March 30, 2023

Hello Peter Hobart Community,

I wanted to take a moment to thank our incredible community for sharing your love and support following the horrific tragedy that took place at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee. Personally, I am sad and outraged. Students deserve to go to school, engage in their learning, explore their identities in safe spaces, and just be without fear. My heart goes out to each of these grieving families and the entire community.

We recognize this impacts us all, we are hurting, yet we are lucky to have the strength of the SLP community around us. The relationships that we continue to build with students and families is our first line of safety. Please know our staff is always here to support.

We want to assure staff and families that the safety of our schools and students is our highest priority. We are constantly reviewing our security measures to ensure there are multiple layers of safety in place to protect students and staff. We also urge everyone to speak up if they see or hear anything that could present a potential threat to school safety. 

Just a reminder to all families:

• All our school doors are locked starting at 7:45 AM throughout the day. While school is in session you must be buzzed in through the main office, door #1.

• We complete safety drills throughout the school year. 5 Lockdown Drills and 5 Fire Drills as well as 1 Severe Weather Drill. As of 3/30/23 we have completed 4 Fire Drills and 4 Lockdown Drills. Our Severe Weather Drill is scheduled for Thursday, April 20th per the state of Minnesota.

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

NO SCHOOL TOMORROW, Friday, March 31st- April 9th.

School will resume Monday, April 10th.

World Autism Day is April 2

April is recognized as Autism Awareness Month,and this year on April 2 is World Autism Day. Autism is a developmental condition that can impact social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. This year, we encourage members of our school community to learn more about autism. Acceptance begins with understanding what autism is.



• Autism is not an illness or deficit that needs to be “fixed” or “cured”
• Autism is: a difference in how a child learns, thinks, experiences the world and relates to others
• Autism is to be celebrated! It brings diversity to all of our learners.

Paraprofessional Appreciation Day is April 6

Paraprofessional Appreciation Day honors paraprofessional educators, who may also be known as paras, instructional assistants, or teacher's aides. Paraprofessionals perform a variety of teacher-related jobs and often assist teachers in classrooms. They may work with students on supplemental enrichment activities, either in small groups or one-on-one. Thank you to all of the paras who do so much for our schools!

IB Inquiry Week of March 27th

As an International Baccalaureate (IB) School we are encouraged to participate in regular self-study.  Self Study  is a detailed and thorough reflection by all community members (staff, families, and students) on each of the practices and standards required of IB schools. It provides the opportunity to reflect and identify where we excels, where we have shown growth, and what may need additional attention.

The IB practices are aspirational, meaning that as a school, we will continue to develop, implement, understand and integrate them more explicitly and consistently over time. 

Thank you to the 4th and 5th graders who participated in self-study focus groups this past week - your voice is important!!

Anne LaLonde Laux

IB Curriculum Coordinator

Thursday, March 30 ~ Blue Whale Architecture Showcase 5pm-7:00pm Peter Hobart RESCHEDULED FOR TONIGHT

Friday, March 31- April 7~ NO SCHOOL

Monday, April 10 ~ School Resumes

Monday, April 17- April 20th ~ MCA Reading Testing 5th Grade

Wednesday, April 19 - April 20 ~ Spring Book Fair, Peter Hobart

Monday, April 24 ~ All District Orchestra Festival

Monday, April 24 - April 28 ~ MCA Math Testing 5th Grade

Monday, April 24 - April 28 ~ MCA Math and Reading Testing 3rd and 4th Grade

Monday, May 1- May 5 ~ MCA Science Testing 5th Grade

Friday, May 5 ~ Peter Hobart Spring Carnival, Peter Hobart

Tuesday, May 9 ~ Elder Wisdom Children's Song Peter Hobart, 6:30pm Middle School

*The 2023-24 At-A-Glance Calendar is now posted on the website.

Click HERE

MCA Testing

Testing this year will be on April 24-28 for 3rd and 4th graders. This will include the math and the reading tests. Our 5th graders will take the reading test April 17-20, the math April 24-28, and the science test May 1-5. Typically, we will test no more than one hour a day. For questions about the MCA tests, please contact Thomas Odermatt (odermatt.thomas@slpschools.org)

Families and residents can pick up the printed City-District calendar at St. Louis Park City Hall and all St. Louis Park Public Schools schools. In the interest to be fiscally responsible, we'd like to understand if families find value in having the upcoming 2023-2024 calendar printed and available to them. 

Please fill out this 1 minute survey so we can better estimate the number of calendars to print. 

• English Survey
• Spanish Survey 
• Somali Survey

April Letter Calendar

Blue Whale Architecture Showcase 03/30/23 TONIGHT

Come with your first grader to see the architectural structure they built using

math, art, and science skills! All their work was inspired by Norma Sklarek, the first Black female architect in both New York and California. We hope you can come and celebrate your child’s creativity and learning!

When: Open house on Thursday, March 23rd from 5:00-7:00

Where: Peter Hobart Elementary

Who: First grade students and families

Peter Hobart Carnival 05/05/23

Peter Hobart's Elder Wisdom Children's Song 05/09/23

SLP District Article

Free School Meals for Kids Starts

2023-24 School Year

Governor Walz signed the Free School Meals for Kids bill on Friday, March 17. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) will implement this program for Minnesota students beginning the 2023-2024 school year for students in Minnesota. This legislation provides state reimbursement for a free breakfast and lunch to all students at schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP). The Free School Meals for Kids Program will begin in st. Louis Park Public Schools next school year. We will share more information with families once we receive more information about the program.

SLP District Article

Assistant Principal Week: April 3-7

National Assistant Principals Week, April 3–7, 2023, is a celebration of the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to bolster teachers, motivate students, support their principal, create a positive learning community, and face the many unpredictable challenges that land on their desks. Assistant Principals play a crucial role, and this week is a dedicated time to recognize them for their hard work and commitment to our schools, students, and profession.

SLP District Article

School Board Listening Session, April 18

The SLP School Board invites families to join them for the upcoming listening session on Tuesday, April 18. The listening session will be held at 6:30pm in the High School Library Media Center. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and have a conversation with school board members. It is important to note that this is not an official meeting and no official action will be taken. Please be aware that the school board members will end the listening session 30 minutes after the posted start time if there are no stakeholders in attendance.

SLP District Article

In the Loop SLP Construction Update

View updates from Knutson Construction and St. Louis Park Public Schools about construction projects in the school district. March highlights include project milestones and progress for the High School, Middle School, and Central project.

Fun Fact: The overall scope of construction for the three projects is approximately 378,000sqft. That is approximately 28 St Louis Park Town Halls! View the construction updates webpage.

In the Loop: SLP Construction Newsletter

SLP District Article:

Summer School

Thinking about Summer School already?

We are! Registration opens March 1, 2023 for Summer Learning Academy, Summer Learning and Play, and Credit Recovery.

• Field Trips
• Hands on Experiential Learning
• Breakfast and Lunch
• Relationship Building

Elementary School

June 19-August 4 - Summer Learning Academy

June 19-Aug 17- Summer Learning and Play

Middle School

June 19-July 14 - Academic Programs

July 17-July 28 - Activities and field trips

High School

June 12-30 - Credit Recovery

For more information visit slp.thatscommunityed.com

SLP District Article:

Summer Learning Academy for Rising 1-8th grade Learners - Registration is Now Open

Aquatic Classes - SLP Community Education - Click HERE!

St. Louis Park Community Education offers a variety of Aquatic Classes. Classes are offered at the Central Community Center Pool (indoor).

Summer Learning Academy - Click HERE!

Summer Learning Academy (for students who were in grades K-5 during the 22-23 school year) is a free program that promotes student growth and exposes learners to social and emotional development and cultural awareness through the engagement of academics, enrichment and physical activities. Learners will also be exposed to on-site and off-site field trip/experiential learning to enhance the overall summer experience. This year's Summer Learning Academy will take place at Peter Hobart Elementary. Lunch is provided.

June 19-30 and July 10-August 4, Monday through Friday, 8:00-12:30PM. Bus transportation available.

Summer Learning Academy is also available for Middle School students who were in grades 6-8 during the 22-23 school year. The program is June 19 - July 28 and bus transportation would be available. Lunch is provided. Monday through Fridays, 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM. Use these same links to register a Middle School student.

Click HERE for the Registration Form in Spanish.

Click HERE for the Registration Form in Somali.

Click HERE for the Registration Form in English.

Summer Learning & Play - Click HERE!

St. Louis Park Community Education is excited to offer morning and afternoon fee-based camps as part of its Summer Learning & Play program. If a student registers for both an AM and PM camp, they can stay all day. There will be staff supervision from 12:00-1:00 PM for lunch and free-play time before afternoon classes begin. There is something for every kid including STEM camps, arts camps, sports camps, and more! These will take place at Peter Hobart Elementary. The camps are four days a week, Monday through Thursday. Transportation must be provided by families.

Kids Place Summer Fun for K-5 - Click HERE!

Kids Place provides exceptional childcare options for families. Register today!

Registration for Summer High School Credit Recovery will be available in April. 

Afterschool Enrichment Opportunities for PH Students

New Classes listed below!

St. Louis Park Community Education's Youth Enrichment Program (YEP) is excited to announce new afterschool enrichment opportunities. Transportation is available for all programs (requires advance registration). More information about transportation is in the registration links. 

Art Lab (Grades 2-5)

In this club, students will explore different materials and techniques to create fun and exciting works of art.

Thursdays, April 20-June 1

2:15-3:30 p.m.

Sliding Scale Pricing: $29/$39/$49/$59

Mirabel's World with Kidcreate Studio (Grades K-5)

In this truly enchanted class, we’ll paint, sculpt with air-dry clay, and even sing along to some of your favorite tunes while creating dazzling clay butterflies, magical bedroom doors, Colombian rainforest creatures and so much more. 

Mondays, April 17-May 8

2:15-3:15 p.m.

Price: $79

YR Cartoon Club Art Class (Grades K-5)

Our students will create fully realized cartoon characters from fun subjects like robots, hilarious dogs, and funny insects. 

Tuesdays, April 11-May 16

2:15-3:45 p.m.

Price: $119

Games Club: Explore the World (Grades 1-5)

In Games Club, we will explore different types of games from around the world getting to see other cultures through the games they play. 

Wednesdays, April 19-May 31

2:15-3:30 p.m.

Sliding Scale Pricing: $29/$39/$49/$59

Grandmasters of Chess (Grades 1-5)

In each class, students are taught different chess concepts and coached to implement those concepts into their chess games. Each class ends with students playing 20-30 minutes of chess. 

Tuesdays, April 11-May 30

2:15-3:15 p.m.

Price: $130

Skyhawks Basketball

Learn the fundamentals of passing, shooting, ball handling, rebounding, and defense through skill-based instruction and small-sided scrimmages.

Tuesdays, March 28-April 25

Grades K-2: 2:15-3:15 p.m.

Grades 3-5: 3:30-4:30 pm

Price:$89

Skyhawks Track and Field Camp

Using special equipment, our exercises and drills will prepare athletes for cross country, track and field events, and distance running, while inspiring a love for running and being active.

Tuesdays, May 2-23

Grades K-2: 2:15-3:15 p.m.

Grades 3-5: 3:30-4:30 pm

Price: $89



TO SEE THE SPRING PROGRAMS GUIDE CLICK HERE

Questions? Contact Kelleen at obrion.kelleen@slpschools.org or 952-928-6399

SLP Online Meal Menus

My School Menus - English

My School Menus - Spanish

My School Menus - Somali

2023 PTO Events:

Maple Syrup Program @ Westwood Nature Center – Mar 26th

Spring Book Fair – April 19th – 20th

PTO Pizza Party - May 2nd

PTO General Meeting – May 2nd, 6:30pm

Monthly Meet Up @ Dakota Park – Sun Apr 16th

Spring Carnival – Fri May 5th

Monthly Meet Up @ Dakota Park – Sun May 21st

Last Day of School Celebration – Thurs Jun 8th

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

• NEW! Student Directory access HERE. Password: Hobart2023!
• 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:

http://peterhobartpto.weebly.com/

or on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/PeterHobartPTAO

subscribed to the newsletter by sending an email to:

PeterhobartPTO@gmail.com