Your Partners in Learning |
|
Hello Peter Hobart Families,
It been so wonderful these past few weeks to see, in-person and virtually, all our students and staff. I so appreciate the partnership, dedication, flexibility and grace that our students, staff, and families have shown. We are all in this together. I am because we are!
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Beginning Monday, November 16, students in Grades K-5 attending St. Louis Park Public Schools will transition to either the full-day hybrid learning model or the NEW Distance Learning Academy.
The change in learning models is a result of feedback from stakeholders and consideration of the six educational delivery model criteria developed by the school district: Health and Safety; Staff Coverage; Student Learning; Staff Preparedness; Technology; and School Operational Preparedness.
Our ability to transition to the hybrid model is based on a thorough examination of these considerations. Should any of these factors change predominantly, we may need to reconsider moving to a full-day hybrid model.
The full-day hybrid learning model will look similar to the current hybrid model, only it will extend the school day until 2:15 p.m. and include lunch, recess, and specialist time daily.
Specifically, it will include the following:
- Licensed St. Louis Park Public Schools teacher
- Curriculum aligned with state standards, Multilingual Learners (ML) and special education services
- All students will attend school in-person two days each week, in A and B cohorts
- Cohort A (last names A-K) will be at school Mondays and Tuesdays, and Cohort B (last names L-Z) will be at school Thursday and Fridays
- Each cohort will be approximately half of the total number of enrolled students in a class; on other days, students will be learning from home
- Opportunities for in-person social interaction with classmates
- Daily morning meeting and timely feedback with teachers
- Asynchronous access to learning opportunities to sustain and deepen learning via Seesaw, on distance learning days
- Teacher connections with students and families on Wednesdays
Each Elementary School will offer a Distance Learning Academy that features at a minimum the following:
- Licensed St. Louis Park Public Schools teacher
- Curriculum to align with state standards, Multilingual Learners (ML), and special education services
- Daily morning meeting and timely feedback from teachers
- Synchronous instruction in content areas
- Asynchronous access to learning opportunities to sustain and deepen learning via Seesaw
- Asynchronous specialist content
- Teacher connections with students and families on Wednesdays
- Opportunities for online social interaction with classmates
- Remainder of the 2020-21 school year commitment
In preparation for the transition to a full day hybrid model and Distance Learning Academy on November 16, District teams are working on the following:
- Communication of plan options to teachers/staff, students and families
- Register students for Distance Learning Academy
- Determine staffing and hire additional staff (if needed)
- Communicate new teacher assignments and class lists for all students
PLEASE NOTE: Students/families who commit to the Distance Learning Academy will be asked to commit for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year. This is a change from the previous guidelines that allowed movement between models throughout the school year.
NEXT STEP FOR ELEMENTARY FAMILIES: Please begin considering what is the best learning model for your elementary student(s). Full-day hybrid learning or the Distance Learning Academy? This question will be asked of ALL elementary student families next week (October 19-23, 2020). Watch your email for instructions and the link to make your selection. There will also be information shared early next week regarding upcoming information sessions regarding the transition.
STAY INFORMED
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.
Reminder, NO SCHOOL on November 2 & 3
for Family Connect Conferences and Election Day.
|
|
Peter Hobart Proud,
Kari Schwietering ~ Principal
Chris Weaver ~ Elementary Support Supervisor
|
|
|
|
|
Lt. Gov. Flanagan dropping off her 2nd grader on the first day of hybrid |
|
|
|
|
|
Prep begins for bridge over railroad |
|
|
|
Mr. Will & his 3rd grade son |
|
|
Supt. Osei & PH 1st Grader |
|
|
Ms. Loberg, HS Interim Principal & Ms. Schwietering, PH Principal |
|
The 7th Annual Kindness in Chalk Movement was held on Monday, October 5, 2020!
While we can all agree that 2020 has complicated most events (and, well, everything), I think we can all also agree that spreading a little happiness and hope is especially important and necessary this year.
October is National Bullying Awareness Month. There’s a lot that happens in our schools and our society that could benefit from a little kindness. Bullying awareness is crucial and important – we need to talk to our kids about how to handle situations, we need to intervene, we need to stand up for what is right. The goal of the Kindness in Chalk Movement is to combat bullying with the most valuable virtue of all – the virtue that comes in the form of a hug, a compliment, or a silent recognition – the virtue we must teach day in and day out. KINDNESS.
We spread kindness with sidewalk chalk.
It’s as simple and powerful as that.
BE KIND. TEACH KINDNESS. This is our job. Help us spread kindness by writing words of encouragement on the sidewalks of our schools and communities on Kindness in Chalk Day.
|
|
Let's Make 2020 PH Direct a HUGE Success!
100% of the funds go directly to support students! No donation is too small! Together we can make a BIG difference! PH PRIDE!
|
|
Dakota-Edgewood Trail Bridge Groundbreaking Event Monday! |
|
The City of St. Louis Park is hosting a groundbreaking for the Dakota-Edgewood trail bridge Monday, Oct. 19, at 5:30 p.m. The groundbreaking will take place at the northwest corner of Dakota Park, 2643 Dakota Ave. S., near the North Cedar Lake Regional Trail.
Directions: Attendees are encouraged to walk or bike to the groundbreaking. If you drive, park in the Peter Hobart Elementary School parking lot, 6500 W. 26th St., and follow the path on the west side of the ballfield to reach the groundbreaking. If you need special accommodation to reach the groundbreaking site, call the city engineering department at 952.924.2656.
This is an outdoor event. Dress for the weather. Attendees are asked to physically distance and to be prepared by bringing a face covering in case physical distancing isn't possible. If you are feeling ill, please do not attend.
In conjunction with the Dakota-Edgewood bikeway, this project is designed to bring a north-south pedestrian and bike connections to the center of the city. Learn more about the project.
|
|
Family Connect Conferences - November 2 (No School 11/2 & 11/3) |
|
Reminder: No School on November 2 & 3
As a reminder, there is no school Monday, November 2 and Tuesday, November 3.
Monday, November 2 there will be no school due to our Virtual Family Connect Conferences from 8:00am-7:30pm.
Classroom teachers will be reaching out soon to set up a time to connect with you virtually. This will provide a time to discuss how things have been going for your student as well as set goals, hopes and dreams as the district will be moving to District Learning Academy and Full Day Hybrid models, based on your family choice, starting November 16.
Tuesday, November 3 there will be no school due to Election Day.
The School Board decided that there would be no school on Election Day with the safety of our students and staff in mind.
|
|
Hybrid Model In Person Schedule for Shortened School Weeks |
|
The St. Louis Park Public Schools Return to School Guide is now available in English, Spanish and Somali. This guide contains important information about the three potential learning models (distance, hybrid and in-person), health and safety guidelines and protocols, and other general information on a variety of topics including transportation, school nutrition, childcare, arts, athletics, and much more!
Download the 2020-21 St. Louis Park Public Schools Return to School Guide
|
|
E-5 Hybrid Learning Plan Guide (Updated 9/30) |
|
Students in grades E-5 have returned to school in a hybrid model, with a combination of learning at school and from home, following the state’s data-driven plan to safely reopen schools based on county case rates of COVID-19. As schools reopen, we will continue to prioritize a safe learning environment for students, teachers, staff, families, and the greater community.
Click here to download the District's "Preparing for E-5 Hybrid Learning Guide". This 31-page publication is full of details about what the Hybrid model will look like for students and families.
|
|
Student Drop Off & Pick Up |
|
There will be no parking in the East parking lot at any time (by the baseball field.) This is now used for buses only. Parking is available on street and at Dakota Park.
SCHOOL STARTS 7:45am
- Buses will be pulling into the east parking lot (next to the ballfield) by 7:25am for student drop off. Staff will be taking tracking students as they get off the buses for contact tracing purposes. Students will then use the sidewalk to walk around and enter the school through door #2, sanitize, be offered a free bag breakfast and proceed to their classroom.
-
Student drop off will happen in the front of the building (the former bus lane drop off), students will enter through door #2. There will be no parking allowed in the drop off lane. Students should not be dropped off before 7:28am, students won't be able to access the building through door #2 until that time. Students will enter, sanitize, will be offered a free bag breakfast and will proceed to their classroom.
DISMISSAL 11:45am
- A free lunch is offered to ALL students and will be delivered to classrooms at the end of the day to be taken home.
-
Kindergarten students will be escorted by their teachers as a class out the west end door of their hallway, near the playground (door #3). A hand off will occur to families and buses. Students going to Kids Place/Critical Care will be picked up in their classrooms prior to dismissal.
-
Grades 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 - Classroom will be dismissed by grade levels, starting with 5th grade and working down to 1st, starting at 11:45am. Teachers will escort their classes. Walkers and student pick up will exit out of door #2, Please pull up to the curb when your student arrives, no parking allowed. Students taking a bus will be led out the cafeteria door (door #17) to load buses. Staff will be at each bus when loading students for contact tracing purposes.
|
|
Spread the Word: We Are Hiring |
|
The District is currently hiring a number of full and part-time positions.
Please spread the word with your professional contacts and encourage friends, family, acquaintances and yourself to apply to work for St. Louis Park Public Schools!
|
|
COVID-19
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.
Please click on the links below for further information:
Immunizations
It is important for your student to stay current on immunizations, especially during this time. Staying up-to-date on immunizations is one important way to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Check now with your family doctor or clinic to see if your child has all the immunizations required for their age.
Central Clinic is now open. For general Central Clinic information, CLICK HERE
➔ Will be open every Wednesday afternoon from 1:00-4:30PM
➔ Will only see patients for vaccine visits
➔ Will not be administering COVID testing at Central
➔ Will not be administering immunizations for patients who are positive for COVID symptoms
➔ Patients can continue to schedule phone visits for other medical needs as appropriate
➔ All patients and visitors must wear a mask
➔ Students are only allowed one adult guardian into their visit. Others should remain outside
➔ All persons will be screened upon arrival
➔ Social distancing guidelines will be posted and the lobby arranged to support this effort
➔ When appropriate, the patient can be scheduled for a virtual phone visit
The St. Louis Park School District has joined the growing number of school districts throughout the state of Minnesota who strive for immunization compliance. If the student receives an immunization during the school year; send by mail, fax, or drop off at the school the documentation of the shot(s) received.
Minnesota Statutes Section 121A.15 requires children enrolled in a Minnesota school to be immunized against certain diseases, or file a legal medical or conscientious exemption. This form is designed to provide the school with information required by the law. Click here for more district health information.
We are advising all parents and families to screen students before sending them.
Same protocols are in place for staff. If staff or students are having any of the symptoms below stay home!
|
|
By staying home when you are sick or have been exposed to a positive case,
you are helping your community stay in school together.
|
|
Family Technology Help Resources |
|
The NEW St. Louis Park Schools Family Tech Help site is located at https://slpfamilytechhelp.blogspot.com/. 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 familytechhelp@slpschools.org 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.
Thomas Odermatt, Peter Hobart Library Media Specialist, is also available to support families.You can email him at odermatt.thomas@slpschools.org or call 952-928-6622.
|
|
A HUGE thank you to longtime community member and SLP supporter, Linda Jennings who along with Vista Lutheran Church group of volunteers, handmade student masks for Peter Hobart students. They are all individually bagged, labeled with multiple sizes, in a wide variety of fabrics, patterns, and themes, and ready to give to our students that may forget to bring a mask. We have already been able to hand some out. It has been wonderful to see student's eyes light up when they get to choose a Curious George or Golden Gophers mask rather than a paper one, if they show up to school without their mask.
It takes a village and we appreciate your thoughtfulness!
|
|
Free Meals Program Information |
|
Free meals will still be available for pick-up at the six school sites Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Please see the district website for links and info on the Free Meals Program.
Free and Reduced Meals Application
While meals are currently free, it’s very important for families to complete a Free and Reduced Meals Application to help ensure that the District can continue to provide this important service to our students and families. This application can be filled out by families in a number of different ways including online through their Wordware or PowerSchool account or by filling out a paper copy. If anyone has questions or needs more information about the St. Louis Park Public Schools Free Meals program, or needs assistance in filling out a Free and Reduced Meals Application, they can contact the School Nutrition Department at 952-928-6146.
|
|
PowerSchool Family Portal |
|
St. Louis Park Public School is excited to offer families a convenient way to access information about students and make online updates. One important yearly update is the "Annual Student Update." You can update phone numbers, emergency contacts, and more.
If you already have a Middle School or High School student in the district, you might already have an account. You can log in to that account to add information about your elementary student.You should have received a letter with an access ID and code for your elementary student.
Make sure to scroll down once you are in the account and look for the "Annual Student Update" button.
If you have questions, please contact the Peter Hobart School Office at 952-928-6600.
|
|
Elementary Family Handbook |
|
Elementary Family Handbook Now Available
A new Elementary Family Handbook has been published and is now available on each of the four elementary school websites under both the Parent Resources tab and the Find it Fast section.
The handbook includes important contact information, quick facts about each school, and important school board policies that impact students and families.
Near the end of the publication is the Consent for Release of Student Information form, as well as information regarding Peachjar and how weather related school closings will be communicated.
Click here to be directed to a website where you can download the Elementary Family Handbook.
|
|
All Schools to Participate in Students Voting Program
St. Louis Park Public Schools will be participating in the Students Voting program this fall. Students in grades 2-12 will participate in this statewide mock election program. This program will be implemented in place of Kids Voting USA in St. Louis Park this year.
This year, for the first time, the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State and the YMCA Center for Youth Voice are working together to help students statewide discover the importance of elections and the power of their voice – and their vote – in our democracy.
Students Voting gives teachers at all grade levels the tools and resources to expose their students to a comprehensive voting experience whether it's online or in person that includes learning about candidates and issues, voter registration and casting a ballot on or before Election day.
|
|
Honest, Open, Personal, and Engaged (HOPE) Conversations
The HOPE Speaks Project is a Twin Cities based non-profit organization working to normalize conversations about race and racism through family centered classes that develop racial literacy in order to build an antiracist community that will interrupt policies and practices that perpetuate systemic racism.
For more information and to sign up for future classes
|
|
The District released an updated Return to School Guide on Monday, Aug. 31. Key changes in this version include updated information on the Middle School and High School distance and hybrid schedules, new childcare information, and new transportation information. Click here to download a PDF version of this document.
|
|
The Peter Hobart PTO welcomes you to the 2020-2021 school year!
We know that while the year will look different, we still plan to stay connected and have a fun year!
Peter Hobart Direct - This is our one main child led fundraiser each school year. PH Direct kicks off Monday, October 19th and runs through the 30th. ALL funds go directly to the students and staff! Please help us in making this year a success! Peter Hobart deserves to feel our joy!
Scholastic Book Fair! Order online October 16th-29th or come see us in person for an outdoor fair on 10/21.
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/peterhobartelementaryschool2
Our next PTO meeting is Monday, November 9 from 6:30pm-8:00pm. It will be held via ZOOM: Click here "Join Zoom Meeting" to join. ID: 88234011344 Password: Y6lrO245Up
Fundraisers: All funds raised go to support our classrooms and put on PTO events.
-
We hold one main child led fundraiser each school year. Peter Hobart Direct will be October 19-30th. If you would like to be involved in helping plan, email jennie.edstrom@gmail.com.
-
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!
-
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.
-
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:
|
|
Key School District Dates & Info |
|
|
|
|
|
|
