Happening Now
Stay up to date on what's happening across SPPS through the success of our students, staff and community
Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, begins on or around February 28, and the Eid Al-Fitr celebration will be on March 30 or 31. Many SPPS students and staff fast during this special time of the year, alongside over 1.9 billion Muslims around the world. Learn more about the significance of Ramadan and what happens during this important time.
To ensure a safe and secure AI experience, high school students (grades 9-12) will gain access to Google Gemini for Teens starting January 28. Designed specifically for high school students, Gemini offers a powerful AI tool with enhanced safeguards for data privacy and security that may not be present in other tools.
Watch this video of Capitol Hill Principal Marcus Freeman, Hazel Park Principal Duane Dutrieuille and Johnson Principal Jamil Payton discussing the importance of teaching all students about Black history during Black History Month and throughout the year. Families can celebrate Black History Month and National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) at a districtwide family resource fair at Benjamin E. Mays Elementary on February 10.
Congratulations to the 10 SPPS educators who are candidates for 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year! This annual program celebrates Minnesota’s tradition of excellence in teaching. Finalists will be selected in March, and the 2025 Teacher of the Year will be named at a ceremony in May.
The deadline to apply for a new SPPS school for 2025-26 is quickly approaching. For the best opportunity to get into your first choice school, apply by Friday, February 14, at apply.spps.org. To help you decide which school is right for your student, contact the school principal or the SPPS Student Placement Center and check out these videos of our awesome schools.
February is “I Love to Read Month,” and SPPS’s library staff have prepared several fun activities for students throughout the month, including a bookmark contest and a 40-book reading challenge. Visit bit.ly/i-love-to-read-month for more information. Check with your school to see what additional reading-related events and activities are planned throughout the month.
Learn about opportunities for your student’s future at the annual Thinking Career and College Early Fair on February 22 at Harding High School. Students in grades 6-12 will meet with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) representatives, college admissions staff, and local employers. Visit spps.org/tccefair for more information.
Many students and families have shared concerns about their safety at school. Here are some resources and steps to help students and families have plans in place. Please note the school district and school staff cannot provide legal advice or assistance.
Inclusive Culture is a guiding value of Saint Paul Public Schools. We are committed to embracing each individual’s culture, race, ethnicity, ability and identity. Learn more about the policies and practices that support the safety, belonging, and physical and emotional health of SPPS students, staff and families.