2025-26 Hoffman Highlights

Tuition Programs - Full Day Drop-Off 8:15 AM & Pick-Up by 4:00 PM

Tuition Programs - Half Day (AM) Drop-Off 8:15 AM & Pick-Up 11:15 AM

Tuition Programs - Half Day (PM) Drop-Off 11:15 AM & Pick-Up by 4:00 PM

ADA Full Day Drop-Off 8:15 AM & Pick-Up 3:40 PM

ECSE AM Session - Drop-Off 8:15 AM & Pick-Up 11:15 AM

ECSE PM Session - Drop-Off 12:40 PM & Pick-Up 3:40 PM

This week at Doris Hoffman, we are beginning to grow the roots of perseverance — the ability to keep trying, even when something feels challenging.

In early childhood, perseverance often shows up in small but powerful ways: a child trying to zip their coat again after it gets stuck, working to finish a puzzle, sounding out a tricky word, or rebuilding a block tower that fell down. These everyday moments help children learn that mistakes and challenges are part of learning, not something to avoid.

Our teachers are helping students practice perseverance by encouraging them to take a deep breath, try again, ask for help when needed, and celebrate progress — even when the task isn’t perfect the first time.

You may notice perseverance at home when your child keeps working on something that feels difficult or proudly says, “I did it!” after several tries. These are wonderful moments to celebrate.

You can nurture perseverance at home by noticing and naming it:

• “You kept trying even when it was hard — that’s perseverance.”

• “I saw you work on that until you finished. That took determination.”

• “It’s okay that it didn’t work the first time. Let’s try again.”

When children learn that effort matters and that they are capable of working through challenges, they begin to build confidence that will support them throughout their learning journey.

Thank you for partnering with us as we grow children who are willing to try, learn, and keep going — even when things feel hard. 💜

Rooted in Heart. Driven by Purpose.

Are you interested in joining our PTO? Our next meeting is Monday, April 13th from 5-6pm at Doris Hoffman. Kellie Cowsert has created a Group Me and is adding members as they sign up. Please download the Group Me App to to receive messages about future details and other information.

This week, our Little Indians are beginning to grow in perseverance — learning that it’s okay when something feels tricky, and that great learning often happens when we keep trying.

In our classrooms, students are practicing perseverance during everyday moments: finishing a puzzle that feels challenging, trying to put on their coat by themselves, rebuilding a block tower that fell down, or practicing a new skill during learning time. Teachers are reminding students that mistakes are part of learning and encouraging them to take a deep breath, try again, and celebrate their effort.

Perseverance helps children build confidence. When they experience success after trying more than once, they begin to believe in their ability to learn and solve problems.

Here are a few simple ways to encourage perseverance at home this week:

⭐ Celebrate effort — Say things like, “You kept trying even when it was hard!”
🧩 Pause before helping — Give your child a moment to try solving a problem on their own before stepping in.
💬 Use encouraging language — Try phrases like, “Let’s try again,” or “You’re getting closer!”

When children learn that challenges are opportunities to grow, they begin to see perseverance as part of who they are — someone who keeps trying and doesn’t give up.

Thank you for continuing to grow strong character with us at home and at school.

This week, try a simple family game called “Try One More Time.” The goal is to help children practice perseverance by giving them a chance to try again when something feels tricky.

When your child is working on something challenging — putting on shoes, building with blocks, completing a puzzle, or learning a new skill — encourage them to pause, take a deep breath, and try one more time before asking for help.

You might say:

• “Let’s try one more time together.”

• “I see you working hard — keep going!”

• “You’re getting closer!”

If the task still feels difficult after another try, that’s okay! You can offer support while still celebrating their effort.

You can also make perseverance part of everyday conversations by noticing it:
“I saw you keep trying until you finished your puzzle. That was great perseverance!”

When children learn that trying again is part of learning, they begin to feel more confident facing new challenges.

Small moments of encouragement at home help children grow into learners who believe in themselves and keep going — even when things feel hard. 💜

Rooted in Heart. Driven by Purpose.

We are having a BLAST celebrating Read Across America Week and Dr. Seuss' birthday! We've already had a hat day, silly sock day, and wacky Wednesday, and we still have more fun days ahead!

Doris Hoffman Early Learning Center offers tuition-based preschool summer programming for children ages 3–5. Tuition options may include full-day, half-day, and part-time schedules based on availability. Part-time options are offered only at Doris Hoffman Early Learning Center and may include 2-day (T/Th) and 3-day (M/W/F) full-day schedules.

Kindergarten registration is now open for the 2026-27 school year!

We are excited to welcome the Class of 2039! Children who turn five on or before August 1, 2026, are eligible to enroll. Registering early helps families receive timely information about screenings, school events, orientations, and important next steps.

How to get started:

👉Families new to MVR-III should contact the office of their assigned school Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm. School staff will share guidance and a registration link to begin the enrollment process.

👉Families with students already attending MVR-III will complete kindergarten registration through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

👉Families whose children are not enrolled in MVR-III prekindergarten will need to schedule a kindergarten screening. To sign up for a kindergarten screening time, complete the online screening form: https://bit.ly/MVR3KDG

Learn more about kindergarten registration on our website: https://www.mvr3.k12.mo.us/article/2674251

Kindergarten Round-Up 2026 is just around the corner! We are excited to welcome our newest learners and their families.

Incoming MVR-III kindergarten families are invited to visit their child’s future elementary school on Thursday, March 26, from 5:00 to 6:30pm to learn what kindergarten is all about.

Families will have the opportunity to:

Meet kindergarten teachers and school principals

Tour the school building

Explore a school bus with our Transportation Department

Learn about Food Service and the Before and After Care Program

Connect with Parent and Teacher Organization representatives

For more information, please contact your child’s future elementary school or visit our website: www.mvr3.k12.mo.us. We look forward to meeting you!

Enrollment is now officially open for the Summer Discovery Program at MVR-III!

Summer Discovery is a completely FREE, four-week summer learning experience held Monday through Friday, June 1-30. We invite all incoming K-8 students to join us for a fun-filled month of STEM-based games, exciting field trips, and engaging activities!

What’s New This Year?

To make the process easier for our families, we have streamlined registration. This year, parents will log in to your Parent Portal to confirm information for all students in the household. This single login will prompt you to:

1. Complete the required Annual Update.

2. Register students for Kindergarten (if applicable).

3. Enroll K–8 students in 2026 Summer Discovery.

Completing all three tasks at once saves you time and eliminates the need for multiple separate registrations! To learn more about the program and begin your enrollment, please visit our Summer Discovery website.

The Meramec Valley R-III School District is proud to launch our Continuous School Improvement Plan, building on our tradition of excellence while looking ahead to a future where every student thrives in our schools!

Our work is guided by four key pillars that drive an incredible educational experience for all students:

⭐ Academic Excellence

⭐ Family and Community Engagement

⭐ Positive Culture

⭐ Attendance

On Tuesday, April 7, our community will vote on Proposition S—a $43 million general obligation bond issue for the Meramec Valley R-III School District. 🗳️

Watch the Bond Explainer Video to learn more about Prop S: MVR-III Prop S Bond Video #2

This measure WILL NOT raise property taxes when approved and will provide the funds for improvements at all of our campuses and the construction of a new middle school to replace Pacific Intermediate.

The proposal is the result of a multi-year effort by the Board of Education and the administration to identify solutions to our most pressing facility needs while not placing additional burden on property taxpayers.

Learn more about Prop S and find answers to frequently asked questions: https://www.mvr3bond.org

Family and community engagement is a top priority for the MVR-III School District. To support this goal, Superintendent Dr. Carrie Schwierjohn is hosting monthly Coffee with Carrie sessions.

These informal gatherings offer a dedicated space for parents and community members to ask questions, share new ideas, and stay informed about district news. We invite you to join us for free coffee and conversation at Little Ireland Coffee, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., on the following dates:

• March 10, 2026

• March 31, 2026

• April 14, 2026

• May 12, 2026

We look forward to seeing you there and hearing your perspectives!

Our 3rd annual Family Resource Night will be held on Thursday, March 12, from 5:30 to 7:00pm at Doris Hoffman Early Learning Center! 📚

Join us for an evening dedicated to connecting families with valuable school and community resources that support student success and wellbeing.

You will have the opportunity to explore:

➡️ Parents as Teachers

➡️ Early Childhood Options

➡️ Reading Support

➡️ College and Career Options

➡️ Curriculum Showcase

➡️ Health and Wellness resources.

Admission for this event is free with a complimentary meal provided by the MVR-III Bridge Foundation!

To help us plan for meals, please complete the signup form: https://bit.ly/MVR26FRN

MVR-III uses the BusRight Parent App to communicate bus routes and times with parents. BusRight is a FREE parent app to allow parents to, in real-time, follow their child’s bus route to and from school, receive notifications when the bus begins and ends its route, view the expected arrival time at your child’s designated bus stop, and receive communication from the Transportation Department.

To access BusRight, please follow these simple steps:

1. Download the App: Download the BusRight app from your mobile device's app store.

2. Create an Account: Use your Infinite Campus email address to create a login.

3. Track Your Student: Begin tracking your child's bus routes immediately.

If you have issues creating your account, you will need to verify with your school building office that you are listed as the primary guardian in Infinite Campus. Find out more on BusRight on the District website under Transportation.

SACC is our before and after school care program.

If your child needs morning childcare before 8:15 am, contact the school office at 636-271-1464

or visit the School Age Child Care Program website to register.

For more information please see the flyer below:

Our goals as a community will be obtained with strong partnerships between the home and school. Please check out our website, download the free MVR3 App, and like us on Facebook.

Our Doris Hoffman parent newsletter, called The Hoffman Highlights, will be sent out on Thursday each week. This is intended to help your family best prepare for the week ahead so you have plenty of time to know about the 'next' thing going on!

Breakfast if FREE! See the link below to see the menu.

If you plan to volunteer, attend field trips, or help at school events, you will first need to complete the background check process. Two background checks are now required, and the process takes up to 10 days to complete. Volunteers should review the links below. Please contact your child's school office if you have any questions.

• Volunteer Process

• Volunteer Handbook

March 7th - Shamwalk

March 11th - MVR3 Board Meeting

March 12th - Family Resource Night

March 16th-20th - Spring Break

March 26th - Cardinal's Day (Wear Red or Cardinal's Gear)

March 27th - Grandparent's Day @ DHELC

April 1st - Dental Safari

April 3rd & 6th - Easter Break

April 17th - Field Day

April 22nd - Spring Picture Day

May 1st - Messy Play Day

May 4th-8th - Staff Appreciation Week

May 21st - Last Day of School - Early Release

As we wrap up another week at Doris Hoffman Early Learning Center, we are proud of the perseverance we are beginning to see in our Little Indians. Throughout the week, students have been practicing what it means to keep trying — whether that’s working through a tricky task, rebuilding something that fell down, or learning a new skill step by step. These everyday moments help children discover that challenges are part of learning and that effort matters.

Perseverance doesn’t happen all at once. It grows through encouragement, patience, and the understanding that mistakes are simply opportunities to try again. With the support of caring adults at school and at home, children begin to build confidence in their ability to work through challenges and celebrate their progress along the way.

Thank you for continuing to encourage your child’s efforts, big and small. When children hear the message that trying again is something to be proud of, they begin to see themselves as capable learners who can keep going even when things feel difficult.

We are grateful for your partnership as we grow children who are resilient, confident, and determined — truly Rooted in Heart, Driven by Purpose. 💜

With gratitude,

Mrs. Amy Huson

If you have any questions concerning the 2025-2026 school year, please contact me at 636-271-1464 or email me at ahuson@mvr3.k12.mo.us.