|
| |
| Frequently Asked Questions |  |
Can families who do not live in Saint Paul apply to Saint Paul Public Schools?
Yes. Under the state’s open enrollment law, families can apply to schools that are not located in the school district where they live. Space availability and school district policies may impact whether a student’s open enrollment request is granted. While families who live within the school district generally have preference over families from another school district, there may be many options available to those living outside the school district. Saint Paul Public Schools welcomes children and families from all parts of the metropolitan area, although transportation is generally not provided outside the city limits. Transportation may be provided to eligible non-resident students from existing bus stops within school district boundaries. For more information, call (651) 632-3728.
|
What can I expect from every Saint Paul Public School?
All Saint Paul public schools-regardless of program focus-offer students an excellent education and a safe environment with rules designed to protect all students. Although a magnet school or specialty program may emphasize a particular theme or subject area, you can be sure that your student will have access to the following:
Writing
Mathematics
English
Science
Social Studies
Computer
Multicultural Curriculum
Art
Music
Physical Education
Health
Gifted Services
Intervention Services
Extracurricular Activities (academic and athletic)
For more information about the Saint Paul Public Schools’ districtwide curriculum, please visit the school district web site at www.spps.org.
|
How can we improve our chances of getting into a particular magnet/citywide option or secondary specialty school?
Two things help:
- Apply by the deadline. February 29, 2008, is the deadline to apply to middle schools, junior high schools and senior high schools. March 7, 2008, is the deadline for applying to elementary magnet/citywide option schools. On-time applications are handled before late applications.
- Apply when your child will be entering the youngest grade level offered by the school. This is the time when the most openings are available.
Living in the attendance area of a magnet or specialty school also gives you preference over other students, although space availability and other school district and state policies may limit enrollment in a particular magnet or specialty school. Because of expected large enrollments for grades 9-12 in 2008-2009, parents of students entering high school are encouraged to indicate their child’s attendance area school as their first or second choice on the application.
|
What happens if my child isn’t accepted into one of the magnet/citywide option or secondary specialty schools I wanted?
Your child’s name will be placed on waiting lists according to Board of Education policies. If there is an opening, you will be called and given the opportunity to enroll your child in that school. To find out what other options are available, call the Student Placement Center at (651) 632-3760 (elementary) or (651) 632-3761 (secondary).
|
Does my child need to be immunized to attend school?
State law (MS 121A.15) requires that each student in a Minnesota school be protected from childhood diseases by receiving immunizations. Parents may obtain a legal exemption for medical reasons or conscientious beliefs. All students new to Saint Paul Public Schools must bring their immunization records or exemption record to the Student Placement Center when they enroll in school. Immunizations include diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DPT); polio; measles, mumps and rubella (MMR); Hepatitis B and varicella (chicken pox).
Kindergarten students starting kindergarten must have two MMR, three Hepatitis B, five DPT, four polio, and two varicella (chickenpox) vaccinations. Parent report of history of chicken pox disease is acceptable to replace the varicella vaccination. Kindergarten students should see their health care provider for a well-child examination and to complete the immunization series before the start of school.
Junior and senior high students beginning seventh grade are required to have three Hepatitis B, a total of two MMR, two varicella and one tetanus diphtheria (Td) booster vaccination given after age seven. Parent report of history of chicken pox disease is acceptable to replace the varicella vaccination. Students must bring a record of their immunizations to the Student Placement Center when they enroll.
For students enrolling in Saint Paul Public Schools, the Student Placement Center provides a health screening and review of immunizations. Immunizations also are provided for students who are behind in their immunization schedule. For more information, call the Student Placement Center’s health office at (651) 632-3763. Parents with children ages 3-5 should call the Early Childhood Screening Office at (651) 632-3746 for an Early Childhood Screening appointment. For more information visit www.studentwellness.spps.org.
|
What school meals are offered to students?
Breakfast and lunch are offered in all Saint Paul public schools, with breakfast available to students prior to the start of the school day. All meals meet or exceed USDA guidelines for good nutrition. Each year, all families must complete the Application for Educational Benefits. Based on this application, students may qualify for free or reduced-price meals at school. For more information, call Saint Paul Public Schools Nutrition Services at (651) 603-4950.
|
What happens if my child currently does not attend a Saint Paul public school and I do not apply to or call any school?
If a student who does not currently attend a Saint Paul public school does nothing, the student will not be enrolled in any Saint Paul Public School until the parents/guardians take action.
Elementary: Families with elementary school children entering grades 1-6 and not currently enrolled (2007-2008) must call the Student Placement Center to schedule an intake appointment before registering their child in a school.
Secondary: If a parent of a current SPPS student entering a secondary school does not complete a Secondary Application, the student will be assigned to a school with available space. After the student is accepted, he or she will register for classes at the school.
For more information, call the Student Placement Center at (651) 632-3701 or (651) 632-3702.
|
What if we moved into the school district after the application deadlines?
The Student Placement Center works with families on an individual basis to help them choose schools. To schedule an intake appointment, call the Student Placement Center at (651) 632-3701 or (651) 632-3702.
|
What if we want to change schools during the school year?
Students are encouraged to remain in the same school for the entire year. Elementary students enrolled in neighborhood schools can request a transfer if they move to another attendance area. The Student Placement Center does not make transfers or school changes during the school year for students in elementary magnet or secondary schools. Families requesting a change in extreme circumstances should contact the principal at their child’s school.
|
How old does my child have to be to attend school?
Children who are 5 years old on or before September 1, 2008, are eligible to attend kindergarten during the 2008-2009 school year. Children must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2008, to be eligible for programs for 4-year-olds. Children must be 3 years old on or before September 1, 2008, to be eligible for programs for 3-year-olds.
|
What if my child is not 5 years old by September 1, 2008, and I still want him or her to attend school in 2008-2009?
Some children may be ready for school before they turn 5. If your child turns 5 between September 1 and December 31, 2008, he or she may be eligible for early admission to kindergarten. This process assesses children who clearly show above-average cognitive skills and above-average large and small motor skills. Students will only be tested at their attendance area school. Please contact that school for details, times and dates. The deadline for applying for early admission to kindergarten is Friday, April 25, 2008. For more information, call
(651) 632-3760.
|
What are my child’s chances of getting into our first choice of magnet/citywide option or secondary specialty schools?
While each year the numbers change, last year a majority of families were accepted into their first choice magnet or secondary specialty school. Many schools fill with applicants who indicated that school as their first choice. Call the Student Placement Center at (651) 632-3760 (elementary) or (651) 632-3761 (secondary) for last year’s specific acceptance ratio at a particular school. Space availability and regulations limit the district’s ability to accept students into certain schools.
|
Do I have a better chance of getting into my school of choice if I apply early?
No. All on-time applications received by the deadline are treated equally.
|
Is my child guaranteed acceptance into one of my magnet/citywide option or specialty school choices on their application?
No. Many schools receive more applications than they can accept. These schools usually fill with students who have indicated the school as their first choice. If all of your choices on the application are schools that traditionally have limited space available or receive a large number of applications, your chances of being accepted into one of those schools are greatly reduced. To increase your chances of getting one of your schools of choice, consider your attendance area or another school that is likely to have space. To discuss options, call (651) 632-3760 (elementary) or (651) 632-3761 (secondary).
|
If I live in Saint Paul, am I guaranteed a spot at a Saint Paul Public School?
Yes. The Student Placement Center works with families to find a place for every Saint Paul child.
Elementary:
Parents of elementary students can choose for their child to attend the family’s attendance area, neighborhood school or they may apply to attend a magnet/citywide option school. If students do not get into one of the three choices listed on their application, students may have the option of attending another magnet/citywide option school with available space. Students also may be re-assigned to a neighborhood school outside of their attendance area. To discuss your options, call (651) 632-3760.
Secondary:
All students entering middle school/junior high or senior
high must complete an application. Students also must complete an application when changing schools. Students who do not get into one of their two choices are contacted to make another choice and will be assigned to a school with available space. In 2008-2009, space will be limited in grades 9-12 at many schools. Parents are encouraged to indicate their attendance area school as a first or second choice on the secondary application. To discuss your options, call (651) 632-3761.
|
If my child is currently in a school, do I have to re-apply to the magnet/citywide option or secondary specialty school every year?
Once you are enrolled in an elementary magnet or citywide option school, your child is generally assured a place at that school the following year. Inform your child’s school as soon as possible if your child does not intend to return to the school next year. Once you accept placement at a new school, there may no longer be space available to return to your child’s current school next year if you change your mind. If your child is not enrolled in a magnet or citywide option school and wishes to be, you must apply. Secondary students do not need to reapply each year if they will be attending their current school next year.
|
What if I want to change my child’s school choice before the start of school in September?
Junior high/middle school and senior high students may request a school transfer until July 31, 2008. No changes are made for SPPS students already assigned to a school after July 31.
|
Do I have to provide information for my address?
You may be asked to provide verification of your address.
|
What do you mean by preferences?
Preferences define groups of people who have first eligibility for acceptance into a school. There are three types of preferences: sibling preference (all schools except Capitol Hill), attendance area preference (based on students who live in a school’s attendance area) and zone preference (Crossroads, EXPO, J.J. Hill, Linwood, Nokomis, Phalen Lake, Rondo.) Except for the attendance area preference, preferences apply only to the school listed as the first choice on on-time applications
|
What does sibling preference mean in relation to the application process?
Sibling preference allows families a greater opportunity for their children to attend school together. To receive sibling preference, a family must:
- Have had a child enrolled in the requested school during 2007-08 who will continue on at that school in 2008-09
- List that school as the first choice on the sibling’s application
- Submit the application on time
- Live within the Saint Paul Public Schools district boundaries
Please Note:
- Siblings are defined as children who have the same parent or guardian and are living together at the same address
- Sibling preference applies only to first choice schools on applications received on time by March 7, 2008 (elementary), or February 29, 2008 (secondary)
- Sibling preference does not apply to Capitol Hill
- Enrollment guidelines for capacity and area preferences are taken into consideration before sibling preference
|
Who is considered a sibling?
School board policy states that siblings are children with the same parent or guardian living together at the same address. A student would have preference for acceptance into a school if his or her sibling is currently enrolled in the school and both students would be enrolled next year. Sibling preference only applies to the first-choice school listed on applications received by the application deadline.
|
Does sibling preference mean all my children will be accepted to a magnet/citywide option school at the same time?
No. The family must first have a child already enrolled in the program. Other guidelines such as available space and attendance area preferences are taken into consideration before sibling preference.
|
Does sibling preference apply to neighborhood elementary schools, elementary transfers or reassignments to neighborhood schools outside of my area, and transfers to a school near my child’s day care?
Yes, however, the same guidelines for capacity and attendance area preferences are taken into consideration before sibling preference as they are with magnet/citywide option schools and secondary specialty schools.
|
Does sibling preference apply if I live outside of the school district?
No. According to school board policy, sibling preference does not apply to students who live outside of the Saint Paul Public School District.
|
If one of my children is in the school’s highest grade this year, is my younger child guaranteed a spot at the school next year?
No. The older child who is currently enrolled in the school must be attending the same school next year in order for sibling preference to apply for the younger child.
|
What if my child is enrolled in an elementary magnet/citywide option or secondary specialty school but wants to attend a different Saint Paul public school next year?
Elementary:
At the elementary level, you should submit an application by the due date indicating the school you wish to attend. If you are accepted into the new school, you can then tell your original school you will not be returning next year. Once you accept placement at the new school, there may no longer be space available to return to your child’s current school next year if you change your mind.
Secondary:
At the secondary level, you must apply to the new school. If you are not accepted, you may stay at your current school and re-apply next year.
|
What happens when my child is accepted into an elementary magnet/citywide option or secondary specialty school?
Elementary:
When an elementary student is accepted into a magnet or citywide option school, a letter of notification is sent to the parent or guardian. If the parent accepts the placement, the parent must register his or her child to secure the spot at the school. A student may be registered at only one school for the coming school year. When a parent accepts the placement and registers the child at a new school, the parent gives up the child’s spot at their current school for the coming school year.
Secondary:
When a secondary student is accepted into a school, the student receives a letter of notification and then must register for classes at the school.
|
Can my child ride a bus to school?
Saint Paul Public Schools provides transportation to students who are eligible under state regulations and Saint Paul Board of Education policies. Generally, a student is eligible for transportation if the student lives within the school attendance area and at least one walking mile from school. A walking mile refers to a one-mile distance when a student walks on city streets taking the shortest route from his/her home to school. In most cases, transportation also is provided to Saint Paul students living more than one walking mile from the magnet/citywide option or secondary school they attend. Call the schools you are considering to find out if your child is eligible for transportation based on where you live.
|
What is an attendance area?
An attendance area defines which addresses are assigned to which schools. Each address is assigned to one elementary, one junior high/middle school and one high school. Students living in an attendance area (those whose addresses are assigned to a school) will get preference for that school. If the school is a neighborhood elementary school, you may enroll directly at that school unless your family is new to the school district. If the school is an elementary magnet/citywide option or secondary specialty school, students must apply to that school. Acceptance to magnet/citywide option or secondary specialty schools is not guaranteed. Some elementary magnet/citywide option schools also have preference areas, which give preference to students living in certain areas if the student indicates the school as his/her first choice and turns in the application by the deadline. If you are not sure which school is your attendance area school or you are new to the school district, call (651) 632-3760 (elementary) or (651) 632-3761 (secondary).
|
Can my child attend a neighborhood elementary school that is not the one assigned to our attendance area?
A transfer to a neighborhood school outside of your attendance area is possible as long as there is space available at the school you are choosing and the transfer complies with school district and state policies. Transportation is not provided. For more information, call (651) 632-3760.
|
Can my child attend the elementary school nearest to his or her day care rather than our attendance area school?
In most cases when the day care is in Saint Paul and you want your child to attend an elementary neighborhood school near your day care, your child will be able to attend that school. Often it is more convenient for an elementary-age child to attend a neighborhood school close to day care rather than close to home, so the school district makes this option available for students. Parents who want their children to attend a magnet or citywide option school near their day care must apply to the school, but are not guaranteed acceptance. Day care transfers are issued to neighborhood schools only and are valid only for the year in which they are issued. Day care transfers are not guaranteed, and there is a possibility that transportation will not be provided by the school district. For more information, call (651) 632-3760.
|
What is the Federal No Child Left Behind Law and how does it affect school choice?
No Child Left Behind is a federal law that provides an overall system for improving student achievement. Saint Paul Public Schools works very hard to make sure that each of our schools is making Adequate Yearly Progress as defined by the Minnesota Department of Education. Statewide tests are given each year to our students and those scores are combined with a number of other factors including attendance and test participation to determine which schools are making sufficient progress.
In the schools that have been identified as needing improvement, the district, teachers, support staff and families are making extraordinary efforts to provide extra help to those children with before- and after-school tutoring programs, intensive professional development for teachers, and additional support.
If a school has not been making Adequate Yearly Progress for two years in a row, parents and guardians have the option to transfer their children to another public school. If a school fails to make Adequate Yearly Progress for a third year, the federal law requires school districts to provide tutoring services to help children at that school improve academically.
|
Can my child remain at the same school if we move during the school year?
Once your child has attended a Saint Paul public school, he or she may remain at that school unless there are special program considerations. If the student continues to live in Saint Paul, transportation will continue to most elementary magnet/citywide option and secondary schools. Transportation is generally not available to students at neighborhood schools who live outside their attendance area or students who live outside the city limits of Saint Paul. Ask the school for more specific information about transportation. If your child is accepted to a magnet/citywide option school or a secondary school and the child moves out of the city before he or she starts school, your child most likely will NOT be able to attend that school if the school has a waiting list of students who live in Saint Paul. For more information, call (651) 632-3760 (elementary) and (651) 632-3761 (secondary).
|
What type of before- and after-school care is available for elementary students in the schools?
The school district operates Discovery Club - a school-age, fee-based program that provides extended-day programming before and after school. Discovery Club sites are listed in the School Selection Guide. For more information, call (651) 793-5426. Most schools also offer other types of after-school programs provided by the school district’s Elementary Area Learning Center, the YMCA or other community organizations. Contact the school directly for more information.
|
My child has special needs. What services are available?
Parents with children who have special needs (special education, health-related needs or special accessibility) and require, or will require, special school services or supports, should contact the principals at their schools of choice to find out whether those schools can provide the needed services. Parents should contact the schools about their child’s special needs before completing the application for magnet/citywide option schools or the secondary school application. Special education staff also work with families to select the most appropriate school setting for each child based on the child’s special education and related services needs. For more information, call (651) 767-8321.
|
Whom should I notify about my child’s health needs?
When enrolling your child in school, parents are encouraged to provide health information, medications and special procedure information to the school nurse. This information will allow the school to provide a safe learning environment for your child.
|
What Gifted Services are available?
Gifted Services include a variety of academic programs and competitions. At the elementary level, the Naglieri Non-verbal Ability Test (NNAT) is used to identify students for advanced program options. Students identified as gifted by the assessment may participate in gifted education programs offered in all of the schools or they may apply to attend Capitol Hill Magnet School. In addition, most elementary schools offer the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) program and have a teacher specialist on staff who coordinates gifted education programs.
At the middle school/junior high level, the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM), pre-Advanced Placement and advanced course work are among the options found throughout the school district.
At the senior high level, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, Advanced Placement (AP), College in the Schools, Quest and Post-Secondary Enrollment Option are among the choices offered for interested students. The school district provides opportunities for high school students to earn college credit while in high school. For more information about gifted services, call (651) 793-5525. For more information about enrollment requirements or services at a particular school, call the school.
|
|