What was your journey after you graduated from Hamlin?

Based on the connections I made with my elementary school teachers, I knew I wanted to be a teacher from an early age. Understanding what I wanted to work towards in terms of a career helped in finding schooling and employment that furthered my goal. While in high school, I worked at Hamlin’s HUB after school program. After classes, I would walk to work to oversee student play and help them with their homework. Every summer since high school I have worked at Hamlin’s incoming kindergarten Cubs Club camp.

After graduating from high school, I moved an hour south to attend Santa Clara University. I majored in Liberal Studies and spent time in school classrooms as an aide. One of my college highlights was a summer seminar I took called Children in a Multicultural Context, which was based in Copenhagen and included a study tour to Istanbul.

My “big move” finally happened when I decided to attend USC’s Rossier School of Education to earn a Master’s in Teaching. While I was in Los Angeles, multiple Hamlin friends came to visit so I was able to play tour guide and eat at restaurants all over the county. Upon completing the program, I returned to my foggy hometown and started work as an Associate Teacher at Hamlin.

What made you decide to come back and teach at Hamlin?

I always knew I wanted to return to Hamlin because I loved the school as a student and knew that the community was special. If you open the Hamlin yearbook from the year I graduated and look for my 8th grade photo, you will see that my answer to “Most likely to be…” is “either a fourth or second grade teacher at Hamlin.” The fantastic teachers I had in those two grades really inspired me to follow my dreams and pursue a career in teaching. As a result, I have had the privilege of teaching both Grades One and Two here.

What has changed the most at Hamlin since you were a student?

It feels as though the curriculum is more interesting and innovative. Now teachers focus on how to create cross curricular connections and integrate more meaningful projects into the school year. In terms of curriculum in general, students learn differently because we are teaching them how to think and the reasoning behind the concepts rather than requiring students to memorize information.

What has changed the least at Hamlin since you were a student?

The drive and work ethic of the students and faculty is one thing that has not changed. Students strive to do their best each day and use their voices to stand up for what they believe is right. At the same time, teachers put a large amount of time into creating and sharing rigorous material in ways students can more easily comprehend.

What are you most excited about being back at Hamlin?

I have loved being back at Hamlin and working with faculty that was here when I was a student. Last year I was able to see my kindergarten teacher, the fabulous Mrs. Ching, in the halls at work almost every day. How many people can say that? I was lucky enough to spend time in the McKinne building in the year before its demolition and was able to create new memories there with students and colleagues.

What was your journey after you graduated from Hamlin?
After Hamlin, I attended UHS, and then headed to the east coast for college. I have spent most of my adult life in the Greater Boston area teaching middle school science in both public and independent schools.

What made you decide to come back and teach at Hamlin?
Coming back and teaching at Hamlin was an opportunity to come home (home to Hamlin and home to family and San Francisco where I grew up). I taught at an all-girls school in Boston and have really enjoyed working in this type of school environment. By returning to Hamlin, I have an opportunity to give back, to pass on my love of science to the girls, and to foster a love of learning, which is what I received as a Hamlin student.

What has changed the most at Hamlin since you were a student?
Hamlin was a lot smaller when I was a student, as my 8th grade graduating class had 19 students, so that is one big difference. I would also say the integration of technology in every class is very different. I remember the first computer lab at Hamlin on the second floor, and now Hamlin has a 1-to-1 iPad program where the students are using technology to demonstrate their learning and teachers are learning new platforms to teach in innovative ways.

What has changed the least at Hamlin since you were a student?
The traditions, the mission and the creed of the school – they were and still are the guiding principles of Hamlin.

What are you most excited about being back at Hamlin?
Teaching the girls science, making it relevant to their lives, and when we are back on campus being able to teach in the (updated) science labs that I was taught in by Danny Meyer and Fran Dorais. Also, service learning opportunities and outdoor education adventures – I can’t wait until we can travel with students again – hiking, backpacking, and experiencing the outdoors together. Those were some of my best memories from Hamlin.

The Hamlin Middle School has temporarily moved its campus from Broadway to historic Fort Mason. Perched right above the Bay, the space is enormous, allowing our whole student body to be at school at the same time and still maintain social distancing protocols. The cavernous hall has primarily been used for art shows and artist studios and, with paintings from students in Ms. Feldman’s classes now adorning the walls, Hamlin Middle Schoolers are continuing that artistic legacy!

Although we miss our beloved Stanwood Hall, having all members of the Middle School together makes it more than worth the move. This transition, along with all the changes that have been required since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic have certainly illustrated how flexible and resilient Hamlin girls can be. We knew this year would be an adventure and we are excited to start the next chapter of this journey in such a beautiful new space. 

On Wednesday, December 16th, Hamlin welcomed San Francisco Mayor London Breed to our all-school assembly. Mayor Breed talked about being raised by her grandmother, who was a strong and fierce woman and taught her the value of taking care of your community. Mayor Breed also learned from her grandmother how important it is to be resilient, hopeful and to stand strong in your values. Talking about her experiences as a student and about the teachers that inspired her, Mayor Breed reminded all the Hamlin girls to listen to their parents and teachers and told us that it’s ok to make mistakes–it just matters how we learn and grow from those mistakes. Mayor Breed thoughtfully answered some questions from our community and told us about how she takes care of herself: long walks in the city, drinking plenty of water, getting exercise, and hanging out with her new plant friends. We are so honored to have been able to hear from such a strong, caring leader!

Hamlin’s Opening Assembly looked a little different this year. Even though over 600 students, teachers, and parents logged in to a virtual version, you could still feel the excitement of the start of a new year and a deep love of Hamlin coming through the screen. Student body president, Audrey Spaly, introduced this year’s theme: “I Am Changing.” Ms. Holland-Greene beautifully sang the lines from a song in Broadway’s Dreamgirls that inspires our theme:

“Look at me, I am changing. I am trying every way I can. I am changing–I’ll be better than I am.”

At a moment in history that requires all of us to be willing to change, to adapt, and truly to meet the challenges of our times, the girls of Hamlin are ready to begin.