Distance Learning 2.0 will be a balance between Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning:

• Asynchronous (Anytime) Distance Learning occurs when a teacher and a student interact with learning activities in different places and at different times. Students enrolled in asynchronous distance learning 2.0 courses are allowed to complete their work any time of the day that works best for a student and their family.

• Synchronous (Same time) Distance Learning occurs when a teacher and a student interact with learning activities in different places and at the same time. Students enrolled in synchronous distance learning courses will be online when the teacher has scheduled the meeting. At various times during the day, students will have the opportunity to engage with their teachers, participate in group chats, view web-based lessons, and have video meet-ups with teachers and their classmates.

SPPS Distance Learning 2.0 relies on students to use their iPad device and to participate in online learning platforms such as Seesaw and Schoology. Teachers may use other district-approved technology to engage with students via email, using online courses, setting up group chats and forums, and sharing videos and audio recordings.

Schools will develop Distant Learning 2.0 outreach teams to ensure all students have the opportunity to engage in rigorous lessons and move forward toward achievement of grade-level standards.

Consistent opportunities for student-teacher engagement will be held during normal school hours, and will be communicated to families by their child’s teacher. Teachers will provide deadlines for daily assignments.

Teachers will be mindful of resources that may not be available to students in a Distance Learning environment. Successful completion of assignments is not dependent on particular materials or resources (for example, access to a printer). A variety of choices, options and examples of possible resources will be provided to students when possible.

SPPS sports offerings follow recommendations of the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL).

SPPS takes the health and safety of our athletes and staff very seriously. SPPS has developed a comprehensive fall preparedness plan that all teams will follow. For more information, please visit spps.org/athletics or contact your school.

Communications and Translations
SPPS is committed to regular communications with families and the community. The fall reopening plan website, spps.org/reopen2020, has information about reopening plans. The district’s website, spps.org, is the central location for information. SPPS will send updates via email, text and robocall as needed. 

Help with Distance Learning and Language Services
If families need help in any language, the first place for families to call is their child’s school. Schools will have support teams that include bilingual staff. In cases where schools do not have a bilingual staff member available, staff will use language line to help you.

Parent Help Line
If families need assistance with Distance Learning, they can also contact the Office of Family Engagement at 651-767-8347 or email family.engagement@spps.org. If phones are busy and families have to leave a message, staff will do their best to respond within one business day. 

Technology Support and Parent Resources to Support Distance Learning

• The Student and Family Fall Checklist website provides help in getting iPads and accounts set up.
• Families and students who need technology support should call 651-603-4348, email familysupport@spps.org or visit spps.org/ipadhelp.
• The SPPS Distance Learning website has links to video and digital support tools available for families, so that they can learn about our digital tools and help their children during distance learning. These are available in five languages, and are used to provide workshops for families, both through schools and district offices.

SPPS is committed to regular communications with families and the community. The district’s website, spps.org, is the central location for information. The district is also sending updates via email, text and phone as needed. 

• Parents who are concerned about the virus itself should contact the Minnesota Department of Health hotline at 651-201-3920. 

The district’s guidelines for providing communications in English, Spanish, Hmong, Karen and Somali continue to be in place for Distance Learning. Families needing interpreters for school-related communications should call their child’s school or the Office of Family Engagement and Community Partnerships at 651-767-8347.

Where SPPS staff or students need access to WiFi, they may use Comcast Essentials available specifically for COVID-19 that is free through December 2020. A number of hotspots for students and staff are also available for pick-up or delivery.  

Support for district-issued technology including iPads, charging accessories, iPad cases and WiFi hotspots is through the District Service Center, 1930 Como Avenue. The Service Center is providing phone, online and curbside trouble-shooting and damage replacements.

If your iPad is damaged or needs to be replaced please report the issue by emailing or calling Saint Paul Public Schools Technology Services:

SPPS will continue to provide free meals while students are in distance learning. Meal boxes will be delivered to homes and available for pickup at select locations.

For more information, visit spps.org/fallmeals, and remember to fill out the Application for Educational Benefits.

SPPS Community Education will offer two childcare options for families this fall while students are in distance learning. Both programs are open to enrolled elementary age students. Registration for both programs opens on Monday, August 10.

• Essential Kids Care will operate at three sites this fall for children of Tier 1 essential workers. Care is free during normal school hours, and transportation is available. For more information: spps.org/ekidscare

Discovery Club will be available at four sites this fall for PreK-5th graders. The fee-based program does not include transportation. For more information: spps.org/discoveryclub

Saint Paul Public Schools Community Education programs continue to be offered online with some in-person programming. 

This includes: Youth & Adult Enrichment, Early Childhood Family Education, Adult Basic Education, Adults with Special Needs, Como Planetarium and Flipside. 

For more information on Community Education programs, see spps.org/COMMED.

SPPS is working to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all students, families and staff. At this time, all students are in distance learning and most SPPS staff are working remotely.

Staff who are supporting meal service and childcare are following the Minnesota Department of Health recommendations, which include:

• Conducting health screenings as staff and program participants arrive at SPPS buildings
• Limiting childcare groups to no more than 14 students and one staff member
• Wearing face coverings indoors and when 6 feet of social distance cannot be maintained
• Maintaining 6 feet of social distance as much as possible
• Frequent hand washing and cleaning of high touch surfaces

Please review the complete COVID-19 Student and Family Guidelines. If you have a COVID concern and have been in an SPPS building, it should be reported using the online COVID-19 Reporting System.