Saint Paul Public Schools Spring Break, Distance Learning And Emergency Childcare Update

Press release from Saint Paul Public Schools:

March 27, 2020

Thank you for your continued support and attention during the statewide school closure due to COVID-19. As part of the Governor’s new stay-at-home order, students will not return to school until after May 4. Distance Learning for SPPS students will begin on Monday, April 6, after our regularly scheduled spring break.

Below are a few updates about spring break, Distance Learning and childcare for emergency workers. For the most up-to-date information, visit spps.org/covid.

SPPS Services During Spring Break

SPPS will provide meals from its food truck every weekday during spring break, March 30-April 3. Unlike the last two weeks, the truck will provide one meal per person, per day. The six locations are the same as this week (Battle Creek, Cherokee Heights, Como Senior, Harding Senior, Highland Park Senior and Johnson Senior), but the times are different. Please visit spps.org/Page/38722 for the full schedule.

During spring break, there will be no bus route meal service or home deliveries available. Several community partners are also providing free meals for students this week; click here for the full list of local food resources.

One Health Start clinic will be open at Gordon Parks High School, Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 651-793-2234 to make an appointment or just walk in.

Social distancing and stay-at-home orders do not mean families have to stay inside. In fact, getting outside is a great way to keep your family physically and mentally healthy during this stressful time. Get ideas for Staying Active Outdoors During COVID-19.

Looking for things to do with your family over spring break? Check out this Virtual Staycation Guide.

Distance Learning Update

Distance learning will begin for all PreK-12 students on Monday, April 6. SPPS Distance Learning relies on students to use their iPad device and participate in online learning platforms such as Seesaw and Schoology. Teachers may use other district-approved technology to engage with students via email, using online courses, setting up group chats and forums, and sharing videos and audio recordings.

At various times during the day, students will have the opportunity to engage with their teachers, participate in group chats, view web-based lessons, and have video meet-ups with teachers and their classmates.

The opportunities for student-teacher engagement will be held during normal school hours, and will be communicated to families by their child’s teacher. Teachers will give deadlines for daily assignments and to take attendance.

Teachers will be mindful of resources that may not be available to students in a Distance Learning environment. Successful completion of assignments is not dependent on particular materials or resources (for example, access to a printer). A variety of choices, options and examples of possible resources will be provided to students when possible.

For more information, look for communication from your student’s teacher and visit spps.org/distancelearning for the full Distance Learning overview by grade level, technical support, special education, approved iPad apps and other details.

Essential Childcare for Emergency Workers

Beginning Monday, April 6, emergency workers can receive free childcare for children ages 5-12, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each school day at five SPPS sites. Free breakfast and lunch will be provided. Students can bring their iPads to work on Distance Learning assignments. Transportation between a student's home and the closest Essential Care site is available.

The five locations are:

• Rondo Education Center
• Horace Mann School
• L'Etoile du Nord – Lower Campus
• Riverview West Side School of Excellence
• St. Anthony Park Elementary School

Extended-day care is also available for a fee, from 6-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m. each day, at all five schools for the children of emergency workers only. Transportation is not available for this extended care time. The fee for extended care is $15 per child for each morning session and $15 per child for each afternoon session.

Registration is required for both Essential Kids Care and extended-day care. Every effort will be made to place students at the location requested. Employment verification (ID badge or copy of) will be required at the time of drop-off or prior to taking district transportation. Temperature checks will also be given to both staff and students before entering the program.

• Click here for emergency worker definitions
• Click here to register for emergency childcare

You will receive confirmation of placement by Thursday, April 2. If you have questions, please call 651-632-3793. For more information on the district’s plans for the upcoming weeks, please visit spps.org/covid.

This press release was produced by Saint Paul Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.