08/19/2026
August 19, 2026
Dear Hamburg Learning Community,
The Hamburg Community School District Staff are very excited to welcome your students back to school for the 2026- 2027 school year. It is going to be a fantastic year and we cannot wait to see you and your students on our back to school night, Monday, August 24th from 5:00 to 7:00 with school starting on Tuesday, August 25th. Here are a few items I wanted to share with you before the year began.
School Day
The student day for PreK-8th grade: 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Monday thru Thursday. The school day for High School will run 8:00-3:36 Monday – Thursday. The school day on Friday runs from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for all levels. The first bell will ring at 7:45. The second bell will be at 7:55. Tardy bell at 8:00 (Must be in class). Classes begin promptly at 8 AM.
End of day dismissal
Buses will drop students off and pick them up on the west side of the building.
Parents will drop off and pickup students in the front of the building. When picking up students after school, please pull up to the next available spot and wait for the staff to dismiss your child.
Walkers or bike riders will be dismissed after the buses and parent pickups have occurred.
Take care to watch for everyone as we dismiss.
Absences and Activities
Students participating in school activities must be in school at least one-half day on the day of the event in order to participate in a school activity. The remaining half-day must be an excused absence. Only in extraordinary circumstances may this rule be waived by the principal.
Computer Pick Up
Students will pick up computers on the first day of school.
Picture Day
September 9th
Retakes October 20th
FAFSA/ Understanding Financial Aid Parent Night
ICAN will present information about FAFSA and financial aid for post-secondary ventures. This will be on Wednesday, September 9th at 5 PM in the flex room across from the counseling office.
What’s New for 2026/2027
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)
As a school district, we understand AI is not going away. We have put guidelines and expectations in place so that students will be able to utilize technology in a safe way that allows them to continue learning. Please be sure to read the GenAI section of the parent-student handbook.
Eighth Grade Participation in High School Athletics
Beginning this year, eighth grade students are now eligible to participate in high school athletics. Participation is not automatic and will follow eligibility requirements created by the Hamburg Community School District.
New Iowa Graduation Requirement: Civics Test (SF 369)
Beginning this year, in order for students to graduate from high school, Iowa Law requires students to pass the Iowa Civics Test.
All students 9-12 will have the test administered to them.
Students must score at least 60% to pass the requirement.
Students may retake as many times as needed to pass.
Appropriate accommodations will be made for students who qualify.
Presidential Fitness Assessment
Per statewide requirements, students will participate in the assessment during the school year. This assessment will help monitor students' overall health through various components of physical education.
This year, we will focus on strengthening our math knowledge throughout all of our student body, lowering our absentee and truancy numbers, gaining on our reading fluency and comprehension, and continuing to build our CTE programs and charter school. We will showcase the Wildcat Way using CATS - Commitment. Accountability. Teamwork. Service.
We are looking forward to a great school year.
Sincerely,
Mr. Clark and all of the Hamburg Community School District Staff
August 19, 2026 Dear Hamburg Learning Community, The Hamburg Community School District Staff are very excited to welcome your students back to school for the 2026- 2027 school year. It is going to be a fantastic year and we cannot wait to see you and your students on our back to school night, ...
