today, he made that drive for the final time as he heads into retirement!

Paul, thank you for your dedication and everything you have done for our students, staff and district. We wish you all the best in this well-earned next chapter!

Blue Star Elementary School is back at it!

The first day of school was filled with hugs, excitement, big smiles and new beginnings. We’re so happy to have our students and staff back together for another great year! Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more Blue Star photos tomorrow at noon!

It’s so good to be back! 🖤💛

Our 2026-27 All-Staff Welcome Back was filled with smiles, laughter, reconnections and, of course, a few decent jokes from Dr. Lusk!

It was the perfect way to begin a full day of learning and preparation as we get ready to welcome our students back on Wednesday. We can’t wait!

Find the district calendar on our website: https://www.hamiltonschools.us/documents/our-district/school-calendar/28191670

Exciting news! The Hawkeye Hometown Community Series has received a record-breaking number of donations and sponsorships this year!

We are incredibly grateful for the businesses and community members who make these events possible. Now, get ready for the first of four community events—the Sixth Annual Hawkeye Hometown Tailgate!

📅 Friday, September 18
⏰ 4:30–7:00 PM

Other Hawkeye Hometown Series Events:
- Victory Day: Saturday, September 26 | 3:00 PM
- Academics, Basketball, Community Night: Friday, February 5
- Outdoor Movie Night: To Be Determined (Spring)

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! 🖤💛

We were excited to welcome our newest staff members to Hamilton Community Schools during New Staff Orientation today! They toured the district, participated in training sessions, connected with their new colleagues, and learned more about what makes Hamilton such a special place.

They come to us with different backgrounds, experiences, and roles, but they already share two important things: a love for kids and a love for Hamilton.

We’re grateful to have them on our team and can’t wait to see the difference they make for our students in the year ahead!

We're thrilled to announce the new Hamilton Community Schools app! It's everything Hamilton, in your pocket. Stay up-to-date on district happenings, school calendars, upcoming events, and so much more right on your phone.

Download it and enable notifications today! 👇📱

Download for Android https://aptg.co/pcM54-


Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/TXrHkB

No hairnets or aprons needed for this photo! 📸

Our Food Service team is spending a lot of time training and preparing to welcome students back for the new school year. Their work plays an important role in keeping our students fueled, cared for and ready to learn each day.

We’re grateful for this dedicated team and can’t wait to see them back in our school kitchens soon! 🖤💛