• All PreK-12 students will be issued an iPad
• Distance Learning 2.0 will be a balance between any-time (asynchronous) and same-time (synchronous) learning
• Students will receive daily same-time (synchronous) instruction from their teachers
• There will be daily student-to-student interaction
• Districtwide course guidelines developed for each grade band
• Course design will include Culturally Relevant Instruction
• SPPS curriculum incorporates lessons in digital citizenship at all grade levels
• Students will have access to enhanced WiFi options

To view more information on Distance Learning 2.0, visit spps.org/distancelearning.

If you have questions that you cannot find answers to on our website, please call your child’s school. You may also call the Parent Help Line at 651-767-8347 or email family.engagement@spps.org for assistance.

The SPPS Virtual Learning School is an option for PreK-12 students who prefer to remain in 100% distance learning for the entire 2020-21 school year. Students who enroll in the Virtual Learning School will begin the school year with their currently assigned class at their home school.

Virtual Learning School students will stay in their currently enrolled home schools and classrooms until a transition is made to a hybrid model. As the district moves through the various levels of hybrid learning, students enrolled in the Virtual Learning School will transition to their Virtual Learning School classrooms.

When transitioning to their Virtual Learning School classrooms, dual language and immersion students will continue to receive immersion instruction, though possibly at a reduced level compared to their hybrid or in-person peers. Learn more at spps.org/virtuallearning.

Families who prefer the Virtual Learning School option should register by Friday, August 21, to help us plan for the school year.

• Register for the Virtual Learning School

School begins on September 8 for students in grades 1-12. Students in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten begin on September 10. 

Open Houses
Schools will host virtual open houses to welcome students and their families to a new year. Please look for more details from your school.

Child care - eKids Care and Discovery Club
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.

Stay Connected
SPPS uses Blackboard Connect to alert families about important school events, weather cancellations, emergencies and more through email, phone and text. Update your phone number, email and other contact information with your school’s lead clerk or through Campus Portal.

Immunizations
Even though SPPS students will start the year in distance learning, it’s important to make sure your child’s immunizations are current and provide records to your child’s school. Learn more at spps.org/studentwellness. 

Early Childhood Screening
SPPS provides FREE virtual early childhood screenings. The early childhood screenings help identify vision, hearing and developmental needs. They are provided free of charge for children, ages 3 to 5, who live in St. Paul. For more information, call 651-632-3746.

Sport Physicals
Students in secondary schools need a physical exam every three years to participate in sports. Download a copy of the physical exam form from spps.org/sports and take to your health care provider.

Student Mental Health
We recognize that school closure, distance learning, and COVID-19 may cause extra stress to many in our school community, including families, students and staff. Reach out to your school’s counselor or social worker for support for your child’s mental health and to be connected with community resources, where appropriate. 

COVID-19 Student and Family Guidelines
Saint Paul Public Schools is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our students, staff and their families. To ensure this commitment is met, we have developed and will continue to revise the COVID-19 Guidance for Students and Families in response to the everchanging Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

COVID Testing Resources
Visit the Minnesota Department of Health website to find a location providing free COVID-19 testing. Reminder: Check with your insurance provider before making an appointment to make sure the office visit fee will be covered.

For more information: spps.org/Page/38688

SPPS will continue to provide meals to students while they are in distance learning starting Tuesday, September 8. Meal boxes will continue to be delivered to homes as they were this summer, and contain five breakfasts, five lunches and milk. Meals are available for any Saint Paul children 18 and under, and those with a disability enrolled in a school program.

Weekly curbside pickup will also be available at select sites. For more information, visit spps.org/fallmeals.

Remember to Complete the Application for Education Benefits
Every SPPS family should complete an application for Education Benefits/Free or Reduced Price Meals -- regardless of family income. Not only does this help us identify families in need of assistance, it also allows SPPS to receive federal dollars for classroom programming. Applications are available online at SchoolCafe, and paper applications were mailed to homes on Friday, Aug. 7.

There’s still time to enroll for Fall 2020. At SPPS, our mission is to inspire students to think critically, pursue their dreams and change the world. Enroll NOW by completing an online application.

September
7 - No School (Holiday)
8 - First Day of School (Grades 1-12)
8-9 - No School for Pre-K and K (Parent-teacher conferences)
10 - First Day of School (Pre-K and K)

October
15-16 - No School (Teacher professional development Statewide teacher meeting)
30 - No School for PreK-5 (Conference preparation). Digital Learning Day for grades 6-8.

November
3 - Digital Learning Day for all students
19 - No School for Pre-K (Parent-teacher conferences)
20 - No School (Parent-teacher conferences/teacher professional development)
26-27 - No School (Holiday)

December
23-31 No School (Winter Break)

January
1 - No School (Winter Break)
4 - Classes Resume
18 - No School (Holiday)
29 - No School (Teacher professional development)

February
15 - No School (Holiday)

March
5 - No School (Conference preparation/teacher professional development)
25 - No Schoo for Pre-K (Parent-teacher conferences)
26 - No School for PreK-5 (Parent-teacher conferences). Digital Learning Day for grades 6-8.

April
2 - No School (Teacher professional development)
5-9 - No School (Spring Break)
12 - Classes Resume

May
31 - No School (Holiday)

June
11 - Last Day of School