Daily Health Screening Expectations for Families
Families should conduct a health screening for COVID-19 symptoms every morning before sending their student to school or the bus stop. School staff will also monitor for symptoms throughout the school day.
Do not send your child to school if they are exhibiting any of these symptoms: chills, sore throat, headache, fatigue, nausea, muscle pain, vomiting or diarrhea, new runny nose or congestion, new or worsening cough, difficulty breathing, or loss of taste or smell. Please report the absence to the attendance line at 651-325-2599 and submit a report to the COVID-19 Reporting System as soon as possible.
Picking up earlier than 4:15 dismissal time?
Please, to the extent possible, be mindful that students are still engaged in learning until dismissal time. We have many families picking up early this year. If you must pick-up early, please see the office notes below for information on making changes to normal routines. We will do our best to get your child(ren) to you in a timely fashion, but the last 45 minutes of the day are particularly hectic!
- Early check-out by a parent or guardian in the Capitol Hill office is again required - as was our policy before the COVID pandemic.
- Facemasks are required for entry to the office.
- All changes should be called into the office (651-325-2500) no later than 3 pm – this includes changes to transportation plans (bus/no bus home).
- Please plan accordingly. Students move throughout the day into different classrooms and spaces. We ask for your patience while we find them for you, which can take some time.
- We will not be calling your child(ren) to the office for early dismissal to wait for pickup. Because we are still in a pandemic, we are limiting the number of people in our main office. If your child(ren) come the office to wait, we will send them back to class, then call them down when you arrive to sign them out in the office.
- Please use the Blue C doors and buzz Capitol Hill to come in. After signing them out, go to the lobby to wait.
- Students should not be calling home to get picked up early without being seen by an adult first, such as the nurse, counselor, or an administrator. If your child is not feeling well, they should be seen by the nurse and the nurse will call you if your child needs to be picked up.
- Students are not allowed to leave the building without being signed out or checked out by the front office. Student safety is our top priority and always need to be accounted for.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Please call the main office if you should have any questions at 651-325-2500.
6th Grade Meet-Up at the Science Museum! Friday, December 3, 5-8pm
We hope you can join us for our next 6th grade meet-up on Friday, December 3rd, from 5:00-8:00 pm at the Science Museum of Minnesota! We have had a limited number of admission tickets generously donated. Look for a Capitol Hill volunteer in the lobby passing out tickets.
I hear there will be a special Dino Nights event that night with activities focused on their Dino exhibit! There's food available for purchase on-site.
When: Friday, December 3rd from 5-8 pm
Where: The Science Museum of Minnesota (smm.org), 120 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102
Please use your own membership if your family has one. We hope you and your 6th grader can join in the fun! Whole families are welcome.
Contact Meghan Keller (Cora R.’s mom) at mattmeghan@msn.com if you have any questions.
December Support Staff Newsletter
Wondering what the Capitol Hill counselors will be up to this December? Looking for ways to give back to the community this holiday season? Searching for opportunities to give your families a special holiday this year? Do you struggle with your mental health during the winter season? Check out the support staff December newsletter!
Know a family who's interested in Capitol Hill? Tour dates are set! Share this link with them!
My name is Dani Porter Lucero. The kids call me Ms. Dani, and I'm an enrichment teacher for grades 1-3 this year. I have been teaching for almost twenty years, much of that time in early childhood and environmental education. I have worked with children and families from birth to adult learners and love connecting people with the outdoors (even in indoor classrooms). I am a Minnesota Master Naturalist, a nature photographer, and writer. I love all animals, especially birds and wolves, and enjoy hiking and traveling. If I work with your children, we will most likely incorporate science and nature investigations into our activities.
Lost & Found! Much has been lost - please come find your things!
Please inform you scholars to look in the lost and found for their misplaced items! Items not claimed prior to winter break will be donated to a local charity. The lost and found is in the hallway outside the kitchen on the first floor.
Winter sports began November 22 - there's still time to join!
**Seeking more wrestlers!**
Winter Sports 2 (January - March) Boys Basketball
Students are required to complete 2 forms prior to be eligible to participate in our Middle School athletic program:
- Sports physical (good for 3 years) https://drive.google.com/file/d/14hFWR0kDRU6j467TgMkQOPJGj7_0FwSh/view
- Middle School athletics registration form https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q5CWejaOqGDKHxGzPJlimYKv1mHASPCJ8hYu_qCOyws/edit
We are excited to be able to offer middle school athletics this winter. As was the case this fall, there will be some changes that will allow students to participate in a modified athletics season.
Due to the continued shortage of school bus drivers, we are only able to provide after-school transportation for high school students at this time. This means that all SPPS middle school athletics will continue to have a modified intramural season this winter.
In light of this change, the winter activity fee is being reduced from $30 to $5. Students will need a current sports physical to participate in the winter season; please make an appointment with your physician or visit one of our SPPS Health Start Clinics.
High school athletics option: 7th and 8th grade students who meet certain criteria may be selected to try out for a team at their area high school. Athletic directors, parents and coaches will determine together if a student has the skill set and maturity level required to participate at the high school level. Families will need to arrange transportation to/from the high school for practices, competitions and other events. Regular high school activity fees will apply. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Dylan Wakefield-Dagen-Athletic Director, dylan.wakefield-dagen@spps.org.
All SPPS athletics and activities are following the COVID-19 recommendations from the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). The recommendations include vaccination for everyone who is eligible, frequent COVID-19 testing, wearing masks when not actively participating, keeping physical distance when possible, and practicing in small groups. Athletes will be informed if these guidelines are updated before or during the winter season.
We are looking forward to a different, but still fun, winter season!
Dylan Wakefield-Dagen, Athletic Director, Capitol Hill
December 2 & 9 - Band and Orchestra Concerts!
We are very excited to be able to perform concerts again for the Capitol Hill community!
Thursday, December 2: Orchestra performance featuring all middle school orchestra students along with a few select elementary students.
Thursday, December 9th: The winter Band concert will feature the Varsity (intermediate), Concert (advanced), and Jazz Band students.
Both performances begin at 6:30 in the large gym. Students should plan to arrive by 6:00 p.m. wearing concert dress.
Masks will be required for all audience members at all times. Family groups of 2 or 3 will have seating on the gym floor. Larger groups should sit together in the balcony area, with social distance between family groups. Band students must remain masked, except when playing. Students may choose to wear their slotted masks when playing. Please enter through the blue doors and do not forget there is no parking in the American Lung Society or Martin Luther King/Hallie Q. Brown Center lots.
Mr. Middleton john.middeton@spps.org
Mr. Fulton jeff.fulton@spps.org
PTO UPDATES
Thank You!
Thank you to all who donated to the Fall Fundraiser during Give to the Max. Over $7,000 was donated toward the $10,000 goal. Thanks to your donations we will be able to fund classroom needs, field trips, and additional experiences for Capitol Hill students.
If you didn’t get a chance to donate, donations can always be made via cash/check to the office, at GiveMN or PayPal (treasurer.capitolhill@gmail.com).
Capitol Hill Directory
Please register your family in the school directory to receive PTO communications. Each grade has a PTO representative to help foster community through grade-specific updates and periodic meet-ups. Sign up at https://capitolhillpto.membershiptoolkit.com/ using this how to video. Contact ptodirectory.capitolhill@gmail.com if you have questions.
Capitol Hill Merchandise
The top three designs for the logo contest have been determined. Students will vote for the winning design soon and details to order merchandise will follow shortly.
November PTO Meeting
Thanks to all who were able to attend our PTO meeting Monday the 15th. Dr. Jodi Dworkin led a conversation about technology, social media and kids. Dr. Sara Cox spoke about Covid vaccines. We’re grateful these talented Capitol Hill parents shared their expertise!
Couldn’t join? Catch up on this great content with the minutes, a recording of the meeting, and the presentation slides here.
A message from SPPS regarding COVID vaccines
Dear Saint Paul Public Schools Families,
We are excited that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been authorized for children ages 5-11. The vaccine was authorized by the FDA and CDC after clinical trials found that low-dose shots are safe and provide strong protection for children of this age group. This means that all Minnesota residents ages 5 and older are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
This is a turning point in the pandemic that many of us in education have been waiting for and will allow our students and families to better protect themselves and those around them. Getting vaccinated is proven to be the most effective way to protect against COVID-19, and can help students stay safe and healthy at school, sports and other social activities. People who are fully vaccinated and have close contact with someone who has COVID-19 do not need to quarantine if they do not have any symptoms and meet other conditions.
SPPS Vaccine Clinics for Ages 12 and Up:
Vaccines for ages 12 and up are available at the Health Start Clinic held at Gordon Parks High School (1212 W. University Ave.) on Fridays from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Booster shots are not available.
Ramsey County Vaccine Clinics for All Ages:
St Paul-Ramsey County Public Health also has vaccine clinics at the following locations:
- Arlington Hills Community Center (1200 Payne Ave.)
- Consulate of Mexico (797 E. Seventh St.)
- Oxford Community Center (270 Lexington Pkwy. N.)
- New Brighton Community Center (400 10th St. N.W., New Brighton)
Vaccines for ages 5-11 will be available at these locations within the next two weeks. Appointments are required. Register at ramseycounty.us/COVIDvaccine. Booster shots are available at these clinics for those who are eligible.
What to Expect:
- Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when receiving a vaccine.
- There is no cost for the vaccine.
- You do not need to provide a government-issued ID or medical insurance to be vaccinated, and no question on immigration status is ever asked.
Everything kids and parents need to know about getting the COVID 19 vaccine: A video in Hmong, Spanish, Somali, Oromo and English: https://sahanjournal.com/.../covid-19-vaccine-kids.../...
Other Vaccine Resources:
- Contact your child’s primary health care provider, local public health or a local pharmacy.
- Check the Ramsey County COVID-19 Vaccine website for community and mobile clinics in and near St. Paul.
- Walk-in or schedule an appointment through Minnesota’s Community Vaccination Programs at Mall of America (Bloomington) or MSP Terminal 2. You can also get connected to a vaccine through Minnesota’s Vaccine Connector.
- Use the Vaccine Locator Map to find vaccine locations near you.
SPPS will continue to keep families informed about available vaccine resources. Find the latest information on spps.org/covidvaccine.
Free and Reduced Meal Application Status
It remains critical that all Capitol HIll families complete an Application for Educational Benefits by December 15.
The Free/Reduced Lunch Application is very important for you! Even though meals are free at this time, it may help qualify for discounted internet service, discounted transit for your whole family and the P-EBT program. It is very important for us - some of our funding is based on the families that could be served by the Free/Reduced Lunch Program, even if you don't think you qualify or wouldn't use the service! Filling out the form benefits the whole Capitol Hill community. www.schoolcafe.com/spps
Benefits of filling out the form
* Capitol Hill will receive significant compensatory revenue
* Families who received the $375 P-EBT benefits will be eligible again beginning December 2021 if the form is filled out and returned.
* Families who did not receive the $375 P-EBT may now be eligible if they fill out the form.
Questions? Please contact the Nutrition Services team at 651-603-4950 or ns@spps.org.
Paper forms are also available at the Capitol Hill office.
DROP-OFF PROCEDURE:
- Parents/guardians drop off students on Concordia Avenue, no earlier than 9:30am.
- Please do not cut in front of other cars already in line.
- When you get close to the front of the line, pull up as far as you can to Mackubin Avenue.
- NO PARKING on Concordia: this a pull up and drop off quickly area. If you must park your car, please find a spot on another street to take care of your drop-off needs.
- DO NOT BLOCK PARKING LOT DRIVEWAYS. Avoid stopping at the stairs as well.
- Students get out on the right side (curbside) on Concordia.
- Parents/guardians stay in the car; there will be staff to assist if needed.
- Once your student is out of the car, please safely pull out of the line.
- Students will proceed to enter into the blue doors.
- Students who walk to school will also enter through the blue Capitol Hill doors.
DISMISSAL TIME PICKUP PROCEDURE:
If you are driving, park safely along Makubin, Carroll, Igelhart, or Marshall
- Please do not stop in the middle of the street
- Please do not park in the cross walk
- Please park and pick up your scholar on the sidewalk
Elementary students will be grouped inside by last name, with 3 pickup lines outside:
- Students with last names starting with A – G
- Students with last names starting with H – O
- Students with last names starting with P – Z
Staff members will be outside calling student names on the radios.
- If your child doesn’t come out the first time after being called, we appreciate your patience in waiting for a staff member to circle back and call for your child again
- Middle school students will continue to exit the Green Doors on Mackubin
- Middle school students may not pick up younger siblings without a parent/guardian present
- Parents/Guardians should not come up to the building to pick up their student(s)
Picking up earlier than 4:15 dismissal time? Sign-out in the office is required again, as was our policy before the pandemic.
All changes should be called into the office (651-325-2500) no later than 3 pm. Please, to the extent possible, be mindful that students are still engaged in learning until our 4:15 dismissal time.
Please see the picture below for a visual of the 4:15 pickup plan:
Capitol Hill OFFICE NOTES
Office Hours: 8:30 - 4:30
Morning Drop-off Time
We want to ensure each child is safe when arriving for school. Staff supervision begins at 9:30am. Please do not drop off your child earlier than 9:30.
Attendance/late arrivals:
Please make sure to always report your child's absences. You can do this in two ways:
- Dial the attendance line directly at 651-325-2599 -OR-
- Email us at capitolhill.attendance@spps.org.
Please include your child's name, grade, the reason for their absence, your relationship to the child, and a return phone number that you can be reached at if we should have questions.
Calling Your Child
When calling the school to speak to your child, the office staff will deliver your message to have your child call you back. Teachers are teaching during the day and we are trying our best to lessen the interruptions during instructional time. Thanks for understanding.
Dismissal
Dismissal is at 4:15. We appreciate you making every attempt to honor this time. Students are still actively involved in classroom instruction up to dismissal time.
Please call the Capitol Hill office at 651-325-2500 if you are picking up your child early or letting your child go home any other way than their normal routine. Sign-out in the Main Office is required again, as was our policy before the pandemic struck.
***Please make sure to call the office no later than 3:00 pm if you have to make changes. If you call later than 3:00, we cannot guarantee that your child will get the message.***
Have you completed the iUpdate?
The iUpdate process is very important for you and for us – it’s an easy way to streamline all the forms and information that your students need: Free/Reduced Lunch form, the Media Release form, and the use of Internet form. Please go to https://www.spps.org/onestop to complete the iUpdate for your SPPS student(s) if you've not done so already.
