Obama Montessori Family Connect

Greetings, Obama Families,

We have had a wonderful and energetic first week of school with your children! For those returning this year, I hope you agree that this has been a remarkably smooth start to the school year. Seeing the students settled into our new building and demonstrating their leadership skills has been deeply rewarding. To our new families - welcome! I hope you are already experiencing what makes our school community so special.

During our staff opening week, we reviewed our classroom technology expectations - a topic I know is important to many of you. At Obama Montessori, our goal is to use technology purposefully: only when an activity achieves a learning objective that physical materials cannot, and always with active teacher monitoring to ensure its effectiveness. You will find additional details regarding iPad and technology use in point four below. I hope you check it out!

We are excited for the year ahead and look forward to working together. Please never hesitate to reach out to our staff - open communication and strong partnership are essential to your child's success. As a note, our Family Handbook and Calendar will always be linked at the bottom of these newsletters.

Thank you for sharing your children with us - we are very lucky to have the opportunity to do so.

Warmly,

Lizzy Diemer

Principal, Barack and Michelle Obama Montessori School

Due to adjustments in our bus fleet and our growing student population, we have partnered with SPPS Transportation to update our drop-off and pick-up route. This new pattern will also ensure a smoother transition as our school continues to grow next year.

• Do not turn into the parking lot directly from Grotto Avenue. This area will now be reserved exclusively for Middle School buses.

• Line up on Ashland Avenue directly across from the parking lot.

• Cross Grotto Avenue directly from Ashland into the parking lot.

• Keep Grotto Avenue clear—please do not block traffic while waiting in line.

Please refer to the attached map for a visual guide to the new route. **Please note this is for afternoon pick up only. During morning drop off, you may enter off of Grotto Avenue from any direction.

Mr. Tony and I are so thankful for everyone's kindness and support through the transition! We are so lucky to have you all as members of our community.

Join the Obama Montessori FSO for the first fundraiser of the year at Punch Pizza

(769 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105) on Thursday, September 17th anytime between 11am-9pm.

Ordering at the restaurant: Mention that you are a part of the Obama fundraiser and 20% of the proceeds will be donated to the FSO!

Ordering online for pick-up: Use code OBAMA at check-out and 20% of the proceeds will be donated to the FSO!

Gift Cards: If you are unable to enjoy a meal at Punch during the event but would still like to contribute, you may purchase a gift card in store and request that it be applied towards your total.

Through our partnership with Language Sprout, Obama Montessori provides optional Spanish language instruction for students. We believe financial constraints should not prevent a child from participating; if you need payment adjustments or financial support, please connect directly with Language Sprout to explore available options.

• Schedule: Monday/Wednesdays, 8:15 - 9:15 a.m
• Program Dates: September 23 2026 - May 26, 2027
• Cost: $1280

Saint Paul Public Schools is responding to family and staff feedback about screen time, social-emotional effects of technology, and the continued need for hands-on learning. There are many new and continuing technology safeguards in place for students in the 2026-27 school year. More information is available at spps.org/digital-support.

Here is a list of ways we are keeping our elementary students safe and engaged.

• YouTube is blocked on student iPads in grades PreK-5. Students will still be able to view videos that teachers have embedded into Seesaw.

• Google Gemini and other Artificial Intelligence websites are not available for all elementary students.

• Gmail is disabled in grades PreK-3.

• Elementary students’ iPads remain in the classroom and are only sent home in specific circumstances, such as e-learning days.

• Digital Citizenship is a requirement for Saint Paul Public Schools. All students PreK-12 complete Digital Citizenship, Online Safety / Privacy, Online Behavior and Cyberbullying lessons in class each fall. Teachers review lessons with students periodically throughout the year.

Additional student iPad security and restrictions are being enabled to keep students safe and focused. Among these changes:

• No mass e-mailing. There is a 35 recipient maximum for emails on student Gmail accounts.
• Students are unable to sign into their personal Google Account on their iPads.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Google search results have been limited and reduced from student access.

Families can use the free Securly app to manage your student's school iPad when it is at home. You can pause internet access, block specific websites or schedule offline time. In the Securly app, enter your Campus Parent email then tap “get instant access” to set up your account.

Families can also use iPad “Screentime Reports” (inside the Settings App) for similar controls and usage information. Elementary families can speak to their student’s teacher for more information.

Students and families will spend the first few weeks of school raising money and it will end in a celebration at the Fun Run. There are some special incentives students can receive along the way.

Fun Run Schedule:

10:20-11:05 Amber, Ben, Morgan, Judy

11:10-11:55 Horton & Lund

12:00-12:45 Peter & Terri

1:20-2:05 Mandy, Madore, Caitlyn

2:10-2:55 Lisa, Cathie, Cynthia

3:00-3:45 Shevie, Khou, Ellen

Incentives:

25% of Goal: Extra Recess

50% of Goal: Pajama & Popcorn Party

75% of Goal: Funds for Classroom Library

100% of Goal: Glow Dance Party in the Gym

Email: obamamontessori@spps.org

Website: obamamontessori.spps.org
Location: Barack & Michelle Obama Montessori School, 707 Holly Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104
Phone: 651-293-8720

Instagram Handle: @obamamontessori.spps
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19FxCyYyD2/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Add Our Calendar to Your Device: Google calendar link or iCal link.