Hidden River Newsletter

SAVE THE DATES - This Week:

Wed., Feb 26th - Advanced Orchestra Tri-School Concert from 7:00-8:30pm at Central HS

Thurs., Feb 27th - Advanced Band Tri-School Concert from 7:00-8:30pm at Central HS

Next Week (3/2-3/7)

Wed., March 5th - FSO Meeting (Renovation Update) 5:30pm in library

Thurs., March 6th - Virtual Spring Conferences from 4:00-7:00pm (sign-ups coming out soon)

Fri., March 7th - No School (Professional Development)

March 14th, All-School Field Trip: Extra Permission Slips are Available in the Counseling Office. All forms and CASH payments DUE BY FRIDAY, March 7th.

***Checks and Electronic Payments are not accepted.

• ($20) Nickelodeon Universe (Amusement Park Only) No Mall Access
• FULL... NO Remaining Spots
• ($30) Urban Air, Indoor Trampoline and Adventure Park
• Waiver forms given starting Monday, February 24th
• Parents keep the Blue page, return the Orange page
• FULLY complete all sections marked with a star
• ($35) Afton Alps, Skiing & Snowboarding
• Waiver forms given starting Monday, February 24th
• Parents keep the Info page, return the Yellow/White page
• FULLY complete all sections highlighted in yellow

To learn more, please click here HRMS March Field Trip Slide Show

For Questions, contact Ms. Woodruff, School Counselor at barbie.woodruff@spps.org

Each week we are impressed by the kindness and pure generosity of our Hidden River Community. Thank you to the families who have donated additional funds to help support scholarships ensuring that all students will have a chance to participate. We are grateful. THANK YOU!!

Greetings Hidden River Middle School community,

On behalf of Saint Paul Public Schools’ Facilities Department, we are writing to update you on the status of Hidden River Middle School’s remodeling project.

Due to unexpected issues discovered during construction at the Hidden River building on Summit Avenue, the move back to the renovated building will be delayed until after winter break next year. Hidden River at 1700 Summit Ave. will fully reopen and welcome students back on January 5, 2026. Originally, the reopening of the school was scheduled for early August 2025.

We know this delay is disappointing. Remodeling a 100-year-old building comes with the possibility that unexpected structural issues hidden behind walls or under foundations may impact the original timeline.

The issues that were discovered after walls were torn down in some areas of the building were primarily columns and beams that do not meet modern building codes and need to be rebuilt. Before remodeling can continue, these issues must be fixed, which delays the original schedule by four weeks. That delay means that Hidden River cannot be occupied the first few weeks of school in fall 2025, making winter break in December 2025 the earliest possible time to move back into Hidden River.

Until then, students and staff will remain at the Wilson building and begin the 2025-26 school year there.

Despite this schedule change, our Hidden River Middle School community is amazing and resilient. Together, we will celebrate our school’s new remodel when we return in January 2026.

Meanwhile, if you have any questions, please contact Angela Otteson, Project Manager, Facilities Department, angela.otteson@spps.org or 651-279-3323.

Sincerely,

Jackie Turner, Executive Chief, Administration & Operations

Kathy Wallace, Interim Director, Facilities Department

Teresa Vibar, Principal, Hidden River Middle School

Dear Families,

HRMS is excited to announce our upcoming Career Fair designed specifically for our 8th graders. This event aims to inform and inspire our students as they prepare to choose classes for high school this spring. We are reaching out to request you consider participating - or encourage interesting people you know to participate. A variety of experiences and insights can greatly inspire our students. We will hold the event on Friday, March 21 from approximately 9 - 11 AM at Hidden River (631 Albert St. N). We have a need for people who work in the trades (plumbing, electricians, etc.)! Please send any interested contacts our way.

Your participation would mean a lot to us and help shape our students' futures!

Best regards,

Thomas Haugen, 8th Grade Social Studies

Ayoub Nigatu, 8th Grade Guidance Counselor

and Wendy Caucutt, Family Liaison

Interested? Contact Wendy at wendy.caucutt@spps.org or 651-744-2007

Rescheduled February FSO Meeting: Please join us for the rescheduled meeting with the SPPS Facilities team on the renovation of our permanent home at 1700 Summit Avenue (and the surprises uncovered during the process). This meeting will take place on WEDNESDAY, March 5th at 5:30 PM. See flyer.

Please take one minute to answer the FEBRUARY FAMILY QUESTION OF THE MONTH: What would help your student do better in school? Click the blue button below!!

***Battle Creek Request: We ask that families enter through Door 9 (closest to the parking lot) as their after-school program will be running.

Keep Connected Family Engagement Partnership with Search Institute and Change Inc.:

As you might be aware, Hidden River has partnered with Search Institute and Change Inc. to offer the Keep Connected program to students and their families this year. Keep Connected offers resources to families, including tips, ideas, activities and learning opportunities to support strong family relationships.

Family Talk Starters - This Week’s Focus: : Help family members feel known and valued. This is a great way to EXPRESS CARE through family relationships.

When you have a few minutes, ask other family members a question or two. Enjoy the conversation!

• When you meet someone new, what are two things you wish they knew about you right away?
• What are things you like to learn about someone when you first meet them that help you feel more connected?