Principal Hitchens's Notes
The First Six Weeks of School continues
Principal's Corner
Dear Maxfield Families,
As we continue to build a strong first six weeks of school, we set a positive tone for expectations throughout the school year. We see our scholars and recognize their accomplishments whether large or small makes a big difference. They realize we see the hard work they are doing here in our community. We love acknowledging them for it. This continues to allow us to model C.A.R.E.S. each day, while we focus on one every two months we acknowledge and recognize them all. We will continue to model cooperation this month.
The COGAT testing for kindergarten and second grade scholars begins this week for both grades.
Staff featured this week is our Nutrition services staff. These ladies make sure our scholars get a complete breakfast and lunch each day.
Please check our school website regularly maxfield.spps.org for information and updates. You can also check out our 2024-25 School Year Calendar . If you have questions the website doesn’t answer, please call the front office at 651-293-8680.
Yours in partnership,
Dr. Leslie Hitchens
Principal
Important Information
- Tommie Tuesdays: We are encouraging our scholars to wear their purple collaborative shirt on Tuesdays!
- CoGAT Testing Dates:
- Kindergarten- Oct. 7, 8, 9
- Second Grade- Oct. 8, 9, 10
- Picture Day: October 10th
- PreK Family Day October 10th from 7-9am
- Restorative Practice Family Night October 24th 4-6pm
- No School October 17th, 18th, and 25th
Maxfield C.A.R.E.S.
Hey Hey Listen Up! We continue to demonstrate our use of PBIS C.A.R.E.S. all year. C.A.R.E.S. stands for Cooperation, Assertion, Responsibility, Empathy, and Self-Respect. We will begin the year with Cooperation. Getting along with others at home and school is a huge part of being a responsible member of the community.
Attendance
Attendance
Attendance is an important part of scholar success. Missing less than nine days of school each year helps students to stay engaged, experience success in their schoolwork and keep on track to graduate on time. We recognize there are many reasons a student may be absent from school. If your student is ill, check SPPS’s illness guidelines at spps.org/studentwellness. Please call the main office 651.293-8680 at your earliest convenience if your child will be absent. Communication between home and school is vital to a positive school experience. More information about consistent attendance can be found at spps.org/attendance.
If you have questions or concerns with getting your scholar(s) to school please contact school counselor Kary Kuenzli, 651-744-7644 or text 612-405-9477 or principal Dr. Hitchens 651-744-4534. We are here to support you and your family!
Student Wellness
Please check in with your healthcare provider to ensure your child’s immunizations are current before school starts in the fall. Visit spps.org/studentwellness or call our school nurse for more information.
Transportation
SPPS Bus Information
- If your family moved over the summer, update your address at spps.org/onestop.
- If you believe your student is taking the bus but did not receive a postcard at the end of August, please call your child's school.
- Please arrive at the bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to pick up your child.
- Track the status of your child’s bus on your school’s website or the Bus Status app linked below.
- For your up-to-date bus pick-up and drop-off times, log on to your Campus Parent account and click on the Transportation tab.
TRACK YOUR BUS WITH THE BUS STATUS APP
The Bus Status app reports buses greater than 10 minutes late and displays up-to-date bus information for SPPS families and students.
Notice: Bus Status has a new and improved app just in time for the new school year! The Bus Status app currently installed on your phone will not update automatically to the new app, and will end notifications after September 29. Download the new Bus Status app for free at the Apple App Store and via Google Play.
Student Drop Off and Pick Up
Our building opens to welcome scholars at 7:15 for breakfast. Scholars can be enter the school at 7:15 on Central Ave near the playground. We will have staff directing scholars to enter. This process seems to work much better. We ask that you do not drop off on Victoria between 7:15-7:35. If your child is late to school, drop off is on Victoria.
Dismissal will begin at 1:55pm for our PreK-2nd grade scholars and 2:00pm for our 3rd through 5th grade scholars. Scholar pick up has been relocated to Central Ave. We ask that you stay in your vehicle and we will bring your child to you. This allows us to maintain safety and expedite the process.
Walking to School
We finally have student safety patrol members in place to assist Mr. Rynish. They are doing a great job. They will soon be featured in our newsletter for families know who is supporting the safety of our scholars who walk to and from school.
Nutrition Services
Nutrition Services
All students are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch under the Minnesota Free School Meal program. As students arrive at school, they can grab their breakfast and eat in class. Hot and cold breakfast options are available.
Application for Educational Benefits
While all in-person students will receive free breakfast and lunch under Minnesota’s Free School Meals program, it remains critical that all families complete an Application for Educational Benefits each school year. These applications determine how much funding your child’s school receives for educational programs and supports. Additionally, eligible families can qualify for other benefits. The application can be completed online at schoolcafe.com/spps. Paper applications are available at school.