Dear Colleagues,

As I reflect on the first week of the new school year, I am filled with pride about how each and every one of you came together to prepare, pitch in and welcome our students, families and fellow staff back to school. Classrooms were clean and inviting, lunch was served with a smile, and folks from around the district helped out wherever there was a need for an extra hand.

It was especially exciting to see many new school communities open their doors. Hamline Elementary, Phalen Lake, Maxfield, J.J. Hill, Bruce Vento and Cherokee Heights welcomed their new students and staff with open arms. Three new schools—Hmong Dual Language Middle School and the Early Childhood Hubs (East and West)—made their debuts, as did the new Districtwide Career Pathways Center and newly renamed Hidden River Middle School. Thank you to everyone involved in making these transitions and new beginnings as seamless as possible.

We also had a good week in terms of safety, with very few incidents reported. Active supervision is a proven strategy to deepen relationships with students while reinforcing a positive school climate. The consistent presence of adults in school is a leading practice in mitigating negative student behaviors.

Our Human Resources staff have been working tirelessly all summer to fill vacancies in our schools while welcoming new staff to our district. Virtual hiring fairs are being held on a regular basis as we look to fill openings in Nutrition Services, teaching assistants, clerical roles and special education. If you know people looking for jobs, please spread the word about SPPS. They can find more information and apply at spps.org/careers.

Thank you for being part of our Saint Paul Public Schools community. Entering my sixth school year as Superintendent, I could not be more proud of all that we have accomplished together and the many opportunities that lie ahead for our students and each other.

In Partnership,

Joe Gothard, Superintendent