Hamline Family Newsletter

Dear Hamline Families,

May is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage month. This past year, we have been reminded that recognizing and celebrating Asian, Black, Indigenous, and Latinx heritage is an opportunity for us to embrace what’s beautiful about our world. Celebrating that beauty is necessary as we continue to work for a more just world where respect, heritage, and diversity is honored.

Please make sure to look down further to find out about summer school information. Summer school can get a bad rap, but with the year we have had it is also a great opportunity to make up for lost learning and keep the summer slide away. And it can also be fun!

In Partnership,

Principal Kristin Reilly

Hamline Husky Families:

A few of the highlights from the last week:

• Seeing some of our VLS students in the building taking the MCA Reading test
• The shoe projects from Mr. Gjerde's class in the hallway
• Kids playing outside without winter jackets finally :)
• Fun pajamas in Ms. Dery and Ms. Casperson's classes

As always, please call, text or email me with any questions or concerns.

Email: jennifer.ewald@spps.org

Office: 651-744-6055

Google Voice: ‪(612) 315-0791‬

Please join Principal Reilly on Wednesday May 12th from 5:00-6:00 to hear more about our budget and our School Continuous Improvement Plan(SCIP) on a Google Meet. Please use the following link to join : https://meet.google.com/ddv-kpku-vph

A team is planning three summer Family Nights in Newell Park for our community to safely gather. We miss you!

There will be Refreshments, Entertainment, and information from Neighborhood Organizations!

June 16, 5:30-7:00: Magic Maniacs

July 21, 5:30-7:00: Hooperina Hula Hoops

August 18, 5:30-7:00: Global Games

More details to come!

The Sanneh Foundation along with Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is offering free soccer clinics for youth ages 5-12 yrs. Topics covered include basic skill training, speed and agility development, attacking, defending, small-sided games and tactics. Participants should bring appropriate footwear, shin guards, and water/sports drink. This is Hamline's attached Rec Center.

Click on this link for more information: https://apm.activecommunities.com/saintpaul/Activity_Search/sanneh-soccer-camp-hancock/65785

Bucket Drumming is fun and easy. With a bucket and drumsticks, kiddos will enjoy “Expression Through Beats.” Rec staff hope to form a consistent group of youth to represent Hancock Rec Center and Hamline Elementary School Huskies. Registration is open now! Free!

Jun 16, 2021 to Aug 25, 2021

Each Wed 5pm to 6pm

Location: Hancock Recreation Center

Ages: At least 9 but less than 13

https://apm.activecommunities.com/saintpaul/Activity_Search/bucket-drumming-hancock/65987

Summer Rec Check (formerly known as Summer Blast) is a free program for youth who will be entering grades 1-6 in the fall of 2021. Summer Rec Check takes place in beautiful Newell Park, a few blocks from Hamline Elementary and Hancock Rec.

Activities include crafts, art, tennis, cooking, swimming, gym games, water fun, outdoor nature activities, outdoor play, fitness, kitchen science, field trips and more. Partnering with the Saint Paul Public Library, kids are encouraged to keep reading all summer through fun literature activities and programs. A daily snack is provided.

Free! Registration is open now!

Monday-Thursday from June 21-August 26, 10:00am-1:00pm

https://apm.activecommunities.com/saintpaul/ActiveNet_Home?FileName=onlineDCProgramDetail.sdi&dcprogram_id=392&online=true

Beginning Archery for Kids will be taking place at Hancock Rec Center this summer from June 21-June 25 from 1:30-3:30pm. This is for kiddos ages 9-13.

Free! Registration is open now!

https://apm.activecommunities.com/saintpaul/Activity_Search/archery-youth-hancock/65718

St. Paul Parks and Rec offers activities all across St. Paul, all summer long. You can search for activities here:

https://apm.activecommunities.com/saintpaul/Activity_Search

We are happy to announce that next school year we will have two full day PreK classrooms. Spread the word if you know anyone looking for PreK. We still have openings.

The Five competencies that we believe every student must possess as we move into the 21st century are: Collaborators, Communicators, Problem Solvers, Creators, and Self and Community Aware.

We first focused on the competency of Communicators. We define this as "sharing and expressing thoughts and ideas in multiple ways. Listening and hearing other perspectives." Next, we focused on being a Collaborator. We define this as "working together for a common goal." Kendra, Curtis, and Aminat have been three fifth graders collaborating on our school newspaper, Snelling Connection. Now, we are focusing on being a Creator, which we define as "a person who invents, produces, or makes things."

Mr. Gjerde's fifth grade class used an inquiry based learning approach for "The Shoe Project". Students built a shoe model through researching, designing, and creating a marketing plan exploring demographic data and creating focus groups surveys. They also learned about the impact media has on sales. This picture shows Ahsolo's shoe design which many students voted for as their top pick.

We have been working all year around a school-wide theme of social justice. The four domains we work on are Identity, Diversity, Justice and Action. We believe that helping students understand who they are as individuals, within their families, community and world is important for their growth as human beings. The picture shows Ms. Casperson's class shining.

As a community we are committed to providing resources for families that are centered on equity and social justice. That is why we have decided to create this space within our Family Newsletter. We hope you find the information shared helpful and informative. Should you have any questions, concerns, or need further support, please do not hesitate to reach out to your students' teacher or anyone from our student support team.

Article Highlights: How to talk to kids about hate speech

1. Look inward - We all have biases that we may or may not be aware of. Take some time for self-reflection before you begin the process of teaching your child about being empathetic and culturally competent.

2. Teach by example - Behaviors are learned so it’s important to teach them expectations. Ask questions like “What does kind look like? What does it feel like, what does it sound like?” Teach them what you want them to do instead of telling them what not to say.

3. Start a dialogue - Look for teachable moments whether it be something that happened in school, a racially charged news story, a tv show or movie, etc. Be authentic and don’t be afraid to share how you’re feeling also. Talk about how words are powerful, can be hurtful, and explain historical ties to hateful words whenever possible.

4. Remember conversations should be ongoing - It’s ok to misspeak or wish you would have said something differently. The important thing to remember is you have another day to go back, acknowledge what you said, and say it differently.

To read the article in its entirety, click on the link: https://dfwchild.com/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-hate-speech/

Greetings Hamline Husky Families!

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.

Raising Anti-Racist Children

• Children are not color blind. It is essential to talk about race and highlight how different and beautiful we all look.
• Be the role model. In a world where racism is a problem, anti-racism must be displayed and taught.
• Explicitly teach children that no one is superior or inferior because of the color of their skin.
• Address the problem. Racism shows up in so many different ways in our society. A problem unacknowledged is a problem unsolved.

Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, raising anti-racist children.

Ramsey County will be hosting a Basic Needs Resource Fair Monday, May 17th.

Meet with Ramsey County community resource navigators one-on-one and get your questions answered!

-Learn about the Resource Guide and Community Bulletin Boards available to the community.

-Meet with staff from Ramsey County Children's Mental Health Collaborative to get signed up

for resilience coaching, monthly trainings/events, and

mental health/wellbeing support.

-Enter a raffle to win prizes! (must be registered)

Registration Link:

https://forms.gle/yggM7XQVnGrjpayY6

Zoom Meeting ID: 881 9834 8684

Passcode: 100832

Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) offers Summer Learning Programs for students in grades K-12. Students will have opportunities to learn new things and strengthen current academic skills; prepare for the upcoming school year through active, fun and hands-on activities; and make progress toward graduation. All programs are FREE.

SPPS Summer Learning Programs Include:
Academic Support
Students will be inspired to learn new skills and grow current understanding in reading, math and other subjects.

Breakfast and Lunch
All students receive two free healthy meals daily that include entrees, salads, baked goods, and locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Transportation
Transportation is available to most students who live in Saint Paul (within transportation guidelines). Use the School Finder at spps.org/apply to find your Area (A-F1/F2).

To register for summer school, please click on the following link

The Midway Project is a resident-led initiative established in partnership with Hamline Midway Coalition in May 2020 to meet immediate needs, and the project continues to work with community partners and neighbors to build a sustainable source of support. During our near-weekly distributions at Hancock Recreation Center since June 2020, we have built a community of care that supports an average of 50 families each week and constructed a web of connectivity between the City of St. Paul, non-profit organizations, local organizers and businesses, and individual neighbors.

All Are Welcome! This is a free, weekly, drive-through mutual aid site at Hancock Recreation Center (attached to Hamline Elementary) that provides food (both fresh and non-perishable), baby care, personal care, and household care (as available).

If you have questions or want to know more, you can contact the organizers, Jessica and Karen (both forever Hamline Elementary parents) here: midwayproject@hamlinemidway.org

You can learn more here: https://www.hamlinemidway.org/TheMidwayProject

Should you consider Mental Health Therapy for your child?

If you would like more information about starting therapy services for your child please reach out to our School Social Worker, Lynnette Medcalf at Lynnette.medcalf@spps.org or School Counselor, Kaltun Abdikarani at Kaltunabdikarani@spps.org. You can also fill out the help form for families on the Hamline website, spps.org/hamline.

Thank you,

Sharice Zaccardi

Community School Mental Health Practitioner

Meals for Students Learning In-Person

Free breakfast and lunch will be provided to all students during in-person learning. Menus are available at schoolcafe.com/spps.

Free Meal Kits to go- starting February 16

Families can pick up free meal kits from school on Tuesdays from 9:30-10:30. Drive around through the parking lot, on Hubbard side of building, and a Nutrition Services staff member will be ready to hand you a meal kit. Families are asked to pre-register to pick up these kits. Please click here

For more information about how meals will be served and eaten when students return to school, visit spps.org/reopen.

Midway Project

The Midway Project provides food and other care supplies on Wednesdays from 11:00-1:00 out of our attached Hancock Recreation Center. Tables are set up so that you are able to drive thru the parking lot on Hubbard side of our building to pick up supplies. All are welcome!

Monday-Friday Meal Pick Up Sites 8:00am-3:00pm

• Battle Creek Middle

• Central High School

• Como Park Senior High

• Open World Learning

• Harding High School

• Highland Complex

• Johnson High School

• Washington Tech Magnet School

DISCOVERY CLUB

Are you looking for after school childcare provided by St. Paul Public Schools? Discovery Club has openings! Click here for more information.

Students who become sick during the school day will be isolated (under supervision) until they can be picked up. It is important that sick students are picked up as soon as possible to limit the risk to other students and staff. Please make sure your contact information is up to date in Campus.

Doneta Johnston is our nurse and Joyce Boston is our assistant. Please watch the video to hear a message from Ms. Doneta and Ms. Joyce.

Families should conduct a health screening every morning before sending their student to school or the bus stop. School staff will also monitor for symptoms throughout the school day. If your child is exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms, do not send them to school. Report the absence to your child’s school and submit a report to the COVID-19 Reporting System the same day for next steps.

Please click on the following link for the Health Screening form

Families returning to school should familiarize themselves with these guidelines, which are updated regularly and cover prevention strategies, health screening and monitoring, exclusion guidance, and the SPPS COVID-19 Reporting System.

Please click on the following link for COVID-19 Student and Family Guidelines

• Students will bring iPads to school and back home everyday.
• Please charge the iPad every night.

Parent Drop Off: 7:15-7:30

If you are planning on dropping off your child in the morning, our Parent Drop Off is through the parking lot on the Hubbard side of our building. (Front parking lot will be blocked by buses dropping off). A car line will form and as you pull up to the back doors off the parking lot, adults will be waiting to help your children out of the car and into school. Please do not get out of your cars, or leave your car in the car line as it creates a back up. If you are walking your children to school feel free to drop off on either side of the building outside of the doors. Ms. Kaltun and Mr. Eli will be waiting on the Englewood side of the building to greet students as well.

Parent Pick Up: 1:55-2:15

We will begin dismissal at 1:50. Students who will be picked up will be brought to the cafeteria to wait for their parent or guardian. This allows us to maintain cohorts, as well as safe distancing. We will have two staff members outside and as you pull up they will walkie staff inside letting them know who to send out. We know this may take a bit more time, but we have to be sure to maintain safe distancing. Please remember to wait outside for your children if you are walking home with your children. Let a staff member know you are there and they will walkie inside.

If you need to drop off your child late:

• Drop your child off in the front of the school in the parking lot on Englewood.
• Your child will walk to the front door and press the buzzer to be let in.

• SPPS must reduce the number of adults visiting our buildings to help ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
• Students must be dropped off outside school building entrances. Students cannot be escorted by family members to their classrooms or anywhere else inside the building. In addition, families will not be allowed to have lunch, observe a class, volunteer or engage in any other activities in school buildings.
• We understand this is disappointing for many of our students and families. We are implementing these changes to minimize risk and help ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.

We want to make sure that everyone feels protected while learning, working in or visiting Saint Paul Public Schools. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has directed that masks or face coverings must be worn throughout Minnesota in all indoor public spaces - including school buildings. This executive order applies to all visitors, staff and students (kindergarten and older). Pre-K students are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings if they can do so in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Watch this short video from members of the Hamline staff on wearing a mask.

Please click on the following icons for more information.

Reminder to fill out the annual iUpdate student form at Campus Parent. It is important we have updated contact information so you will receive updates from the school. If you need any help with your login or password, email karen.azen@spps.org or leave a message at 651-744-4287.

Bridging Snelling Avenue, Hamline Elementary and Hamline University are one integrated campus. Each member of our community is both a teacher and a student, engaged in a journey of lifelong learning that provides a rich variety of resources to support this diverse education. Our partnership with Hamline University, the first of its kind in the nation, places more than 100 tutors and mentors in classrooms and provides students with access to the university campus on a continual basis. Hamline students see themselves in college students. As the saying goes, "College begins in kindergarten". We are two campuses, but one community in the heart of the Hamline Midway neighborhood.

Website: hamline.spps.org
Location: 1599 Englewood Ave, Saint Paul, MN, USA
Phone: 651-293-8715
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hamlineelementaryschool
Twitter: @HamlineElem