Dear PH Community,
As we near the end of the school year, what a year it has been, we understand that there may be a mix of emotions. Feelings of excitement, concern, exhaustion, happiness, sadness, relief, hope, and so many more. I've heard comments such as "Did we have enough time to get it all in?" "How much learning did students miss?" "I wish they would just end school now!" "I think they should just keep school going through the summer, I mean I feel like we just got back." "How far behind are we?" "Are we going to start school on time and in person?" "Are we all going to be ok?" Just to be clear- I have seen these feelings expressed and heard these comments from families, staff, students and myself. I share this to say that although I may not be able to answer all of the questions, I can say that we are all in this together, and I know together we are stronger. I wouldn't want to be on this journey anywhere else, with anyone else. We are not only going to be ok, we are going to thrive! Thank you Peter Hobart Community!
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Important End of the Year Dates:
May 17 - All (in-person students only) school-issued devices such as Chromebooks, hotspots, and iPads should be returned to school with your student. Please return all chargers. Devices will stay at school.
May 21 - All Library Books Due
May 31 - Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL
June 3 - ALL PH Fifth Grade Car Parade at 4:00pm at PH & ALL PH Fifth Grade Virtual IB Exhibition & Celebration of Learning goes live at 5:30pm online. (more information to follow)
June 10 - Last Day of School. Distance Learning Academy students, turn in all devices, chargers, hotspots, and other materials to PH from 9:15am-11:30am.
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Peter Hobart Proud,
Kari Schwietering ~ Principal
Chris Weaver ~ Elementary Support Supervisor
If you have any questions, feel free to call the Peter Hobart Office at 952-928-6600.
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May is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Annually, this is an opportunity to listen and learn about the diversity within AAPI communities as well as how deep the connections are to all facets of American history. Students will learn about this month in age-appropriate classroom lessons and activities. To access more resources in Minnesota, visit the Coalition of Asian American Leaders.
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Ms. Hall's 3rd grade class, planting radishes. Will the plants adapt to their new homes? |
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Ms. Hall's class with their wonderful student teacher, Ms. Mychi Nguyen. Congratulations on your graduation
Miss Mychi!
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Peter Hobart Elementary Orchestra & Band Spring Concert
This week the 4th and 5th grade band and orchestra students
had the opportunity to have a recording session with ParkTV.
The recording will premiere on channel 15 tomorrow evening, May 22 at 8pm.
Below is a link to the recording, to watch and see all the hard work these students put into learning their instruments this year! A huge thank you to their teachers Mr. Mark Anderson, Elementary Orchestra & Ms. Emilie Bertram, Elementary Band teachers. PH Proud!
Click below to access the link:
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Peter Hobart Orchestra and Band students performed in front of PARKTV Cameras on Tuesday. |
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K-5 Summer Learning Academy 2021 and
Summer Learning & Play Programs Available to All Families
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Registration is now available for the St. Louis Park Public Schools K-5 Summer Learning Academy. This year's Summer Learning Academy will run from June 28 through August 12, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Parents and guardians can also pair the Summer Learning Academy with an afternoon Summer Learning & Play offering for a full day of learning and fun!
More information about the Summer Learning Academy as well as afternoon Summer Learning & Play programs can be found by downloading the following flyers: English | Spanish | Somali
If you would like to register your child for the Summer Learning Academy, please contact your child's teacher. If you have general questions about the Summer Learning Academy, please contact Academy Principal Jennifer Zipf at 952-928-6090 or zipf.jennifer@slpschools.org.
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Attention DLA Families: We want to hear from you!!! |
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St. Louis Park Public Schools is currently surveying Elementary Distance Learning Academy (DLA) families to begin gathering data on interest in continuing their elementary student(s) in DLA next school year. We would appreciate your support by completing this survey by Tuesday, May 25. This survey is not a registration form. Your response will help inform our decision-making. The survey is anonymous and only two questions long.
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District-Owned Device/Electronics Collection |
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Instructional planning for the 2021-2022 school year is underway. The collection of school-issued Chromebooks, iPads and mobile hotspots and associated chargers prior to the last day of school is essential to ensure digital tools are available for learning at the start of next school year.
In-person families: If your child has not already done so and if they were issued a school device (Chromebook, iPad, hotspots), please send items back to school on Monday, May 17. Don't forget the charger! Students will still use devices at school, but they will not bring them home again this year. We are starting the inventory process to ensure that we will have devices in the fall.
DLA families: You will need to bring your child's device and charger back to Peter Hobart on Thursday, June 10 between 9:15 and 11:30 to the office at Door 1. If this timing does not work for you or you don't have transportation, please email odermatt.thomas@slpschools.org .
Click HERE for more information in English
Click HERE for more information in Spanish
Click HERE for more information in Somali
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Please Join Us for the LAST PTO MEETING |
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Monday, May 24th is the final general PTO meeting of the school year.
Your voice matters, please join us and share your ideas.
Meeting ID: 993 4491 2541
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District Announces Curriculum Changes Coming Fall 2021 |
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St. Louis Park Public Schools uses a three-year curriculum review cycle. In this process, teacher leaders measure previous success and determine next steps to achieve racial equity transformation in alignment with the strategic plan. The District is announcing curriculum changes coming in the Fall of 2021 in Math, Gifted/Talented Programming and World Languages and Cultures. Click here to learn more.
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District Announces Finalists for Aquila Principal Position |
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St. Louis Park Public Schools is pleased to announce two finalists for the position of Aquila Elementary School Principal. María Graver and Dr. Margaret J. Vecchio-Smith advanced to the final round of the interview process.
"Both candidates are well-qualified and prepared to lead for racial equity transformation in St. Louis Park Public Schools,” said Superintendent Astein Osei. “The finalists have shown that they care deeply about students, families, and staff, and that their skill sets align with the challenges facing our organization.”
The final round of the process will involve an interview with Superintendent Osei. The Superintendent will select one of the two candidates for the position and share his recommendation at the June 14 School Board meeting. The new principal will begin their duties on July 1, 2021.
About the finalists...
María Graver is currently the Assistant Principal at Richfield High School. She also works as an Educational Equity Coordinator for Minneapolis Public Schools and is a consultant for the Hackman Consulting Group where she develops and delivers curriculum promoting racial equity and social justice for educational and corporate entities. Graver holds an Educational Specialist degree from Concordia University - St. Paul, MN; a Certificate of Critical Literacy from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities; a Master’s Degree in Instruction from Roosevelt University - Chicago, IL; and a Bachelor’s Degree in American Studies from Carleton College - Northfield, MN.
Dr. Margaret J. Vecchio-Smith is currently the Interim Principal for Adams Elementary School in Anoka-Hennepin Schools and also served as the school’s Assistant Principal. Vecchio-Smith served as the Assistant Principal for Earle Brown Elementary School in Brooklyn Center Community Schools. Vecchio-Smith earned her Ph.D. in Educational Administration, Certificate in Professional Development, K-12 Administrative License, and Master’s Degree in Children’s Literature from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Government and Education & Child Studies from Smith College, Northampton, MA.
Shelley Nielsen currently serves as Aquila Elementary School Principal. She announced this Spring that she would be retiring at the end of the 2020-21 school year.
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Governor Walz announced that fully vaccinated individuals no longer have to wear a mask. Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Commissioner Heather Mueller provided the following specific guidance for schools, “Through the end of the 2020-21 school year (last teacher contact day), masks must continue to be worn by everyone inside school buildings or on a school bus.”
The Minnesota Safe Learning Plan for 2020-21 and existing face covering guidance for schools and child care settings remain in effect until the end of the school year. Additionally, changes to the state’s pandemic mitigation protocols are being made. We will share additional information as it is released.
Thank you for your continued understanding as well as the support of students, staff and the greater community as we work together to keep our schools safe.
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Ways to find a COVID-19 Vaccine |
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WHERE TO LOOK:
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Sign up for the Vaccine Connector (mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/connector/connector.jsp). People who sign up are randomly selected for COVID-19 vaccinations through the Community Vaccination Program.
- Check or call online at: Pharmacies. Local and national chains are vaccinating people; Health care systems/clinics. At many places, you do not need to be a patient to get vaccinated there.
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Find COVID-19 vaccines near you with VaccineFinder (vaccinefinder.org/). You can sort by vaccine product.
- Check your county’s website or call them to see if they offer vaccination opportunities.
TIPS FOR GETTING A VACCINE:
- Check back often for new appointments. You may also have luck looking for appointments at a certain time of day or be able to join a waitlist.
- Know when appointments are released. Some sites release new appointments on a specific day or time; make a note to check in then. You can find this information on their website or by calling.
- Know which vaccination sites you are eligible for. Some sites are still prioritizing earlier eligibility groups.
- Preregister or have information easily available. Some sites let you enter some of your information before looking for an appointment for faster scheduling. Some sites only hold appointment for a short time. Turn on email or text alerts so you can schedule an appointment quickly if one becomes available.
- Be patient. As more vaccines become available, it will be easier to get an appointment.
VACCINATION OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS LIVING IN 55426 ZIP CODE:
Residents 16 and up are eligible to sign-up for vaccine appointments at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights if they live in the following zip codes:
Hennepin County
55343, 55344, 55369, 55404, 55405, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55414, 55415, 55418, 55420, 55422, 55423, 55425, 55426, 55427, 55428, 55429, 55430, 55443, 55444, 55445, 55454, 55455, 55467
Ramsey County
55101, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55106, 55107, 55109, 55113, 55117, 55119, 55126, 55127, 55128, 55130, 55144, 55146, 55155
Dakota County
55118, 55122, 55124, 55306, 55337
Anoka County
55433, 55432, 55421, 55448
Click here to download a two-page informational flyer about this vaccination clinic.
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Good News Regarding Healthy Meals for Students |
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The Biden administration on Tuesday issued an extension for free school lunch through 2022 as part of its effort to reopen schools safely amid the coronavirus pandemic. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will allow school meal programs to resume serving FREE MEALS to students this fall and will extend the programs through the school year. It will still be important for families to complete the Application for Educational Benefits also known as the Free and Reduced Meals application to help generate additional funding to support students districtwide.
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Reminder
Students who elected to remain in distance learning continue to be eligible for Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) funds. To be eligible, K-12 students must qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Students who chose to participate in distance learning this year will receive $130 for each month they were doing distance learning for at least 19 school days in the month and $75 for each month they were doing distance learning for between 11 and 18 school days. If you have yet to apply for these benefits, they can be retroactive to the beginning of the year.
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The Artist Corner (featuring artists from PH and the Community)
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Peter Hobart 1st Graders are ARTISTS! |
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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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SLP Parks & Rec Summer Programs |
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RentHelpMN is Now Open for Applications |
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RentHelpMN is Now Open for Applications
Minnesota Housing is pleased to announce that RentHelpMN is now open and accepting applications. RentHelpMN makes it possible for eligible renters to get caught up on overdue rent and utilities dating back to March 13, 2020. It also makes provisions for those at risk of falling behind on rent payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please note that RentHelpMN is in Phase One, in which people with past due rent who meet eligibility requirements are invited to apply.
To apply for RentHelpMN, please visit renthelpmn.org or call 211. The 211 helpline has dedicated multilingual staff available to answer questions about RentHelpMN, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Visit renthelpmn.org to learn more about the program and eligibility requirements and to apply.
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Monday, May 24th is the final general PTO meeting of the school year.
Your voice matters, please join us and share your ideas.
Meeting ID: 993 4491 2541
We will be establishing the PTO board for the following year. While being on the board is an important piece to functioning, all positions within the PTO are important and the more voices and ideas we have to contribute, the stronger we become. We have a number of committee positions that are looking for people who enjoy planning details of an event. It does not mean you carry out the event independently, but plan the event details and many parent volunteers can sign up to assist with the actual event.
How would you like to be a part of it? Do you enjoy grant writing, writing letters for fundraising, planning games, taking pictures, creating sign-up genius, creating flyers or graphics, voting on funds, connecting with other parents, connecting with local restaurants or businesses, designing shirt graphics for spirit wear, or coming up with a new way to bridge community and support our PH students, families, and school? Your voice, talents, and skills are valuable to our community!
We are looking for new voices in these committees:
School concert treats- working with Mr Huber and teachers
Spirit wear- working with Park Prints
Restaurant fundraisers-- local venue and school partnerships
Fall Family Fun Night (early November)
Game Night (Mathnasium- mid January)
Staff Appreciation (Late Fall & Spring)
There are 5 board positions each school year. The board members act as communication between school and PTO to help establish what support is useful depending on needs in the moment and create opportunities for events that build community and joy. Needs shifted a lot this year, but we worked to continue bridging support and community between school and families. If you are interested in serving on the PTO board, please reach out. Positions are chair, co-chair, secretary, treasurer, and member-at-large.
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We know that while the year looks different,
we still plan to stay connected and have a fun year!
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The 2nd Wednesday of every month Mexico City on Lake Street - next to SLP High School donates a portion of every order to the Peter Hobart PTO. Support this generous local restaurant and they give back to our school (including dine-in, carryout, and delivery orders).
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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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Friday, May 21 - All Library Books Due
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Monday, May 31 - NO SCHOOL K-12 Memorial Day
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Thursday, June 3 - ALL PH Fifth Grade Car Parade at 4:00pm at PH & ALL PH Fifth Grade Virtual IB Exhibition & Celebration of Learning goes live at 5:30pm online. (more information to follow)
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Thursday, June 10 - Distance Learning Academy students, turn in all devices, chargers, hotspots, and other materials to PH from 9:15am-11:30am
- Thursday, June 10 - Last Day of School
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