December 6, 2018
From Your Principal
Friday, December 7, students across the district will not have school. Licensed staff across the district will be using this valuable opportunity to spend time together engaged in collaboration around our Strategic Plan to explore ways to deepen and sustain the student-centered work that is core to our mission. The day will allow for staff to build community, collaboration and learning across the district. I look forward to a day of learning and leading. I wish you all a safe, enjoyable and a little longer weekend.

Peter Hobart Proud,
Kari Schwietering
Principal
NO SCHOOL: Tomorrow, Friday December 7
First Grade Update
First grade is finishing up with their Unit of Inquiry: Sharing the Planet. Students learned about earth's resources such as rocks, soil, air and water and how they are used.

They also worked on the Engineering Design Process: 1) Ask 2) Imagine 3) Plan 4) Create and 5) Improve! The pictures are from students testing out different kinds of mortars (soil, sand, and clay) to see which one would work best to engineer their final rock wall with.
Second Grade Update
Second graders are wrapping up their second IB planner: “Who We Are.” They have been working towards understanding the central idea: Racial identity is how we define ourselves racially and see people of other races as equal and deserving. 

Second graders have learned that everyone has a race and that it’s ok to talk about race. They have also come to understand that having a positive racial identity means feeling good about yourself.
Boys to Men Field Trip
On Thursday, December 20th from 9:30-12:00 all of the Boys To Men participants in Groups A, B, and C will take a field trip to SLP High School. Students will be engaged in an Ancient Powers Science Day were the boys will work on batteries, circuits, and create a small robot--a bristlebot--to keep. Mr. Weaver at the HS, and high school students will lead the lessons and activities with support from Mr. Muata, Mr. Massie, and other SLP support staff. Lunch will be provided.

Look for a permission slip soon!
International Baccalaureate Program
At a recent PTO meeting, parents were asked to reflect on the mission statement and learner profile to answer the question, “How is or could being in an IB school impact your child?” As you read both, how would you answer that question? Here are some excerpts from families that were there that night:

“…learns from the perspectives of other cultures and world views to expand her world view. How she can impact the world versus how the world impact her.”-Parent of a third grader

“…this mission can guide my child to be a leader in listening, questions, and critical thought.”-Parent of a third grader

“…will impact her positively by learning that acceptance, compassion, respect and perseverance will shape her into a loving and dedicated learner and neighbor in our community.”-Parent of a kindergartener

“…my child will be more aware and accepting of individuals differences seeing them more as how they are unique.” - Parent of a kindergartener

“By learning multiple perspectives, asking questions and taking risks my child will learn to be a compassionate person who will stand up for what is right.” -Parent of a second grader

“…have the skills necessary to be successful…continue to seek knowledge and advocate for a peaceful world.” – Parent of a second and third grader

“…value learning about different cultures/communities…I want my child to always ask questions and feel confident about seeking answers..”-Parent of a first and third grader

“…love learning, find their voice, empathy and service” -Parent of a third and sixth grader

“…my children are learning to approach their lives as active, compassionate and lifelong learners…I want my children to have critical thinking skills.” -Parent of a second and fourth grader

“…help him become a well-rounded individual…breakdown prejudice with wisdom.”-Parent of a kindergartener

“I feel hope and encouragement for their futures when I read the IB profile (And hope for the world!)”- Parent of a first and fourth grader

Thank you to the families that participated. Your perspective is appreciated!
Yoga Calm
Healthy brains lead to improved learning. Many factors affect our brain health both positively and negatively including sleep, nutrition, stress, and physical activity. An increasing number of studies has shown the benefits of yoga for children to help the mind focus and enhance readiness to learn.

School Psychologist, Katie Lail and parent volunteer, Sara Hall, as well as Brian Massie (Physical Education Teacher) and Steve Haggar (Physical Education Instructional Assistant) have started teaching yoga at Peter Hobart based on the Yoga Calm program. Yoga Calm can be used at school and home and creates an environment of wellness to integrate a child's physical, emotional and mental needs. The program is developed for all ages and abilities. Katie and Sara use yoga based movements (physical poses), mindfulness, breathing techniques, relaxation, and social/emotional skill-building activities. The goal is to help children develop more self control, practice positive thinking and self-confidence, and experience relaxation techniques to help calm the body. All of this can be weaved throughout the school day to be useful for learning for both children and teachers.

Five Guiding Yoga Calm Principles: 1. Stillness-quieting the mind and body 2. Listening-tuning into the mind and body 3. Grounding-being physically present 4. Strength-physically, emotionally and mentally strong 5. Community-supporting one another

Here are some yoga/mindfulness resources you can use at home:
FREE APPS:
 Calm / Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame Street / DreamyKid / Headspace /
Stop, Breathe and Think Kids / Smiling Mind / Relax Melodies: Sleep Sounds
                                     
WEBSITES:
-Sesame Street Belly Breathe video with Common and Colbie Caillat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mZbzDOpylA
-Cosmic Kids Yoga: https://www.cosmickids.com/category/watch/
-Yoga Calm Blog Family Activities: https://www.yogacalm.org/category/families/
-Great intro. video of kids talking about emotions, the brain and breathing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVA2N6tX2cg
-Mindfulness activities for kids: https://www.susankaisergreenland.com/mindfulness-for-kids

We are so excited to be providing this opportunity for the Peter Hobart community! If you have questions or need more information, please feel free to contact ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Sara Hall at: steffen.sara@gmail.com or Katie Lail at lail.kathryn@slpschools.org .
December: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Although December has not been designated a special heritage month, it does contain celebratory days that are recognized internationally. On December 10 in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The document set forth the basic civil standard of economic, political, and social rights that should be guaranteed to every person. Each December, the commitment to this universal document of rights is renewed and celebrated. In addition, the United Nations has established December 3 as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This international observance was established to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also aims to foster awareness of the importance of integrating persons with disabilities into every aspect of life.
Peter Hobart After-School Opportunity 2019!
Starting In late January 2019, Peter Hobart will provide a Targeted Services After-School Arts & Leadership program. As part of our programming, we will partner with local Twin Cities arts organization, TruArtSpeaks , to bring in local Spoken Word, Literary, Hip Hop, Dance, and Visual artists to co-teach workshops after-school. Look for more information in the coming weeks.

There will be an additional Arts program starting in January of 2019 called, "Move it Out" for students seeking an opportunity to explore their interest through dance. This program will provide the time and space for those wanting to create routines, gain insights into other styles of dance and music, perform, and have a chance to unite through musical expression. More information coming soon!
PTO - Parent Teacher Organization
Boxtops . Help our school earn cash by clipping Box Tops from products and sending them to school! Each one is worth 10 cents and our school can use the case for whatever it needs. See a list of products at BTFE.com/products. 

December 26th is the next Parkway Pizza Night! Take the day after Christmas off from cooking…the last Wednesday of every month Parkway Pizza donates 5% OF TOTAL SALES to Peter Hobart Elementary. No coupon or special code needed. Dine in, take out, or delivery = 5% back to our school! 

Our next PTO meeting is Tuesday, January 22, 2019, from 6:30 to 8pm. Each meeting we hear from the teachers and get the Principal’s report. Come and meet other parents and find out how you can be involved. Childcare is provided! 
Stay connected on Facebook, find us here: https://www.facebook.com/PeterHobartPTAO
Winter Weather School Closings, Late Starts & Early Dismissals
S t. Louis Park Public Schools will attempt to make a decision about a late start or school closing by 5:30 a.m. Early dismissals and decisions regarding after-school and evening athletics, events, and activities will be made by 2 p.m. 

The District will communicate a school closing, late start or early dismissal in the following ways:

  • Automated phone call to staff and families
  • Web posting to www.slpschools.org
  • Information will be posted on the District's Facebook and Twitter accounts
  • Communication to WCCO Radio (830 AM) and local TV channels 4, 5, 9, and 11
  • Recorded message on the District's School Closing Hotline (952-928-6055)

If school must close early, buses will take home regular riders. Younger students who walk will be kept at school if there is any uncertainty about whether a parent or neighbor is home to care for them. The school district is in contact with the National Weather Service, St. Louis Park Transportation, and leaders from neighboring school districts to provide the best response to keep students and staff safe in severe weather conditions.

The school district will not communicate that school is open as scheduled. If a school closing, late start or early dismissal is not announced, staff and students should assume school is in session and attend as usual. 
Community Education Youth Enrichment

Community Education Youth Enrichment winter classes are just around the corner! Classes will begin in January and include your favorite classes along with new offerings.

Winter offerings at Peter Hobart:
Fine Motor Fun with Olivia Isaacson (Grades K-2)-$110
This class works on building important fine motor skills through crafts and activities.
Jan. 14th-March 25th (Mondays)-4:00 pm-5:00 pm-Room 107B

Funny Cartoon Drawing with Young Rembrandts (Grades K-5)-$54
Help develop your child's drawing skills with lessons about exaggeration and facial expressions.
Jan. 29th-Feb. 26th (Tuesdays)-3:55 pm-4:55 pm-Room 118

Grandmasters of Chess with Youth Enrichment League (Grades K-5)-$108
New and returning students invited to learn, practice and play the game of Chess.
Jan. 29th-March 19th (Tuesdays)-3:55 pm-4:55 pm-Room 127

Canvas and Clay with Kidcreate Studio (Grades K-5)-$54
Experiment with many different types of art while creating with clay and painting on canvas.
March 6th-27th (Wednesdays)-3:55 pm-4:55 pm-Room 123

But wait-there’s more! SLP Youth Enrichment Programs is also offering these BRAND NEW fun and exciting enrichment activities for the whole family.

Learn to Bowl at TexaTonka Lanes (Ages 5+)-$50
Learn the fundamentals of bowling with the help of instructors--this class can be taken by children and adults together, or just for children.
Jan. 18th-Feb. 22nd (Fridays)-4:30 pm-6:30 pm at TexaTonka Lanes

Family Pasta Making with Way Cool Cooking School (Ages 7-15)-$110
Join this creative, fun and hands on cooking class to learn how to make pasta and sauce by scratch--this class is for one adult and one child to take together.
Friday, February 15th-4:00 pm-6:00 pm-SLP High School Room B222

Registration and information for all winter classes is now available online at: slpcommunityed.com

Questions? Contact Kelleen O'Brion at (952) 928-6399 or obrion.kelleen@slpschools.org
Key School Dates
2018-19 District Calendar

  • Dec. 7: No School, K-12
  • Dec. 19: 3rd Grade Field Trip to the MN Science Museum
  • Dec. 20: Boys To Men Field Trip to SLP HS
  • Dec. 20: 1st Grade Field Trip to the MN History Museum
  • Dec. 24 - Jan. 4: No School, K-12 (Winter Break)