Perspectives

This newsletter provides updates, information and event details for Horace Mann School, the Horace Mann School Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), and Saint Paul Public Schools. It is published weekly and distributed through email. Current and past issues can be found at spps.org/mann or directly at https://mann.spps.org/perspectives1.

If you received this newsletter in error, please click "Unsubscribe" at the bottom.

First Day Reminders

No Driving on Wilder during Buses

Buses

Buses will drop off students on Wilder and students enter Door 7 for breakfast.

Eleanor Drop Off

If you drop off on Eleanor, please drop off on the school side. Drive west on Eleanor. If coming from the other direction, please take few minutes to circle the block so you can drop on the school side. Help us keep students safe and avoid car accidents!

1st Grade Starts in Cafeteria

Remind your first grader that they will sit with classmates in the cafeteria to start the first day. They will get breakfast but they won't eat until they get to the classroom.

Doors Open at 7:15am

And classes start at 7:30am.

Students begin to exit school at 1:55pm

And buses leave by 2:07pm.

Parent Pick Up

Parents can park on Bayard and Kenneth (both sides) for end of day pick up. We ask you to cross to the school side to pick up your child. Thanks for helping us keep students safe!

Picture Day Falls Early This Year

Picture Day is Tuesday, September 15. Look for a packet coming home the first week of school. You can also go to mylifetouch.com to create an account or login. Please use Picture ID code: EVTBG937V.

Say Cheese, Horace Mann School! Share Joyful Family Photos of Our Students

Our school website is getting a refresh, and we need your help to capture the heart of our community: our students!

We are looking for vibrant, candid family photos that showcase your child’s personality, energy, and everyday adventures. Whether they are diving into a favorite hobby, exploring the outdoors, or simply sharing a laugh, we want to feature those genuine moments of joy on our official pages.

What We’re Looking For

Action & Emotion: Focus on joy, interest, and fun.
Close-Up Shots: We want to see those bright smiles clearly!
Candid Moments: Unposed, natural interactions capture the true spirit of our kids better than staged portraits.
High Quality: Clear, well-lit digital images work best for website display.

We will not use names or grades. By sending in your photos, you grant Horace Mann School permission to feature them on our official website and promotional materials. Email the photo to jim.litwin@spps.org or share a Google link to jim.litwin@stpaul.k12.mn.us.

Help us show the world what makes our school family so special—dig through your camera rolls and send us your favorite snaps today!

Reminder: Complete Back-to-School Forms

Parents and guardians in primary households should complete the 2026 Back-to-School Forms. Log into Infinite Campus Parent to update your phone number and email address, verify your home address, and complete required forms.

Application for Educational Benefits

All students will receive free breakfast and lunch under Minnesota’s Free School Meals program, it remains critical that all families complete an Application for Educational Benefits each school year. These applications determine how much funding our school receives for educational programs and supports.

Additionally, eligible families can qualify for other benefits, including SUN Bucks (formerly known as Summer EBT Benefits), 50% off Amazon Prime membership, free/discounted internet service, Metro Transit $1 Rides program, and more. Students can gain access to scholarships for activities. Schools can get Title I dollars, technology funds, field trip discounts, and grant opportunities.

The application can be completed online at https://www.schoolcafe.com/spps. Click "Apply for Benefits" to apply. You can also complete the application with your electronic District Back to School Forms. Paper applications will be available at school in September.

DOWNLOAD the MySPPS app: share safety concerns // help someone in need // report a crime

Download the MySPPS app from Google Play or the Apple App Store and look for the “Send a Tip” icon. Choose the school and tip category, provide your contact information or stay anonymous. It’s your choice, and it’s simple. Learn more at spps.org/safety. Safe schools start with you!

Click this title for a PDF of the 2026-2027 SPPS Calendar

Important Horace Mann School Dates

Bookmark our school calendar. It can be found at the top of our website. Here are some highlights for the next two weeks.

Tuesday, September 8

First Day of School for Grades 1-5
Kindergarten Conferences

Wednesday, September 9

Kindergarten Conferences

Thursday, September 10

First Day of School for Kindergarten

Friday, September 11

Rosh Hashana Eve (Jewish Holiday)

Saturday, September 12

Rosh Hashana

Monday, September 14

3:30-5:00pm Girls on the Run

Tuesday, September 15

Picture Day

Friday, September 18

9:35am All School Assembly

HMS PTA News and Announcements

PTA Board and Contact Info

President: Katie Bliss, president@hms-pta.org

Vice-President: Alex Stuart, president@hms.-pta.org

Treasurer: Sam Smith, treasurer@hms-pta.org

Teacher Reps: Amy Kortuem & Mark Lindskoog, teacher-rep@hms-pta.org

Communications: Amanda Prutzman, communications@hms-pta.org

Volunteer Coordinator: Emily Phelps and Annie Mach, volunteer.coordinator@hms-pta.org

Recorders: Sarah Liuzzi and Bethany Hyde, recorder@hms-pta.org

Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) is not sponsoring, endorsing, or recommending the activities/events announced in the PTA Section and no SPPS student will be turned away due to inability to pay (21-22).

Horace Mann School Contacts and Social Media

Perspectives Submission Deadline: Thursdays by 8:00am

Email: jim.litwin@spps.org
Website: https://mann.spps.org/
Location: Horace Mann School, 2001 Eleanor Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55116
Phone: 651-293-8965
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SPPSHoraceMannSchool/

First Day Reminders First Day Reminders