Capitol Hill Headliner
Friday, March 12, 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. Note: It may not be possible to accommodate your request, and some requests may take one to two weeks to accommodate.
- Elementary: Please find the elementary school conference sign up here
- Elementary and Middle: Parent drop off has been going well, however we do need to stress two main pieces to ensure it is going safely and smoothly, especially as we will see an increase in students being dropped off starting April 14. Students should exit the vehicles on the sidewalk side of the car. We also need parents to remain in the car and for students to exit on their own. If you need to exit the car with your child you will need to park along Mackubin and drop off/walk your child to the blue doors.
This week we have exciting content in our newsletter!
- Middle School Return Update
- PTO Update
- Virtual Doing Good Together!
- 1,000,000 Page Challenge!
- COVID Testing Update
- LitMobile
- Debate Team Update
- Middle School Conferences
- MITY
- Discovery Club Summer Programming
Feel free to contact me with any questions at andrew.hodges@spps.org or 612-398-9579.
Middle School Return
SPPS is planning to begin in-person learning for all 6-12th grade students who want it starting Wednesday, April 14. Monday and Tuesday, April 12-13, will be planning days for staff.
School Schedule
We will use the following schedule when students return (please note the times may change slightly still -- this is in draft): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VoB-Og93gpwAvV6P9shBm5qFj9Aym1V9evVQeZQ2d94/edit?usp=sharing
We are working on a Virtual schedule for 2pm-4:15 that allows for two sections of times for students in Virtual Learning to work with their teachers. This schedule will be out next week.
Capitol Hill Specific Information
- Students will move through the school and go class to class.
- Students will not attend every class every day. We will be on a schedule similar to our current distance learning schedule.
- The week of March 15 Capitol Hill will receive information by class period and room to ensure we move classrooms to large spaces if necessary to allow for the required 3 feet of distancing between students.
- Students will eat lunch at school. We will have hot lunch!
PTO Updates
Middle School Parents Discuss "Changing Bodies, Changing Relationships" on Tuesday, March 16th from 7 - 8:30p
E-mail Jennifer Marshall (Health Start parent educator) at jmarshall@mncare.org to sign up for the next Capitol Hill Parent Support Group session.
Silent Auction - Seeking Donations in March!
Join Capitol Hill families in a spring fundraiser to benefit classroom libraries.
Let's welcome all students back in Fall 2021 with amazing new books that reflect the diversity of our school community!
How can you help?
Mar 8 - 31 --> Donate an item or virtual event. https://sites.google.com/view/capitolhill2021auction/home
Apr 21 - 30 --> Bid on items
Volunteer - E-mail libbystarling@comcast.net to help solicit donations or plan a virtual community gathering to close the auction.
Doing Good Together
Doing Good Together: Thursday, March 18 6:00-7:30pm on Google Meet!
Doing Good Together is NEXT THURSDAY! Come be "in this together"... apart! We have lots of fun activities planned - all from the comfort and safety of home. We'll be making cards for the elderly, musical instruments from common household items, learning about the Rondo neighborhood, exploring identity with students from GLOW, and more! You will NOT want to miss our "Ask the Principal" session with Mr. Hodges. Students will have an opportunity to ask the Principal some of their burning questions. We will also be sharing resources for helping the community.
Please join us on Thursday, March 18 from 6-7:30pm over Google Meet:
1,000,000 Page Challenge!
We are at over 225,000 pages! Encourage your child to read and log their pages!
Students can log their pages by filling out this form!
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.
March Litmobile!
The LitMobile is back in March! We will be heading to parks in St. Paul March 17, 18, & 19.
Wednesday, March 17- Eastside Heritage Park (735 Phalen Blvd)
Thursday, March 18- Highland Park Picnic Shelter (1200 Montreal Avenue)
Friday, March 19- Como Park West Picnic Shelter (across from Como Town)
Debate Team Update!
Here are the results for Capitol Hill from the 3rd MNUDL Tournament of the year for Rookies and Novices.
Novice Speaker Recognitions:
- 13th place - Isaiah Wang
- 11th place - Eddie Nagel
- 10th place - Kaya Kotze
- 9th place - Amaya Colby-Clay
- 8th place - Stuart Strack
- 6th place - Maya Nirmal
- 4th place - Willow Hovland
- 2nd place - Hashim Benlhabib
- 1st place - Lucio Pranis-Ricci
Novice Team Awards:
- 6th place - Willow Hovland and Maya Nirmal
- 3rd place - Isaiah Wang and Eddie Nagel
- 2nd place - Kaya Kotze and Amaya Colby-Clay
- 1st place - Hashim Benlhabib, Lucio Pranis-Ricci, and Stuart Strack
Our final tournament will be held on Thursday, March 25th. All of these students are amazing debaters and I've enjoyed working with them this year.
Ms. Hawksford
Middle School Conference Update
Thank you for your patience!
MITY Summer Programs
MITY is officially accepting applications for summer ExplorSchool and summer EYM! Both programs will offer in-person and online classes to help meet the needs of families. There are tons of great classes thanks to many of you!
You can find flyers for both programs here. Full and partial scholarships are available so that ALL deserving students can attend.