After School Programs | Academics | Hammond School | Columbia, South Carolina

The Lower School Lowdown

September 15, 2026

Last Friday evening was a a wild and windy weather moment as we gathered with our new-to-Hammond families at our annual New Family Tailgate. Despite the weather and football game delay, it was wonderful to share the early evening together and get to know some of our new families better. It was most joyful to see our young Skyhawks running and playing around the courtyard, getting their Hammond swag on and celebrating with true Hammond spirit. Thank you to all of our Parent Ambassadors and volunteers for collaborating with our Admissions team to make this event more memorable than any wild weather that may blow through.

We are incredibly grateful to our Lower School Council and individual families for giving their time and dropping off treats and drinks for our LS Lounge. These treats and drinks are enjoyed by our LS faculty and staff, Kiva Divas, our LS cleaning team, and our Extended Day and Plus Programs counselors and staff. That's to say that your generosity goes a long way and extends to many people who work behind the scenes to make everyday a great day for Skyhawks. Thank you! We are also grateful to our LS Council Faculty Birthday Lunch Committee led by Courtney Plymale for providing monthly birthday lunches. This month, they celebrated our August, September, and October faculty birthdays. 

It's never too late to join our LS Volunteer Crew. If you're interested in volunteering but aren't sure which opportunity is the best fit, please contact Laura Johnson We'd be happy to help connect you with a volunteer opportunity that's right for you. You can also register using the button below.

Volunteer

Helen Kiser

Head of Lower School

After School Programs

Kudos!

A tremendous thank-you to our Pre-K families who helped stock the Lower School Teachers' Lounge this month with delicious snacks and drinks. We appreciate your kindness and generosity! And to the Lower School Council for celebrating our faculty/staff birthdays...lunch was delicious!

Casey Sharpe , Kayla Smith, Bindu Pathuri , Micheal Melton , Penny Danielson, Nicole Schmitz, Beth Eiser , Chandler Inabinet , Kristen DiMarco, Ted Belsches, Lindsay Boyle, Bailey Wolfe, Kelly Johnson, Erin Wolfe , Kristi DuBow, Jescelyn Spitz, Elizabeth Myers, Nicki Hood, Swathi Roy, Blair Sexton, Kate Roy, Kara Kwiatkowski, Amanda Danielson, Elizabeth Hartley, Carolyn Stoddard , Leah Davis, Sandra Arrieta, Jennifer Wise, Molly Schultz, Alexandra Basilakos Kennedy

Mark Your Calendar

• Monday, September 28 - Friday, October 2nd    Spirit Week: Daily themes coming soon!
• Friday, October 2nd    Homecoming: All students receive a Hammond t-shirt at school; Pep Rally for all students
• Tuesday, October 6    Sign-Ups sent by homerooms for Fall Lower School Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Friday, October 9    End of Quarter 1 for Lower School
• Monday, October 12    Fall Break, No school 
• Friday, October 16    Fall Fest; Lower School Quarter 1 Report Cards posted on Hawk Net
• Wednesday, October 21    Make-Up School Picture Day
• Thursday, October 29    Lower School Halloween Parade
• Friday, October 30    No School for LS Students Lower School Parent-Teacher Conference Day: No School for LS Students; Extended Day open from 8 AM - 6 PM with prior registration