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How SPPS Uses Your Contact Information

In addition to being notified of emergencies, you will receive information from the district, your school and your student's teachers via email, robocall and/or text message. SPPS works with various service providers who will send you information directly via email. These providers include Peachjar, Smore, Schoology, Securly Home, Seesaw and Xello. You can opt out of receiving these notifications at any time. Learn more about these tools at spps.org/families.

Attendance

Daily attendance is an important part of student success. If your student is ill, check SPPS’s illness guidelines at spps.org/studentwellness. Please notify your school as early as possible if your child will be absent. More information about consistent attendance can be found at spps.org/attendance. 

Nutrition Services

In-person students may receive one breakfast and one lunch for free each school day under the Minnesota Free School Meals program. To qualify as a free school meal, students must take a complete meal, including a fruit or vegetable. If a student does not take a complete meal, their meal account will be charged for the items individually.

• Student Second Breakfast: $3.25
• Student Second Lunch: $5.50
• Milk Only: $0.50
• For a complete list of prices, visit spps.org/ns.  

Visit schoolcafe.com/spps to manage your student’s meal account, view menus, ingredients and nutritional information, and complete the Application for Educational Benefits.

Child Care Before and After School

Discovery Club is a fun and nurturing child care program for students in grades PreK-5 that supports learning and development before and after school, on non-school days and during the summer. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited. For a list of fees, locations, and to register or join the waitlist, visit spps.org/discoveryclub or call 651-632-3793.

Extracurricular Activities

Many schools offer enrichment activities before and after school, including athletics, art and music, clubs, Extended Day for Learning (EDL) classes and more. Visit spps.org/commed for information about free and fee-based opportunities through SPPS Community Education.

School Bus Transportation

Students will receive an email with transportation information at the end of August. The email will include where and when to get on and off the bus. Please arrive at the bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to pick up your child. More information will be shared soon about our new bus tracking app, called MyStop.

Metro Transit

Eligible students (grades 9-12 only) at the following schools will receive a free Student Pass from Metro Transit to get to and from school: Creative Arts Secondary School, Gateway to College, Gordon Parks High School and Johnson Senior High School. Student Passes will be distributed the first week of school. Students can download a temporary pass to their phone, school iPad or print one to use until they get their Student Pass at spps.org/metrotransit.

Internet Access at Home

Reliable at-home internet is important for doing homework and in the event of e-learning days or weather-related closures. SPPS is committed to providing internet services for students and families in need. Internet support includes discounted WiFi through Comcast Internet Essentials and the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program. Find more information on the home internet access webpage.

Non-Instructional/E-Learning Days

SPPS may call a non-instructional day or e-learning day due to inclement weather. For the first two days of inclement weather that SPPS decides to cancel school, students should not report to school and there will be NO e-learning. After two non-instructional days due to weather, the decision to use an e-learning day or a non-instructional day is at the discretion of the Superintendent. SPPS will send a robocall, text message and email if a non-instructional or e-learning day is called. Visit spps.org/weather for more details.
 

Student Rights & Responsibilities

SPPS strives to create welcoming schools where each and every student is seen, known and valued. There are rights students are guaranteed when they are at school as well as responsibilities that accompany those rights. Families are strongly encouraged to review the Rights & Responsibilities Handbook.

Cell Phone Policy

A new districtwide cell phone policy will start in September in response to state law. In general, cell phones and other personal electronic devices will not be allowed during school hours. High schools may create a plan that allows devices before and after school, between classes and/or during lunch. Your child’s school will communicate their cell phone expectations directly to students and families.