08/12/2026
Dear Frost Lake Families:
Welcome to the 2026-27 school year! All of us at Frost Lake look forward to seeing students in 1st - 5th grade on Tuesday, September 8, and Pre-K and kindergarten students on Thursday, September 10.
This year, we are especially focused on deepening our partnership with you. When families and educators work together, our students thrive. Whether it’s through joining our PTO called Frost Lake Collective, attending family events, or staying connected with classroom updates, your involvement makes a world of difference. We are excited to build on our strong school community and support your child’s growth every step of the way!
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.
Daily attendance is an important part of student success. If your student is ill, check SPPS’s illness guidelines at spps.org/studentwellness. Please notify us at (651)744-2743 as early as possible if your child will be absent. You can now report student absences in advance through the Absence Request tool in Infinite Campus Parent. Review this step-by-step guide and video for instructions. 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.
Complete Back-to-School Forms
Parents and guardians in primary households can now complete the 2026 Back-to-School Forms. Log into Infinite Campus Parent to update your phone number and email address, verify your home address, and complete required forms. Please complete this process by August 14, 2026, to ensure your student receives school bus transportation (if eligible) on the first day of school. Visit spps.org/families for assistance with your Infinite Campus Parent username, password and language support.
Open House
Please join us at our open house to welcome students and families to a new year on Thursday, September 3 from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
School Hours
School begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. Students will not be able to enter the building before 9:15 a.m. Families will be able to enter the school with their child from September 8-11 between 9:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., however, beginning September 14, families may only come to the office and make an appointment with staff.
Transportation
Families will receive an email with transportation information at the end of August. The email will include where and when to get on and off the bus. The bus drop-off time is approximate and could be impacted by a variety of factors. Please arrive at the bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to pick up your child. The Versatrans My Stop app provides live bus route tracking and approximate daily pickup times.
If you believe your student is taking the bus but did not receive an email, please call Transportation at 651-696-9600 as soon as possible.
School Drop-off and Pick-up
Drop-Off Information
Time: 9:15 AM to 9:30 AM.
Waiting: Stay in your vehicle in the loop off Hoyt Avenue.
Timing: Do not let your child exit before 9:15 AM.
Safety: Have your child exit on the sidewalk side only.
Movement: Keep vehicles stopped while children are on the sidewalk.
Departure: Wait for a staff member's signal before moving.
Park at the church if you wish to enter the school with your child.
Pick-Up Information
Location: Children wait in the cafeteria at the end of the day.
Readiness: Students are ready by 3:55 PM.
Parking: Park at Hoyt Avenue or the church across from Frost Lake.
Arrival: Walk along the sidewalk leading to the playground.
Check-In: Staff will check you in at the cafeteria doors.
Process: Remain outside while staff bring your child to you.
Duration: Expect 10–15 minutes initially while students learn the routine.
Walking to School
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. Visit our Walker/Student Pick Up Booth at Open House to gain more information and let us know your plan for dismissal.
Dismissal
If your child’s dismissal plans change, please alert the office (651)293-8930 before 3pm to ensure this will happen. You must pick up your child from school by 4:00pm.
Other Information
Dress: If your child’s clothing represents something that they are not of age to do, your child will
be asked to cover it or change it.
Recess: All students go out to recess each day that the weather permits. Your child must have a
doctor’s note to remain inside when the class goes out. Tennis shoes are best for your
child to have on during recess.
Toys and Treats: Toys and treats must be left at home. Do not send any food to school to share
with other students on birthdays or other special occasions. We will not be able to give these to
other children.
Meal Information
In-person students may receive one breakfast and one lunch for free each school day under the Minnesota Free School Meals program. As students arrive at school, they can grab their breakfast and eat in class. Hot and cold breakfast options are available.
To qualify as a free school meal, students must take a complete meal, including a fruit or vegetable. If a student does not take a complete meal, their meal account will be charged for the items individually.
Student Second Breakfast: $3.50
Student Second Lunch: $5.75
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, including SUN Bucks (formerly known as Summer EBT Benefits) and 50% off Amazon Prime membership. The application can be completed online at schoolcafe.com/spps. Paper applications are available at 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.
Child Care 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* and after school, on non-school days and during the summer. Early registration is encouraged as 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.
The St. Paul Parks and Recreation has an after-school Rec Check Program. Registration is first-come, first-served online through the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Registration Portal or by calling your local recreation center directly.
Extracurriculars
Extended Day Learning: 3rd-5th grade students will be able to stay after school on Monday and Wednesday beginning October 19. Transportation will be provided for students who are eligible for bussing. More information to sign your child up will be sent home after the school year gets underway.
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.
Cell Phone Policy
In general, cell phones and other personal electronic devices are not allowed during school hours.
Students with Disabilities
SPPS has a responsibility to identify and evaluate any student who may have a disability and need services and/or accommodations to access their education. If you believe your child may have a disability that is eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504, please contact your child's teacher, school counselor or school nurse.
School Safety
Safety is a top priority at our schools. Frost Lake 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. Please review our Standard Response Protocol language, which differentiates safety situations. Exterior doors are always locked and all visitors must sign in.
Families, students and staff can “Send a Tip” at spps.org/safety to confidentially report unsafe behaviors to SPPS Security and Emergency Management. Every tip is taken seriously and investigated right away.
Contact Information
Please check our school website regularly, frostlake.spps.org, for information and updates. If you have questions the website doesn’t answer, please call the front office at (651)293-8930.
Attached to this letter, you’ll find the following important documents:
School Supply List
2026-27 School Year Calendar
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,
Melissa Ehlers, Principal
Frost Lake Elementary School
