- South St. Paul Public Schools
- Safe. Strong. Prepared.
In All Scenarios
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In all learning scenarios, the district remains committed to meeting the needs of each and every student we serve. Even in an distance learning setting, we will continue to provide services that meet the unique needs of our learners. In doing so, we will work to remove barriers, to foster success and to recognize the extra support needed to support online learners. The services will include, but are not limited to:
- Special Education: Special education teachers and teams will continue to provide specialized instruction and support in accordance with a student’s individualized education plan (IEP). IEP teams will determine the appropriate supports needed and have protocols in place to support delivery of services in virtual ways if needed.
- English Learners (EL): English learner teachers will meet with students each week to check-in and provide ongoing support and monitoring of student learning progress. These teachers will work to develop plans that meet the needs of individual students utilizing EL services.
- Counselor Services: Counselors will continue to be available to support students. At the elementary level, counselors will lead weekly check-in meetings, will provide video lessons about guidance topics, and will directly support families as needed. At the middle and high school level, counselors will be checking attendance and will be offering soical-emotional support for students daily.
- Special Education: Special education teachers and teams will continue to provide specialized instruction and support in accordance with a student’s individualized education plan (IEP). IEP teams will determine the appropriate supports needed and have protocols in place to support delivery of services in virtual ways if needed.
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Social-Emotional Learning
Given the length of time students have been away from school, we recognize the potential for significant student needs in the area of social-emotional learning and wellbeing.
The district intends to provide culturally responsive social-emotional resources in the following areas:- Food insecurity, clothing and or homelessness assistance
- Mental health services in the community for families
- Managing stress and loss, coping and building resiliency
- Health and safety needs to positively impact learning
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Community Education Enrichment Programs
In all three scenarios, SSP Community Education will provide enrichment programs for youth, adults, adults with disabilities, and seniors while following MDH and MDE guidance when planning programs, delivery styles and services.
Learn more and explore programs at sspps.org/communityed. -
South Suburban ABE
In all three scenarios, South Suburban ABE will deliver services in an equitable way to all adult learners wishing to further their education while following MDH and MDE guidance when planning programs, delivery styles and services. Areas of study include English language learning, reading, writing, math, GED prep and job skills.
Learn more at sspps.org/abe. -
Technology Resources
Student Devices
In all three scenarios, each K-12 student will be provided with an assigned learning device that only they use.
- Each K-5 student will be assigned a specific device (Chromebooks or tablets, depending on grade level).
- Each student in grades 6-12 will be provided with an individual device (Chromebook) for use at school and home. Students are responsible for bringing their charged device to school each day.
While students can use family devices to engage in distance learning, it can be difficult, especially at the K-5 level, to replicate our students’ digital learning environment. We encourage families to use district devices to easily access the tools our South St. Paul students use.
In the event school starts with the Distance Learning scenario, students’ devices will be distributed in coordination with school material pickup dates/times.
In the event that school transitions to the Distance Learning scenario after school starts due to worsened COVID-19 metrics, the district will be ready to begin distribution of students’ devices within three school days of the announcement of the transition. Device distribution will, where possible, be coordinated with distribution of other student materials.Internet Access
Reliable internet access is critical to success in Distance Learning. SSP will provide information about low cost internet access options. For those who cannot afford or otherwise obtain these low-cost services, SSP can provide internet hotspots for student use.
Digital Learning Tools
Students will primarily use the same digital tools for hybrid and distance learning as they use in a face-to-face classroom setting. The primary tools used include:
- Clever: An online portal that allows students to connect to district-supported digital learning tools and other resources provided by classroom teachers. Clever is the hub of our elementary school digital learning environment.
- Seesaw: A learning tool that houses student lessons, assignments and portfolios, while also supporting communication between elementary students and their teachers, as well as communication between teachers and parents/guardians.
- Schoology: SSP’s Learning Management System (LMS) used to facilitate coursework, assignments, grading and student-teacher interactions. Parents can log into Schoology to monitor their student’s assignments and progress.
- Google Meet: A video conferencing tool used for live instruction with whole classes, small groups and individual students.
Parent Support
Parents are also encouraged to use Campus Portal, a tool that allows parents to access our Student Information System (Infinite Campus) to manage contact and family information, monitor attendance and access final grades.
Technology Support
In all three scenarios, students, staff and parents will continue to be supported by the Technology Help Desk and the Digital Learning Team. Remote support will be provided when appropriate. When face-to-face, support will be provided using social distancing guidelines and masking. All devices handled by technology staff will be disinfected before being returned.
In cases where a student device needs to be repaired or replaced, regular appointment times will be provided for device drop-off and pick-up.Need tech assistance?
Please contact our Parent Tech Help line:
- (651) 457-9458
- ParentTechHelp@sspps.org
