Dear EXPO families:
Welcome to the 2023-24 school year! All of us at EXPO look forward to seeing students in grades 1-12 on Tuesday, September 5, and Pre-K and kindergarten students on Thursday, September 7.
We are so excited for another school year and we are so thankful that you have chosen EXPO for your child and your family. We look forward to partnering alongside you to support the growth of your child this school year. We are very proud to announce the expansion of our PreK program at EXPO. We are expanding to 4 classrooms as well as partnering with Head Start. We also provide Advanced Math for students in grades 3-5. We will continue to offer Gifted & Talented, Phy Ed., Art, Science, and Outdoor Science for ALL.
At Saint Paul Public Schools, our mission is to inspire students to think critically, pursue their dreams and change the world. This means providing challenging and engaging instruction in welcoming classroom environments that represent and respect the diverse backgrounds of our students. This way, every student can feel seen, empowered and ready to find joy in learning.
The first day of school is exciting for students, families and staff alike. It can also be overwhelming. Here are a few things to know so you can help your students be ready for the first day.
In the Spring and over the summer teachers and staff created class lists for this school year. PreK and Kindergarten families will receive a letter in the mail welcoming them to EXPO and notifying them of their classroom teacher. Students in Grades 1-5 can check through iUpdate or at the Open House on Thursday August 31st from 4:00-6:00PM.
iUpdate
Please complete your Back-to-School required forms through iUpdate. Updating your information in iUpdate will ensure that you receive proper services, eligible transportation and important communications by U.S. mail, phone, email or text. One parent or guardian from each primary household is expected to complete iUpdate.
Parents and guardians:
Complete all annually-required school and district forms including the Technology Use Agreement (for student iPad use), field trip and media permission forms.
Add or change primary and/or alternative addresses to ensure accurate school-bus transportation to and from home and/or childcare addresses. Please complete iUpdate by September 1.
Need help? Call (651) 603-4348 or email familysupport@spps.org
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. Please arrive at the bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to pick up your child. Track the status of your child’s bus on our school’s website or the Bus Status app.
If you believe your student is taking the bus but did not receive a postcard, please call Transportation at 651-696-9600 as soon as possible.
School Drop-off and Pick-up
Parents/guardians who drive their children to and from school are asked to drop off and pick up their children at the back parking lot by the playground entrance at Pascal Street.
Parent drop off is 7:15-7:30 am & Parent pick up is 1:55- 2:05 pm
The following is a list of helpful tips for Parent Drop off/ Pick Up:
Signs in car windows at pick-up with student name(s), grade & teacher are very helpful!
Parents/Guardians who are willing/able to walk their child home/school or to/from a parked car is much appreciated--to limit the volume of cars.
School door opens with staff supervision at 7:15 am. Please do not let children out of cars or into buildings prior.
Please pull all the way around the half circle to drop off so we can unload 4-5 cars at a time.
Say goodbyes while in the car and be ready with backpacks at time of drop off.
If you want to walk your child to the door, you will need to park your car in the lot. Cars may not be parked or idle in drop off.
If you arrive after 7:30 am, there may not be staff outdoors. Back doors are locked. If you arrive after this time, you will need to drop your child off at the front entrance.
Elementary school students (PreK-5) who live less than a half-mile from school may have the option of walking to and from school with the school patrol. School patrols are led by older students and assisted by school staff and will be on duty before and after school. Mr. Mark Mueller, the school patrol lead at EXPO, will share additional details with families.
Process for student pick-up during the school day
Families seeking to pick-up students during the school day should phone ahead if possible. When a family member arrives for pick-up, please phone or use the school’s outside intercom system to let the office know you have arrived.
Meal Information
All students are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch under the Minnesota Free School Meal program. As students arrive at school, they can grab their breakfast and eat in class. Hot and cold breakfast options are available.
Single Item Purchases and Second Meals
Second meals, incomplete meals and single items, such as milk only, must be purchased. The 2023-24 meal and milk prices are:
Student Second Breakfast: $2.85
Student Second Lunch: $5
Milk Only: $0.50
For a complete list of prices, visit spps.org/ns.
Application for Educational Benefits
While all in-person students will receive free breakfast and lunch under Minnesota’s Free School Meals program, it remains critical that all families complete an Application for Educational Benefits each school year. These applications determine how much funding your child’s school receives for educational programs and supports. Additionally, eligible families can qualify for other benefits. The application can be completed online at schoolcafe.com/spps. Paper applications are available at school.
Child Care Before and After School
Discovery Club is a fun and nurturing child care program for students in 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, locations, and to register or join the waitlist, visit spps.org/discoveryclub or call 651-632-3793. *Before school care is unavailable for schools with a 7:30 a.m. start time.
Extracurriculars
Girls on the Run Club is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays during fall and spring sessions.
EXPO also offers after school classes on Mondays and Wednesdays through Community Education. In addition, band and Lego League may be offered through EDL. Please watch for additional information on extracurricular activities and events at our school in the upcoming Family Newsletters.
Student Rights & Responsibilities
SPPS strives to create welcoming schools where each and every student is seen, known and valued. There are rights students are guaranteed when they are at school as well as responsibilities that accompany those rights. Families are strongly encouraged to review the Rights & Responsibilities Handbook.
School Safety
Safety is a top priority at our schools. EXPO has an Emergency Operations Plan that is created specifically for our school and regularly reviewed. Families receive communication home when an incident directly impacts their students, such as a lockdown. Exterior doors are always locked and all visitors must sign in.
Families, students and staff can use the MySPPS app to “Send a Tip” and confidentially report unsafe behaviors to SPPS Security and Emergency Management (SEM). Every tip is taken seriously and acted on right away. Learn more at spps.org/safety.
Join our EXPO Council of Parents and Teachers
We meet on the 2nd Monday of each month from 6:30-7:00PM.
Contact Information
Please check our school website regularly, www.spps.org/EXPO for information and updates. If you have questions the website doesn’t answer, please call the front office at 651-290-8384 or email me at john.bjoraker@spps.org
Attached to this letter you’ll find the following important documents:
I’m looking forward to welcoming you and your child to a new school year. I’m so proud to be part of this wonderful school community.
Sincerely,
John Bjoraker, Principal
Important Dates
August 31: EXPO Open House- 4:00-6:00PM
September 5: 1st day of school for Grades 1-5
September 7: 1st day of school for PreK and Kindergarten
September 20: Dining Out for EXPO, Green Mill- 57 S. Hamline from 4:00PM-10:00PM
September 25: No School, Teacher Professional Day
October 10: Dining Out for EXPO, Chipotle- 867 Grand Ave from 4:00-8:00PM
Contact Us
Email: john.bjoraker@spps.org
Website: www.spps.org/EXPO
Location: 541 Warwick Street, Saint Paul, MN, USA
Phone: 651-290-8384