[Editor's Note: During publication of the Perspectives, I experienced a computer glitch and lost some content. If you have requested an article and it is not included in this issue, please send your request again to jim.litwin@spps.org. Thank you and my apologies.]

Upcoming Events

Gifted and Talented Expert Slated to Visit Horace Mann Susannah Richards, a faculty member of Eastern Connecticut State University is scheduled to visit Horace Mann School in late May. Dr. Richards is a top gifted education researcher in reading at the elementary and middle levels. She will work with a group of 10-25 students and then meet with teachers to debrief. We are hoping this will lead to more staff development next school year.

New Site Council Reps Elected Mike Linn and Sarah Ryan have been elected to three-year terms as Site Council Parent Reps. Thank you to them for their interest and commitment to the community. Their application letters follow.

Mike Linn- I have lived in St. Paul the past 16 years.  I am married with two children: a daughter in Mann kindergarten this year and a son who is a prospective kindergartner next year.  In the two years we have been associated with Horace Mann, I have been impressed with the level of interest and support that teachers, staff, and parents give to the school and the students enrolled here.  Mann is an excellent learning environment for all students, as consistently shown in its overall test scores and Achievement Awards, and its ability to provide services for gifted and talented, as well as students with learning disabilities. It is with these expectations in mind that I seek the opportunity to serve on the Site Council to help continue the good work parents and teachers do to make Mann a vibrant school community.  Thank you for your consideration.

Sarah Ryan- R.R. is now in second grade and E.R is in first grade. Since their enrollment here at Horace Mann, I have been involved in volunteer activities including field trip chaperone, classroom reader, Friday folder stuffer, , classroom party organizer, Scholastic Book Fair recruiter for sales, and Site Council member. I have also served on the Principal Search Committee and the School Comprehensive Improvement Plan Committee. To stay connected to parents at Horace Mann and to welcome new parents, I have helped organize a number of social events: a monthly coffee group that meets at White Rock, a monthly "Horace Mann Mom's Night Out" (an informal mom's night out which is attracting new Mann moms every month), and the Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade spring picnic. I reach out to the Highland Community at large and have fun!!! I have coached HGRA t-ball for 3 years so far and look forward to more "Coach Sarah!" I have my Master's of Social Work from the University of St. Thomas, a K-12 School Social Work license, and LGSW license. My ten years plus experience as a school social worker will be valuable to the Site Council as I am able to view positions from a parent's perspective as well as understanding the students. I have firsthand experience with the Saint Paul Public Schools Gifted/Talented and Special Education programs. Thank you for your consideration.

Two Trees, One Stone Are you interested in helping Mann spend less money on paper? And want to save some trees at the same time? Mann spends about $2300 a year on paper used for classroom assignments and notes to parents like this one. Other schools prints these materials on resused paper. We can too. All we need are some businesses willing to donate their paper to Mann. Why not look around your place of work and see whether there is paper which has already been printed on one side which can be donated to Mann? If you need help transporting the paper, there are parents available to help. Contact Nancyjwagner@comcast.net or 698-6783.

Keep Your Kids Learning During the Summer Did you know children lose a shocking amount of what they’ve already learned if they’re allowed to “veg out” during the summer? By forgetting about learning during the lazy days of summer, we’re actually harming our child’s education. That means that the kids who put forth just a little bit of effort are going to be way ahead come fall. We owe it to them—and to their futures—to incorporate learning activities into their summers.

1) You’ve got to have “the talk.” Before the last school bell rings for the year, sit down with your children and let them know that reading and learning activities will be an important part of their summer. Assure them that they’ll still have lots of time for play and relaxation.

2) Find activity books to exercise their minds. There is a huge variety of activity books available, usually catered to specific age groups. Give your children their own activity book, and let them work at their own pace to finish it. (Set a “due by” date to keep them on track.) Crossword puzzles, math activity books, and number puzzles all keep children’s brains in motion.

Writing through the Arts Parent Event Changes Date The 5th/6th grade parent event at the Walker Art Center has been changed to Thursday, May 31. Students will be sharing their pieces followed by a reception. Please contact your child's teacher if you have questions.

Discovery Club Leads Toy Drive for Frogtown Community The students, in collaboration with the Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation, willl be holding a toy drive for our school and community. Please bring gently used toys to the playground at Horace Mann on Saturday, June 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Call Liz Rauer-Kramer at 612-709-4160 or email at liz.rauer-kramer@spps.org if you have questions.