

Online Elementary Weekly Newsletter
May 25, 2025
Office Information
Monday, May 26 - No School
There will be no school tomorrow, Monday, May 26 due to Memorial Day.
End of Year Celebration - May 30th
In person event is at John A Johnson - 740 York Ave.
Principal News
Dear OES Parents,
The significance of ensuring that kids assist the family with household duties
Teaching Children to Do Household Chores
Essential for family responsibilities.
Promotes personal development.
Fosters teamwork and responsibility.
Helps children manage multiple responsibilities.
Child Chores: Learning Life Skills
Teaching organization, time management, and cleanliness.
Regular help in setting the dinner table.
Preparing children for adult responsibilities.
Skills are valuable for future life.
Family Bond Strengthening Through Collaborative Chores
Fosters communication and teamwork.
Weekend house cleaning enhances home cleanliness.
Encourages conversation, laughter, and memory development.
Teaches children about cooperation and common goal achievement.
Involving Children in Household Chores
Boosts self-esteem.
Gives children a sense of accomplishment.
Encourages children to take on more responsibilities.
Builds confidence and makes them feel valued.
Chore Charts and Task Lists in Families
Provide clear structure for children's responsibilities.
Utilize apps and digital reminders for fun chore tracking.
Motivate children and teach about accountability.
Child Support in Home Chores
Equips children with life skills.
Strengthens family ties.
Boosts children's self-esteem.
Cultivates a sense of belonging.
Creates a supportive atmosphere.
Makes home a harmonious place.
John Osorio
Assistant Principal
651-744-6368 / john.osorio@spps.org
Attendance Matters
It is important for your child to show up to class on time everyday. If your child will be absent from class please contact Belinda Vang via phone or email at your earliest convenience.
Attendance Line: 651-744-4707
Attendance Email: oes.attendance@spps.org
How to report an absence:
Student Name
Parent Name
Student # or DOB
Date(s) of Absence
Reason for being absent
School Events
OES End of Year Celebration: May 30th
Our OES End of Year Celebration will be on Friday, May 30th from 10am-12pm at John A Johnson (740 York Ave, St Paul, MN 55106).
There will be a virtual celebration option on May 30th from 10am-12pm at code: OES
Grade Level News
Kindergarten
New newsletter for March-May: 5/6/25 - 6/10/25 Newsletter
Our Kindergarten newsletter shares our theme, the lessons and goals we have throughout the theme, and important dates. It also has links to the Big Skills Document, where you can see exactly what your child should have mastered at this time and a link to our Kindergarten Weekly Photo Drops. Please reach out with any questions, comments or concerns to 651-447-8866.
1st Grade
2nd Grade
Click here for the Second Grade Running Newsletter. There is new information on this link weekly!
3rd Grade
Dear 3rd Grade Families,
As we approach the end of the school year, our classroom continues to be a hub of learning, creativity, and enthusiasm. Here's a glimpse into our recent endeavors and what's on the horizon:
📚 Reading & Writing
We've embarked on an exciting Poetry Unit! Students are exploring various poetic forms and expressing their creativity through writing. We're looking forward to publishing their poems soon and will be inviting families to join us for a celebration of their work.
➗ Math
We're continuing our exploration of fractions. Students are learning to identify and work with simple fractions, and we've now progressed to plotting them on a number line. This helps students understand the size and order of fractions in a visual way. Additionally, we're discussing whole fractions—fractions that represent whole numbers, like 2/2 or 4/4. To support their learning at home, consider engaging in activities like slicing fruit or pizza to discuss halves and quarters, or dividing toys into equal groups.
📅 Upcoming Events & Important Dates
Friday, May 23rd at 9:00 AM – Asian American Heritage Month Assembly (Code: OES)
Please note: Ms. Moua will be out that day. Students will have Ms. Lisa as their substitute teacher.Monday, May 26th – No School – Memorial Day
In observance of Memorial Day, there will be no school on Monday, May 26th. We hope you enjoy the long weekend with your family.Tuesday, May 27th – Field Trip to Como Planetarium
Friday, May 30th | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM – End-of-Year Celebration at John A. Johnson
If you have any questions or need assistance as we wrap up the school year, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your continued support and for being an integral part of our classroom community!
Ms. Moua
612-564-9783
4th Grade
Dear 4th Grade Families,
Thank you to everyone who came to the Planetarium this week! I am so proud of how the students engaged, asked thoughtful questions and fully participated in all learning activities!
I almost have all students finished with their HMH Growth Measure and FAST Testing. Once I have that data, I will communicate that to students in breakout rooms if you wish, otherwise you can find it on their final grade report.
Next week, we will begin a new unit on the genre of Fantasy by looking at the Cinderella story from different cultural perspectives! We will also begin our final writing project titled “Proud To Be Me” which students will work on for the entire week! I will keep you posted about our Publishing party! We are also learning and reading about AAPI Month!
In math, we’ve been learning about Geometric shapes and patterns! Students made Symmetrical Name art this week so please ask your child about it!
Please contact me any time:
612-314-9961
5th Grade
Hello 5th grade families!
We have so many things coming up these last few weeks.
Dates to know:
Bdote field trip - Tuesday, May 27th students dropped at Como at 9:15 and will be ready to be picked up by 1:45
End of year whole school celebration - Friday, May 30th 10am - 12pm at John A Johnson playground FAMILY Must stay (we will have morning meeting at 8:30 - 9am that day and the rest will be the in person OR online celebration)
End of year 5th grade celebration - Monday, June 9th 1:30 - 2pm at Como Elementary.
Reach out with any questions or concerns,
Ms. E
(651) 456-8606
Specialist News
Innovation
This week in Innovation, Kindergarten used the Photo app; they created coloring sheets by taking a photo and turning it black and white. Students also create time-lapse videos and slo-mo videos.
3rd Graders created on Canva to get ready for their poetry unit.
Kelly Jenson
(651) 764-8082
Art
2nd and 5th grade students had their last week of art this week! 2nd graders created silly animal mash-up art and rainbow breathing dragons! 5th graders created unusual “sandwiches” and we had a lot of fun with our art Kahoot!
Thanks for another wonderful year of art! I had so much fun with your amazing children!
Ms. Haug
jenna.haug@stpaul.k12.mn.us612-568-5355
Physical Education
This week we had the Kindergartners and the 3rd Graders for PE class! We have been doing our workouts and fitness to improve our strength, endurance, balance, and coordination! This upcoming week I will have the 2nd Graders and the 5th Graders for PE Class. It will be their last week of Physical Education Class for the school year. They have been a joy to have in class this school year! Thanks 2nd Graders and 5th Graders for making Physical Education class awesome this school year!!
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at 651-603-4652 or shaw.wiczek@stpaul.k12.mn.us
Science
Student Support Services
Ms. Deacon - Special Education
Hello families! A reminder that special education services with Ms. Deacon are provided in the morning (before lunch) - having your child on time and present is the best way to maximize resource room services. Ms. L. also provides support throughout the afternoon, with homework support from 2 - 3 using the same code as services. Progress reports on IEPs will be shared in November around conference time. brooke.deacon@spps.org
Ms. Zallaps - Special Education
Click here for the updated newsletter: Zallaps' New Class Newsletter
Ms. Silva - MLL
Ms. Claudia Perez Inzunza (Ms. P.I) and Ms. Sherri Silva work with all English Language Learners in OES Kinder- 5th grade. If you or your child needs support, please contact them via email, calls or text at claudia.perezinzunza@spps.org 651-419-6605
sherri.silva@spps.org 651-252-4470
The OLS MLL Team is continuing to administer the Spanish Language Proficiency evaluation: STAMPS to LCD eligible Spanish speaking students at OES in person at Como Park Elementary School.
ACCESS testing in person at Como Park Elementary School continues for OLS students in English Language Development. If you receive a call or text message from our team, please make sure to schedule your child to be tested before the March 21st deadline.
SPPS Board of Education Resolution
At the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, February 18th, 2025, the Board of Education adopted a resolution that reiterates the rights of all children to access education and learning opportunities regardless of immigration status. The resolution is available on pages 117-118 of the February 18th Board Book..
Ms. Steph - Special Education Social Worker
Hello everyone! I’m Ms. Steph and I support families that work with Ms. Zallaps and Ms. Deacon. Please call, text or email me with any questions: stephanie.abbas@spps.org or (612) 548-1841
Ms. Brown - Reading Intervention
Reading groups are in full swing! If your 3rd - 5th grader has a reading group with me, please help them attend daily.
My contact information is: molly.brown@spps.org or 612-568-4212 (call or text).
Ms. Kim - School Social Worker
Please contact Kim Stout for support around family, community, or school stressors. kim.stout@spps.org or (651)401-5595
Ms. Love - School Counselor
I'm Maki Love, the school counselor. From now until spring break, students will be learning about colleges and careers.
Have a question or need support?
Email: maki.love@spps.org
Google Voice Text or Call: 612-405-8056
Ms. McConnell - Navigational Intervention Specialist
I’m Ms.McConnell, I’m the Navigational Intervention Specialist in the Online Elementary school. Check out my newsletter here.
If you have needs, and may not be sure where to go, contact me at 6126994177 or at Kiowona.mcconnell@stpaul.k12.mn.us.
Ms. Shanaz - Onboarding Specialist
I’m Ms. Shanaz, the onboarding specialist. If you have questions, please call or text me at (612)568-6624.
News from Nurse Jenny
Back to School Vaccination Requirements:
There are state mandated vaccine requirements for all SPPS students entering Kindergarten, 7th and 12th grade. SPPS Online students are NOT exempt from this law. Please submit the needed immunization information (documentation of the vaccinations or documentation of a medical or conscientious exemption) to our school nurse, Jenny Martineau if you have a child entering one of these grades. You can email her at Jennifer.martineau@spps.org or text a picture of the documentation to 651-419-1219.
Summer is a great time to make an appointment for a well child checkup and to make sure that everything is up to date on your child’s vaccines.
For further information regarding these requirements, or to document a medical or conscientious exemption, follow the links below:
Are Your Kids Ready? What Minnesota’s Immunization Law Requires
Please contact Contact Nurse Jenny if you want more information on any other health related topic at 651-419-1219 or Jennifer.martineau@spps.org.
Community Resources
Additional needs?
If any additional needs, please reach out to Kim Stout our school social worker (651)401-5595 or kim.stout@spps.org
New! Summer resources
Free Summer Lunches
Saint Paul Public Schools will provide meals at no cost to all children 18 and under, and those with a disability currently enrolled in a school program, this summer.
Kids and teens can enjoy a meal at more than 50 schools, recreation centers, libraries and community sites. Our food truck will serve up burgers, sambusas, nachos, and other favorites at parks and community centers around Saint Paul.
SPPS Summer Learning
Grades K-12 Summer Learning Programs help students strengthen academic and social emotional skills, discover new talents and recover high school credits. Apply here!
All programs are FREE and include:
- Academic Support & Enrichment - Students will be inspired to learn new skills and increase their current understanding of reading, math and other subjects while discovering new interests and talents and making new friends.
- Breakfast and Lunch - All students receive two free healthy meals daily that include entrees, salads, baked goods and locally grown fruits and vegetables.
- Transportation - Transportation is available to most students who live in Saint Paul (within transportation guidelines).
- Schedule -
- Elementary and middle school programs are Monday through Friday, June 24-July 25; Freedom School is June 24-August 4.
- High school Session 1 is June 24-July 25 (in-person or online); Session 2 is July 29-August 14, online only.
SPPS Community Ed Summer Programming
SPPS Community Education has a full menu of programs that help keep kids safe and engaged this summer. Unleash your imagination, discover nature and get out and play with our wide array of courses and full and half-day programs. Fight the summer brain drain. Enroll your student today!
Joy of the People
Joy of the People (JOTP) is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) that promotes the idea of soccer free play as a way to build healthy kids and communities.
The Sanneh Foundation - Free Camps
At The Sanneh Foundation, we give thousands of kids a safe, healthy and FUN camp experience every summer by offering FREE pro sports camps throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding metro areas. Camps use sporting curriculum, while incorporating The Sanneh Foundation’s youth development expertise.
YMCA Summer Programs
In YMCA Summer Programs, days are filled with adventure and discovery activities that outpace regular day care options. Explore options here!
St. Paul Summer Activities and Programs
Tech Support
Need technology or iPad support?
For quick at home fixes, call
Joshua Thao, iPad Manager:
612-699-4161 / joshua2.thao@spps.org
For in person appointments to change out or fix technology, make an appointment below.
Title I
Title I: Online School Annual SCIP Meeting for Parents
Title I Resources and Important Links for Parents:
Feel free to contact John Osorio at john.osorio@spps.org with any questions about Title I or any of these documents and services.
Important Dates
May 26 - No School
May 30 - OES Celebration
June 9 - Kindergarten and 5th grade celebrations
June 10 - Last day of school