We're sorry for interrupting your summer with information about the 2026-27 school year already but we want you to be in the know!
Save the dates for the 2026-27 open houses/orientations!
All of this information can be found on our '2026-27 Things to Know' web page: https://www.hamiltonschools.us/for-parents/things-to-know-2026-27/
Save the dates for the 2026-27 open houses/orientations!
All of this information can be found on our '2026-27 Things to Know' web page: https://www.hamiltonschools.us/for-parents/things-to-know-2026-27/
Please join us in welcoming Kyle Howe to the Hawkeye Family!
Kyle joins Hamilton High School as a math teacher, bringing five years of experience teaching high school mathematics in Missouri and Florida. After recently moving to West Michigan with his wife, Kyle was drawn to Hamilton’s close-knit community and found exactly that in Hamilton!
We are excited to have you here, Kyle!
Kyle joins Hamilton High School as a math teacher, bringing five years of experience teaching high school mathematics in Missouri and Florida. After recently moving to West Michigan with his wife, Kyle was drawn to Hamilton’s close-knit community and found exactly that in Hamilton!
We are excited to have you here, Kyle!
Here are your important dates for the 2026-27 school year!
As you may remember, Hamilton High School conducted a prescribed burn near the high school pond on March 18, 2025.
Now, 16 months later, the area is thriving as dormant seeds have germinated and new plant life has emerged.
“From our first controlled burn about 10 years ago, which included planting wildflowers, to our latest burn in 2025, we are now seeing a healthier ecosystem near the high school pond,” Mr. Hickok said.
It’s exciting to see the long-term benefits of this work and the natural beauty continuing to grow right here on campus! 🌼🌿
Now, 16 months later, the area is thriving as dormant seeds have germinated and new plant life has emerged.
“From our first controlled burn about 10 years ago, which included planting wildflowers, to our latest burn in 2025, we are now seeing a healthier ecosystem near the high school pond,” Mr. Hickok said.
It’s exciting to see the long-term benefits of this work and the natural beauty continuing to grow right here on campus! 🌼🌿
Please join us in welcoming Addison Hoekstra to Hamilton Community Schools!
Addison joins Hamilton High School as our new Physical Education and Health teacher and is excited to be part of the Hawkeye Family.
She is passionate about helping students build healthy habits through physical activity and health education while creating a positive environment where every student can grow and succeed.
Welcome to Hamilton, Addison! We're excited to have you on our team!
Addison joins Hamilton High School as our new Physical Education and Health teacher and is excited to be part of the Hawkeye Family.
She is passionate about helping students build healthy habits through physical activity and health education while creating a positive environment where every student can grow and succeed.
Welcome to Hamilton, Addison! We're excited to have you on our team!
Introducing the new main office secretary at Hamilton High School: Celeste Barclay!
She is excited to move to Michigan and closer to family after working in the ticket office for the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA!
Please join us in welcoming Celeste to the Hawkeye Family.
She is excited to move to Michigan and closer to family after working in the ticket office for the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA!
Please join us in welcoming Celeste to the Hawkeye Family.
A Hamilton High School Class of 2026 graduate is coming back to work for HCS!
Please join us in welcoming Brandy Peck as a new Special Education Paraprofessional at Hamilton Elementary!
Brandy is excited to begin her career serving students in the district that helped shape her. We are thrilled to have another Hawkeye returning to make a difference in the lives of our students.
Welcome to the team, Brandy!
Please join us in welcoming Brandy Peck as a new Special Education Paraprofessional at Hamilton Elementary!
Brandy is excited to begin her career serving students in the district that helped shape her. We are thrilled to have another Hawkeye returning to make a difference in the lives of our students.
Welcome to the team, Brandy!
Before students fill the hallways and classrooms once again, our custodial team is hard at work behind the scenes getting ready for another great year.
While our buildings may be quiet during the summer, there's nothing quiet about the work being done inside. From moving furniture around classrooms and deep cleaning every space to sanitizing shelves, lockers, desks, and high-touch surfaces, shampooing carpets, waxing floors, and tackling countless other projects, our custodial staff is putting in long hours to prepare our schools for students and staff.
Their dedication often happens when no one is watching, but the impact of their work is felt by everyone who walks through our doors.
Thank you to our incredible custodial team for your pride, professionalism, and commitment to providing clean, safe, and welcoming schools. We truly have the best and we couldn't do it without you!
While our buildings may be quiet during the summer, there's nothing quiet about the work being done inside. From moving furniture around classrooms and deep cleaning every space to sanitizing shelves, lockers, desks, and high-touch surfaces, shampooing carpets, waxing floors, and tackling countless other projects, our custodial staff is putting in long hours to prepare our schools for students and staff.
Their dedication often happens when no one is watching, but the impact of their work is felt by everyone who walks through our doors.
Thank you to our incredible custodial team for your pride, professionalism, and commitment to providing clean, safe, and welcoming schools. We truly have the best and we couldn't do it without you!
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.
Please join us in welcoming Lucas Pedersen to the Hamilton as a new counselor at Hamilton High School!
Lucas will serve students with last names H–Q, helping support them throughout their high school journey both academically and personally.
We're excited to have Lucas on our team and look forward to the positive impact he'll make for our students and families.
Lucas will serve students with last names H–Q, helping support them throughout their high school journey both academically and personally.
We're excited to have Lucas on our team and look forward to the positive impact he'll make for our students and families.
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!
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!
