VIDEO: Critical Ethnic Studies Course Added to High School Curriculum

On Dec. 14, the Board of Education voted to add Critical Ethnic Studies as a graduation requirement starting with the graduating class of 2025. All 10th graders will take the Critical Ethnic Studies course next school year. Watch this video to learn more about the course. SPPS students, family members and staff who are interested in further supporting the work of the Critical Ethnic Studies course are invited to participate in the Ethnic Studies Community Collaborative Group.

Meet New Athletics Administrator

Meet SPPS’s first full-time district athletic administrator, Monroe Denarvise Thornton Jr. He brings more than 25 years of experience as an athletics administrator to this new position, which includes oversight of more than 4,000 student-athletes in grades 9-12 who participate in the district’s athletic program.

SPPS Toy, Coat and Blanket Drives

Thank you for your donations to the first annual Proiect REACH gift/toy drive. We were able to provide over 900 gifts for 178 SPPS students who are experiencing homelessness and those in foster care thanks to the generosity of our SPPS community. Project REACH is still accepting blankets and coats of any size (toddler, youth, adult) through Jan. 14. Please bring donations to 1021 Marion Street.

Como Park Students Visualize ‘Racism as a Public Health Crisis’ in Public Art Exhibit

Thirteen students from Como Park Senior High School have accomplished something that few people have: Their artwork being displayed in a major museum.

Calendar Change Survey

In an effort to acknowledge the stress and challenges both families and staff are facing due to the pandemic, SPPS is considering a change to the current school year calendar. This change would involve turning a set number of regular school days into digital learning days. These days would occur between Feb. 1 and May 31, 2022, on either a Monday or Friday, and would not be attached to an existing holiday or break. Please complete this survey by Jan. 14 to provide your perspective on a calendar change.

Schedule Change for Secondary Schools Next Year

SPPS is implementing an 8/2 block schedule at all secondary schools beginning in the 2022-23 school year. This includes all 9-12 and 6-12 schools. Students will have eight courses each quarter that rotate, four one day (“A” Day) and four the next day (“B” Day).

Weekly COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

Ramsey County Public Health will host COVID-19 vaccine clinics every Thursday from 3-6 p.m. at the SPPS Administration Building (360 Colborne St.) through the end of the school year. Anyone age 5 and older can receive a vaccine, including booster shots for those age 16 and older who are eligible. Visit spps.org/covidvaccine to make an appointment.

Non-School Days

There will be no school on Monday, Jan. 17, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. All district schools and offices will be closed. There is also no school on Friday, Jan. 28, for teacher professional development.

Belwin Conservancy Celebrates 50 Years of Outdoor Education

On Saturday, October 9, Belwin Conservancy is hosting an open house to commemorate its 50th anniversary. SPPS students have participated in outdoor learning opportunities at Belwin since 1971, with over 10,000 SPPS students visiting every year for a day of outdoor science.