Registration for Temporary Virtual Learning Option

Due to safety concerns related to the increased presence of federal agents in the Twin Cities, Saint Paul Public Schools will be offering a temporary virtual learning option beginning Thursday, January 22, for students who do not feel comfortable coming to school at this time. 

Here is the link to sign up for temporary virtual learning: https://forms.gle/EQh2RJqokpzeZgo88. For more information, visit spps.org/virtual.

The deadline for families to complete this form is 8 p.m. on Sunday, January 18. Requests received after the deadline may delay the start date for students to begin virtual learning.

This option is different from the SPPS Online School; to the greatest extent possible, students who sign up will learn virtually with teachers and students from their current school for a temporary period of time. If you have already signed up for the SPPS Online School but would rather enroll in temporary virtual learning, you can do so by filling out the registration form above.

Students who plan to register should take their iPads and chargers home on Friday. The registration form has a question about technology should your family need further assistance.

Please read the following information carefully as it relates to what your student’s education experience will look like if you choose to register for the temporary virtual learning option. 

Elementary Instruction (PreK-5)

Virtual learning may look different from school to school, and even grade to grade. Based on the number of students who register, there is a possibility the elementary model may include classrooms with more than one grade. If there are not enough students signed up in your child’s grade and school for temporary virtual learning, we would discuss with your family other options including the SPPS Online School..

Teachers will provide lessons on Seesaw and via Google Meet. Students will participate in a morning meeting with their teacher, and will receive daily instruction in both reading and math. This may occur through a Google Meet or asynchronously with support through a Google Meet. Students may have additional meetings based on needs.

Pre-Kindergarten will provide synchronous instruction blending social/emotional, language/literacy and math instruction.

Secondary Instruction (Grades 6-12) 

For each day the class meets, teachers will post each day’s detailed agenda and expectations in Schoology. Teachers will also provide instructional materials in Schoology with content and assignments/assessments in addition to other resources for each day. Students will attend their Advisory/Foundations class daily via Google Meet. 

Attendance will be taken for each class by submitting work in Schoology, attending Advisory/Foundations and/or meeting with a teacher during virtual office hours. Each teacher will hold office hours every other school day.

As a reminder, to prepare for the temporary virtual learning option, there will be no school on Tuesday, January 20, and Wednesday, January 21. Students should not report to school on these dates. There is also no school on Monday, January 19, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. School will resume for all students on Thursday, January 22. Community Education programs will continue on January 20 and 21, except for Discovery Club.

For those who are interested in the temporary virtual learning option for safety reasons:

• Students will remain enrolled at their current school, but the way they access their learning will be different. Students will not lose their enrollment at their current school.
• Once a student opts into temporary virtual learning, they will continue for the duration of the temporary option. Requests to make changes will be considered on a case-by-case basis based on individual student needs.
• This option is designed to ensure that students can continue accessing their education. When the temporary virtual learning option ends, all students will return to in-person learning or can transfer to the SPPS Online School if they wish to remain virtual.
• For students receiving special education services, your school will contact you to discuss what the services will look like. 

If you choose to continue in-person learning for your students, we want to reassure you that the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority. The district is in close contact with Mayor Kaohly Her and Saint Paul Police Department (SPPD) to monitor for any activity that could impact our school communities. Our principals, security staff and other key personnel have clear safety procedures and protocols to keep our schools as safe as possible. 

As always, our schools are locked and all visitors must identify themselves before being let into the building. More information about these protocols, as well as resources and other safety tips, can be found on our website at spps.org/immigration and spps.org/safety.

It remains true that school is one of the safest places that students can be. Families who choose to keep students home from school should report the absence as normal. If you have any concerns about your children or notice that they need additional support, please don’t hesitate to contact your school principal and encourage your children to talk with a counselor or other trusted adult at school. Here is a resource that may be helpful as your family navigates this very difficult and emotional situation at home.