South Saint Paul High School administrators presented four new course proposals and the board voted Nov. 24 to approve them as registration options for students.

Principal Occhocchi and Natalie Tortlett said the district solicited course proposals from teachers and reviewed them using a 23‑question rubric that covers alignment, delivery method and impact on existing courses. The board approved:

• Arabic Language and Culture — a year‑long elective for grades 9–12 that introduces the Arabic alphabet, basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and explores aspects of Arabic‑speaking cultures.

• Latino Studies — a one‑trimester interdisciplinary elective for grades 10–12 that explores Latin American history, culture and contemporary social issues using film, literature and primary documents.

• Bilingual Podcast — a year‑long course for grades 9–12 in which student teams (English and Spanish speakers) research, design and produce bilingual audio and transcripts for a district podcast.

• Introduction to Ojibwe — a year‑long elective for grades 9–12 introducing Ojibwe vocabulary, phrases and cultural context; administrators noted tribal and state guidance for language offerings and said the district’s American Indian liaison is an Ojibwe speaker and will be involved in planning.

Administrators emphasized that board approval makes courses available for students during registration but does not guarantee a class will run; they said a typical enrollment threshold to run a course is between 22 and 25 students and counselors will work with students if a course cannot be offered. The district is also exploring Tri‑District partnerships to build enrollment for some offerings.

Board members commended the proposals as creative, aligned with state social‑studies expectations for ethnic studies and attractive to students; the motions to approve the course proposals carried 6‑0.