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Capitol Hill Headliner
April 6, 2024
Dates To Remember
Monday, April 8-Friday, April 12: Spring Break- NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, April 16: 7th Grade AVID to University of St. Thomas, 10:15am-1:45pm
Tuesday and Wednesday, April 16 & 17: MCA Reading Test
Friday, April 19: 4th and 5th Grade Math Masters Competition, 5th grade 8-11:45am, 4th grade 12:30-3:30pm
Monday, April 22: Geimer Puppet Day 2, 9:30-11:30am
Monday, April 22: Jazz Band fundraiser at Mancini's, 6:30pm, more info below
Tuesday and Wednesday April 23 & 24: MCA Math Test
Wednesday, April 24: 3rd grade Walk on the Wild Side, 1:30-2:15 pm, more info below
Tuesday, April 30: Author Joanna Ho visits 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades as well as our middle school writing club, more info below
Tuesday, April 30 and Wednesday, May 1 : Science MCA test for 5th and 8th grades only
Thursday, May 2 & Friday, May 3: 6th Grade to Como Planetarium, more info to come
Friday, May 3: Middle School Dance, during the school day
Tuesday, May 7: 3rd Grade field trip- Urban Ag Day, 10:30am-1:30pm
Wednesday, May 8: Composer Darryl Johnson II visits middle school band classes, 11am-1pm
Thursday, May 9: Welcome Night and Middle School Registration Night for new families, 6-7pm
Friday, May 10: Bickford and Shariff to B'dote, 9:30am-2pm
Friday, May 10: Mayock and Young to Belwin Nature Center, 9:30am-2pm
Monday, May 13 & Tuesday, May 14: 8th Grade Junior Achievement, 10am-1:30pm
Monday, May 13: PTO Meeting 6:30-7:30pm
Tuesday, May 14: Elementary Band Concert, 6:30-7:30pm
Wednesday, May 15: 1st Grade to MN Landscape Arboretum, 10am-2pm
Thursday, May 16: Elementary Orchestra Concert, 6:30-7:30pm
Friday, May 17: 5th Grade Wax Museum, 11am-noon
Monday, May 20: Bickford and Shariff to Belwin Nature Center, 9:30am-2:30pm
Monday, May 20: Mayock and Young to B'dote, 9:30am-2:30pm
Tuesday, May 21: Middle School Band Concert, 6:30-8pm
Thursday, May 23: 1st Grade to MN Zoo, 10am-2pm
Thursday, May 23: Middle School Orchestra Concert, 6:30-7:30pm
There will be NO SCHOOL next week for spring break. We hope everyone has a relaxing, joyful week off.
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1st Grade Celebrates Realistic Fiction
Publishing Party!
First graders celebrated the completion of their realistic fiction stories by reading them to students from other classes. They wrote original fiction stories where a main character solves a problem in a realistic way.
Author (and Former Capitol Hill Student!) Joanna Ho Will Visit Our School
On Tuesday, April 30th, author Joanna Ho will visit Capitol Hill while on tour for her newest book, We Who Produce Pearls. She will be speaking with all 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade classes. In addition, she will be meeting with a middle school reading/writing club. If you would like to purchase copies of her books, they are available through Red Balloon Bookshop. Any copies purchased through our Capitol Hill link will be signed and personalized to students and will be delivered to school the day of the event. Because the event will happen at the end of the day, all books will be handed out to students on the following day (Wednesday, May 1st). Purchases can be made at this link:
https://www.redballoonbookshop.com/joanna-ho-visit-capitol-hill-magnet-school
As always, thank you for supporting our author events at Capitol Hill!
Any questions? Please contact school librarian, Ms.Warde: katherine.warde@spps.org
It's Not Too Late to Order Lindsay Currie's Books
On Wednesday, April 3rd, third, fourth, and fifth graders got to meet author Lindsay Currie! Many students were really excited about her books after her visit. Wild Rumpus has informed us that it is not too late to order signed copies of her books! (The books won't be personalized to the student). Please follow the link to our original order form to place your order: https://www.wildrumpusbooks.com/LindsayCurrieCapitolHill
If you place your order by the end of the day on Saturday, April 6th, Ms. Warde (school librarian) will pick up all Capitol Hill book orders on Sunday morning (April 7th) and deliver them to students at Capitol Hill after spring break. If you place your order after April 6th, it will be on hold for you at Wild Rumpus bookstore.
In the notes section of your order, please include: your student's name, your student's teacher, if you would like Ms. Warde to pick up the book (only for books ordered 4/6 or earlier), or if you prefer to pick it up yourself. Any questions? Please email katherine.warde@spps.org
Thank you for supporting author events at Capitol Hill!
Jazz Band to Perform at Mancini's on Monday, April 22
3rd Grade Walk On The Wild Side
Wednesday, April 24
Spring Break Meals
MCA Testing at Capitol Hill - Spring 2024
Each spring, the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) are provided to students in mathematics (grades 3-8 and 11), reading (grades 3-8 and 10), and science (grades 5, 8 and in high school upon completing biology). Most students take the MCA; however, some students who receive special education services and meet eligibility requirements take the MTAS. Both tests provide a snapshot of student learning of the Minnesota Academic Standards. The MCA and MTAS are used to meet federal and state legislative requirements. The Minnesota Department of Education and SPPS can use results to look across student groups, schools and districts to evaluate equitable learning opportunities for all students.
Assessments are designed to provide information about student learning, but there is no single assessment that can provide the full perspective of what a student has learned. These assessments provide one data point that should be considered in the context of additional evidence of student learning.
At Capitol Hill, students will take the MCA between April 17 - May 3, 2024. If you have questions about your student’s participation in statewide assessments, reach out to Capitol Hill’s school assessment coordinator Vergene Downs (vergene.downs@spps.org)
For more information on the MCA please go to:
SPPS MCA/MTAS Family Testing Information website: spps.org/Page/46393
MDE Family Testing Information website: education.mn.gov/MDE/fam/tests/
Capitol Hill MCA Dates
Reading: April 16 & 17 2024
Math: April 23 & 24, 2024
Science: April 30-May 1, 2024
Makeups: April 19-May 3, 2024
Hmong MCA Testing Announcement
Somali MCA Testing Announcement
Spanish MCA Testing Announcement
Eco Artist Adventures
Eco artists created wands using yarn and sticks. They discovered blooming dandelions to add to their works of art.
Please Help Our Health Office
The health office has run out of pants. Springtime is muddy and wet and kids often need dry pants during the school day. We would love to have new or gently used pants of all sizes. We could also use boys underwear.
Voice, Choice and Joy Day Needs YOU
Voice, Choice & Joy Day Classes are all set!
Please consider these two opportunities.
We can still use your help! We will need volunteers on MAY 2nd from 9:15-12:15 pm. During this time 3rd-5th grade classrooms will sign-up for their preferred VCJ class.
We can also use your support on the day of VCJ on May 30th from 10:00-3:00 pm supporting and assisting the lead teachers of each on-campus class. You will need to complete an SPPS Background Check (if you haven't already). You can turn it into the office.
Any questions, please contact Heather Greenwalt at heather.greenwalt@spps.org.
Thank you!
Voice, Choice & Joy Team
PTO NEWS
Next PTO Meeting – May 13 – In Person
Put this date in your calendar. More details to come.
Spring Carnival
Thank you to everyone who stepped up after our final request. Looks like the Carnival is on! A planning meeting is in the works.
Thank you to Jenny & Jeff Knudsen for fundraising and coordinating conference meals for our teachers and staff.
Capitol Hill Staff Amazon Wish List
Capitol Hill teachers have an Amazon Wish List where parents can directly support them by purchasing classroom items. Each item has details on its use, ensuring your contribution is impactful. This helps teachers get vital supplies after their PTO budget is used up. Access the list via this link or search "Capitol Hill SPPS Wish List" on Amazon. Your support matters!
Capitol Hill Merch
Order Capitol Hill merchandise via this link! Select from clothing options and get them delivered to your doorstep. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Capitol Hill PTO. Show your school pride and support the community by ordering today!
Capitol Hill Spring Carnival Has Been Saved
Thank you volunteers!
Middle School Spring Sports Have Begun
Sports that are offered to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders this Spring are:
Badminton, Softball, Baseball, and CO-ED Track & Field.
Ultimate Frisbee will be offered again this year for 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders.
Badminton, Softball, Baseball, and Track & Field will begin APRIL 1, 2024.
Practice is Monday - Thursday from 4:03 pm to 6 pm.
Ultimate Frisbee will begin APRIL 2, 2024.
Practice is Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:03 pm-6 pm.
Meet in the large gym by 4:03pm. You will need a REGISTRATION plus ATHLETIC FEE and SPORTS PHYSICAL to participate this season.
If you provided a Sport Physical this school year, no need to provide another.
Make sure you coordinate your transportation home using Flipside bussing or parent pick up. For more information about Flipside bussing, see Ms. Bergstrom. Parent pick-Up will be at the GREEN DOORS no later than 6:10 pm
Ultimate Frisbee Information
Breakfast and Lunch April 15-19
SPPS Summer Learning Programs
Middle School Summer Theater Camp
Sign up and get more information at gracefulmonstersetc.com
MITY Middle School Summer Classes
Middle School Bell Schedule
Capitol Hill Electronics Policy
The Capitol Hill Gifted and Talented Magnet school policy about the use of electronic devices, including, but not limited to, cell phones, mp3 players, headphones & earbuds, and personal gaming systems, is as follows:
ALL electronic devices that are brought to school are to be TURNED OFF & STORED in students’ backpacks or lockers from the time students arrive on campus until they are off campus after 4PM.
Cell phones and other non-district devices should not be used in classrooms (including the gymnasiums/locker rooms*), the library, lunch room, restrooms, or hallways.
Students who violate this policy must turn over their electronics/equipment to staff upon request.
The following consequences are in place for students who are in violation of this policy.
1st offense – Teacher and student will discuss and problem solve how to eliminate the distraction.
2nd offense – Teacher will hold the item until the end of class.
3rd offense – The phone will be held until the end of the day and an Administrator will call home.
4th offense – Parent/Admin/Student Meeting to pick up the device.
Note: A Parent or Guardian may come to the school at any time to reclaim the confiscated item and take it home with them.
Why don’t we allow cell phones in class/lunch/bathrooms/halls during the school day?
We prioritize real human interaction. We believe that learning the skills of in-person communication and collaboration are much more important. Students are already good at using electronics -- they do not need social media practice or gaming practice at school. One of the most important skills our students will learn at Capitol Hill is how to get along and work well, face-to-face, with a variety of people.
Electronics are disruptive. Cell phones ringing and buzzing disrupt both the student and the class. We want students focused on the lesson, not who’s calling or texting them.
They cause drama. Students tend to say things online that they would never say out loud. We don’t need extra drama at school.
They get lost and stolen. Unfortunately, as wonderful as our Capitol Hill students are, phones are lost and stolen. While we try to help students problem-solve, the school is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
*added on 9/27/23
Weekly Schoology Update Helps Parents Check Grades
Family Academic Communication Tool on Schoology
Did you know that you can get weekly updates automatically sent to you via email on your child’s academic progress in classes straight from Schoology? Well you can! The update is sent every Friday afternoon via email and is a complete snapshot of academic progress in every class. The updates sent via email are concise and are extremely valuable with supporting the family-school partnership as we work together to support our young Scholars.
Here is a link to a video made by Sra. Johnson (Spanish teacher) that gives directions on how to get this weekly email:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N38GKjc1FntpgRZcNTvwsOI6PyyrjzC7/view?usp=sharing
And, here is a link to a document that has the same information in written format:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fzy76bo9GKOHzpfRg2E4M2T8UbNB42QtWmODZEUiF94/edit?usp=sharing
For additional help, the parent guide to Schoology is here:
https://www.spps.org/cms/lib/MN01910242/Centricity/Domain/10302/SPPSParentGuidetoSchoology.pdf
Every Meal Weekend Food Program
Every Meal - continuing to Partner with Capitol Hill to provide weekend meals
Every Meal focuses on the food gaps when children aren’t able to receive free and reduced meal programs. Every Meal provides weekend and other food gap programs serving over 10,000 children across 400 locations
Here is a snapshot of the weekend food program:
- https://www.everymeal.org/what-we-do/weekend-program/
- Free for all families and schools to participate.
- Children receive a weekly food bag that includes 4-5 pounds of nutritious, non-perishable food.
- No qualifications required for enrollment. Every Meal does not collect information from families.
- Families may choose from five food bag options tailored for dietary preferences.
- A thoughtful partnership model- see our Overview
An informational brochure with registration form has been given to ALL students. Contact the Capitol Hill office at 651-325-2500 if you can't find it or need more information.
Click on the link below to electronically register for this program.
Somaliyeed
Hmoob
Karen
Arabic
Amharic
Pashto
Capitol Hill Volunteers
- Applications can be emailed to Sunny at sunny.neiger@spps.org
The suggested amount to cover/donate the cost of processing volunteer background checks is $15.
Capitol Hill Office Notes
Office Hours: 9:00 - 4:30.
Morning Drop-off Time
We want to ensure each child is safe when arriving for school. Staff supervision begins at 9:15am. Please do not drop off your child any earlier than 9:15
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 (spell their 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.
Questions about SPPS Attendance Policies?
Please click on this link. https://www.spps.org/attendance
Health Related Absences: If your child is ill, please expect a follow up call from our nurse or nurse designee during these unique times. Please see current health considerations here.
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. We will not transfer calls. Teachers are teaching during the day and we are trying our best to lessen the interruptions during instructional time. Thanks for understanding.
Dismissal
Please send a note or email your child's teacher, if you are picking up your child early or letting your child go home any other way than their normal route. It gets extremely busy in the office at the end of the day. If you have to call, please make sure to call the Capitol Hill office no later than 3:00 pm, at 651-325-2500, as this allows time for the message to be received/delivered. If you call later than this time, we cannot guarantee that your child will get the message.
Students are NOT allowed to ride a bus home that is not assigned to them. This means that your child may not ride the bus home with a friend or relative that has a different bus than your child.
Sign In
We always welcome parents and visitors to our school. If you choose to come during teaching hours, please make sure you have an appointment or that the person you are visiting is aware ahead of time. Please make sure you always stop by the office to check in, sign in, and get a visitor's badge.
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
Capitol Hill Arrival Procedure:
Parents/guardians drop off students on Concordia Avenue.
Please follow the cars lining up.
Please wait your turn and do not go in front of other cars already in line.
Students can get out of the car after the entrance to the parking lot.
Pull up as far as you can to Mackubin Avenue, behind the car in front of you, without leaving gaps between cars (please do not stop at the stairs if you have room to pull forward)
Students get out on the right side (curb). Use the FULL drop-off Zone.
Parents/guardians stay in the car.
There will be staff there to assist if needed.
When your student(s) is out of the car, please safely pull out of the line and follow traffic on Concordia (no right turns onto Mackubin Street).
Parent A.M. Drop-Off
For more information on drop-off or pick-up procedures please scroll to the end of this Headliner.
DISMISSAL PROCEDURES ELEMENTARY
Capitol Hill Dismissal Procedure for Elementary students:
Parents/guardians will get out of their vehicles and line up on the sidewalk on Mackubin and let staff know the name of the student(s) being picked up.
Parents/Guardians of students with last names starting with A – G will be located between the far MLK driveway and the corner of Mackubin and Marshall
Parents/Guardians of students with last names starting with H – O will be between the MLK driveways
Parents/Guardians of students with last names starting with P – Z will be between the MLK driveway and the Green Doors
All Students are to remain inside the school until outside staff have radioed that their parent/guardian has arrived.
Inside staff will call the student’s name they will walk outside to meet their parent/guardian. Parents/guardians wait for student(s) on the sidewalk.
Middle School sibling(s) cannot pick-up Elementary sibling(s).
Parents and/or Guardians are the only ones allowed to pick-up Elementary students.
At 4:15, any student still left will be escorted to the main Office and the parent/guardian will be called.
DISMISSAL PROCEDURES MIDDLE SCHOOL
Capitol Hill Dismissal Procedure for Middle School students:
Students will exit the building through the Green doors and go to their assigned bus, walk home, or meet their parent/guardian.
Middle School students cannot pick up their Elementary sibling(s).
Middle School students can meet their Elementary sibling(s) outside.
Past Headliners
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