Capitol Hill Headliner
Friday, February 26, 2021
Message from Principal Hodges
Hello!
I hope you all are doing well! We have a few updates this week!
- Elementary: If you want to switch between VLS or in-person please contact the Student Placement Center 651-632-3760 or spc@spps.org. This is now taking place on a rolling basis and you no longer need to wait until a quarter break to switch.
- Elementary and Middle: Parent drop-off has been fairly smooth! Please wait in line until you are at the front section (past the exit from the parking lot) to drop off your child. We also need to ensure students exit on the right side of the vehicle and not onto Concordia for safety. Lastly, please wait in the line and do not "swoop" in to the front as this causes many near collisions!
- Elementary and Middle: No School on Friday, March 5 for all students. Conference prep for elementary and professional development day for middle school.
- Middle School: No On-Site Support on Tuesday, March 2. SPPS will be utilizing transportation and resources for high school students to take the ACT, as such no on-site support at any middle school in SPPS on March 2.
- Middle School: SPPS announced this week plans for middle school scholars to return fully in-person beginning April 14. More information to come.
This week we have exciting content in our newsletter!
- PTO Update
- 8th Grade Graduation Planning!
- Virtual Doing Good Together!
- Middle School Return Update
- COVID Testing Update
- Black History Month Update
Feel free to contact me with any questions at andrew.hodges@spps.org or 612-398-9579.
PTO Updates
Mark your calendars for the next PTOmeeting on Monday, March 1st, from 7-8pm on Google Meet. William Moore from Ramsey County Public Health will speak about Covid-19, schools, and public health and will answer questions. Principal Hodges will also give a Capitol Hill update. Here is the link: https://meet.google.com/rgg-fios-xgi
8th Grade Graduation Planning Group
Join up with Capitol Hill 8th grade students, parents, and staff to plan something special for our outgoing 8th grade class. We are looking for creative ideas to honor their achievements while keeping everyone safe - the Class of 2021 deserves it!. Click here to share your information and stay in the loop.
Doing Good Together
Middle School Return
"SPPS is planning to begin in-person learning for all 6-12 grade students who want it starting Wednesday, April 14. Monday and Tuesday, April 12-13, will be planning days for staff."
I encourage you to read the full e-mail. There are still details being worked out and I hope to be able to bring more details in the coming days to our middle school families. Please know we are working together as a district, and some information will come from SPPS and other more detailed information regarding how this will work here will come from Capitol Hill. If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out to me at andrew.hodges@spps.org or 612-398-9579.
COVID Testing for Students
MDH announced a recommendation for all school-age youth returning to school, youth sports, or extracurricular activities, and their families, to get tested every two weeks through the end of the school year. While it is not a requirement, regular testing complements other safety measures already in place, such as masking and social distancing.
Schools and youth organizations can send messages and resources available on COVID-19 Testing for Kids and Families to families to encourage testing. Getting tested every two weeks from now until the end of the school year can help keep schools open and sports operating, and ensure we are limiting the spread of COVID-19.
Celebrate African American History Month – Ideas for Family Events & Activities
As Black History Month comes to an end we wanted to share a few resources to keep the learning on-going for students. In the elementary school we have focused on Black History month in our morning announcements with a focus on modern black history as well as the theme for this year The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.
Join St. Paul’s Walker West Music Academy for FREE virtual Black History Series jazz concert TONIGHT!:
o Duncan & Friends - February 26th – 7:00PM Top Twin Cities vocalists come together to honor jazz legend Debbie Duncan.
St. Paul Public Library Recommended Reading and Listening Lists
o Reading list for Adults and Families Here and Here.
o Reading list for Youth
Minnesota History Center’s Black History, Black Voices Series includes links to free videos and upcoming events in the series