Community Partnerships
School Active in Community
School Active in Community
2017-2018 RAK Club Collects Gloves
(Participants: All students, staff, and community)
RAK: Random Acts of Kindness Club
In the winter of 2017-18 the 4th grade RAK Club announced they were collecting gently used gloves to give to people in need. Fifty-four pairs of gently used gloves were donated along with over 100 new pair. The community really united to bring in over 150 pairs of gloves. Gloves were donated to the local community and to Mt. Claire Christian School in Baltimore. What a "hands on" way to help the environment and the community.
(Participants: All students, staff, and community)
RAK: Random Acts of Kindness Club
In the winter of 2017-18 the 4th grade RAK Club announced they were collecting gently used gloves to give to people in need. Fifty-four pairs of gently used gloves were donated along with over 100 new pair. The community really united to bring in over 150 pairs of gloves. Gloves were donated to the local community and to Mt. Claire Christian School in Baltimore. What a "hands on" way to help the environment and the community.
TROUT IN THE CLASSROOM
(2007-2019) All 4th Grade Students 7 Staff Members
On Thursday, April 9th, 2019 the fourth grade students are excited to meet after school at a Middle Patuxent River to release the trout they have been raising for months. The community will be invited to participate in stations and to welcome these new trout to their local streams. Trout in the Classroom is an environmental education program in which students raise trout from eggs to fry, monitor tank water quality, engage in stream habitat study, begin to foster a conservation ethic, and grow to understand ecosystems. Everyday at recess a different group of fourth graders meets at the tank to do their daily chores. They keep a detailed journal of what is happening each day. Students in grades k-5 pass the tank on a daily basis and observe the trout. The morning announcement crew shows video of the trout up until the time they are released. Students look forward to the day when they will be in fourth grade and get to care for the trout. Every April, students release their trout into the Middle Patuxent River. This program has been active in HES since 2007 and is run by Mrs. Sharon Meyer and Ms. Rachel Lee.
(2007-2019) All 4th Grade Students 7 Staff Members
On Thursday, April 9th, 2019 the fourth grade students are excited to meet after school at a Middle Patuxent River to release the trout they have been raising for months. The community will be invited to participate in stations and to welcome these new trout to their local streams. Trout in the Classroom is an environmental education program in which students raise trout from eggs to fry, monitor tank water quality, engage in stream habitat study, begin to foster a conservation ethic, and grow to understand ecosystems. Everyday at recess a different group of fourth graders meets at the tank to do their daily chores. They keep a detailed journal of what is happening each day. Students in grades k-5 pass the tank on a daily basis and observe the trout. The morning announcement crew shows video of the trout up until the time they are released. Students look forward to the day when they will be in fourth grade and get to care for the trout. Every April, students release their trout into the Middle Patuxent River. This program has been active in HES since 2007 and is run by Mrs. Sharon Meyer and Ms. Rachel Lee.
Shoe Drive
2017-2019
Participants: 50 HES students, staff, and community
Third grade students enjoyed a unit reading Cinderella stories from around the world. They discussed and compared cultures and traditions from around the world. Then, each student, chose his/her own country, researched traditions and culture, and wrote a Cinderella story. Towards the end of this unit the students became passionate about having a shoe collection at HES for gently used or new shoes. All shoes collected were delivered to Grace Church to give to people in need. What a great way to reduce waste and serve the community. Now that's putting your heart into your writing. A shoe drive is now an annual event during the Cinderella Unit.
2017-2019
Participants: 50 HES students, staff, and community
Third grade students enjoyed a unit reading Cinderella stories from around the world. They discussed and compared cultures and traditions from around the world. Then, each student, chose his/her own country, researched traditions and culture, and wrote a Cinderella story. Towards the end of this unit the students became passionate about having a shoe collection at HES for gently used or new shoes. All shoes collected were delivered to Grace Church to give to people in need. What a great way to reduce waste and serve the community. Now that's putting your heart into your writing. A shoe drive is now an annual event during the Cinderella Unit.
Planet Aid (2012-2019)
HES Community
Planet Aid collects used clothes, shoes, books, and toys and uses the proceeds from selling the donated items to fund development projects in Africa and Asia. The Hammond community decided to donate their used clothing and shoes to an organization that helps people in need in many countries around the world.
The process is simple for the community. Planet Aid dropped off a large deposit box on the school grounds and the HES community fills the box with used items. Planet Aid drivers maintain and empty the boxes. The donations are taken to their warehouse where they are sorted and packed in bales or bags. The clothes are shipped in bulk to people all over the world.
Planet Aid Website
The process is simple for the community. Planet Aid dropped off a large deposit box on the school grounds and the HES community fills the box with used items. Planet Aid drivers maintain and empty the boxes. The donations are taken to their warehouse where they are sorted and packed in bales or bags. The clothes are shipped in bulk to people all over the world.
Planet Aid Website
Enrichment Fair (Every Year)
The community is invited every year to attend the HES Enrichment Fair which gives students the opportunity to present and educate about "Green Initiatives." Students set up stations and speak to small groups of adults and students during the evening about recycling, weather, watershed, vermicomposting, river studies, life cycles, and gardening.
The community is invited every year to attend the HES Enrichment Fair which gives students the opportunity to present and educate about "Green Initiatives." Students set up stations and speak to small groups of adults and students during the evening about recycling, weather, watershed, vermicomposting, river studies, life cycles, and gardening.
Community Partnerships
Community Active in the School
Department of Natural Resources: Trout in the Classroom
2004-2019
Trout Unlimited’s “Trout in the Classroom” program is a nationwide program designed to connect students with their watersheds. Students in grade 4 raise trout from eggs to fingerlings and then release them into the Patapsco River, a state-approved cold water stream.
The Maryland “Trout in the Classroom” program has developed a partnership between the Potomac-Patuxent Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Department of Natural Resources. DNR’s Aquatic Resource Education (ARE) Program has provided background information on several trout species, as well as lesson plans correlated to the Maryland State Curriculum and Environmental Literacy standards.
Ms. Lee leads up this program and works with every 4th grade student at HES. Brian Sirotkin, and employee of Trout in the Classroom, in-serviced our 4th grade teachers and led the release of trout in a local stream leading to the Middle Patapsco River. Each day, students test for the presence of nitrites, ammonia, GH (general hardness), KH (carbonate hardness), and the levels of pH. A journal is kept by students documenting this data and when levels are not at an accurate range, changes are made to the tank. On the day of the release, students and their families meet at the stream and celebrate the release of the trout. A park ranger sets up stations teaching the families about macro-invertebrates and casting, and leads the group on a nature walk. What an exciting way for the trout to enter this world!
2004-2019
Trout Unlimited’s “Trout in the Classroom” program is a nationwide program designed to connect students with their watersheds. Students in grade 4 raise trout from eggs to fingerlings and then release them into the Patapsco River, a state-approved cold water stream.
The Maryland “Trout in the Classroom” program has developed a partnership between the Potomac-Patuxent Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Department of Natural Resources. DNR’s Aquatic Resource Education (ARE) Program has provided background information on several trout species, as well as lesson plans correlated to the Maryland State Curriculum and Environmental Literacy standards.
Ms. Lee leads up this program and works with every 4th grade student at HES. Brian Sirotkin, and employee of Trout in the Classroom, in-serviced our 4th grade teachers and led the release of trout in a local stream leading to the Middle Patapsco River. Each day, students test for the presence of nitrites, ammonia, GH (general hardness), KH (carbonate hardness), and the levels of pH. A journal is kept by students documenting this data and when levels are not at an accurate range, changes are made to the tank. On the day of the release, students and their families meet at the stream and celebrate the release of the trout. A park ranger sets up stations teaching the families about macro-invertebrates and casting, and leads the group on a nature walk. What an exciting way for the trout to enter this world!
Mosaic Artist: Ali Mirsky
2017-2018
Hammond Elementary School was pleased to welcome mosaic artist Ali Mirsky http://alimirskymosaics.com/portfolio/ for a 2-week residency that began Monday, March 12th, 2018. Ms. Mirsky is an international mosaic artist experienced in creating mosaic murals in school settings all over the Delaware-Maryland-Virginia region. This mosaic project was funded by PTA dollars, a grant from the Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) https://www.hocoarts.org, and classroom support from the HES Art department.
The mosaic features the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem as its theme. It is 5 x 25 feet in size when it is attached to a long brick wall leading to our gymnasium. Sarah Ross and Heidi White, the HES art teachers, worked closely with Ms. Mirsky to plan and produce various elements going into the mosaic. The mosaic depicts a scene of swirling water, fish, oysters and grasses composed of painted ceramic pieces, glass and mirror.
Ms. Mirsky was onsite at HES for 2 weeks from 9:15 -12:15. She worked with 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students in the art room during their regularly scheduled art class to assemble the ceramic, glass, and mirror pieces. Students in Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade made ceramic pieces for the mural.
All staff members were welcome to stop by the art room while Ali Mirsky, the students, and parent volunteers worked on the mosaic.
Teachers were given lessons to complement the mosaic project. Mrs. Sarah Fahrendorf is PTA parent and was the mosaic coordinator. Thank you Mrs. Fahrendorf!
2017-2018
Hammond Elementary School was pleased to welcome mosaic artist Ali Mirsky http://alimirskymosaics.com/portfolio/ for a 2-week residency that began Monday, March 12th, 2018. Ms. Mirsky is an international mosaic artist experienced in creating mosaic murals in school settings all over the Delaware-Maryland-Virginia region. This mosaic project was funded by PTA dollars, a grant from the Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) https://www.hocoarts.org, and classroom support from the HES Art department.
The mosaic features the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem as its theme. It is 5 x 25 feet in size when it is attached to a long brick wall leading to our gymnasium. Sarah Ross and Heidi White, the HES art teachers, worked closely with Ms. Mirsky to plan and produce various elements going into the mosaic. The mosaic depicts a scene of swirling water, fish, oysters and grasses composed of painted ceramic pieces, glass and mirror.
Ms. Mirsky was onsite at HES for 2 weeks from 9:15 -12:15. She worked with 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students in the art room during their regularly scheduled art class to assemble the ceramic, glass, and mirror pieces. Students in Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade made ceramic pieces for the mural.
All staff members were welcome to stop by the art room while Ali Mirsky, the students, and parent volunteers worked on the mosaic.
Teachers were given lessons to complement the mosaic project. Mrs. Sarah Fahrendorf is PTA parent and was the mosaic coordinator. Thank you Mrs. Fahrendorf!
Home Depot Partnership
2017-2018
HES worked with the PTA and Lowes to have a fence built around the garden! For several years the students had to keep tarps over the plants to keep deer and other local wildlife from eating the plants. Now the tarps are no longer necessary and the garden is enclosed, yet visible, for everyone to see. Thank you for partnering with HES Lowes, your support makes it possible for us to learn how to grow, care for, and harvest our own vegetables.
2017-2018
HES worked with the PTA and Lowes to have a fence built around the garden! For several years the students had to keep tarps over the plants to keep deer and other local wildlife from eating the plants. Now the tarps are no longer necessary and the garden is enclosed, yet visible, for everyone to see. Thank you for partnering with HES Lowes, your support makes it possible for us to learn how to grow, care for, and harvest our own vegetables.
Master Gardeners: Howard County Maryland
Monarch Butterflies and Becoming a Citizen Scientist
Carolyn Cradler
2016-2019
This program follows the life cycle of monarch butterflies from their hatching from an egg, through their caterpillar stages, chrysalises, and finally adult butterflies. Special attention is given to the generation of monarchs that hatch in the late summer and then embark on their perilous journeys all the way to Mexico. Flying hundreds of miles, they are faced with numerous dangers, and even when they reach their destination in the mountainous forests of Mexico, their fight for survival is never over. The program then follows the survivors as they and new generations of monarchs return north. Suggestions are made how we can help reverse the decline of this magnificent insect. Mrs. Cradler presented to students interested in starting a milkweed garden at HES. After the presentation, students researched how to grow milkweed and created a large garden of milkweed on the edge of the playground. Students love to watch butterflies flock to the milkweed in the spring, summer, and fall.
Science Rocks with Flumpa
PTA Sponsored School Wide Assembly: 2016-2017
Wendy, the singing scientist, and Flumpa, the frog, balance music, movement, and visuals with fundamental science facts. The assembly emphasized a multi-sensory approach so all students in grades K-5 were engaged. This one hour program included education about habitats, life cycles of frogs, species identification, and information about the geography of rain forest and swamps. Thank you to our PTA for bringing this exciting program to HES.
PTA Sponsored School Wide Assembly: 2016-2017
Wendy, the singing scientist, and Flumpa, the frog, balance music, movement, and visuals with fundamental science facts. The assembly emphasized a multi-sensory approach so all students in grades K-5 were engaged. This one hour program included education about habitats, life cycles of frogs, species identification, and information about the geography of rain forest and swamps. Thank you to our PTA for bringing this exciting program to HES.
------ Grade Presentation 2016-2017
Bonnie Plants (2016-2019)
Every year the we participate in the Bonnie Plants Third Grade Cabbage Program! The purpose of this program is to engage children’s interests in agriculture. By doing this, not only do we get the opportunity to teach the basics of gardening, but also the importance of our food system and the value of growing our own foods. As a reward, one student in each participating state has the opportunity to win a $1000 scholarship on behalf of Bonnie Plants Third Grade Cabbage Program!
Every year the we participate in the Bonnie Plants Third Grade Cabbage Program! The purpose of this program is to engage children’s interests in agriculture. By doing this, not only do we get the opportunity to teach the basics of gardening, but also the importance of our food system and the value of growing our own foods. As a reward, one student in each participating state has the opportunity to win a $1000 scholarship on behalf of Bonnie Plants Third Grade Cabbage Program!
Howard County Conservancy (Below) 2015/16
Kent Phillips / Master Gardener
Mr. Phillips is a master gardener for the University of Maryland and Howard County. He loves to teach students how to start their own garden. The students learn how to start and care for vegetable plants being grown in containers. Students discover that plants need air, water, growing medium and nutrients to grow. Mr. Phillips teaches them how plants grow and how to start new plants from seed. In February, students plant seeds, water and maintain them under lights for 6 weeks, transplant them to the school garden, and maintain them until harvest. A large fresh garden salad is created at the end of the year!
Mr. Phillips is a master gardener for the University of Maryland and Howard County. He loves to teach students how to start their own garden. The students learn how to start and care for vegetable plants being grown in containers. Students discover that plants need air, water, growing medium and nutrients to grow. Mr. Phillips teaches them how plants grow and how to start new plants from seed. In February, students plant seeds, water and maintain them under lights for 6 weeks, transplant them to the school garden, and maintain them until harvest. A large fresh garden salad is created at the end of the year!
2017-2018
2016 -2019
Kent Phillips: Howard County Master Gardener
2015-2019
2015-2019
Birds in Your Backyard
Carolyn Cradler
Mrs. Cradler visits HES several times a year to work with second grade students discussing which birds can be found in Howard County. Students discover how to make their backyard an inviting habitat for our feathered friends. In this presentation, children saw pictures of the birds as our neighbors but also got to hear their songs. Audubon plush birds were brought for all students to hold and they would sing their songs at the squeeze of a hand. They also discovered how the structure of beaks of different birds allow them to specialize in certain foods. Different bird nests and feathers were also displayed.
Birds in Your Backyard
Carolyn Cradler
Mrs. Cradler visits HES several times a year to work with second grade students discussing which birds can be found in Howard County. Students discover how to make their backyard an inviting habitat for our feathered friends. In this presentation, children saw pictures of the birds as our neighbors but also got to hear their songs. Audubon plush birds were brought for all students to hold and they would sing their songs at the squeeze of a hand. They also discovered how the structure of beaks of different birds allow them to specialize in certain foods. Different bird nests and feathers were also displayed.
Carolyn Cradler 2017-2018
2016 - 2017
The Hammond Elementary School P.T.A.
The HES PTA has been an invaluable resource in our Green School efforts. Spreading the word of Green School programs is done efficiently through the Hammond PTA website.
Anytime a volunteer is needed, our dedicated president puts out a request online and returns with community support within hours. We are grateful for the extra help weighing trash with students on Waste-Free Wednesdays, collecting and storing recycling for the Terracycle Brigades, building birdhouses with students, creating displays, and much much more.
A generous fund is also available through the PTA for us to pay for many of our Green School activities. It is obvious that the PTA supports and values the Green School efforts at HES.
Anytime a volunteer is needed, our dedicated president puts out a request online and returns with community support within hours. We are grateful for the extra help weighing trash with students on Waste-Free Wednesdays, collecting and storing recycling for the Terracycle Brigades, building birdhouses with students, creating displays, and much much more.
A generous fund is also available through the PTA for us to pay for many of our Green School activities. It is obvious that the PTA supports and values the Green School efforts at HES.
Alicia Moore
Alicia Moore, Recycling Program Coordinator from Howard County Bureau of Environmental Services visited Hammond Elementary for an entire day and met with each grade level individually to present on recycling in Howard County. All staff members and students attended these very informative presentations. Her hands-on approach allowed students to decide whether waste goes into trash, recycling, or Terracycle collection containers. Many attendees, young and old, commented on how surprised they were that so many items could be recycled. She also gave suggestions on how to pack a waste-free lunch and limit the amount of trash in our cafeteria. A video of the Elkridge Recycling Plant was then viewed to see the technology involved in recycling our waste. The "Oohs and Aahs" coming from the audience made it evident that students and staff were amazed at the progress being made right here in Howard County.
Sandy August (December 5, 12, 19, 2012)
Mrs. Sandy
August from
WSSC (Washington Suburban Sanitary
Commission) visited HES and educated students and staff on the importance
of oyster reef balls to the restoration of oysters in the Chesapeake Bay. Mrs. August is one of our valued
community members that Hammond has worked with for years. WSSC
is an asset to many of the local schools in the Washington area. Their philosophy is to teach children
at a young age to value water as a very important natural resource. They feel this appreciation will carry into their
adult lives. Mrs. August is
also a partner with the Maryland State Watermans’
Association. Oysters are a
very critical part of Maryland’s economy, and in conjunction with the Maryland
State Watermans’ Association, Mrs. August works with many schools across the
Washington Metropolitan Area to educate students and staff.
Hammond is one of the very fortunate schools that gets to benefit from
this opportunity and directly make a positive impact on our Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Gree"new"it
Grace Bromery is an Agent of Change with greeNewit an energy efficiency company based in Columbia, Maryland. They have created the social project OUR Schools to teach free energy and sustainability education at elementary schools in Maryland. GreeNEWit's educational offering consists of an assembly presentation, given by co-founder Josh Notes, that examines the importance of energy efficiency and sustainable living. In addition, they also offer four optional breakout sessions, complete with lesson plans and activities for teachers, that further explore the four pillars of STEM through the lens of sustainability and clean energy. GreeNewit will join HES staff and students to help educate our community on Earth Day, April 22, 2013. They will conduct two assemblies; one for primary and one for intermediate. Additionally, GreeNEWit offers lesson plans, complete with materials, for classroom teachers to use as follow up. All of the activities are hands-on and engaging. We look forward to learning more about energy conservation on this very special day!
GreeNEWit Click on GreeNEWit to visit this website for more information!
GreeNEWit Click on GreeNEWit to visit this website for more information!
greenewit_confirmation | |
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File Type: | greenewit confirmation |
Girlscout Troup 4508 (Spring 2012)
GirlScout Troop # 4508 led by Sharon Meyer, consists of 2nd grade students that attend Hammond Elementary School. They wanted to decorate the playground in an educational way. They decided to stencil and paint a map of the United States on the playground. This extensive project now gives teachers the opportunity to allow students to interact with their country by “literally” walking across the United States. What a “Brain Friendly” way to learn!