For your Calendar
Middle School Conferences (all virtual)
- NOVEMBER 8-19; sign up is for each teacher, as needed
- Follow this link to sign up for Middle School conference times
Elementary Conferences 5pm-8pm, (all virtual)
- NOVEMBER 19: 8am-11am; 12pm-4pm
- Follow this link to sign up for Elementary conference times
NOVEMBER 15: PTO Meeting, 7-8pm https://meet.google.com/xdq-jmpc-nyt
NOVEMBER 16: Picture Retakes!
NOVEMBER 18: Give to the Max for Capitol Hill!
NOVEMBER 19: No School for all grades, conferences
NOVEMBER 22: Winter 1 sports begin
NOVEMBER 25 & 26: Thanksgiving break, no school
DECEMBER 2: Orchestra concert, 6:30pm
DECEMBER 9: Band Concert, 6:30pm
Principal's Corner
Thank you to all of the students, staff and families who continue to push forward positively during these tough times in our world! Families, thank you for being engaged in your scholars' educational experience at Capitol Hill this school year.
As we near the end of the first quarter, make sure that your student is reading at least 30 minutes a day outside of school. I have attached a graphic showing the impact of working this habit into your child's life.
Also, fall conferences are virtual this year; I hope you have had a chance to connect with your child's teacher(s). If you have not been able to connect with them, please send them an email directly to schedule a time to meet if you have any questions.
Lastly, being that conferences are virtual I would like to make myself available for families as well so if you would like to meet with me, please contact our lead clerk, Ms. Thao at der.thao@spps.org to schedule a meeting.
- Your proud principal, Mr. Freeman
Picking up earlier than 4:15 dismissal time?
Please, to the extent possible, be mindful that students are still engaged in learning until dismissal time. We have many families picking up early this year. If you must pick-up early, please see the office notes below for information on making changes to normal routines. We will do our best to get your child(ren) to you in a timely fashion, but the last 45 minutes of the day are particularly hectic!
- Early check-out by a parent or guardian in the Capitol Hill office is again required - as was our policy before the COVID pandemic.
- Facemasks are required for entry to the office.
- All changes should be called into the office (651-325-2500) no later than 3 pm – this includes changes to transportation plans (bus/no bus home).
- Please plan accordingly. Students move throughout the day into different classrooms and spaces. We ask for your patience while we find them for you, which can take some time.
- We will not be calling your child(ren) to the office for early dismissal to wait for pickup. Because we are still in a global pandemic, we are limiting the number of people in our main office. If your child(ren) come the office to wait, we will send them back to class, then call them down when you arrive to sign them out in the office.
- Please use the Blue C doors and buzz Capitol Hill to come in. After signing them out, go to the lobby to wait.
- Students should not be calling home to get picked up early without being seen by an adult first, such as the nurse, counselor, or an administrator. If your child is not feeling well, they should be seen by the nurse and the nurse will call you if your child needs to be picked up.
- Students are not allowed to leave the building without being signed out or checked out by the front office. Student safety is our top priority and always need to be accounted for.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Please call the main office if you should have any questions at 651-325-2500.
Sign up for school Conferences here
Capitol Hill Counseling team available for conferences
As parents/guardians and family members you are critical partners in supporting your child’s educational growth. As we prepare for fall conferences, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet and collaborate. Our conference structure this year will be online via Google-meet.
This fall, conferences will be held for middle school from November Monday, 8th to Friday the 19th. Elementary conferences will be held on November 9th and 11th from 5pm - 8pm and on the 19th from 8am - 12pm and 1pm - 4pm.
Our counseling department conferences will be by appointment. Please reach out to:
- Zachary Nauschutz (Zachary.nauschutz@spps.org) for grades 1-4
- Melissa Derby (Melissa.derby@spps.org) for grades 5-6
- Chi Fomafung (Chi.fomafung@spps.org) for grades 7-8
In addition, we may attend your child’s teacher conferences if needed.
November Support Staff Newsletter!
Virtual Scholastic Book fair still open til 11/21!
Our goal this year is for every student to be able to choose a book. In order to make that possible, we are participating in a fundraising program called All for Books. If you can, please donate to our All for Books "eWallet" fund here.
Winter sports begin November 22!
Winter Sports 2 (January - March) Boys Basketball
Students are required to complete 2 forms prior to be eligible to participate in our Middle School athletic program:
- Sports physical (good for 3 years) https://drive.google.com/file/d/14hFWR0kDRU6j467TgMkQOPJGj7_0FwSh/view
- Middle School athletics registration form https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q5CWejaOqGDKHxGzPJlimYKv1mHASPCJ8hYu_qCOyws/edit
We are excited to be able to offer middle school athletics this winter. As was the case this fall, there will be some changes that will allow students to participate in a modified athletics season.
Due to the continued shortage of school bus drivers, we are only able to provide after-school transportation for high school students at this time. This means that all SPPS middle school athletics will continue to have a modified intramural season this winter.
In light of this change, the winter activity fee is being reduced from $30 to $5. Students will need a current sports physical to participate in the winter season; please make an appointment with your physician or visit one of our SPPS Health Start Clinics.
High school athletics option: 7th and 8th grade students who meet certain criteria may be selected to try out for a team at their area high school. Athletic directors, parents and coaches will determine together if a student has the skill set and maturity level required to participate at the high school level. Families will need to arrange transportation to/from the high school for practices, competitions and other events. Regular high school activity fees will apply. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Dylan Wakefield-Dagen-Athletic Director, dylan.wakefield-dagen@spps.org.
All SPPS athletics and activities are following the COVID-19 recommendations from the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). The recommendations include vaccination for everyone who is eligible, frequent COVID-19 testing, wearing masks when not actively participating, keeping physical distance when possible, and practicing in small groups. Athletes will be informed if these guidelines are updated before or during the winter season.
Thank you for your understanding. We are looking forward to a different, but still fun, winter season!
Dylan Wakefield-Dagen, Athletic Director, Capitol Hill
Band & orchestra concerts return to capitol hill!
We are very excited to be able to perform concerts again for the Capitol Hill community!
Thursday, December 2: Orchestra performance featuring all middle school orchestra students along with a few select elementary students.
Thursday, December 9th: The winter Band concert will feature the Varsity (intermediate), Concert (advanced), and Jazz Band students.
Both performances begin at 6:30 in the large gym. Students should plan to arrive by 6:00 p.m. wearing concert dress.
Please note that masks are required for all audience members at all times. Family groups of 2 or 3 will have seating on the gym floor. Larger groups should sit together in the balcony area, with social distance between family groups. Band students must remain masked, except when playing. Students may choose to wear their slotted masks when playing. Please enter through the blue doors and do not forget there is no parking in the American Lung Society or Martin Luther King/Hallie Q. Brown Center lots.
Mr. Middleton john.middeton@spps.org
Mr. Fulton jeff.fulton@spps.org
PTO UPDATES
Donate to the PTO - Give to the Max on November 18th!
Give to the Max is happening now and ends November 18th. Donate through GiveMN to help us reach our goal of $10,000 and increase our chances of winning event prizes . Support field trips, special events, and classroom enrichment for ALL students. Donations can also be made via cash/check to the office or PayPal (treasurer.capitolhill@gmail.com).
November PTO Meeting Monday, November 15, 7-8pm
Dr. Jodi Dworkin, University of MN Professor and Capitol Hill parent, will lead a "Conversation about kids, technology, and social media" with tips for parents followed by a Q&A time. Use the following link to join the Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/xdq-jmpc-nyt
A message from SPPS regarding COVID vaccines
Dear Saint Paul Public Schools Families,
We are excited that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been authorized for children ages 5-11. The vaccine was authorized by the FDA and CDC after clinical trials found that low-dose shots are safe and provide strong protection for children of this age group. This means that all Minnesota residents ages 5 and older are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
This is a turning point in the pandemic that many of us in education have been waiting for and will allow our students and families to better protect themselves and those around them. Getting vaccinated is proven to be the most effective way to protect against COVID-19, and can help students stay safe and healthy at school, sports and other social activities. People who are fully vaccinated and have close contact with someone who has COVID-19 do not need to quarantine if they do not have any symptoms and meet other conditions.
SPPS Vaccine Clinics for Ages 5-11:
SPPS is partnering with St Paul-Ramsey County Public Health to offer vaccine clinics to students ages 5-11 at Como Park Elementary (780 Wheelock Pkwy. W.) and Battle Creek Elementary (60 Ruth St. S.)
- November 15, 22 & 29 from 3-6pm: Como Park Elementary - first-dose clinics
- November 16, 23 & 30 from 3-6pm: Battle Creek Elementary - first-dose clinics
Patients will receive a date for a second-dose vaccination during their first-dose appointment. Appointments are required. Register at ramseycounty.us/COVIDvaccine.
SPPS Vaccine Clinics for Ages 12 and Up:
Vaccines for ages 12 and up are available at the Health Start Clinic held at Gordon Parks High School (1212 W. University Ave.) on Fridays from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Booster shots are not available.
Ramsey County Vaccine Clinics for All Ages:
St Paul-Ramsey County Public Health also has vaccine clinics at the following locations:
- Arlington Hills Community Center (1200 Payne Ave.)
- Consulate of Mexico (797 E. Seventh St.)
- Oxford Community Center (270 Lexington Pkwy. N.)
- New Brighton Community Center (400 10th St. N.W., New Brighton)
Vaccines for ages 5-11 will be available at these locations within the next two weeks. Appointments are required. Register at ramseycounty.us/COVIDvaccine. Booster shots are available at these clinics for those who are eligible.
What to Expect:
- Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when receiving a vaccine.
- There is no cost for the vaccine.
- You do not need to provide a government-issued ID or medical insurance to be vaccinated, and no question on immigration status is ever asked.
SPPS is also partnering with Odam Medical Group and Healthcarestrong.org to offer a vaccine clinic for anyone 5+ at the Rondo Complex (Mays/Capitol Hill) - Open to General Public/Community!
- Monday, November 22nd, 3pm-7pm @ Rondo Complex
- Anyone ages 5 and older can come including adults. Boosters will be available for adults who have already received their 2 doses and qualify.
- Sign up is not required, but please complete this short survey so we know how many people to plan for. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8R8RZ5D
Everything kids and parents need to know about getting the COVID 19 vaccine: A video in Hmong, Spanish, Somali, Oromo and English: https://sahanjournal.com/.../covid-19-vaccine-kids.../...
If you have questions, please contact Julia Burgess at juliaburgess99@gmail.com
Other Vaccine Resources:
- Contact your child’s primary health care provider, local public health or a local pharmacy.
- Check the Ramsey County COVID-19 Vaccine website for community and mobile clinics in and near St. Paul.
- Walk-in or schedule an appointment through Minnesota’s Community Vaccination Programs at Mall of America (Bloomington) or MSP Terminal 2. You can also get connected to a vaccine through Minnesota’s Vaccine Connector.
- Use the Vaccine Locator Map to find vaccine locations near you.
SPPS will continue to keep families informed about available vaccine resources. Find the latest information on spps.org/covidvaccine.
Daily Health Screening Expectations for Families
Families should conduct a health screening for COVID-19 symptoms every morning before sending their student to school or the bus stop. School staff will also monitor for symptoms throughout the school day.
Do not send your child to school if they are exhibiting any of these symptoms: chills, sore throat, headache, fatigue, nausea, muscle pain, vomiting or diarrhea, new runny nose or congestion, new or worsening cough, difficulty breathing, or loss of taste or smell. Please report the absence and submit a report to the COVID-19 Reporting System as soon as possible.
DROP-OFF PROCEDURE:
- Parents/guardians drop off students on Concordia Avenue, no earlier than 9:30am.
- Please do not cut in front of other cars already in line.
- When you get close to the front of the line, pull up as far as you can to Mackubin Avenue.
- NO PARKING on Concordia: this a pull up and drop off quickly area. If you must park your car, please find a spot on another street to take care of your drop-off needs.
- DO NOT BLOCK PARKING LOT DRIVEWAYS. Avoid stopping at the stairs as well.
- Students get out on the right side (curbside) on Concordia.
- Parents/guardians stay in the car; there will be staff to assist if needed.
- Once your student is out of the car, please safely pull out of the line.
- Students will proceed to enter into the blue doors.
- Students who walk to school will also enter through the blue Capitol Hill doors.
DISMISSAL TIME PICKUP PROCEDURE:
If you are driving, park safely along Makubin, Carroll, Igelhart, or Marshall
- Please do not stop in the middle of the street
- Please do not park in the cross walk
- Please park and pick up your scholar on the sidewalk
Elementary students will be grouped inside by last name, with 3 pickup lines outside:
- Students with last names starting with A – G
- Students with last names starting with H – O
- Students with last names starting with P – Z
Staff members will be outside calling student names on the radios.
- If your child doesn’t come out the first time after being called, we appreciate your patience in waiting for a staff member to circle back and call for your child again
- Middle school students will continue to exit the Green Doors on Mackubin
- Middle school students may not pick up younger siblings without a parent/guardian present
- Parents/Guardians should not come up to the building to pick up their student(s)
Picking up earlier than 4:15 dismissal time? Sign-out in the office is required again, as was our policy before the pandemic.
All changes should be called into the office (651-325-2500) no later than 3 pm. Please, to the extent possible, be mindful that students are still engaged in learning until our 4:15 dismissal time.
Please see the picture below for a visual of the 4:15 pickup plan:
Capitol Hill OFFICE NOTES
Office Hours: 8:30 - 4:30
Morning Drop-off Time
We want to ensure each child is safe when arriving for school. Staff supervision begins at 9:30am. Please do not drop off your child earlier than 9:30.
Attendance/late arrivals:
Please make sure to always report your child's absences. You can do this in two ways:
- Dial the attendance line directly at 651-325-2599 -OR-
- Email us at capitolhill.attendance@spps.org.
Please include your child's name, grade, the reason for their absence, your relationship to the child, and a return phone number that you can be reached at if we should have questions.
Calling Your Child
When calling the school to speak to your child, the office staff will deliver your message to have your child call you back. Teachers are teaching during the day and we are trying our best to lessen the interruptions during instructional time. Thanks for understanding.
Dismissal
Dismissal is at 4:15. We appreciate you making every attempt to honor this time. Students are still actively involved in classroom instruction up to dismissal time.
Please call the Capitol Hill office at 651-325-2500 if you are picking up your child early or letting your child go home any other way than their normal routine. Sign-out in the Main Office is required again, as was our policy before the pandemic struck.
***Please make sure to call the office no later than 3:00 pm if you have to make changes. If you call later than 3:00, we cannot guarantee that your child will get the message.***
Have you completed the iUpdate?
The iUpdate process is very important for you and for us – it’s an easy way to streamline all the forms and information that your students need: Free/Reduced Lunch form, the Media Release form, and the use of Internet form. Please go to https://www.spps.org/onestop to complete the iUpdate for your SPPS student(s) if you've not done so already.