From the Interim Executive Director/Principal

Greeting Seven Hills Community,

Thank you for the opportunity to address you with a message from the School Board.  

Every board meeting begins with the recital of our school mission, "Seven Hills Preparatory Academy engages students in a rigorous Classical education, designed to prepare each one for strong citizenship and life-long learning." This tradition reminds us of the north star to which we aspire, and the past achievements that have built our strong foundation. These achievements have been small and large, and some of them during my time include expanding to the number of classes for each grade at the Bloomington Campus, replicating grades K-5 at the Richfield Campus, blending both campuses into middle school, and achieving a National Blue Ribbon Award.

With this acknowledgement of the past we are building from, the Board is excited to announce our updated three year strategic plan that outlines a roadmap to the future we aspire to achieve. This three strategic plan outlines an ambitious direction for the next three years and focuses on leveraging the current opportunities before us. The plan lays out efforts in seven areas that will be honed and expanded. But there is a phrase in our mission statement that succinctly states the who and the why of this strategic plan, and will drive all of it: “...preparing each one for strong citizenship and life-long learning.”

As board members, we thank each teacher, staff member, parent/guardian, and community member for making our school the thriving, supportive, and caring educational environment it is for each individual student that walks through our doors on a daily basis. Our school community wouldn't be what it is without you.

We would also like to remind you that the board is currently taking nominations for community members looking to serve the school by serving on the board. Email the school board shpaschoolboard@shpamn.org by March 15th, 2023, if you are interested.

Lisa Barnidge
Board Chair

School Board Nominations: On behalf of the Seven Hills Preparatory Academy Board of Directors, we are issuing a call for nominations for the 2023 Board of Directors election. 

The board is looking for one teacher member and three members at large for election this year. You may nominate yourself or someone else for the board by emailing the Board at shpaschoolboard@shpamn.org by March 15th, 2023.

For more details see our prior message here.

Richfield Campus Civitas Fair: On Thursday, April 20th, we will be hosting our fourth annual Civitas Fair from 5:30-7:30pm! This is an event for families to share their traditions and cultures with the rest of the Seven Hills Richfield Campus Community. We encourage all of the Seven Hills Richfield Campus community to not only attend, but share about your culture and traditions with others. This opportunity is open to families, faculty, and students!

If you would like to operate a booth or host a demonstration at the SHPA Richfield Campus Civitas Fair on Thursday, April 20th, 2023, please fill out the form and submit to Seven Hills Richfield Campus, Martine Walker no later than April 7, 2023.
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Feria de Civitas: un evento para que las familias compartan sus tradiciones y culturas con el resto de la comunidad del campus de Seven Hills Richfield. ¡Animamos a toda la comunidad de Seven Hills Richfield Campus a no solo asistir, sino también a compartir su cultura y sus intercambios con los demás.¡Esta oportunidad está abierta para familias, profesores y estudiantes!

Si desea operar un puesto o presentar una demostración en la Feria de Civitas SHPA Richfield Campus el jueves, 20 de abril de 2023, complete el formulario y envíelo a Seven Hills Richfield Campus, Martine Walker a más tardar el  7 de abril de 2023.
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Link to Google Form for booth/demo sign ups: Civitas Google Form

Update From the School Board: The SHPA Board has launched a diversity, equity, and inclusion committee and is looking for active participation from parents and stakeholders who are committed to advancing DEI within the Seven Hills community. We are hoping for at least one passionate parent to join us for a virtual meeting on Wednesday, March 15th, from 5-6pm. The main focus of this meeting will be to review our current SHPA Mission Statement (Seven Hills Preparatory Academy engages students in a rigorous classical education, designed to prepare each one for strong citizenship and life-long learning) and explore if/how it might be updated to more accurately reflect the conviction and purpose of our academy.
 
If you have questions or are interested in participating, please email Teron Buford at tbuford@shpamn.org. For your reference, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee goals and objectives are provided below:


Girl Scout Cookies and Other Items for Sale on Campus: Please note that students are not allowed to sell any items to teachers, staff, or students while on campus. Seven Hills prohibits fundraisers not directly related to Seven Hills. We also have to be mindful of the disruption that sales on campus can cause. Thank you. Ms. Farrell

COVID-19 Update: If your child tests positive for COVID-19, please contact Ms. Erickson, School Nurse, and follow the MDH COVID-19 Isolation Guide. Contact Mr. Barrios, COVID-19 Coordinator, with any questions and see the SHPA COVID-19 Webpage for resources and information. 

Updated Parent or Guardian’s Guide to School: This guide describes and explains the public school system in Minnesota and the role families can play in their child’s education. It is a practical guide to help parents or guardians understand their student’s rights as well as the opportunities and resources available to the families and students. The guide was updated in December 2022 and can be found on MDE’s English Learner Education page. MDE is working to get the document translated in the future.

School Dress Code: School uniforms reflect a proper school attitude, identity, and pride consistent with a Classical Education. All SHPA students wear a uniform. We are grateful to students and parents/guardians for their support of our clothing policy.

We have noticed an increase of students wearing legging-like attire as stand-alone bottoms. This falls under causal wear and is not approved under our dress code. If your child would like to wear leggings, a skirt or dress needs to be worn over the top. 

MS Library Volunteer Needed: We are in need of a volunteer for the Middle School library on Monday's from 11:53 - 1:25 pm. Please contact Ms. Gergely at agergely@shpamn.org for more information or to sign up. 

Lunch Volunteer Opportunity: We are looking for a parent or guardian volunteer to assist in our Elementary lunchroom every day, 11am-12pm. Duties would include working with the lead lunch supervisor, helping students with opening their milk or food items, and helping with clean up. If you are interested, please email Principal Farrell at cfarrell@shpamn.org.

SHPA Middle School Band and Choir: Our SHPA Middle School band and choir program began October 1st, but there are still openings! In band and choir, we will develop our instrumental and musicianship skills and develop the voice, we will learn fundamental techniques, collaborate with others, and most importantly make music! For questions contact Mr. Schultz at bschultz@shpamn.org.

See Richfield Campus Document 2022-23 Activities Registration Catalog Registration Form by clicking HERE. 

Cold Weather Reminder:
With the cooling temperatures and incoming colder weather, please make sure your students start bringing their jackets, hats, boots, and mittens. Students will go outside everyday for recess unless it rains or the air temperature is below 0 or the wind chill is below -10. 

Elementary School News

Middle School News

PTA

1. Parent volunteers are needed! Review the volunteer information linked here, and sign up for a time that works for you!
2. Donate to a Teacher eWallet. Teachers will use the funds donated to purchase books for their classrooms. The list of Teacher eWallets is linked here.
3. Preview the books for sale, and set up an eWallet for your student via the SHPA Scholastic Book Fair homepages linked here:
   • Richfield Campus Fair Info: HERE
   • Bloomington Campus Fair info: HERE