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South Saint Paul leaders outline back-to-school plans: ECFE moves to Kapoja, vaccine clinic, staggered start dates
Summary
District principals and the superintendent updated the board on early-learning relocation to Kapoja, family open houses, a donor gift, vaccine clinic plans and program changes (Win Wednesday, Xello). No formal votes were taken on these items.
District leaders used the Aug. 25 school board meeting to brief members on back-to-school logistics, the relocation of the district early-learning program and student supports for the coming year.
Kristen Somertano Weeks, the district’s early learning coordinator, told the board the Family Education Center program (ECFE) has moved into Kapoja. She said the district will hold an open house on Wednesday, Sept. 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Kapoja so families can visit the new space. Somertano Weeks said preschool enrollment is strong: “We are filling up. We've got 3 full classes of all day 4 year olds at Lincoln this year and 2 full classes of full day classes at Kapoja.”
Lincoln Center Principal Sophia Bulsard and other elementary leaders described classroom and program preparations. One principal noted Kapoja received a community donation and staff support: “Walzer Subaru was there today, and each teacher got, kind of a school supply kit along with what's coming is a $10,000 donation for our teachers to make sure that our kids have what they need throughout the year as well,” the principal said.
High school Principal Chuck Ochocchi outlined program changes at the secondary level, including adjustments to Win Wednesday and new tools for career planning. “Win Wednesday actually won't start until the seventh week of the trimester,” he said; Ochocchi also described a set of incentives and behavioral supports aimed at improving attendance and on-time arrival.
Superintendent Dr. Zambrino urged families to complete the district’s annual census and the application for educational benefits, noting those records tie to school funding and to fee waivers for families: “This is also the time of year where we push hard, for families to fill out the application for educational benefits,” she said. She also reminded families that state law requires immunization documentation; Dakota County Health will host a vaccine clinic in partnership with the district on Wednesday, Aug. 27 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the secondary building to help families meet requirements.
Officials described a staggered opening for students: Sept. 2 for grades 9, 12 and students new to secondary; Sept. 3 for grades 10 and 11 and other grades to follow on scheduled days. The district posted handbooks, supply lists and transportation information on its website.
No formal board action was required for these operational updates, which board members received as informational reports.
