A joyful place to learn, create, and excel

Despite Friday’s rainy weather, one of our families helped bring the brightness of Diwali into Hamilton’s 4th-grade classroom!

Rohan P. ’35’s mother, Priya, and grandmother, Padma, stopped by to share the story and meaning of the festival, which spans five days. The most significant celebration falls on the third day, which is today.

Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, as well as followers of Sikhism, Jainism, and select Buddhist communities, and members of the global Indian and South Asian diaspora.

In addition to talking about the holiday with students, Priya and Padma also brought some fun and colorful activities along with them so everyone could experience a bit of Diwali’s warmth and joy.

“My mother and I were thrilled by the warm welcome we received today from the teachers and students at Wheeler,” Priya told us afterwards. “The students were so interested in the story of Ramayana, and the defeat of the demon Ravana by the God Rama – representing the victory of good over evil, light over dark, knowledge over ignorance. My mother spoke about the inner light of goodness overcoming negative thoughts and actions. The kids really seemed to enjoy the crafts, clothes, dancing, and stories. It meant a great deal to us to be able to share some of our culture and traditions with Rohan’s classmates and friends, and for Rohan to have his school community embrace his cultural background.”

Thank you to Priya, Padma, and Rohan for sharing Diwali with us, and happy Diwali to everyone in our community, and around the world, who celebrates! 🪔

It’s been a very happy day at the Hamilton School at Wheeler, because Henry Winkler, best known for playing the iconic character, Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on television’s “Happy Days,” was here!

“Many of us know and love Henry for his remarkable career as an actor, producer, director, and author, but his story is about so much more than fame or success,” said Head of the Hamilton School Bill McCarthy as he introduced Mr. Winkler to the Hamilton community, alongside student Paul G. ’35. “It is a story about resilience, courage, and the power of believing in yourself – even when the world doesn’t always see your potential.”

It’s hard to believe that Mr. Winkler, who proceeded to enthusiastically share his story with the Hamilton community members gathered in Isenberg Auditorium, would have ever been doubted. But he was, by teachers and his own parents alike, because of his dyslexia.

“You have greatness inside of you,” he said, looking directly at the crowd of Hamilton students. “I know because I am you.”

It was an inspiring story, and while sharing it this morning, Mr. Winkler talked about how his experiences with dyslexia also inspired him to co-author children’s books that feature Hank Zipzer, a protagonist who has learning differences. Remarkably, Mr. Winkler published the 41st book in the series earlier this week.

After this morning’s assembly, he read an excerpt from one of those books to Hamilton 4th-graders back in their classroom.

Whether it’s writing, acting, or something else entirely, “Show up, and you can do it,” Mr. Winkler said during his visit. “Whatever you decide to do, do it from the heart. Do everything you want with your own power.”

“Your job,” he told the students, “is to figure out what that greatness is, and give it to the world. Because we need it.”

Thank you, @hwinkler4real