Updates on Distance Learning, Emergency School Meals and Upcoming Virtual Spirit Week Themes

As we continue with this first week of distance learning, we want to send a sincere thank you to all of you for your patience and support during this significant transition. It is certainly a new learning experience for all of us. To that end, we want to share a few important updates with you.

Technology Update, Emergency School Meals Update, Virtual Spirit Week

We did it! We made it through Day 1 of SSPPS Distance Learning. Yes, we had some bumps along the way as we worked through technology and supply challenges, but in the end, we were able to make thousands of reconnections with you, our students and families. As we prepare for Day 2, we wanted to share with a few updates about what to expect.

Distance Learning & New Meal Distribution Schedule start Monday, March 30

As we prepare to shift our focus from planning to distance learning, we wanted to update and remind you of a few key items before Monday.

Emergency School Meals Schedule Change starting Monday, March 30

In light of yesterday’s announcement from Gov. Walz that Minnesota schools would move to distance learning starting on Monday, March 30, we want to update families about some changes coming to district-provided emergency services as well as some additional information on the district’s distance learning plans.

Distance Learning starts Monday, March 30 and changes to elementary material pickup

As you have likely heard, today Gov. Walz made several key announcements in efforts to help address the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Minnesota. Included in the orders today is a statewide “stay at home” order through Friday, April 10, and the extension of the closure bars, restaurants and other business until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 1. The decision that most directly impacts South St. Paul Public Schools (SSPPS) is, of course, the order for all public schools to start distance learning on Monday, March 30 and continue doing so through the month of April. Right now, it is anticipated that staff will report back to school on Friday, May 1, and Monday, May 4, with students expected to start back with in-person classes on Tuesday, May 5. It is important to note that while the start date is clear, the end date for distance learning is subject to change as data on the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve.

Details on educational materials and medication pickup

we understand that students may have educational materials still at school that they would need for distance learning. A schedule of staggered times for educational materials and medication pickup is included for SSP Secondary, CLC, Kaposia and Lincoln Center. The times have been created to help control traffic flow, as well as allow for all families to access Emergency School Meals pickup. Recall that the district is providing free packaged breakfast and lunches available to all SSP students ages 1-18.

SSP’s John Deneen humbly earns additional prestigious awards

South St. Paul Secondary senior John Deneen has humbly accepted additional recognitions, adding to an impressive collection of high school accomplishments. In addition to earning a perfect score on the ACT last year, and being recognized as one of 16,000 students across the country to earn National Merit Semifinalist status, recently Deneen was honored with two more prestigious awards. Last month he was named the 2020 Region 3AA Triple ‘A’ Award Winner, and earlier this month Deneen was named a National Merit Scholar Finalist.

Additional resources for families and School Board meeting changes

We want to give you a heads up that, while we are still finalizing the details, you will receive a message on Sunday regarding plans for students and their families to come to school in staggered shifts to pick up essential educational materials needed for distance learning. Please be looking for that message by Sunday evening. In the meantime, we wanted to remind you of the services currently underway.

Details on SSPPS Emergency School Meals & School-Age Care Programs

Starting Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 27, South St. Paul Public Schools (SSPPS) Nutrition Services Department will be providing free breakfasts and lunch for SSP children ages 18 and under. The district will be providing school-age children (ages 4-12) of SSP emergency workers and SSP staff through a special Emergency School-Age Care program.