Principal's Message
Dear Hamilton Community,
My name is Amy Vondra and I am honored to be the principal of Hamilton Elementary. The dedicated family and staff of the Hamilton community have worked hard for their list of accomplishments and built a superior neighborhood school that the community embraces.
My path to school leadership has not been traditional, yet I believe it has prepared me well to support the Hamilton Community on the path to excellence. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from Vanderbilt University, a Master of Business Administration from Kellogg at Northwestern University and a Doctorate of Education from University of Illinois at Chicago. I began my career as a Special Education Teacher and coach and I worked in the for-profit and non-profit sectors on the west side of Chicago. I have served in every grade level in some capacity and appreciate the skills that develop as students’ progress through their elementary education. Most recently, I have spent the last four years as a high school Assistant Principal and worked through comprehensive school reform. I will strive to combine the diverse leadership experiences to benefit the students at Hamilton.
I passionately believe that all children can learn and have the right to a quality and engaging education. Students learn best when they are in an encouraging supportive environment; when they can connect new information to things they already know; when they are allowed to be creative and make choices about activities and assignments; when parents are involved in their education; when they can connect with positive adults. Focusing on the whole child, while imposing high expectations and utilizing evidence-based practices, results in successful schools like Hamilton. Student learning improves when you raise expectations, support teachers, and build a collaborative climate that is focused on learning and progress for all that are part of the school community.
Partnering with teachers, students and families is what makes this school such a great place to learn and grow. Hamilton is a wonderful school community and I am so happy to be a part of it.
Sincerely,
Amy Vondra