Perspectives

This newsletter provides updates, information and event details for Horace Mann School, the Horace Mann School Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), and Saint Paul Public Schools. It is published weekly and distributed through email. Past issues can be found at mann.spps.org.

Families with incoming students must enroll their child for next school year, EVEN IF they already have siblings in the school. The deadline to apply is Friday, February 14. Go to apply.spps.org. Call the school office with any questions.

We are excited to celebrate 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. We hope our families of African Descent join us to help celebrate Black History Month and let us thank you for all that you do. We welcome all families to attend.

Here’s what we have planned:

• Classroom Activities 7:45-9:15am

• All School Assembly 9:30am: 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.

Please reach out to the teacher to volunteer for the day or for class activities. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating this special occasion together!

Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in our school community!

Saint Paul Public Schools is committed to welcoming and educating all students and upholding our mission to provide a premier education for every child. SPPS cannot ask families or students about their immigration status or deny access to an education based on immigration status.

Many students and families have shared concerns about their safety. Below are some resources and steps to help students and families have plans in place. Please note the school district and school staff cannot provide legal advice or assistance.

School staff are here to support the students while they are at school, including our Student Support Team and Administration. We do not allow entry without authorization by the Superintendent's Office and the SPPS General Counsel.

Emergency Contacts
Make a list of important phone numbers, including family members, friends and local organizations that can provide assistance. Keep this list in an easily accessible place. Please contact your school or log into your Infinite Campus Parent Account to verify and update your information.

Public Directory Information
Per school district policy, certain information about students is public (including name, date of birth, grade and school). Parents have the right to “opt out” and make this information private. Please contact Student Records at 651-632-3764 and visit spps.org/families/student-records/student-records-your-rights for more information.

Family Plan

Discuss and create a plan with your family. Decide on a safe place to meet and how to communicate if you are separated.

Important Documents
Keep copies of important documents (e.g., passports, birth certificates, medical records) in a safe and accessible place. Consider storing digital copies securely online.

Delegation of Parental Authority (DOPA)

A DOPA is a document that allows you to designate someone to take care of your children if you are unable to do so. This person can make decisions about your child's care, custody and property. The DOPA is effective as soon as it is signed and notarized and lasts for up to one year.

Local Resources

If families, students, or employees are looking for immigration resources, the following organizations provide free and low-cost services for families. Families can reach out to them directly for assistance.

• City of Saint Paul Immigration Resources
  Phone: 651-266-8989 / Website: stpaul.gov/immigration-resources
• Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
  Watch a webinar in English and Spanish: stpaul.gov/news/know-your-rights-mid-minnesota-legal-aid
• Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
  Phone: 877-696-6529 / Website: smrls.org
• Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota
  Phone: 651-641-1011 / Website: ​​ilcm.org
• Lutheran Social Services
  Phone: 612-879-5258 / Website: lssmn.org
• Law Help MN
  Website: lawhelpmn.org

Bookmark our school calendar. It can be found at the top of our website. Here are some highlights for the next two weeks.

Monday, February 10

• National African American Parent Involvement Day- see above for details
• 2:00-3:45pm Extended Day for Learning (EDL)
• 5:30-8:00pm National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) Family Resource Fair at Benjamin E Mays Magnet School
• 6:00pm virtual Special Education Parent Advisory Council

Tuesday, February 11

• 7:15-7:35am School Store in 1st Floor Hall
• 2:00-3:00pm Language Sprouts Spanish

Wednesday, February 12

• 2:00-3:45pm Extended Day for Learning (EDL)
• 6:00-8:000pm virtual Gender & Sexual Diversity Parent Advisory Council

Thursday, February 13

• 2:00-3:00pm Language Sprouts Spanish
• 2:00-3:15pm Winter Community Education Classes
• 2:30-3:30pm Leadership Team in Room 2104
• 6:00-7:15pm Ms. Johnson's Class Academic Parent Teacher Team

Friday, February 14

• Valentine's Day- please follow teacher directions for the day

Monday, February 17

• No School - President's Day

Tuesday, February 18

• 7:15-7:35am School Store in 1st Floor Hall
• 11:45am-1:45pm Kortuem/Kacky Class Field Trip to Como Planetarium
• 2:00-3:00pm Language Sprouts Spanish

Wednesday, February 19

• 10:30am-12:00pm Jacobsen Class Field Trip to Como Planetarium
• 2:00-3:45pm Extended Day for Learning (EDL)
• 5:00-8:00pm Somali Parent Advisory Council at 360 Colborne St

Thursday, February 20

• 8:15-8:45sm Guest Reader in Ms. Ryan's Class
• 2:00-3:00pm Language Sprouts Spanish
• 2:00-3:15pm Winter Community Education Classes
• 6:00-7:00pm HMS PTA Family Volunteer Service Night in Holleran Hall

Friday, February 21

Perspectives Submission Deadline: Thursdays by 8:00am

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/

On March 21st, join us for an unforgettable adults-only evening of fun. To match this year’s theme, A Night With The Stars, we’re rolling out the red carpet at a new venue – St Kate’s! Don’t miss a glamorous night of mingling, drinks, prizes, and an exciting live auction. Tickets are on sale now!

First time attending? We’ve got you covered:

• Do I have to dress in theme? Not at all! Some guests love to go all out, while others keep it casual. Last year’s "Prom Night" theme saw everything from over-the-top ‘80s gowns to tuxedo t-shirts. Dress up or dress down—just have fun! Here are some ideas

• Should I eat dinner before? That’s up to you! Many take advantage of their babysitter and grab dinner beforehand. We’ll have a complimentary snack buffet and cash bar.

• What happens during the auction? Get ready for a high-energy evening featuring paddle raises, door prizes, a raffle, movie trivia, and more—all led by our lovable, fast-talking auctioneer! Capture the memories with a keepsake from our photo booth.

Stay tuned for next week’s topic: class gifts. In the meantime, contact us at auction@hms-pta.org with any questions.

Auction Committee Co-Chairs: Allison Deep, Sarah Haley, Virginia Ryan

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 6:00-7:00 pm 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

Want to get involved?

We need volunteers to help run this event. Shifts are scheduled to run for half of the event, plus time for set up or clean up, so that you can also participate in the event. To volunteer, please sign up here. Thank you!

Questions? Contact Chandra Kilgriff at chandra.kilgriff@gmail.com or Abigail Mosher at abigailemosher@gmail.com.

Horace Mann Service Night will host a hygiene drive for Bridge to Basics– providing requested hygiene items to local nonprofits who distribute to our neighbors.

February 12 - 21, we will be collecting new, full size, non-expired hygiene items. Donations can be brought to the school office February 12 - 21, and to HMS Community Service night on February 20th.

See the Bridge to Basics flyer for more details.

The PTA is looking for volunteers to serve on the Board next school year. The Board provides overall leadership and decision making for the PTA budget and activities we host each school year.

Volunteering on the board is a great way to work with other parents to support the school community. All HMS caregivers are welcome and no PTA experience is necessary! We strive to rotate board members every year to bring in new voices and perspectives with a goal of reflecting and representing the entire school community.

Below are the specific roles needed for next year:

President

The president is responsible for the overall administration and organization of the PTA. The president leads the Board and helps to ensure that general operations of the group are running smoothly. Option to have a co-president role to ensure smooth transition.

Vice president or Co-president

This role works in collaboration with the president and helps support the overall work and organization of the PTA and can fill in gaps where needed.

Volunteer Coordinator

The volunteer coordinator works closely with the Board and Committees to assess the need for volunteers and performs outreach activities to inform about volunteer opportunities and recruit volunteers.

Communications Lead

The communications lead assists with creating PTA communications for the school newsletter, emails, the PTA website and the parent facebook group.

Want to get involved but not sure what role? We’re happy to have a conversation to share more details about the work and time commitment.

Please reach out to Grace at president@hms-pta.org and Christine at volunteer.coordinator@hms-pta.org for more information.

President: Grace Hanson, president@hms-pta.org

Vice-President: Gina Corradi, president@hms.-pta.org

Treasurer: Alex Stuart & Sam Smith, treasurer@hms-pta.org

Teacher Reps: Amy Kortuem & Mark Lindskoog, teacher-rep@hms-pta.org

Communications: Lisa Ortmann, communications@hms-pta.org

Volunteer Coordinator: Christine Holloway, volunteer.coordinator@hms-pta.org

Recorders: Andrea Gleckner & Sarah Liuzzi, recorder@hms-pta.org

Check the HMS PTA website for the most up to date information about meetings, latest forms, announcements, contact information, volunteer opportunities and more. Click on the “Treasurer’s report and Budget” to see this year’s budget. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions please email web-admin@hms-pta.org.

Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) is not sponsoring, endorsing, or recommending the activities/events announced in the PTA Section and no SPPS student will be turned away due to inability to pay.