Welcome to the 2024-25 school year!

 
Greetings, East African Magnet School families:
 
Welcome to the 2025-26 school year! Thank you for your confidence in our school. All of us at the East African Magnet School look forward to seeing students in grades 1-7 on Tuesday, September 2, while Pre-K and Kindergarten students will return on Thursday, September 4.
 
We are delighted to add grade 7 this year as we grow towards becoming a Pre-K to grade 8 school. Our focus areas will be literacy, math, socio-emotional learning, and language and culture in Somali and Arabic.

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.
 
Attendance is an important part of student success. Missing less than nine days of school each year helps students to stay engaged, experience success in their schoolwork and keep on track to graduate on time.​We recognize there are many reasons a student may be absent from school. If your student is ill, check SPPS’s illness guidelines at spps.org/studentwellness. Please notify our school by calling the main telephone line at 651-744-6420 at your earliest convenience if your child will be absent. Communication between home and school is vital to a positive school experience. More information about consistent attendance can be found at spps.org/attendance.
 
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.

Open House

Please join us at our open house to welcome students and families to the new school year on Thursday, August 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. You will be able to visit your children’s classrooms and teachers.

School Hours

School begins at 8:30 AM and ends at 3:00 PM. Students will pick up breakfast to-go and eat in their classrooms.

Complete Back-to-School Forms

Parents and guardians in primary households can now complete 2025 Back-to-School Forms. Update contact information, complete required forms, and verify your address for transportation at spps.org/families.

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 the school 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 will drop-off and pick-up students at the parking lot on Thomas Avenue by doors 1 & 2. But bus drop-off and pick-up will be on Edmund Avenue by doors 8 & 9.

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 2025-26 meal and milk prices are: 

• Student Second Breakfast: $3
• Student Second Lunch: $5.25
• 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 the school.

Immunizations

Please check in with your healthcare provider to ensure your child’s immunizations are current before school starts in the fall. Visit spps.org/studentwellness or call our school nurse for more information.

Childcare Before and After School

Discovery Club is a fun and nurturing childcare 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.

Extracurriculars

Our school will be hosting Extended Day Learning program and First Lego League practice through SPPS. These will be offered two days a week. We will let you know when to sign-up your children.

Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook

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. The East African Magnet School 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.

Contact Information

Please check our school website regularly, https://eastafricanmagnet.spps.org/
for information and updates. If you have questions the website doesn’t answer, please call the front office at 651-744-6420.
 
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,
Dr. Abdisalam Adam, Principal
East African Magnet School