2026-27 Hoffman Highlights
November 12th - Family Edition
π A Note From the Principal - Mrs. Amy Huson
Happy November, Doris Hoffman Families! ππ
As we make our way through November, I've been thinking about how much there is to be thankful for, especially when it comes to our Little Indians! Every day, our students are learning, growing, making friends, and discovering new things about the world around them. It's amazing how much growth can happen in just a few short months!
This time of year is a wonderful reminder that some of the most important lessons we teach our children have nothing to do with letters or numbers. Learning to be kind, show gratitude, help others, and recognize the feelings of those around us are skills that will stay with them for a lifetime. These lessons begin at home and are strengthened each day at school through the relationships and experiences we share.
As we approach Thanksgiving, I encourage you to find little ways to practice gratitude as a family. Whether it's sharing something you're thankful for at dinner, doing something kind for a neighbor, or simply spending time together, those small moments help shape big hearts. π
Thank you for being part of our Doris Hoffman family. Wishing you a November filled with kindness, gratitude, and special moments together! ππ€
Amy Huson
Principal
π School Hours
Session Times
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
π What Are We Learning?
πͺ What Are We Learning? Cookies & Smells! ππ
Next week, we're kicking off ELLC Unit 7 β Week 1: Cookies & Smells! πͺ Our Little Indians will explore the wonderful world of smells while enjoying fun, hands-on learning experiences inspired by one of their favorite treatsβcookies!
Throughout the week, students will have opportunities to explore different scents, use descriptive vocabulary, make predictions, and strengthen their observation skills. We'll also incorporate cookie-themed activities like counting, sorting, pretend baking, and sequencing to build early math, language, and problem-solving skills. π©βπ³πͺ
This unit is a wonderful opportunity to encourage curiosity, sensory exploration, and learning through play! Students will discover how our sense of smell helps us learn about the world around us.
π‘ Try it at home! Invite your child to help in the kitchen! Let them smell familiar ingredients like cinnamon or vanilla, count scoops of flour, or talk about the steps involved in making a favorite family treat. These simple experiences are full of learning opportunities!
From sweet smells to exciting discoveries, every little experience is another Little Step toward a Big Success! π£ππ€
π Information from Nurse Jessica
With colder weather approaching and hats, coats, and winter gear making their way to school, our nurse wanted to share a few helpful reminders about head lice prevention. This is simply a proactive reminder to help keep our Little Indians healthy and comfortable! Please take a moment to review the attached flyer for helpful tips, including encouraging children not to share hats, brushes, or other personal items and checking your child's hair regularly. Thank you for helping us keep our school family happy and healthy! π
π³ Breakfast and Lunch Menu
π Volunteer Information
Make a Difference: Volunteer with Us
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.
π District Calendar
π Doris Hoffman Early Learning Center Information
π¨Parents as Teachers Spotlight
π Parents as Teachers Spotlight: Learning Through the Five Senses! πππ
Did you know that young children learn best when they use their senses to explore the world around them? π Touching, smelling, listening, looking, and tasting help children build connections, develop language, and strengthen their curiosity!
Try a simple sensory activity at home! Let your child explore different textures, listen for sounds outside, or smell familiar items like cinnamon, oranges, or vanilla. Ask questions like, "What do you notice?" or "How does it feel?" These little conversations encourage observation, problem-solving, and language development.
Our FREE Parents as Teachers (PAT) program supports district families from the prenatal period through kindergarten entry with activities, resources, and guidance to help children learn and grow!
Little senses lead to BIG discoveries! ππ£
πͺ DHELC PTO
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. π
π₯³ Spirit Wear
ππ€ Show Your Doris Hoffman Spirit! π€π
Looking for a fun way to show your Doris Hoffman pride? Our online Spirit Wear Store is open! π Families can shop a variety of items for both kiddos and grown-ups, including T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, tumblers, kidsβ water bottles, decals, stickers, and more! Many items are available with different logo and color options, so thereβs something for everyone in the family. Grab some Hoffman gear and help us show off our purple and white pride! ππ€
π Reminders
π A few more things...
November 13th - No School - Professional Development Day for staff
November 23rd-27th - Thanksgiving Break - No School
December 2nd - PAT Group Connection at the Library
December 7th - DIAL Screenings
December 15th - Dental Safari
December 18th - Grinchmas
December 21st-January 1st - Winter Break (NO SCHOOL)
January 6th - PAT Group Connection at the Library
January 11th - DIAL Screenings
January 15th - No School
January 18th - No School
January 25th - DIAL Screenings
Doris Hoffman Early Learning Center
228 South Indian Pride Dr.Pacific, MO 63069
Phone: 636-271-1464 Fax: 636-271-1456
Meramec Valley R-III School District
Together We Make a Difference in Doing What's Best for Kids
#MVNation