Perspectives - May 30, 2008

An Open Letter to our 6^th Grade Graduates It’s hard to believe the time has come, but soon you will be leaving the confines of our friendly little school. But before you move on, we parents have a couple of things we’d like to say to you.

First, thank you! Thank you for all the things you have done in your time here to benefit our community. This past year we have seen your class organize food drives for the local shelves; gather holiday presents for Toys for Tots; serve as hosts and hostesses for school events; promote our library through the Read-A-Thon and Book Fair; and support fund-raisers for general school improvements.

The money you raised for our library books and playground renovation will go on giving for many years to come. Think of it -- some of the students who will enjoy your contributions haven’t even been born yet!

It was people with that same forward-looking commitment to education that helped build our school over 75 years ago. Your class has continued those traditions. Horace Mann, our school’s namesake and the founder of the American public school system, would be very proud of you. And so are we.

Thanks again, from all of us.

The other thing we have to say to you comes in the form of advice. As you complete your time here, you may want to take a few minutes and consider the people who have made your education possible. Yes, we parents have had a little to do with it.

So did our wonderful staff, the people who made sure the building was always clean and safe, the food warm and nutritious, the principal’s door always open and the bandages plentiful in the nurse’s office. And, of course, our teachers. It’s impossible for you at age twelve to truly understand what they have done for you. Many years from now, after you have earned your degrees and diplomas, you may want to look back with fondness upon those people who very patiently taught you to read, write and think.

All of these people -- parents, staff and teachers --have something in common. We believe in you. And we love you … with all of our hearts.

Remember that as you leave Horace Mann School, and know that no matter where you go from here, you will always be one of us. Congratulations and good luck to each and every one of you! The Sixth Grade Parents

Boxtops for Education Many thanks to Chris Aerts, Barb Dolven and Lynda Imholte, faithful counters of over 10,000 Box Tops. Due to their efforts and to those of so many Mann families, we earned $1300 in the Box Tops program for this school year. Remember to collect over the summer and turn in all those Box Tops in the fall. Ask family and friends to do the same for you and support Horace Mann. Nancy Wagner

Eagle Bluff Field Trip Enjoyed by All Be sure to check out the News and Calendar section of the Horace Mann website for stories, video clips, and pictures of our 6^th graders weeklong camping trip near Lanesboro.

Congratulations to the 2008 Carnival Poster Contest Winners! A big thank you to all of the students who submitted an entry! A special “thank you” to our judges, Mrs. Dixon and Joanne Heider. All posters will be on display in the entry and hallway by the office. All entrants and winners should pick up their Carnival ticket prizes at the Carnival ticket table on Friday, May 30^th.

June SPPS Interpreter Fairs The English Language Learner Department provides a list of on-call interpreters to all schools to be used during parent-teacher conferences and other school events. Periodically, interpreter fairs are held to add more candidates in order to be able to meet the needs of all our schools and programs. On June 10 and 11, ELL, in conjunction with the Human Resources Department, will host two Interpreter Fairs. If you know of anyone who might be interested in applying, please let them know about this opportunity. If you have any questions, please contact Alejandra Bosch, Translation Services Coordinator via email: alejandra.bosch@spps.org or call 651-767-8334.

Secondary Evacuation Drill Executed Perfectly The secondary evacuation drill was held on Tuesday morning. Students and staff exited Horace Mann in a fire drill, taking less than one minutes twenty seconds. After a few minutes outside, we asked teachers to proceed to Highland Catholic along Kenneth. Students silently follow adult directions and we quickly made it into the gym. I am confident that we can safely move students in the event of an emergency. Thank you to all of the students and staff!

Barnes and Noble Book Fair and Book Signing Join Kate Kysar, editor, and contributing writers of Riding Shotgun: Women Write about their Mothers at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 31^st for a reading and book signing. Look for a green voucher coming home soon. Barnes and Noble will donate a percentage of sales to our school for anyone who presents the voucher at Barnes and Noble on May 31.

5^th and 6^th Grade Families Invited to Walker Art Center 5^th and 6^th grade students have been writing their way through the arts. Students have had four field trips to the Walker Art Center. They have studied and written about the art they have seen. The Walker Art Center is inviting the 5th and 6th grade students to share their writing with their parents followed by a reception for the families on Tuesday, June 3rd from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Final Note I want to thank everyone for your part in making 2007-2008 a spectacular school year. I look forward to welcoming you back for Meet the Teacher night on Thursday, August 28. I wish our sixth graders the best of luck in all of your future endeavors. You are always welcome back to visit Horace Mann. I wish the rest of the students a safe and happy summer. Read lots and lots, play and get lots of exercise, and do some writing!