Why are schools closed?

On Sunday, March 15, Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order to close all schools starting Wednesday, March 18, through Friday, March 27. This closure is to allow schools time to prepare distance learning plans if a long-term closure is necessary. Saint Paul Public Schools are also closed Monday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 17, to begin preparing plans for distance learning and meal service for students during the statewide school closure.

How long will schools stay closed?

School will remain closed through at least Friday, March 27.

How can my student keep learning during the time schools are closed?

There are many educational resources online that are free or waiving their usual fees during this time. Some popular options include:

• Library Go (Saint Paul Public Libraries)
• Khan Academy
• Scholastic

Is spring break still going to be March 30-April 3?

At this time, spring break will be held as planned.

Will school events be canceled?

All large school-sponsored gatherings, including dances, athletics, plays and concerts, are canceled or postponed effective March 13. Please visit your school’s website for information on specific cancellations.

Is SPPS going forward with any district-sponsored travel?

All planned field trips, and district-sponsored out-of-state and international travel, have been canceled.

My child  has medication at school. How can I get it?

Please contact your school health office staff to make arrangements to pick up or send home as needed. Health staff will also reach out to families to coordinate with iPad distribution when possible.

Are any health services available during the closure?

Como Park, Harding, Highland Park, Johnson and Gordon Parks Health Start clinics will remain open for well-care, nutrition support, mental health support and health education during the school closure. 

Please visit https://www.spps.org/Page/38688 for hours and other details.

We cannot test for the flu or COVID-19 at school sites.

What if a student had poor attendance in the third quarter?

SPPS is holding students harmless for the unforeseen circumstances in the third quarter. All students will receive, at a minimum, a “P” grade and credit for the third quarter.

What if a student is enrolled in SPPS during the third quarter, but only attended for a few weeks or a few days?

These situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis with the school counselor and SPPS Infinite Campus team. Typically, SPPS will grant the student third quarter credit based on the student’s fourth quarter grade (see chart below), in the spirit of holding students harmless for circumstances beyond their control. 

What if a student had a poor/low grade in the third quarter, but excels in the fourth quarter?

We want to give the benefit of the doubt to the student. The student did not have the opportunity to improve their academic standing (turn in missing work, retake a test, etc.) to finish the final three weeks of the third quarter. The intent is to hold students harmless for the unforeseen circumstances in the third quarter.

We are treating this grading period as a semester. If a student has a higher grade in the fourth quarter, than they had when the third quarter abruptly ended, the student will receive the higher grade for both the third and the fourth quarter.

What if a student was doing very well during the third quarter, but struggles during Distance Learning in the fourth quarter?

We want to give the benefit of the doubt to the student.

A student’s third quarter grade should not be negatively impacted as the result of the unforeseen circumstances or as the result of distance learning.

If a teacher believes the student understands the content and is more proficient in meeting academic standards than what they are able to show in our distance learning environment, then a teacher should take into account the good work a student did in the third quarter when determining their fourth quarter grade.

Again, teachers should consider this grading period like a semester, rather than two separate quarters, when it benefits the student.

Does this system penalize students who were earning an A during the third quarter compared to their peers who may have had poorer assignment and assessment scores?

No. Per the previous question, we want to give the benefit of the doubt to the student.

Teachers should factor in good work in the third quarter that could warrant a higher fourth quarter grade, treating this like the grading period is for a semester.

Since there were still three weeks remaining in the quarter, it is difficult to determine what a student’s final grade would have been because they missed final projects, summative assessments, opportunities to turn in missing work, etc

Additionally, a student who was earning good grades in the third quarter and continues to earn good grades in the fourth quarter will have that grade duplicated to their third quarter grade.

Does the “P” or “NP” grade impact students’ class ranking?

No. SPPS is not using a class rank system this year. The Latin recognition system was approved by the Board of Education earlier this year.

What will a “P” grade mean for my high school student’s Grade Point Average (GPA)?

A grade of “P” is GPA neutral; it does not impact a student’s GPA positively or negatively. 

NCAA Clearinghouse

A “P” grade is acceptable per NCAA Clearinghouse for students initial academic eligibility. All “P” grades count as D’s for NCAA Core Course GPA calculation.

Will any meal service be available for students? When will meals for my child be delivered?

Yes, families can pick up meals at any SPPS bus stop or school on a designated day. For the full schedule and other details, please visit: https://www.spps.org/Page/38722

Do I have to pick up at my child’s normal bus stop or school? What if I have children that attend different schools?

Any family can pick up meals for any child at any bus stop or school. If you do not know your nearest bus stop, call the Transportation department at 651-696-9600.

I missed the meal delivery. Can I still get food for my child?

Meals can be picked up at the schools during the first half hour of the normal school day on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday depending on the school. Please see the full schedule here: https://www.spps.org/Page/38722

What if my kids don't attend Saint Paul Public Schools? What if I have a younger child?

This service is for everyone 18 and under who lives in the Saint Paul school district, as well as individuals with disabilities over 18 who are enrolled in school programs. You can pick up food for any child in your family, regardless of what school they attend.

Do I have to register or show any verification?

No. This service is for anyone who needs it, no questions asked.

When will distance learning begin?

Distance learning will begin if and when school closures are still in place after spring break (March 30-April 3). The statewide school closure from March 18-27 is designed to allow time for school districts get distance learning plans in place in the event of a longer-term closure due to COVID-19.

How do I get my child's iPad?

All schools have been instructed to invite families to pick up their iPads on Tuesday, March 17. This includes all K-12 students; PreK students do not need iPads to complete distance learning.

If families are unable to pick up their iPads from school, the district will work to get iPads delivered to students or to set up alternate pickup days. Please stay tuned for more information from your school.

What if I don’t have internet access at home?

If you do not have internet access at home, Xfinity has free hotspots you can access throughout the region. https://corporate.comcast.com/covid-19.

What do I do with my children if I have to go to work?

Discovery Club is closed in accordance with the executive order for school closures. We do not have regular childcare available for families at this time.

What about students whose parents are first responders or healthcare providers?

Free childcare will be provided by Saint Paul Community Education for children ages 5-12 of health workers and emergency personnel who live within the Saint Paul School District. You may be asked to provide verification of employment.

For hours, locations and to register for Essential Kids Care, visit: https://www.spps.org/ekidscare