A Note from Principal Reilly
Dear Hamline Families,
Well this is certainly not how we expected to end our year. There is a natural progression and end of the year ritual that is very important to all of us as we send students off to summer vacation, assuring them that we will be waiting with open arms for their return in the Fall. So it goes without saying that there were many tearful goodbyes.
We have been walking this journey together, leaning on one another and working together to best meet the needs of our children. It has not always been easy but we stood together and are stronger as a community for it. Our children are strong and they will rise to meet the path in front of them with the wisdom gained from an experience only few have had. I have faith in them and you.
We will be in the building the rest of this week as well as Monday, June 14th. If there were any items left at school on our last day rush to get kids packed up and say our farewells, please feel free to come up to school to get them. You can send your child in to the building by having them buzz the front door off of Englewood. As much as we would love to see caregivers, we are expected to continue to limit number of visitors.
We also were planning on sending home a Family Kit, in a beautiful Hamline Husky bag, with each child K-4. The kit has a book called "All About Families" with fun activities for young people to do to help them explore who they are, who their families are and what other families look like. There is also be a blank book in the bag for your child to create their own family story as they follow the activities.
We plan to have a person handing out bags to families if you are able to come by school on Friday from 9:00-2:00. Pull into the parking lot off of Englewood and someone will be there to give you your bag.
As I reflect upon a long year and a half of ups and downs what stands out to me the most is the brilliance and resiliency of every one of the children and you, their families. As you have heard me say time and time again, it has been an honor to serve this community and I thank you for sharing your children with us and trusting us along the way. Stay cool and know that we carry you in our hearts. Until we meet again....
In Partnership,
Principal Kristin Reilly
A Note from Ms. Ewald
Hamline Husky Families:
It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to all of you as I will not be at Hamline next year. I have been honored to be a part of the Hamline community for the last two years. Getting to know the students, families, and staff has been truly an experience I will never forget. The students at Hamline are amazing, strong, caring, resilient, creative and intelligent.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your child's journey.
As always, please call, text or email me with any questions or concerns.
Email: jennifer.ewald@spps.org
Office: 651-744-6055
Google Voice: (612) 315-0791
Hamline Summer Family Kits
Summer Meal Pick Up!
Equity & Social Justice
As a community we are committed to providing resources for families that are centered on equity and social justice. That is why we have decided to create this space within our Family Newsletter. We hope you find the information shared helpful and informative. Should you have any questions, concerns, or need further support, please do not hesitate to reach out to your students' teacher or anyone from our student support team.
Article Highlights: How to talk to kids about hate speech
Look inward - We all have biases that we may or may not be aware of. Take some time for self-reflection before you begin the process of teaching your child about being empathetic and culturally competent.
Teach by example - Behaviors are learned so it’s important to teach them expectations. Ask questions like “What does kind look like? What does it feel like, what does it sound like?” Teach them what you want them to do instead of telling them what not to say.
Start a dialogue - Look for teachable moments whether it be something that happened in school, a racially charged news story, a tv show or movie, etc. Be authentic and don’t be afraid to share how you’re feeling also. Talk about how words are powerful, can be hurtful, and explain historical ties to hateful words whenever possible.
Remember conversations should be ongoing - It’s ok to misspeak or wish you would have said something differently. The important thing to remember is you have another day to go back, acknowledge what you said, and say it differently.
To read the article in its entirety, click on the link: https://dfwchild.com/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-hate-speech/
Ms. Lynnette
Hello Hamline Huskies!
We are nearing the end of Mental Health Awareness Month and below are several links to mental health resources you may find helpful. Please feel free to reach out at any time if you should ever need support for yourself or your student with mental health questions or concerns. Additionally, is information about a new resource for broadband services available to eligible families.
Mental Health Resource Links
Crisis Text Line - Free 24/7 Support
How to Have Tough Conversations About Racism with Kids
Youth Motivating Others Through Voices of Experience (Youth MOVE MN)
Supporting Trans & Gender Nonconforming Students
Children's Books that Celebrate Diverse Identities
Researcher Calls for Improved, Afrocentric Approach to Mental Health Services for Black Moms
Emergency Broadband Benefit Available to Families The Federal Communications Commission has launched a temporary program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emergency Broadband Benefit provides a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating providers. Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company using an online or mail-in application. You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit, or by calling 833-511-0311.
Ms. Kaltun
Benefits of Family School Engagement
Family school engagement is a meaningful way to influence schools and contribute to the creation of systems and practices that are most beneficial for the success of students. It leads to opportunities that strengthen families, students, school, and the community as well. Research shows that students whose families are engaged in school perform better in math and reading. Students in elementary spend less than 20% of their week at school. This means setting up an environment at home that continues to support their learning is crucial. This presents the opportunity to partner with teachers and learn how you can effectively support your child’s educational needs at home. Research also shows that when families are engaged in school, student absenteeism decreases.
I know having the time and the capacity to be engaged is difficult for many families. I also want to assure you that being engaged in school can be simple and based on your capacity. This is where families can communicate with schools to give feedback on the most effective and easy ways to be engaged and communicate. This also gives opportunity for families to express their unique cultural needs so that schools know how to create programming that is inclusive. When we communicate with each other, we serve each other better. It takes a village to raise a child and its time we nurtured our Hamline Elementary village.
School-Based Mental Health Partnership
Should you consider Mental Health Therapy for your child?
If you would like more information about starting therapy services for your child please reach out to our School Social Worker, Lynnette Medcalf at Lynnette.medcalf@spps.org or School Counselor, Kaltun Abdikarani at Kaltunabdikarani@spps.org. You can also fill out the help form for families on the Hamline website, spps.org/hamline.
Thank you,
Sharice Zaccardi
Community School Mental Health Practitioner
About Hamline Elementary
Website: hamline.spps.org
Location: 1599 Englewood Ave, Saint Paul, MN, USA
Phone: 651-293-8715
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hamlineelementaryschool
Twitter: @HamlineElem