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 continuing to strengthen the roots of respect by helping children understand that respect shows up not just in what we say — but in how we listen, wait, and care for our shared spaces.

In our classrooms, students are practicing respectful listening during group time, respectful bodies in the hallway, and respectful hands during play. These may sound like small things, but in early childhood, these everyday moments are where lifelong habits begin. When children learn to wait their turn, look at a friend who is speaking, or help clean up without being asked, they are building strong social roots that will support them for years to come.

You may notice your child practicing respectful behaviors at home — reminding others of the rules, using polite words, or wanting to “be the helper.” Celebrate those moments! They are signs that respect is becoming part of who they are.

You can continue nurturing respect at home by noticing and naming it:
“I saw how you waited patiently — that was respectful.”
“Thank you for helping clean up. That shows respect for our home.”

When we consistently name the behavior, children begin to connect the word respect to their actions.

Thank you for partnering with us as we grow children who use kind words, safe choices, and caring hearts. 💜

Rooted in Heart. Driven by Purpose.

Are you interested in joining our PTO? Our next meeting is Monday, March 2nd 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 continuing to grow in respect by learning that respect isn’t just something we say — it’s something we practice, even when it’s hard.

We are helping students understand that respectful choices matter most during real-life moments: when they don’t get the toy they wanted, when they feel frustrated, when they have to wait, or when they need to follow a direction the first time. These are powerful learning opportunities. With teacher support, students are practicing calm bodies, patient waiting, safe hands, and kind problem-solving.

Respect also means caring for our classroom community — cleaning up shared materials, encouraging friends, and following routines that help everyone feel safe and successful.

Here are a few simple ways to keep building respect at home this week:

⭐ Practice “first time” listening — Give a simple direction and celebrate when your child follows it right away.
🧩 Role play problem-solving — Ask, “What could we do if someone takes our toy?”
💞 Model calm corrections — Show that mistakes are okay by calmly saying, “Let’s try that again.”

When children learn that respect includes listening, problem-solving, and trying again, they begin to see it as part of who they are — not just something they’re told to do.

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

Rooted in Heart. Driven by Purpose. 💜

This week, try becoming a Respect Detective as a family!

Invite your child to help “spot” respectful choices throughout the day — both their own and others’. Respect becomes more powerful when children learn to notice it.

You might say:

🔎 “I noticed you waited your turn — that was respectful.”
🔎 “Dad put his phone down while you were talking. That shows respect.”
🔎 “You cleaned up without being asked — that helps our family.”

You can even let your child be the detective and point out respectful actions they see:
“Was that respectful?”
“What did you notice?”

Quick daily habit idea:
At dinner or bedtime, ask:
👉 “What respectful choice did you see today?”

This simple shift helps children understand that respect isn’t just about avoiding mistakes — it’s about making thoughtful, caring choices that help others feel safe and valued.

The more we notice respect, the more it grows. 🌱

Thank you for continuing to build strong character with us — Rooted in Heart. Driven by Purpose. 💜

Because of the generous support of the MVR-III Bridge Foundation and the grant awarded to our very own Ms. Tonya Schimsa, our Little Indians are enjoying brand new gross motor materials — and they are LOVING them! 🙌💜

From wobble seats and balance paths to bouncy balls, ride-on toys, climbing pieces, and obstacle course equipment… our gross motor room is full of movement, laughter, and learning. These materials are more than just fun — they are helping our students build balance, coordination, strength, body awareness, and confidence in ways that support their overall development.

In early childhood, movement is learning. When children climb, bounce, spin, crawl, and balance, they are strengthening the very skills that support focus, self-regulation, and classroom readiness. Watching them challenge themselves, cheer each other on, and beam with pride has been the best part. 💪✨

We are incredibly grateful to Ms. Tonya for writing this grant and to the Bridge Foundation for investing in our youngest learners. Opportunities like this truly make a difference for our school family.

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

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

PROPOSITION S: SAFE SCHOOLS FOR A STRONG FUTURE

On Tuesday, April 7, residents of the MVR-III School District will vote on a general obligation bond issue not to exceed $43 million. This measure will appear on the ballot as Proposition S.

Bond issues require voter approval of at least 57.14%. When approved, we will use the funds to make improvements at every school, enhance safety and security, and ensure our students continue having the learning environment our community expects.

Prop S will not raise property tax rates. Any increases in the amount of taxes paid would likely be the result of higher property valuations, not from an approved bond issue.

You can learn more about the ways Prop S would invest in our schools and students at https://www.mvr3bond.org.

#MVNation

The Bridge Foundation is excited to announce an upcoming community event. Every dollar raised goes directly toward the Annual Back to School Bash, Classroom Grants, and Student Scholarships. Help us invest in our students' success!

Event: The Shamwalk & Run 5K

It’s time to lace up those sneakers! Registration is officially open for our annual 5K. This isn't just a race—it’s a chance to show your school pride.

Help Your School Win the Trophy! We are awarding a traveling trophy to the school with the highest participation. Whether you run or walk, make sure to select your child’s school during registration to help them take home the bragging rights this year!

• When: Saturday, March 7th at 8am

• Student Perk: Discounted registration is available for all MVR-III students.

• Register here for the race.

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!

Decisions made at the State Capitol in Jefferson City directly impact our classrooms, our educators, and—most importantly—our students. As the 2026 Missouri Legislative Session progresses, several key education bills are currently being debated that will shape the landscape of public education for years to come.

To ensure our district’s voice is heard, you are invited to join our newly formed Superintendent Advocacy Task Force on March 2, 2026 at 4:15pm at our Central Office Boardroom.

Sign Up: https://forms.gle/8PBfq7GzCSXv1FWA7

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 2nd-6th - Dr. Seuss Week

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 close out this week at Doris Hoffman Early Learning Center, we are proud of the steady growth we continue to see in our Little Indians. Respect is showing up in quieter voices during group time, helping hands during clean-up, patient waiting in line, and kind problem-solving between friends. These may seem like small steps, but in early childhood, small steps are how strong character is built.

Learning respect takes time, repetition, and lots of encouragement. There will be moments of practice, moments of mistakes, and moments of “try again” — and that’s exactly how growth happens. We are grateful for the way you support these same expectations at home, reinforcing that respect means caring for others, listening, and making safe, thoughtful choices.

Thank you for partnering with us in this important work. Together, we are growing not only learners, but kind and capable humans — 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.