February 8, 2024

Hello Peter Hobart Community,

Below are this week's curated activities put together by the PTO to help celebrate Black History Month. Please also subscribe to the PTO Newsletter so you don't miss great resources like this as well as upcoming events!

- Email PeterhobartPTO@gmail.com to asked to be subscribed-



Please note, the activities with a *star are hosted at Peter Hobart. Enjoy the month!

Feb 9th: Consider Common Sense Media recommendations for documentaries about Black history for children 8+. Documentaries are a great way to peer into the past, learn about both our proudest and most shameful moments, and connect us to our history. From politics and arts to sports and science, the contributions of Black people have shaped the world we live in.

Feb 10th: Attend The Black Market - a vibrant new market highlighting Black businesses, food, and culture. 2-6pm.

Feb 11th: Celebrate Black History Month with Addie as she shares Sunday dinner recipes. In this class, you’ll make a hearty shrimp and andouille sausage creole.6-7:30pm at the Seward Community Co-Op. 

Feb 12th: Peter Hobart Elementary welcomes you into the school for National African American Parent Involvement Day and the Black History Month Assembly. Breakfast will be served for ALL parents at 7:45am and the assembly will run from 9:30 - 10:15 am. Join us for a wonderful celebration centering our students and staff in celebration of Black history. 

Feb 12th: Create your very own Alma Thomas Mosaic! Follow this easy step-by-step video to help your kids create their own collage. Learn more about Alma Thomas, an African American artist recognized as a premier painter of the 20th century.  

Feb 13th: Join local authors and historians for an evening celebrating Black History in the Twin Cities. From internationally-reaching events to local family histories, Shannon Gibney, Carolyn Holbrook, Ebony J. Davis, and David Mura will discuss their work and present on fascinating local topics. Followed by Q&A and book signing. Free event @ 7pm. 

Feb 14th: Snuggle up with a loved one and choose a kids movie from this list: The Best Black History Movies for Kids! 

Feb 15th: Minneapolis Parks & Rec are hosting a Black History themed interactive Jeopardy game including light refreshments and a take home craft project. Pershing Park; 5-7pm FREE

*Feb 15th - Feb 16th: Explore Peter Hobart art work during Family Connection times! Students and teachers will have decorated classroom doors inspired by Black Authors and Illustrators and the Talent Development rooms will be showcasing art inspired by African American artists and from around the world.

February Family Connections



Sign Up for Family Connect HERE



Kari Schwietering, Peter Hobart Principal

952-928-6602 ~ schwietering.kari@slpschools.org

Brian Massie, Peter Hobart Elementary Support Supervisor

952-928-6594 ~ massie.brian@slpschools.org

Important Dates

* Click HERE for 2023-24 At-A-Glance Calendar*

Monday, February 12 ~ National African American Parent Involvement Day (7:45am

Thursday, February 15 ~ Family Connections (3:00-7:00 PM)

Friday, February 16 ~ No School Family Connections (7:20 AM - 3:20 PM)

Monday, February 19 ~ No School Presidents' Day

Thursday, February 15 ~ Family Connect Times, 2:30-6:30 PM

Friday, February 16 ~ No School, Family Connect Times, 7:30 AM-3:30 PM

Monday, February 19 ~ No School

Thursday, March 7 ~ District Showcase Band Concert (includes Fifth Graders), 7:00 PM at the High School

Friday, March 29 - Friday, April 5 ~ No School, Spring Break

Monday, April 8 ~ School Resumes

Wednesday, April 10 ~ No School

Thursday, April 24 ~ District Showcase Orchestra Concert (includes Fourth & Fifth Graders), 7:00 PM at the High School

*Click HERE for St Louis Park City Calendar*

Meal Menus

Menu's in Spanish

Menu's in English

Menu's in Somali

National African American Parent Involvement Day

National African American Parent Involvement Day is on Monday, Feb 12, 2024. 

We honor the invaluable contributions of African American parents, families, and communities in supporting education and empowering our youth. National African American Parent Involvement Day is an annual celebration that promotes and provides strategies for all parents and students to take full advantage of the educational process at all levels of the educational system.

At Peter Hobart, we will have a special breakfast for families in our media center that morning from 7:45- 8:30. During the breakfast, students will take the opportunity to thank their caregivers and be in community with one another. Families are welcome to stay throughout the day and join their child in learning. Families are also encouraged and welcomed to join their child’s classroom from 8:30-9:30, our Black History Month assembly from 9:30-10:15am and enjoy our school lunch, free of cost. 

Please send your RSVP of attendance for breakfast, lunch, or both to Brian Massie (massie.brian@slpschools.org) so that we may best prepare to spend time in community with you. 

We look forward to seeing you! 

Girls on the Run

District News

Be SMART: A message about proper gun storage and safety

St. Louis Park Public Schools is teaming up with Be SMART to share an important message about proper gun storage and safety.

Last year, more than 350 children in the U.S. gained access to a firearm and unintentionally shot themselves or someone else. In 2021, 22 Minnesotans under the age of 18 were killed by guns, and more than 1,700 guns were stolen across our state that year. When guns are not properly stored, tragedy can strike.

We ask that you consider following the Be SMART message in your home. It emphasizes the importance of secure gun storage. Consider secure gun storage as an important step you can take to help protect your family, school and community.

Here’s what Be SMART stands for:

Secure all guns in your homes and vehicles.

Model responsible behavior around guns.

Ask about unsecured guns in other homes.

Recognize the role of guns in suicide.

Tell your peers to Be SMART.

Research shows that secure storage plays a vital role in reducing the risk of gun violence. Preventing children from accessing unsecured firearms is required by Minnesota law. 

In addition to following the Be SMART message, you can take action by: 

• Learning more at besmartforkids.org 
• Watching and sharing the Be SMART educational video 
• Sharing Be SMART resources and materials 

Thank you for reading this important safety message and for being a partner with us in helping to keep our kids, schools and communities safe. 

Important Dates in February

We realized that some of the February dates we shared in the district e-newsletter, the SLP Communicator, were incorrect. Please see the updated dates:

In February we celebrate Black History Month, Minnesota School Board Recognition Month, and Career and Technical Education Month

• 1 - World Hijab Day
• 2 - No School E-12 (Professional Development)
• 5-9 - National School Counseling Week
• 7 - Special School Board Meeting, 7pm
• 10 - Lunar New Year
• 12 - National African American Family Involvement Day 
• 13 - School Board Meeting, 6:30pm (Open Forum moved to 2/13 instead of 2/28)
• 14 - Beginning of Lent (Christian)
• 15 - International Digital Learning Day
• 16 - No School K-5 (Conferences); 6-12 in session
• 17 - Random Acts of Kindness Day
• 19 - No School E-12 (President’s Day)
• 21 - Special School Board Meeting 6pm; School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
• 26-3/1 - MASA Public Schools Week
• 28 - School Board Meeting 5pm (Special Meeting at 5:15pm) 

February School Board Open Forum - Feb. 13th at 6:30 p.m. 

School Board open forum (where community members provide public comment to the school board) typically occurs on the 2nd board meeting of the month. Since the Feb. 28 regular school board meeting is very short (about 15 minutes) to accommodate the school board’s special meeting focused on the superintendent search, we’ve moved the date of open forum to the February 13, 2024 meeting at 6:30 p.m. Sign up for open forum.

Central Clinic

Free Walk-in Clinic for all St. Louis Park Public Schools Students

Central Community Clinic

The Central Community Clinic is a free, walk-in clinic for children from birth to high school who live or go to public or private schools in St. Louis Park. Central Clinic's mission is to reduce barriers to healthcare for the children and youth of our community. 

Services are no-cost and include: 

• sports and camp physicals
• treatment for acute illness and injuries
• well-child/baby check-ups
• immunizations and vaccines (for uninsured/Medical Assistance/MNCARE)
• sexual health care

Interpreters can be arranged by calling ahead of time. At this time, Central Clinic is not able to administer Covid vaccines.

• Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays from 1:00-4:30 p.m. 
• Location: Central Community Center - 6300 Walker Street - Door 7
• Contact: Call 952-933-1100 or email central clinic@parknicollet.com

Dental Care

Low cost dental care is also available at this location the first Friday of every month. Call Children's Dental Services to make an appointment at 612-746-1530.

The Central Clinic was founded in 1996 as a response to the Children First initiative. The clinic is funded by a grant from the Park Nicollet Foundation, staffed by doctors from Park Nicollet Creekside Clinic, and governed by an advisory council.

View the flyer: English | Somali | Spanish

National School Counselor Week Feb. 5-9

Thank you school counselors! School counselors help to foster the academic, social, and emotional well-being of students. Through their unwavering dedication and expert guidance, they contribute significantly to shaping the trajectory of our schools and communities. Their efforts make a profound impact, empowering students to thrive and ensuring a brighter future for all.

Peter Hobart Proud

Pictures of our wonderful ML/EL students!

Five Fabulous Fifth Graders- Anne LaLonde Laux

Peter Hobart PTO

These great local restaurants support Peter Hobart PTO one night every month. Add these 2024 dates to your calendars! 

2023 - 2024 PH PTO Events

*featuring special prizes from Black Owned Businesses!

Black History Month: curated list of activities in February

Imagination Fair – March 15th 

PH Family Meet-Up Soccer & Bubbles - April 21st 2-4pm (Birchwood Park)

Spring Book Fair – April TBD

Earth Day Event at Westwood Nature Center, Fri April 26th, 6:30-8pm

Pizza & PTO General Meeting – May TBD, 6:00pm

Spring Carnival – Fri May 3rd 

Last Day of School Celebration – Thurs June 7th

*If you would like to get involved, please email peterhobartpto@gmail.com*

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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