Winter Coat, Blanket & Gift Drives

The Project REACH program is accepting new toys and gifts, blankets, and coats of any size for children and families experiencing homelessness. Please bring donations to the Project REACH office at 1021 Marion Street. Toys and gifts are accepted through Dec. 9; coat and blanket donations are accepted through Jan. 20.

Securly Home App Update

After receiving feedback about Securly Home, SPPS is changing when parent controls are active on student iPads. Starting Dec. 1, the controls set by parents in the Securly Home app will be active outside of 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday. This change will help ensure that parent controls do not interfere with students’ learning activities.

Frost Lake Elementary Is BEEutiful

Frost Lake Elementary celebrated the completion of a two-year renovation project with a ribbon cutting ceremony last month. The new-and-improved school building features flexible learning spaces, inclusive restrooms, a new full-size gymnasium, playground, basketball court, kitchen and cafeteria. Design elements honor the school's mascot, the bee!

We Are SPPS: Jenny Konkel

Educational assistant Jenny Konkel was named one of four finalists for the 2022-23 Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year award from Education Minnesota. Jenny works with special education students with varying needs at Focus Beyond Transition Services. She teaches her students behavioral skills in the classroom and life skills they need to be successful in the world.

Alex Le: Awarded JROTC Legion of Valor Bronze Cross

Alex Le is being inducted into an elite club. The Junior Reserved Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadet will receive the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross award.

We Are SPPS: Tory Envy

Tory Envy is a Hmong-American children’s book author, singer, musician, artist and SPPS alum. She recently returned to Cherokee Heights Elementary to donate copies of her children’s books and speak about breaking boundaries, encouraging representation in media, and keeping Hmong literacy alive.

Discover an SPPS School You’ll Love!

Join us for the PreK-12 School Choice Fair on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. This is a great opportunity for families who will be applying to a different SPPS school for 2023-24 to meet SPPS staff and learn more about our schools, programs and services. Learn more at spps.org/apply.

Fall Athletics Recap

It was an amazing fall season for SPPS student athletes. From a state championship in cross-country, to a state consolation championship in adapted soccer, and a soccer doubleheader at Allianz Field, home of the Minnesota United, SPPS student athletes played hard and achieved great things this fall.

Reminder: Complete an Application for Educational Benefits

All families are strongly encouraged to complete an Application for Educational Benefits. These applications determine how much educational funding our schools receive, and there are many other benefits for families who qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Complete an application online at schoolcafe.com/spps. Paper applications are available at your child’s school.