Find the original article & communication here from January 27, 2026
Hamilton Community Schools Shares Additional Information Regarding Temporary Relocation of the Class of 2031
As Hamilton Community Schools continues preparations for the 2026-27 school year, here is additional information regarding the temporary relocation of the Class of 2031 to Hamilton High School for their 8th grade year.
The move is necessary as Hamilton Middle School undergoes a major roof replacement project as part of the voter-approved 2023 bond program. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 and continue through August 2027. Due to the scope of the work, portions of the middle school building must be closed throughout the school year, making it impractical to safely house all grade levels in the building during construction.
While students will attend classes at Hamilton High School next year, Hamilton Community Schools would like to emphasize that every effort is being made to preserve the middle school experience students and families value.
What Families Can Expect
Transportation
Bus routes will remain unchanged. The only difference is that 8th grade students who ride the bus will be dropped off and picked up at Hamilton High School rather than Hamilton Middle School.
Lunch
To help maintain class identity and community, 8th grade students will have their own dedicated lunch period scheduled between the two high school lunch periods. Food Service Director Paul Keene and the district's food service team worked to create a schedule that allows students to have an exclusive 8th grade lunch experience.
Attendance and Office Procedures
Parents will continue reporting absences through the Hamilton Middle School office, just as they do currently. The middle school administrative office serving 8th grade students will be located in the high school media center area, helping maintain familiar communication channels for families.
Athletics and Clubs
Middle school athletics and extracurricular activities will continue to operate through Hamilton Middle School. Transportation will be available after school for students who need to travel from the high school to the middle school for practices, games, and events.
Cell Phones and Student Expectations
Current middle school student handbook procedures and cell phone expectations will remain in place for 8th grade students throughout the school year.
Academic Schedule
Although Hamilton High School operates on a trimester schedule, 8th grade students will continue following the middle school's semester grading system. Students will follow the high school's daily bell schedule while remaining enrolled in middle school coursework.
Additionally, the school day for 8th grade students will follow the Hamilton High School schedule, with classes running from 7:35 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. This differs from the traditional Hamilton Middle School schedule of 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Lockers and Student Community
All 8th grade students will have assigned lockers at the high school. Locker assignments and classrooms will be grouped together in a designated area to help maintain class unity and strengthen connections among students.
Student Support Services
Students will continue receiving support from middle school staff while also having access to high school resources. Students who become ill or are injured during the school day will report to the Hamilton High School front office, and additional communication systems will be in place to support staff working between both buildings.
Daily Communication
Middle school announcements and student information will continue to be shared daily with 8th grade students to ensure they remain connected to school activities and opportunities.
Student Transition Opportunities
To help students become familiar with the high school building, Hamilton High School hosted student walkthrough opportunities this spring for current 7th and 8th grade students. During the visits, current high school students guided middle school students through classrooms, common areas, and other important locations throughout the building before participating in a question-and-answer session.
In addition, 8th Grade Picture Day will be held on Tuesday, August 18, from 4:30-6:00 p.m. at Hamilton High School. Students and families will have the opportunity to pick up schedules, locate lockers and classrooms, become familiar with the building, and ask questions prior to the start of the school year.
Why the Relocation Is Necessary
The temporary move is directly tied to the extensive roof replacement project scheduled at Hamilton Middle School.
Professional evaluations determined that the current roof has reached the end of its lifespan and requires full replacement. The project will address multiple roof leaks, bring the structure into compliance with current snow-load safety standards, and replace portions of the roof system down to the deck board to ensure the building's long-term safety and stability.
After evaluating numerous alternatives—including portable classrooms, reconfiguring elementary grade levels, and utilizing other district facilities—district leaders determined that temporarily relocating 8th grade students to the high school was the safest, most practical, and most fiscally responsible solution.
The relocation will last for one school year only. Following completion of the roof project, 8th grade students will return to Hamilton Middle School for the 2027-28 school year, and normal grade configurations will resume.
Continuing Communication
Hamilton Community Schools recognizes that families may still have questions as plans continue to develop.
Additional information regarding schedules, procedures, and logistics will be shared throughout the summer and leading up to the start of the school year. Hamilton Community Schools remains committed to ensuring a safe, supportive, and successful experience for students throughout the transition while continuing to invest in facilities that will serve students for years to come.
Questions can be directed to Hamilton Middle School principal Liz Morehouse.
