We are so excited to have your child join Saint Paul Public Schools! We know this is a big transition for you and your child, and we want to do everything we can to make it a smooth one.

Pre-K and Kindergarten Services and Information

Campus Parent Portal
You will be able to view progress reports, report cards, class schedules, bus routes, update personal information and complete required district forms through the Campus Parent Portal. You will receive login information from your student’s school.

iUpdate
iUpdate is an online form that collects your household information. Complete iUpdate annually to check your child’s eligibility for transportation and to ensure that you receive important communications by mail, phone, email or text.

Calendar
Plan ahead with instant access to District and family calendars.

Seesaw App
Students in grades PreK-3 will use an iPad app called Seesaw to share lessons and work with their teachers. Your child’s teacher will provide you with access to the Seesaw Parent and Family app that will allow you to communicate directly with the teacher and view your child’s work.

Early Childhood Screening
All students entering Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten need Early Childhood Screening. Screenings help identify vision, hearing and developmental needs and are provided free of charge for children, ages 3 to 5, who live in St. Paul. For more information, call 651-632-3746.

Nutrition Services
All students receive free breakfast AND lunch at school. Go to School Cafe for lunch account payments, menus, free/reduced lunch applications, allergens and more. Tip: Add the app to your smart phone!

Discovery Club - Before and After School Childcare
Discovery Club is a fun and nurturing child care program for grades PreK-5 that supports learning and development before school, after school, on non-school days and during the summer. Space is limited. For a list of fees, more information, and to register or join the waitlist, visit spps.org/discoveryclub or call 651-632-3793.

School Bus Transportation
Students will receive a postcard in the mail with transportation information at the end of August. The postcard lists details about where and when to get on and off the bus. Tip: Download the Bus Status app to see up-to-date bus route information.

School Supply Lists
School supply lists are available on most school websites and at spps.org/schoolsupplylists.

Student Health and Wellness
Find out about immunizations needed for school, commonly used health forms, medications at school and illness guidelines. If your child has a health need that will be managed in school, you will work with your school’s nurse, including completing forms that authorize care.

District and Family Communications
We use a mass notification system to communicate important information with families and staff through automated phone calls, email, and text messages. In the event of an emergency or school closures due to severe weather, we will also communicate the information on our district's website, applicable school websites and our social media pages (Facebook and Twitter). Your contact information can be added and updated when you complete the back-to-school iUpdate through Campus Portal.

Preparing for the First Day of School

The first day of school is exciting for children, families and staff. It can also be overwhelming. Here are some resources to help your child feel confident about going to school.

Visit the school and classroom.

• Check for school communication (school calendar, school website, your email and/or home mail) for important dates and events. 
• Call the school office beginning the week of August 21 to inquire about Welcome Meetings and Open House events.
• Attend your school’s welcome meeting (September 5 or 6).

Set up routines.

• Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten children need 10-12 hours of sleep each night. Set up bedtime routines so your child will get enough rest. 
• Get your child and family used to waking up in the morning, getting ready, and going somewhere, so it does not cause stress once September arrives. 

Teach your child basic skills.

• Practice self help skills such as: getting their coat on and off (or find a way to make it easier), zipping/putting on pants, and tying/putting on shoes, getting dressed by themselves and opening food containers and feeding themselves.
• Encourage your child to independently care for their own needs such as using the bathroom, washing their hands, etc. It is not a requirement for Pre-K and K children to be toilet trained, however, it is highly recommended. Here is a fun chart families can use to support the use of the bathroom!