2026-27 Hoffman Highlights

Another wonderful week is in the books at Doris Hoffman! As we move further into the school year, I continue to be amazed by how much growth happens in such a short amount of time with our littlest learners. The children who were once hesitant to walk through the doors are becoming confident students who know their routines, greet their friends, and are excited to see what the day will bring. 💜

One thing I especially love seeing is our students beginning to take ownership of their school experience. They’re carrying their own belongings, making choices, solving little problems, helping friends, and proudly showing us what they can do. Independence doesn’t happen all at once. It grows through lots of opportunities to try, practice, and sometimes try again!

Thank you for supporting that growth at home, too. Giving your child those extra moments to do something independently...even when it might be faster for us grown-ups to do it ourselves! 😉...helps build confidence that carries right into the classroom.

We are so proud of the progress our Little Indians are making and can’t wait to see what the weeks ahead bring. Every new skill, brave attempt, and “I did it!” moment is another Little Step toward a Big Success!

Amy Huson
Principal

Tuition Programs - Full Day Drop-Off 8:15 AM & Pick-Up 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 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

Next week, we’re heading to the apple orchard as we begin ELLC Unit 3 – Week 1: Apples! 🍎 Our Little Indians will enjoy The Apple Pie Tree, Ten Apples Up On Top, and The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree as they explore apples through stories, conversations, hands-on activities, and play.

Our literacy learning will introduce the letter A and its sound, while students build new vocabulary with words like apple, tree, seeds, leaf, stem, core, bucket, and pie. We’ll also explore positional words such as under, top, and bottom.

Our character learning will focus on Making Friends and what it means to be a good friend. 💜 In the Gross Motor Room, students will take part in an Apple Orchard Harvest, working with a partner to gather and deliver “apples” while practicing balance, coordination, communication, cooperation, and problem-solving. 🍎🧺

New theme, new adventures, and lots of Little Steps toward Big Successes! 👣💜🤍

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.

We suggest families plan ahead and complete the process prior to the start of each school year or 10 days prior to an off campus field trips. Volunteers should review the links below. Please contact your child's school office if you have any questions.

• Volunteer Process

• Volunteer Handbook

Did you know that Parents as Teachers is about supporting parents, too? You know your child better than anyone, and PAT is here to be a partner as you navigate all the exciting—and sometimes challenging—stages of the early years!

Through personal visits, Parent Educators can share simple activities and ideas that fit naturally into your family’s everyday routines. Whether you have questions about learning, behavior, development, sleep, potty training, or simply want new ways to play and connect, PAT can provide resources, encouragement, and individualized support for your family. 💜

And remember—PAT is completely FREE, and your child can participate even if they already attend Doris Hoffman!

You are your child’s first and most important teacher, and PAT is here to walk alongside you! 👣💜

Our Doris Hoffman PTO is already working hard to make this a fun and memorable year for our Little Indians! Our PTO is led by President Kellie Cowsert, Vice President Emily Lawson, Secretary Nicole Gipperich, and Treasurer Jordan George, and we are so thankful for the time and energy they give to our school. 💜

Coming up soon is our PTO’s first-ever Movie Night! 🎬🍿 Join us on Friday, September 25 from 6:00–8:00 PM at the field at Pacific Intermediate for a showing of The Land Before Time! Families are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets, and popcorn, soda, and juice will be available for purchase. We hope to see lots of our Doris Hoffman families there for a fun night together! 💜🤍

Looking for a fun way to show your Doris Hoffman pride? Our online Spirit Wear Store is open! 🎉 Families can shop a variety of items for both kiddos and grown-ups, including T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, tumblers, kids’ water bottles, decals, stickers, and more! Many items are available with different logo and color options, so there’s something for everyone in the family. Grab some Hoffman gear and help us show off our purple and white pride! 💜🤍

Friday, October 2, is an early-release day. Students in our ADA and Tuition classrooms will dismiss by 1:10 PM. There is NO SCHOOL for our half day ECSE students.

*Join in on the fun and dress up each day!

September 25th - Johnny Appleseed Day & PTO Movie Night at 6 pm

September 28th - DIAL Screenings

October 1st - PTO Meeting

October 2nd - Homecoming Parade, No School for ECSE, Early Dismissal for ADA & Tuition & Home Football Game

October 5th - No School for students

October 7th - PAT Library Group Connection

October 8th - KidSight Vision & STL Blues Day

October 12th - DIAL Screenings

October 14th - Board Meeting

October 15th - Pathways to Success: Student Learning Night

October 16th - Fire Station Walking Field Trip

October 20th - Fall Picture Retake Day

October 22nd - DHELC Trunk-or-Treat

October 23rd - PHS Football Game

October 26th - DIAL Screenings

October 27th - PAT Parent Advisory Meeting

October 30th - Halloween Classroom Parties