Your Partners In Learning
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Hello Peter Hobart Families,
As we close out this most unusual year, my hope and wish for our Peter Hobart community is to a healthy, safe and prosperous New Year. I hope that you will take time over break to reflect on what lessons have been learned in 2020 and what dreams are still to drive towards in 2021. As a new year and a new learning model approaches, so does a whole new year full of learning activities and challenges for all students in a loving and safe school community. All are welcome here at Peter Hobart and each and every one of you makes us who we are. We are better together!
Dates to Remember
- Tuesday, December 22 2020: Last day of school before Winter Break
- Monday, January 4 2021: First day back to school (Distance Learning for all)
- Monday, January 18 2021: NO SCHOOL Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Tuesday, January 19 2021: K-2 Students START Full Day in-person learning AND Distance Learning ACADEMY Begins (K-5)
- Monday, February 1 2021: 3-5 Students START Full Day in-person learning
We encourage you to check the school district website as new information is always posted there. If you have any questions, feel free to call the Peter Hobart Office at 952-928-6600.
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Peter Hobart Proud,
Kari Schwietering ~ Principal
Chris Weaver ~ Elementary Support Supervisor
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No School: Winter Break
Wednesday December 23, 2020 - Sunday, January 3, 2021
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As a reminder, Winter Break will start Wednesday, December 23, 2020 and run through Sunday, January 3, 2021. Distance learning is scheduled to resume on Monday, January 4, 2021.
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Safe Learning Plan Update
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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz today announced a plan for all Minnesota early learning and elementary students to return to school in either hybrid or in-person learning. Guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) further advises additional safety procedures and a phased-in approach where students gradually return to the buildings.
Pending approval at an upcoming Emergency School Board Meeting, to be scheduled prior to Winter Break, St. Louis Park Public Schools Administration will recommend the following changes to its Safe Learning Plan:
- Students in grades E-2 will return on Tuesday, January 19 for full-day (7:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m.) in-person learning, five days a week;
- Students in grades 3-5 will return on Monday, February 1 for full-day (7:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m.) in-person learning, five days a week; and
- Elementary students enrolled in the Distance Learning Academy, at all elementary grade levels, will begin instruction on Tuesday, January 19.
Note: SLP Students will begin in-person instruction and the Distance Learning Academy on January 19, due to the January 18 observance by the District of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Elementary families who are not comfortable with full-day in-person learning still have the option to choose full-day distance learning for their students. Elementary families who originally chose the Distance Learning Academy who now would like to reconsider and have their student(s) attend school in-person can also make this request. Please complete the following CHANGE FORM if your previous selection for educational delivery model has changed. One form is required per student. The deadline to complete this form is 12 p.m. on Monday, December 28.
Under the updated guidance, St. Louis Park Middle School and High School students will remain in distance learning based on current COVID-19 case counts in Hennepin County. Governor Walz said no changes to the Safe Learning Plan are recommended for this age group. Walz did announce that high school athletics will be allowed to resume practices on Monday, January 4.
Below is more detailed information about some aspects of the revisions to the Safe Learning Plan:
New Safety Precautions
In accordance with the District mission, we will provide a safe and nurturing environment for students and staff. The following are additional required safety precautions and strategies that school districts must adhere to per MDE guidance in order to return to in-person learning:
- Implement a rolling start process for students to be brought back to the building.
- Execute COVID-19 testing program (training and saliva test kits provided by the State; optional for school staff) every other week for all school staff, beginning January 4, 2021.
- Face masks and face shields must be worn together by school staff at all times.
- When educators cannot be six feet from students (small group and individual instruction), when possible add a clear barrier between the adult and student.
- Face coverings must be worn when engaging in indoor physical activity (e.g., during indoor recess, indoor physical education class, or when exercising in a gym)
- For early learning and elementary schools only: All student meal times and specialist lessons must be held in the classroom or outside (weather permitting). Physical education classes may continue to be held indoors outside of individual classrooms so long as students and staff are wearing face coverings.
- For in-person only: three feet of physical distancing or more is strongly recommended.
Transition Time
Schools must use at least two and may use up to five previously scheduled instructional days for planning as permitted by Executive Order 20-82 for staff to come back into the building and prepare for students transitioning into in-person learning with the additional mitigation measures. This means that E-5 students will have at least two previously unscheduled no school days prior to January 19. These days will be determined by District Administration and communicated to staff and families as soon as possible.
On-site Saliva Testing for ALL School Staff
Regular testing is one of many critical strategies for controlling the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and supporting our frontline workers in schools. As Governor Walz continues to prioritize in-person learning while protecting the health and safety of students, staff and families, we know that increasing our capacity to test school staff is important.
Governor Walz has asked the Minnesota Department of Education and Minnesota Department of Health to update the Safe Learning Plan, directing all Minnesota public schools who are providing in-person learning (whether as part of an in-person or hybrid learning model) to offer testing for all on-site staff every two weeks beginning January 4, 2021, or whenever they return to in-person learning after that date.
The State of Minnesota will supply schools with the training and test kits they need to conduct testing every other week. Minnesota’s nonpublic and tribal schools will also have access to testing supplies if they choose to offer tests to their staff. The length of this program is contingent on funding.
In order to manage capacity of testing labs, each school will be assigned a designated day to conduct testing. School COVID-19 coordinators will be trained to oversee staffs’ use of self-administered saliva tests for their school communities.
These tests will be conducted in-person and will not use the same online format as the at-home saliva tests that schools were provided at the beginning of the 2020-21 school year.
COVID-19 Tracking
With a planned return to in-person learning, the District will resume publication of its COVID-19 Dashboard, which tracks important data including positive COVID-19 cases among student and staff populations, the number of students and staff quarantining due to possible exposure to COVID-19, and the number of students and staff who have recovered from a positive case of COVID-19 and are allowed to return to school. Once in-person learning resumes, the COVID-19 Dashboard will continue to be published in editions of FLOW and the SLP Communicator as well as on the District website at www.slpschools.org/covid19.
Educational Delivery Model Change Form
Families who are not comfortable with full-day in-person learning still have the option to choose full-day distance learning for their students. Families who originally chose the Distance Learning Academy who now would like to reconsider and have their student(s) attend school in-person can also make this request. Please complete the following CHANGE FORM if your previous selection for educational delivery model has changed. One form is required per student. The deadline to complete this form is 12 p.m. on Monday, December 28.
More to Come
Teachers, staff and administrators will continue to work on many other important details over the next several weeks regarding issues around health and safety protocols, transportation, childcare, staffing, athletics and activities and more. When these details become available we will share them with stakeholders in a timely fashion.
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Upcoming Listening Sessions with Superintendent Osei
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As a part of the process to hear stakeholder perspectives, Superintendent Osei will be hosting Listening Sessions over the course of this school year for students, parents/guardians, and staff to better understand the impact of the implementation of the District's educational delivery models.
January 4 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Staff | Zoom
Link | Meeting ID: 989 7710 1566 | Passcode: 409260
January 5 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Students | Zoom
Link | Meeting ID: 918 6822 7793 | Password: 965140
January 19 | 5:00-6:00 p.m. | Parents/Guardians - English | Zoom
Link | Meeting ID: 934 2061 5183 | Passcode: 520346
January 19
| 6:00-7:00 p.m. | Parents/Guardians - Spanish | Zoom
ID: 967 9287 9471 | Passcode: 029610
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KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT FALL 2021
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St. Louis Park Public Schools is excited to welcome the Class of 2034 to Kindergarten in the fall of 2021!
St. Louis Park Public Schools will hold two additional Kindergarten Information Nights at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13th and February 10th in a virtual format. At this event, parents/guardians will be able to meet the elementary school principals, learn more about each school and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB-PYP).
Parents/guardians are asked to register for this event by going online to www.slpenrollment.com. Those who register will receive an email on the day of the event with a link on how to join the live event.
Things you should know about Kindergarten in St. Louis Park:
- Rigorous Instruction
- IB-PYP and Spanish Immersion Options
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Average Kindergarten Class Size of 23
- Focus on Equity for ALL Learners
- Updated Facilities Focused on Next Century Learning and Student Safety
- Before and After School Care Available
For the most up-to-date information to assist families who will have a student start Kindergarten in the fall of 2021 please go to the district website here. Please take a couple of minutes to watch the informational video below.
Watch this short video to get a glimpse of what Kindergarten will be like for your child.
SAVE THE DATES
JANUARY 13th AND FEBRUARY 10th
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The NEW St. Louis Park Schools Family Tech Help
Please look here for solutions to common technical problems that you may have with a student device. If you are in need of additional, specific assistance, you can email a technician at [email protected] or leave a message at 952-928-6056.In both cases please state the student name, school, grade, and provide device info, and contact phone or email.
Both of these methods are checked on a regular basis during the school day from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Any calls or emails made after 4:00 p.m. will be received and returned the next school day after 7:30 a.m.
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IB - International Baccalaureate
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Attention 5th Grade Families * Save the Date*
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For the Whole Family
Mondays, Jan. 25-March 8, 6:30-9:00 pm
During this six week class, facilitators will provide age appropriate activities you can do at home with your child aimed at building racial literacy skills and developing racial consciousness.
Caregivers will join their child for a brief activity designed to spark conversations and shared understanding. Facilitators then provide a virtual space for caregivers to explore the impact of race and racism through current events, instruction, dialogue, and reflection.
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FREE Home COVID-19 Screening Information
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COVID-19 Testing at Home - Order an At- Home Test
Click here for Test Site Information
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is offering Minnesotans more and different options for COVID-19 testing by offering saliva testing in a growing number of locations across the state. The test is more comfortable than a nasal swab, and available at no cost to anyone who believes they need a COVID-19 test.
Saliva testing is free and available to all Minnesotans who believe they need to be tested, with or without symptoms. Identification is not required. You do need to have an email address and phone number to receive your results. Insurance is not required. If you do have insurance, you will need to show your card. The test is completely free whether or not you have insurance, and you will not receive a bill. Saliva testing may not be right for those with low saliva production, such as children under age 4 or someone who has suffered a stroke.
Monday - Friday: 12 - 7 p.m. Saturday - Sunday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
What to expect at the testing site
Wear a mask or face covering if you can.
If you made an appointment ahead of time, you can show either your confirmation email/text or tell staff your name, birthdate, and address. Plan to arrive close to the time of your scheduled visit.
If you did not make an appointment ahead of time, you can register at the event.
Bring your insurance card if you have health insurance. The test will be 100% free whether or not you have insurance. If you do, we may ask your insurance company to help pay for your test.
How the saliva test works
You must not eat, drink, chew or smoke anything for at least 30 minutes before taking a saliva test.
- A health care professional will tell you how to take the test, but you will do it yourself.
- You will spit into a funnel attached to a tube. Producing the required amount of saliva usually takes 10-12 minutes.
- You will get your results in about 48-72 hours.
COVID and School Attendance: Please click on the links below for further information.
It is critically important that staff, parents/guardians, and families do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19. This role for staff, parents/guardians and families includes:
- Limiting potential exposure to COVID-19 by social distancing, wearing masks, and avoiding large crowds.
- Watching for potential symptoms and staying home when sick.
- Getting tested when appropriate and staying home while waiting for test results.
While all are eager to return back to school and connect with others in our school community, staff, students, and families need to follow guidance about when they should NOT be in school. If you are sick, stay home and consider COVID-19 testing. If you have had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in your home or in other activities, stay out of school for the full 14 days of quarantine.
By staying home when you are sick or have been exposed to a positive case, you are helping your community stay in school together.
District Continues 14-Day Quarantine Practice
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently communicated there was an option to quarantine after known COVID-19 exposure for 10 days compared to the 14 days they had previously recommended.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recently commented similarly, although this was not directed particularly to school districts as the numbers vary greatly across the state. Given the numbers in and around SLP, the District will continue the practice of a 14-day quarantine in order to best contain the spread of the disease. We will revisit the practice after winter break to determine whether or not we are able to make a change.
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Socio-Emotional Supports Available to Students
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This year we are excited to welcome back Cristina Silva Gleason as our part-time school counselor. Cristina is a native Spanish speaker who is available to meet with students one-on-one or in groups. She joins Michele Edwins, school social worker, and Katie Lail, school psychologist, in partnering with families to provide students with a wide-range of socio-emotional supports and services. In addition, Peter Hobart students have access to a number of community partners that provide virtual and on-site student socio-emotional services such as individual therapy as well as grief group counseling. Please do not hesitate to reach out to a member of the socio-emotional support team if you’d like more information about services available to your student.
Michele Edwins - School Social Worker
Cristina Silva Gleason - Counselor
Katie Lail - School Psychologist
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Every Meal (formerly The Sheridan Story)
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Every Meal (formerly The Sheridan Story) provides free winter food bags containing 4-5 pounds of nutritional food for all families. Families can pick up a food bag at over 50 locations in the metro area throughout December and January. Locations can be found at https://www.everymeal.org/what-we-do/winter-program/. No sign-up required and no information will be taken. Please reach out to Cristina Silva Gleason (651-505-0093) or Michele Edwins (952-928-6609) with any questions.
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Social-Emotional & Community Resources for Families
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As we move into winter, we wanted to be sure you’re aware of the supports available to our community. If you’re interested in any of these supports for your family, please contact Michele Edwins (952) 928-6609 or Cristina Silva Gleason (651) 505-0093.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL SUPPORTS
Relate Counseling Center - School Based Program (Kayla Anderson)
Relate Counseling Center provides school-based mental health services that allows students to receive direct support within the school day. School based therapists can help children work through symptoms, diagnoses, or life circumstances that can disrupt their learning including anxiety and depression; ADHD or other behavioral disorders; difficulty interacting with peers; divorce or other changes in the family system; grief and loss; and more.
Growing Through Grief (Daena Esterbrooks)
Growing Through Grief, a Park Nicollet program, provides counseling services to students weekly in groups and one-to-one counseling sessions. Counselors help students cope with grief brought on by issues of chronic illness, death of a parent, family member or loved one. Growing Through Grief also helps schools respond to sudden, unforeseen tragedies.
CONCRETE NEEDS/FINANCIAL SUPPORTS
The ACT Program (Laura Gorke)
The ACT Program is a free home-visiting program for families in the St. Louis Park School District (early childhood through grade 5) that provides support to families through accessing community resources, parenting support, and support with school concerns.
St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP)
The St. Louis Park Emergency Program’s mission is to identify, address and respond to the critical and emergency needs of residents in St. Louis Park. We are the St. Louis Park community food shelf and social service agency. We directly provide food and clothing to residents in need, as well as advocacy, referrals, and build a collaborative relationship. Since 1975, STEP volunteers and professional staff have been empowering lives and restoring hope. Our vision is to be the trusted resource for connecting community members with resources to fulfill their basic needs. If you have a family who could benefit from STEP, the family can call 952-925-4899.
Peter Hobart Financial Grants (Michele/Cristina)
Peter Hobart Elementary School has been given some funding from the Peter Hobart PTO, Birchwood Neighborhood Association, and KOPP Foundation to help support the concrete needs of Peter Hobart students and families. This funding is to be used when other resources such as STEP are not available for the families. This funding could be used for groceries, winter gear, clothing, or other basic needs.
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Familias Latinas High School SLP! All Schools!
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Familias Latinas de nuestras escuelas, ahora ya tenemos una página de Facebook con información totalmente en español! Les invitamos a visitar y a darnos un me gusta.
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Your Support is Appreciated! Thank you!
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Students in households that meet the free or reduced-price meal income guidelines will generate compensatory revenue for the district. Schools must use compensatory revenue to meet the needs of students, such as specialized instruction, instructional materials including digital learning and technology, multilingual programs and additional teachers and instructional assistants. However, the household must complete and return the forms, or complete the online form, so the district can calculate eligibility and report to the Minnesota Department of Education. This will not impact your students’ eligibility to receive free meals during the 2020-21 school year because meals are free for all students this year. Your support by filling out the Application for Educational Benefits form is appreciated. Thank you!
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We know that while the year will look different, we still plan to stay connected and have a fun year!
Our next PTO meeting is Monday, January 25 from 6:30pm-8:00pm. It will be held virtually. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
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The 4th Wednesday of every month Parkway Pizza on Dakota Ave and Minnetonka Blvd donates 5% of all sales (including dine-in, carryout, and delivery orders) to Peter Hobart elementary school. Support our local pizza joint as they support our school!
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Box Tops: Download the Box Tops for Education app on iTunes or Google Play to earn money for Peter Hobart when purchasing products with a Box Top label on it. See BTFE.com for eligible products.
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Amazon Smile: Shop at smile.amazon.com and Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible Amazon Smile purchases to the Peter Hobart PTO. Amazon Smile is the same Amazon you know—same products, same prices, same service. Support our school by shopping at smile.amazon.com and select Peter Hobart PTO as your charitable donation organization
Stay connected to the Peter Hobart PTO through the Weebly Website at:
or on Facebook:
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Key School District Dates & Info
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- Tuesday, December 22 2020: Last day of school before Winter Break
- Monday, January 4 2021: First day back to school (Distance Learning for all)
- Monday, January 18 2021: NO SCHOOL Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Tuesday, January 19 2021: K-2 Students START Full Day in-person learning AND Distance Learning ACADEMY Begins (K-5)
- Monday, February 1 2021: 3-5 Students START Full Day in-person learning
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