Perspectives
September 11, 2026
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Every Meal Program
We are excited to partner again with Every Meal to offer a free weekend food program to all our students.
Every Meal is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to fight child hunger throughout community and school partnerships. They strive to make a difference in children’s lives by focusing on food gaps like weekends, school breaks, and summer when students don’t receive food in school.
Free for all families
NO qualifications required for enrollment
Students enrolled in the program will receive a 4-5 pound bag of nutritious, nonperishable food each week
Every Meal does not collect information from families; privacy is protected
Families may enroll in the program anytime throughout the school year
Families may choose from a variety of different weekend meal bag options: HERE
To enroll, please choose one of the following options:
Email jeremy.bulman@spps.org or phone/text: 651-744-1158
Complete an online enrollment form (available in multiple languages)
Picture Day Falls Early This Year
Picture Day is Tuesday, September 15. Look for a packet coming home the first week of school. You can also go to mylifetouch.com to create an account or login. Please use Picture ID code: EVTBG937V.
Girls on the Run at Horace Mann: Fall Season starts Monday 9/14!
Girls on the Run is so much fun! Fall season starts this coming Monday and we have two full teams (40 girls) led by some incredible Volunteer Coaches! This season the curriculum is called, “Hello Mountain Mover” and focuses on building the confidence to believe in ourselves and do hard things. While the Fall teams are already full, plan ahead and check out more info about GOTR for the Spring! This program is open to 3rd through 5th grade. https://www.gotrmn.org/3rd-5th-grade-program-details.
Our practices will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30-5:00pm from 9/14 until 11/9. Our final 5K event is at the State Fairgrounds on Sunday 11/8! For more information, including what it takes to be a Volunteer Coach (hello, Spring season), check out gotrmn.org or email Coach Jasmine at jasmineanderson417@gmail.com.
Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) is not sponsoring, endorsing, or recommending this activity. No SPPS student will be turned away due to inability to pay. Reach out to Jasmine Anderson if you'd like to add your child to the waiting list and need assistance.
Important Horace Mann School Dates
Saturday, September 12
- Rosh Hashana
Monday, September 14
- 3:30-5:00pm Girls on the Run
Tuesday, September 15
- Picture Day
Wednesday, September 16
- 3:30-5:00pm Girls on the Run
Friday, September 18
- 9:35am All School Assembly
Monday, September 21
- Yom Kippur (Jewish Holiday)
- No School- Teacher Professional Development
Wednesday, September 23
- 3:30-5:00pm Girls on the Run
Saturday, September 26
- Sukkot (Jewish Holiday)
HMS PTA News and Announcements
WELCOME TO THE SCHOOL YEAR FROM THE PTA! LET’S START THE YEAR CONNECTED
Welcome back, Horace Mann families. As we begin the 2026-27 school year, the PTA has a few quick ways for families to get connected and involved.
Complete the Family Directory Form
The PTA creates an annual directory to help families connect for playdates, birthday invitations, PTA communications and more. Please complete the directory form linked here to be included (preferred method). Or you can write your student’s name, grade and teacher, and any information you would like to share (phone number, email address, home address) on a piece of paper and return it to your child’s teacher. You can also email the information directly to president@hms-pta.org. You must complete a new form each year to be included!
Join the PTA
Horace Mann PTA is part of Minnesota PTA and National PTA, connecting our school to a broader network supporting children, families, and education. Because PTA is a membership-based organization, annual dues are required, with a portion supporting our state and national organizations. Joining supports our PTA but does not require you to volunteer. Join here!
Interested in Volunteering?
The HMS PTA is successful due to the involvement and dedication of the school community. There are numerous committees within the PTA which leave their unique mark on the events and functions that the PTA supports. Any of these committees would love to have your time and talents on their team!
Are you interested in volunteering this year? Fill out the volunteer interest form to get started or email volunteer.coordinator@hms-pta.org to chat about what is a good fit!
Vice President Being Sought
We are currently seeking a vice president. Please email president@hms-pta.org for more information about the job and/or if interested.
School Supply Purchasing Program
This year the PTA purchased all school supplies for all students and delivered them to the school before the first day. This was a pilot year for the program and we want your feedback! Please share your comments, concerns, or enthusiasm by emailing president@hms-pta.org. It also isn’t too late to contribute to the program if you haven’t already! The suggested contribution is $50/student, but you can pay what you can, add a little more, or, if money is tight, you do not need to contribute this year. Link to pay here. We are not tracking who has paid so as not to put financial pressure on any families. All students received the same supplies regardless of payment.
HELP DEVELOP A PARTNERSHIP WITH ANOTHER SPPS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!
The Horace Mann PTA's Family Volunteer Committee is looking for volunteers to strengthen our partnership with The Heights Community School on St. Paul's east side. Volunteer opportunities include: support/organization of food or clothing drives within the Horace Mann community, organization/delivery of donations, and development of ways for Horace Mann families to volunteer together in support of other SPPS students. Commitment for volunteering can range to fit your availability and schedule. Share your interest by filling out this short form.
FIRST PTA MEETING OF THE YEAR IS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30TH AT 6PM
Help us kick off another great school year by attending the PTA’s first meeting of the year on Wednesday, September 30th from 6-7pm in the HMS Library. Meet the PTA board, learn about the ‘26-27 PTA plans including budget information, ask questions, and connect with other families. We look forward to a great year, please join us!
School-age child care available for in-person meetings provided by 5th graders in the gym.
Mark your Calendars for all the PTA Meeting Dates:
Wednesday, September 30th, 2026
Wednesday, November 4th, 2026
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2027
Wednesday, May 12th, 2027
HMS PARENT FACEBOOK PAGE
Join the HMS Parent Facebook Page where you can connect with other families of current students. This page often has some of the most up-to-date information about events and activities with both the PTA and the school in general and is a great resource for families. Click this link and be sure to answer the entry questions as this group is private and only for HMS families (this page is not managed by the HMS PTA).
HMS SPIRITWEAR AND MERCHANDISE STORE
Check out the Horace Mann School spiritwear and merchandise store. There are hundreds of styles, color, and size combinations available! Both the gnome logo and classic HMS logos are available. 10% of the purchase price of any product directly benefits the HMS PTA. There are no minimum orders and your items ship quickly, directly to you. Shop the store here!
PTA Board and Contact Info
President: Katie Bliss, president@hms-pta.org
Vice-President: OPEN president@hms.-pta.org
Treasurer: Sam Smith, treasurer@hms-pta.org
Teacher Reps: Amy Kortuem & Mark Lindskoog, teacher-rep@hms-pta.org
Communications: Amanda Prutzman, communications@hms-pta.org
Volunteer Coordinator: Emily Phelps and Annie Mach, volunteer.coordinator@hms-pta.org
Recorders: Sarah Liuzzi and Bethany Hyde, recorder@hms-pta.org
Horace Mann School Contacts and Social Media
Email: jim.litwin@spps.org
Website: https://mann.spps.org/
Location: Horace Mann School, 2001 Eleanor Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55116
Phone: 651-293-8965
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SPPSHoraceMannSchool/