Meet our HMS Principals!

Mr. Lauer
HMS Principal
photo of Mr. Lauer

Since starting at Hamburg Middle School in December 2024, I have been deeply grateful for the warm welcome from this incredible community. Middle school is a vital, exciting time in a child's life, and it's an environment I know well. Before becoming a Bulldog, I spent 18 years at Clarence Middle School, serving first in the classroom as a 6th-grade teacher and later as an Assistant Principal.

Education isn't just my job; it's my passion. I am one of those lucky people who wakes up every morning genuinely excited to get to work. I understand the joys and chaotic schedules of raising kids today firsthand as my own four awesome kids keep me running from one sporting event to the next!

My door is always open, and I look forward to working together to make your child's middle school years unforgettable.

1.  What is one thing about middle schoolers that most adults don't realize or appreciate?

They are hilarious without even knowing it. I have the most entertaining job possible.  

2. If you could replace the school bells with any song for a day, what would it be?

"Three Little Birds" by  Bob Marley... "Every little thing is going to be alright"

3. What is a hobby or skill you have that would absolutely surprise the students?

I'm weirdly good at winning the claw game machine at arcades.  

4.  If you could go back and give your 13-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Be friends with as many different people as possible! 

5.  What was your go-to outfit in MS?

I wore Umbro shorts and Michael Jordan T-shirts pretty much every day.  

6. What is your ultimate "comfort" movie or TV show that you can watch over and over?

I have seen The Sandlot probably 100 times and I still love watching it. 

7. Are you a morning person who’s ready to go at 6:00 AM, or are you fueled entirely by coffee?

I enjoy getting up early but there is no doubt I am still coffee fueled! 

8.  If you had to eat one item from the school lunch menu every day for a week, what are you picking?

The sausage hits every time. 

9.  Was your middle school locker a neat organized dream or a "stuff it and run" disaster?

My middle school locker was definitely a stuff it and run, it was always jam packed with my sports gear. 

10. What was the one subject in school that always made you sweat?

For as long as I can remember, math has made me sweat. I had some awesome math teachers over the years but it was always a challenge for me. 

Mrs. Wilson
HMS Assistant Principal
Mrs. Wilson

Before stepping into leadership, I spent 20 years as a special education teacher in the Alden Central School District — experience that continues to shape the way I show up for students, families, and staff. That foundation in special education gave me a deep appreciation for meeting people where they are and finding what works for each individual. I then served as Assistant Principal at Union Pleasant Elementary School for five years, where I grew into my leadership role before making the exciting transition to HMS in 2024.

I'm married with 17-year-old twins, which means there is never a dull moment! When I do find time to slow down, I'm happiest surrounded by animals, spending time outdoors, losing myself in a good book, or working on a project. 

1.  What is one thing about middle schoolers that most adults don't realize or appreciate?

They are funny, creative, and completely unpredictable. I can say with confidence that there is not a single day that goes by without a good laugh.

2. If you could replace the school bells with any song for a day, what would it be?

The opening riff of Eye of the Tiger

3. What is a hobby or skill you have that would absolutely surprise the students?

I have a serious soft spot for horror/suspense movies — the scarier, the better. They absolutely terrify me, but I love every minute of it. 

4.  If you could go back and give your 13-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Authenticity is magnetic — and it is also a whole lot less exhausting than the alternative.

5.  What was your go-to outfit in MS?

Absolutely anything Au Cotton and my K Swiss sneakers.

6. What is your ultimate "comfort" movie or TV show that you can watch over and over?

Law & Order

7. Are you a morning person who’s ready to go at 6:00 AM, or are you fueled entirely by coffee?

Coffee is my blood type.

8.  If you had to eat one item from the school lunch menu every day for a week, what are you picking?

Taco in a Bag

9.  Was your middle school locker a neat organized dream or a "stuff it and run" disaster?

Super organized

10. What was the one subject in school that always made you sweat?

Math