Dear Peter Hobart Families,
I had planned to start the first communicator of the 2021 year off with a Happy New Year message, however I felt that I first needed to acknowledge the traumatic events that occured in Washington, DC last Wednesday.
I, along with each of you, are witnessing a dark moment in our nation's history. We recognized that many of our students have questions regarding these confusing events in Washington. We will do our best to listen, acknowledge, and respond to student's concerns in the days ahead.
For the moment, let us come together as a community as our country faces this trying time. These events are an assault on our democracy, and peace must prevail now and into the future. In the days ahead, we will provide opportunities in class for students to process what has happened in a safe and respectful manner. Civil discourse is at the heart of who we are as a community, and my hope as principal is that we equip students as future leaders, who, when you leave Peter Hobart, will help our society engage in a way that betters our community.
I am proud and humbled by our Peter Hobart staff who quickly collaborated to gather resources and create a collective plan to best meet the needs of their students the following morning and in the coming days and weeks ahead. I have shared some of these resources with you below. If you have any questions about this, please reach out to your students teacher or myself directly.
We are preparing for our return to In person learning as well as transitioning students to our Distance Learning Academy. Your child's teacher assignment letter and Summary of Learning letter will be mailed to you next week. We will have more information for you in the next couple of weeks. Thank you for consistently partnering with us as we navigate this time of constant change. We are grateful for your commitment to helping us do what is best for our kids and community.
Thank you for your leadership and your courage, as we continue to work through what has been a challenging year. We look forward to continuing to learn and grow together in 2021!
With Gratitude and Peter Hobart Pride,
Kari Schwietering ~ Principal
Chris Weaver ~ Elementary Support Supervisor
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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Dates to Remember - UPDATED Elementary Transition Timeline |
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Wednesday, January 13, 2021 | No School K-5, Grading Day
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Thursday, January 14, 2021 | No School K-5, Teacher/Staff Transition Day
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Friday 15, 2021 | No School K-5, Family Connect Time (Parents & Guardians meet with current teacher to learn about student progress this year)
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Monday, January 18, 2021 | No School E-12, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
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Tuesday, January 19, 2021 | No School K-5, Family Connect Time (Parents & Guardians meet with New Teachers for in-person learning and Distance Learning Academy), Early Learning in-person learning begins
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Wednesday, January 20, 2021 | No School K-5, Teacher/Staff Transition Day
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Thursday, January 21, 2021 | K-2 Elementary in-person learning and K-2 Distance Learning Academy instruction begins. All students in Grades 3-5 continue in Distance Learning
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Friday, January 29, 2021 | K-5 School Day (Note: Previously scheduled as a no school day)
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February 1, 2021 | Grades 3-5 Elementary in-person learning and 3-5 Distance Learning Academy instruction begins
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The School Board for St. Louis Park Public Schools approved changes to the District’s Safe Learning Plan at a special meeting on Tuesday, December 22. The School District communicated those changes along with important dates via multiple channels on December 23. Click here to download a convenient one-page calendar that details educational delivery model changes and upcoming no school days. These dates can also be found on any of the District or school websites in the "News & Announcements" section.
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Kids Place to Begin Offering Before and After School Care |
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When St. Louis Park Public Schools transitions to full in-person learning for students in grades K-2 on Thursday, January 21, the Kids Place school-age child care program will open for before and after school care for students in grades K-2. Before and after school care for students in grades 3-5 will open on Monday, February 1 when students in those grades return to full in-person learning.
In order to help Kids Place prepare for this change and staff accordingly at each school site, the program is asking families for updated schedule information for all children who will attend Kids Place once full in-person learning begins.
If you need before and/or after school care, please follow this link to add a NEW registration for Kids Place school age child care 2020/2021 for your child to your Kids Place account.
Families currently enrolled in Tier I Critical Worker Child Care will continue in Critical Child Care on upcoming no school days (January 13, 14, 15, 19 and 20). No additional registration is required for these days. Contracts for Tier I Critical Worker Child Care during distance learning will remain on file in the event that St. Louis Park Public Schools returns elementary students to the distance learning model at some point in the future.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding. We look forward to supporting your family’s childcare needs and serving your child.
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NO SCHOOL - MARK YOUR CALENDAR |
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Wednesday, January 13th
Thursday, January 14th
Friday January 15th
Monday, January 18th
Tuesday, January 19th
Wednesday, January 20th
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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 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 Link | Meeting
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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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 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 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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Photos Needed: We are collecting photos from families to include in the 2020-2021 year book. Please send SUMMER FUN photos to [email protected] .
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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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- 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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