National African American Parent Involvement Day Arrives Soon!
We are excited to announce that we will be celebrating National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) on February 10th! Horace Mann wants to recognize that you make a difference in your student's success. Please join us to help celebrate Black History Month and let us thank you for all that you do.
Here’s what we have planned:
Classroom Visits 8:00-9:15: You are welcome to join your child in their classroom for a visit! Don't be surprised if the teacher puts you to work or the class has a special activity!
1st Grade “Starbooks cafe” 7:45-9:15: 1st Grade families will meet in Holleran Hall for Black History Month crafts and treats!
All School Assembly 9:30-10:30: Each grade level will be doing a short performance.
Lunch with your student: You are welcome to stay for lunch with your student and then say your goodbyes at the end of our programming.
Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in our school community.
Horace Mann Lego Robotics Team Moves on to State Tourney
Fifty-four teams participated in the FIRST Lego League (FLL) SPPS Regional Tournament last weekend at Capitol Hill. In the FLL program, students in grades 4-8 learn how to code and program a SPIKE PRIME robot. They are challenged with solving a real-world problem.
"During the 2024-2025 FIRST® LEGO® League SUBMERGED season, teams explored life beneath the surface of the ocean. Along the way, team uncovered the potential to strengthen our community and innovate for a better world with healthy oceans." (quoted from FLL website)
Thirty-seven SPPS schools participated in FLL this school year. Congratulations to one of Horace Mann School's teams, Nonpolluting Narwhals, for advancing to the Minnesota State Championship.
Girls on the Run Spring Season - HMS Seeks Coaches!
The GOTR program at Horace Mann will begin the week of April 7th and end with a 5K on the weekend of May 31/June 1 - but we can't do it without YOU! We are seeking a few more coaching volunteers for the season who can commit to 1-2 days/week from approximately 3:30-5pm. We will choose the days of the week we practice based on coach availability.
You do NOT need to be a runner to coach! In fact, our coaching is at its best when we have coaches with many different abilities, interests, etc. We welcome dads, uncles, grandparents, nonbinary adults, moms, aunts, and adult siblings!
If you'd like to learn more, check out this webpage or contact Christina.Connelly@gmail.com. If you're interested in signing your girl up for the season, stay tuned; registration will open in February.
Girls on the Run is SO MUCH FUN!
Monday, January 27
- No School - Teacher Professional Development
Tuesday, January 28
- 7:15-7:35am School Store
- 2:00-3:00pm Language Sprouts Spanish
- 5:30-7:30pm (virtual) Parents of African American Students Advisory Council (PAASAC)
Wednesday, January 29
- 2:00-3:45pm Extended Day for Learning (EDL)
Thursday, January 30
- 8:00am-1:00pm Open House for Prospective Families
- 2:00-3:00pm Language Sprouts Spanish
- 2:00-3:15pm Winter Community Education Classes Start
Friday, January 31
- 12:45-1:45pm Grade 2-3 Concert Rehearsal in Holleran Hall
Monday, February 3
- 2:00-3:45pm Extended Day for Learning (EDL)
Tuesday, February 4
- 8:45am Grade 2-3 Music Concert for the school in the gym
- 2:00-3:00pm Language Sprouts Spanish
- 6:00pm Grade 2-3 Music Concert for families in the gym
Wednesday, February 5
- 9:00am-1:00pm 5th Grade Field Trip to Biztown
- 2:00-3:45pm Extended Day for Learning (EDL)
Thursday, February 6
- 2:00-3:00pm Language Sprouts Spanish
- 2:00-3:15pm Winter Community Education Classes
Friday, February 7
- 9:30am Afoutayi Haitian Dance, Music, and Arts Performance in the Gym
Email: jim.litwin@spps.org
Website: https://mann.spps.org/
Location: 2001 Eleanor Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55116
Phone: 651-293-8965
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SPPSHoraceMannSchool/
COMMUNITY SERVICE NIGHT
Please save the date for a Horace Mann community family service night. Volunteer with other HMS families to help pack items for local nonprofits.
When: Feb 20th 6:00-7:00pm in Holleran Hall.
Activities will include:
Packing snack bags for SPPS students served by Project Reach
Making sandwiches for Simpson Housing Services
Creating welcome bags for Women of Nations to provide to children leaving domestic violence
Packing grab-and-go bags with notes of encouragement for Hope Lodge patients and families attending cancer treatment
In connection with the event, we will also conduct a hygiene drive that week for Bridge to Basics. More details to follow!
Questions? Contact Chandra Kilgriff at chandra.kilgriff@gmail.com or Abigail Mosher at abigailemosher@gmail.com.
GNOME KNOWS - Your Weekly Silent Auction Guide
Hello friends, GATHER ‘round to learn all about Great Gatherings!
What is a Great Gathering? Unique, themed events, hosted and attended exclusively by Horace Mann families. Great Gatherings (let’s call them GG’s) are a wonderful way to have fun with friends while supporting our school. Events can be tailored for specific groups (like 4th graders or kindergarten moms), open to all grades, parents-only, or anything in between, and will take place from now through next fall. Bonus: you can host or attend as many as you like!
2 ways to participate:
HOST – We’re looking for hosts, no experience necessary! Sign up here. Hosting (and co-hosting!) is a great way to give back to our school. As a host, you cover the event costs so all proceeds go directly to the PTA. Here are some ideas to get you started.
ATTEND – Attending an event is a fantastic way to meet other Horace Mann families, build community, and support the PTA. Registration opens on Mar 16, but get a sneak peek during Preview Weekend on Mar 14-15!
Help us make this year’s Great Gatherings truly GREAT!
Stay tuned for next week’s topic: the online silent auction. In the meantime, contact us at auction@hms-pta.org with any questions.
Auction Committee Co-Chairs: Allison Deep, Sarah Haley, Virginia Ryan