Welcome to the 2021-22 school year. I hope you all had a wonderful, relaxing, and rejuvenating summer vacation! This is always an exciting time, but even more so this year as we return to full in-person school under one roof. Personally, I can’t wait to see all of you on August 30th, as you return for opening week and we begin to set the stage for the year with new insights, skills, ideas.

A new year brings hope, excitement and anticipation. Together we will continue our mission of developing students’ love for learning within a culturally responsive learning environment, that uses an inquiry approach rooted in curiosity, connection and community.

Though a lot of information will be front loaded during opening week, please join me in welcoming the newest members to the Hamline Community. I am looking forward to the contributions, strengths and experience they bring with them to our community!

- Amanda Jagdeo (PreK Teacher)

- Katie Flood(2nd Grade Teacher)

- Mary Lengsfeld (3/4 Grade Teacher)

- Nicole Cahill(Content Lead/Coach)

- Annette Nelson (Counselor)

- Lucy Flaherty(PE Teacher)

- Joanne Leko(Behavior Intervention Specialist)

- Abdoulaye Camara(Behavior Intervention Specialist)

- Kristin Norton(Educational Assistant)

There will be an online option for K-8. It will be its own school that families will be able to enroll in if they do not want to return to in-person school. The link has not been activated as of yet for families to enroll. Waiting until after School Board meeting to confirm.

One of the gifts that living in a pandemic gave to me, was learning the importance of presence and stillness. I traveled to Sanibel with my two daughters this summer and read books purely for enjoyment, played pickle ball(yes I can still beat my daughters), went for walks and spent hours just talking with my girls. My hope is to keep that in the front of my mind this year and remember that it is more important for all of us to be seen and heard than whether I get to the next task on my list.