-
We are excited to welcome our students back to school beginning February 1, 2021!
Our staff is working hard to ensure a safe and smooth transition from distance learning to in-person learning and the Virtual Learning School.
SPPS is following all of the requirements and recommendations laid out in the Minnesota Safe Learning Plan. We are committed to providing you with timely updates as details are finalized. The latest information is posted on this website on a regular basis; please check back often and look for additional updates from your students’ school.
Back to School Timeline*
- January 25-29: There will be no instruction for PreK-5, Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) or Special Education Federal IV programs while teachers prepare to transition
- February 1: All students in grades PreK-5, ECSE and Federal IV programs will begin learning with their new classes, whether they are returning in person or moving to the Virtual Learning School. This means:
- Students in PreK-2, ECSE, Federal IV programs, Montessori Children’s House and E1, and some multigrade classrooms will begin in-person learning on February 1
- All Virtual Learning School students in PreK-5, ECSE and Federal IV programs begin learning with their new classes on February 1
- Students in grades 3-5 will meet with their new classes in distance learning from February 1-12
- February 16: Students in grades 3-5 who are returning to school begin full-time in-person learning
*This timeline applies to most of our elementary schools, but there may be some differences depending on the school. Families will receive more information directly from their schools.
- January 25-29: There will be no instruction for PreK-5, Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) or Special Education Federal IV programs while teachers prepare to transition
-
Grades 6-12
We will begin offering in-person support for some 6-12 grade students starting in February. To start, students who need support to graduate or pass their classes, multilingual learners, special education students, and those who need additional social-emotional support will be prioritized. We are working on ways to provide additional support for as many students as possible as the school year progresses. More information is available here.
-
COVID-19 Student and Family Guidelines
Families should familiarize themselves with these guidelines, which are updated regularly and cover prevention strategies, health screening and monitoring, exclusion guidance, and the SPPS COVID-19 Reporting System.
-
COVID-19 Communications Protocol
SPPS works closely with the Minnesota Department of Health to determine action steps for a reported case of COVID-19. Notifications will be sent when action needs to be taken.
-
Facilities Updates
Improved ventilation, daily building sanitation, and safety reminders posted throughout schools are some of the many steps being taken to ensure a safe return to school. All SPPS schools have updated filtration systems in place.
-
Building Access for Families
Students must be dropped off outside school entrances. Students cannot be escorted by family members to their classrooms or anywhere else inside the building. In addition, families will not be allowed to have lunch, observe a class, volunteer, or engage in any other activities in school buildings.
-
Cleaning Procedures
SPPS follows a four-tiered cleaning response to suspected or confirmed reports of COVID-19 in SPPS buildings.
-
Students will eat breakfast in their classroom. School cafeterias will be used for serving and eating lunch where possible. In buildings where the cafeteria is not large enough to meet social distancing guidelines, classrooms may be used as dining space. In addition, families can pick up free meal kits once a week at their school.
-
Virtual Learning School
The deadline to enroll in the Virtual Learning School was Monday, January 11. All Virtual Learning School students will start on February 1, including grades 3-5. Please look for more information from your school as class rosters are finalized.
Back to School Family Updates
-
Changes to meal service starting January 25
The last day of home meal delivery will be Friday, January 22.
-
Back to School Update: January 13, 2021
We are committed to providing you with timely updates as details are finalized. The latest information is posted on our website at spps.org/reopen on a regular basis; please check back often and look for additional updates from your students’ school.
-
Change for Family Access to School Buildings
Students must be dropped off outside school building entrances. Students cannot be escorted by family members to their classrooms or anywhere else inside the building. In addition, families will not be allowed to have lunch, observe a class, volunteer or engage in any other activities in school buildings.
-
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH): COVID-19 Variant Found in Minnesota
While COVID-19 case rates are no longer a single criteria for opening elementary schools, SPPS is keeping a close eye on community spread, including the new strain that has been identified in Minnesota.
-
Deadline to Change Learning Model for Elementary School Students Extended to January 11, 2021
As we transition to in-person learning, families have an opportunity to choose their preferred learning model -- to continue with distance learning through the Virtual Learning School or move to full-time, in-person learning.
Additional Resources
-
Immunizations and Flu Shots
SPPS continues to address and promote immunizations during the pandemic:
Student Placement Center, 2102 University Avenue West
Immunizations including flu shots are given by appointment (preferred) or walk-in on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. These are open to students in grades K-12 who are uninsured or have state-covered insurance. Please call 651-632-3763 to schedule an appointment. Reach out to your school nurse if you are unsure if your child needs vaccines.
Health Start School-Based Clinics Remain Open
The Washington Tech Health Start Clinic provides immunizations and flu shots by appointment or walk-in for students in grades Pre-K-12 on Mondays from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Please call 651-487-8531 to make an appointment.
Most SPPS high school Health Start Clinics are open to serve students ages 12-18. Services include urgent in-person mental health care, medication management for depression and anxiety, sexual health concerns, check-ups and vaccines, non-respiratory illness, injuries and asthma follow-up.
High school Health Start Clinics also provide winter sports physicals. A student does not need to attend the school where the clinic is located. Call 651-412-8445 to make an appointment at any location.
-
COVID-19 Saliva Tests
Ramsey County residents can order COVID-19 saliva tests on the Vault Health website. This at-home saliva test is offered at no cost from the State of Minnesota, and you will not be asked for payment information. You will be asked for insurance information if you have it, but it is not required to test at home. Each test needs a unique email address, and a photo ID is required.
Free saliva testing is also offered daily at Roy Wilkins Auditorium (175 Kellogg Blvd). For more information on COVID-19 testing options, visit the Ramsey County website.
-
In-Person Learning vs. Virtual Learning School
Last updated 1/13/21
Reopen SPPS Plans
-
Health & Safety Guidelines
Updated 12/24/20
SPPS is following Minnesota’s updated Safe Learning Plan to ensure a safe return to in-person learning. Some of the new safety measures are:
- Face masks and face shields should be worn together by school staff whenever possible during the school day
- In settings where seeing a person’s lips is necessary, staff are strongly encouraged to wear a clear face mask in addition to a face shield
- In situations where wearing a face mask and a face shield creates a safety concern (e.g. operating a vehicle, working in a kitchen, lab, etc.), staff may choose to wear a mask only
- For early learning and elementary: Special lessons must be held in the classroom or outside (weather permitting)
- Physical education, art, and support services (counseling, special education, etc.) may be held indoors outside of individual classrooms
- Meals should be eaten in the classroom if 6 feet of physical distancing between students cannot be accommodated in the cafeteria and classes cannot be clearly separated within the cafeteria
- Three feet of physical distancing or more is strongly recommended
-
COVID-19 Health Protocols
SPPS is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our students, staff and their families. Some of the changes that staff, students and families will see when returning to school include a masking policy, passive health screening guidelines, and changes to our cleaning protocols and meal service, among others. Building leaders have collaborated on these guidelines and are prepared to implement them at our schools.
Some of these health protocols include:
- COVID-19 Student and Family Guidelines
- Updated reporting system for individuals with COVID-19 symptoms
- Guidance around masking (cloth face coverings)
- Health screening checklist and guidelines
- Signage around masking, social distancing/floor markings, health screening checklist, handwashing and COVID-19 symptoms
-
Quarantine Guidelines
Updated 12/23/20
Public health guidelines have recently changed regarding COVID-19 quarantines due to close contacts. Saint Paul Public Schools has updated its guidelines to address these changes. SPPS has reduced quarantine time from 14 days to 10 days in certain circumstances. You cannot end your quarantine before 10 days for any reason. 14-day quarantines are still required when someone in your household has symptoms of or has tested positive for COVID-19, as the risk for infecting others is higher within the same household.
-
Face Coverings
K-12 students, SPPS employees and visitors are required to wear a face covering unless medically exempt. Face coverings are required in all SPPS school buildings, district offices and while riding on school transportation vehicles. Students, staff and visitors are expected to provide their own face coverings whenever possible. However, masks will be available for anyone who needs them.
-
Health Screening Guidelines
SPPS needs your help in controlling the spread of COVID-19 by identifying and reporting concerns early and following recommended exclusion guidance.Symptoms of COVID-19 include:- Fever greater than or equal to 100.4° F
- New onset and/or worsening cough
- Difficulty breathing
- New loss of taste or smell; OR
- at least 2 of the following:
- sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, muscle pain, excessive fatigue, new onset of headache, new onset of nasal congestion or runny nose
Answer the following four questions:- Did my child recently test positive for COVID-19?
- Does my child have any of the COVID-19 symptoms listed above?
- Does my child live with someone who is being tested for COVID-19 or showing symptoms of COVID-19?
- Did my child have close contact (within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes) with someone who recently tested positive for COVID-19?
If you answered YES to any of the above:- Do not send your child to school or activities, report your child's absence
- Report your child's symptoms or exposure using the online SPPS COVID-19 Reporting System found at spps.org and on all school homepages
-
Rolling Start
In order to safely transition to in-person learning, the state requires schools to implement a rolling start in which students will gradually be brought back in the building. No more than three grade levels can be introduced into a school building in a two-week time period. Pre-K can be included with kindergarten if they are kept separate from the other grades.
-
Transition Days
Updated 1/6/21
The Minnesota Safe Learning Plan requires that school districts use at least two school days for planning and building preparation when changing learning models. There will be no instruction on these days.
For SPPS, these transition days will be:
- PreK-5, ESCE and Federal IV Special Education programs: January 25-29. January 29 was a previously scheduled teacher professional development day, so there will be no instruction for elementary students that week.
- Grades 6-12: To be determined
-
SPPS Facilities
The Facilities Department has been busily preparing schools and buildings for staff and student safety. Improved ventilation, daily building sanitation, and safety reminders posted throughout schools are some of the many steps being taken to ensure a safe return to school.
Additional information about our facilities plan can be found here: spps.org/Page/40753
-
Meal Service
Updated 1/9/21
In-Person Meal Service
SPPS has changed our typical food service procedures in each of our schools. Cafeteria attendants and additional lunch monitors will assist with traffic flow, cleaning and customer service. Breakfast and lunch will be free to all students during in-person learning.
Breakfast service will continue with slight modifications and some menu changes. Students will continue to eat breakfast in their classroom. School cafeterias will be used for serving and eating lunch. Tables will be set to reinforce social distance, and cohorts will remain separate when they are eating in the cafeteria. Signs and floor decals will help remind students to maintain social distance. Acrylic partitions will be placed between staff and students at the serving line, and covered containers will replace traditional lunch trays.
In buildings where the cafeteria is not large enough to meet social distancing guidelines, classrooms may be used as dining space. Nutrition staff will prepare and package meals, and transport foods in individual containers to classrooms.Hand hygiene practices will be in place for all students and staff, and staff will wear face coverings with a face shield when serving students.
After-School Meal Kits
Students attending school in-person will also have the option to take home after-school meal kits, which will include a variety of healthy foods and recipes. Meal kits will be offered at no cost and distributed once a week to students.
Meal Pickup & Delivery
Meal boxes are available for pickup at select schools throughout Saint Paul. Meals are free to all children 18 and under, plus those with a disability currently enrolled in a school program, who are not receiving meals at school. After January 25, delivery will only be available to a limited number of Saint Paul Public Schools students who are medically fragile or cannot leave their home to pick up meals.
For more information, visit spps.org/2021meals.
-
Transportation: Riding the Bus Safely
Updated 1/5/21
Here are some of the health and safety practices that will be implemented when transporting students to and from school.
Masks
Bus drivers and K-12 students are required to wear masks on the bus. Bus drivers have student masks available if needed.
Arrival and Departure
School staff will supervise bus drop-off by meeting each bus, monitoring the number of students exiting at one time, and encouraging students to maintain social distancing. Schools will design a dismissal routine that supports social distancing.
Health Screening
Families are responsible for checking their student’s symptoms before they go to the bus stop.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Buses are disinfected daily. Drivers will sanitize high-touch areas between runs.
Windows
Weather permitting, windows will be open to help increase air circulation.
-
Cleaning & Disinfecting
Student Health and Wellness, Environmental Services Group (ESG), Security and Emergency Management, and custodial staff are working closely together to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Saint Paul Public Schools follows a four-tiered cleaning plan to reports of COVID-19 related symptoms and/or diagnosis.
Our custodial staff will significantly increase the wiping down and disinfecting of public spaces and high-touch surfaces across our buildings and throughout the school day. We will also provide greater access to cleaning materials for our teachers and staff so that they can clean and disinfect spaces, as needed.
Each evening, our custodial team will conduct a thorough cleaning of our spaces, again disinfecting high-touch surfaces like sinks, drinking fountains, door handles, tables and desks.
-
SPPS Virtual Learning School
Regardless of the scenario that MDE advises school districts to follow, SPPS will be offering SPPS Virtual Learning School throughout the year for any family who does not want their students to attend an in-person or hybrid schooling option for the 2020-2021 school year.
SPPS Virtual Learning will maintain a student's path to graduation and will address state standards.
-
Childcare
Updated 12/23/20
SPPS students ages 12 and under who are children of Tier 1 critical workers will be cared for at no cost during normal school hours. This program is staffed by non-licensed childcare staff. Children are with the same small group of peers and staff each day. Masks are required, and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines for childcare programs are strictly enforced.
Time is set aside for students to work on their distance learning. They are expected to work independently with minimal assistance from staff. Breakfast and lunch are also provided. Learn more about Essential Kids Care here.
Discovery Club
Families who previously registered for before and after-school care through Discovery Club have until December 27 to confirm their childcare needs. Staffing capacity will determine whether care can begin prior to all PreK-5 students returning to in-person learning. For more information, visit spps.org/discoveryclub and click Register.
-
Athletics & Activities
Updated 12/22/20
Following the current Executive Order from Governor Tim Walz, all in-person athletics and extracurricular activities are currently paused. SPPS will resume practices for winter sports on January 14. For more information, please visit spps.org/sports.
-
Academic Support Center
Updated 1/13/21
The purpose of the SPPS Academic Support Center is to provide in-person academic and/or social-emotional learning support for 6-12 grade students and their families during distance learning. The centers will provide academic support, not classroom instruction.
A team of Educational Assistants, Teaching Assistants, SPPS temporary staff, retired teachers, contractors, community partners, and volunteers with a background in education and teaching, will provide the support to all students visiting these centers.
The center will reopen on January 19 at Washington Technology Magnet School. For more information, visit spps.org/asc.