Txuj Ci Upper Campus Newsletter

As we get closer to the last day of school and officially wrap up the school year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared and extend my deepest gratitude to all of you. Stepping into a school year with a new administration brings a unique set of challenges, excitement, and adjustments. Thank you for your immense patience, openness, and unwavering support as we learned together, established new systems, and laid down strong foundations for our school's future.

Getting to know your wonderful children and collaborating with you have been the absolute highlight of our year. Whether we chatted at school events, connected during conferences or cheered together at a sports game, your partnership is what makes our school such a special place to be.

Have a safe, relaxing, and wonderful summer break. May your days be filled with rest, laughter, and plenty of sunshine! I look forward to seeing everyone back in September.

ALL Elementary Students - Grades PreK-5

• All iPads should be returned to charging carts before the last day of school.
• Elementary students with IEPs or other specialized accommodations can choose to keep or return iPads over the summer. Staff should consult the student’s Case Manager if this accommodation is requested.

Secondary Students - Grades 6-11 and seniors attending summer session

• Students should keep iPads over summer.
• Students enrolled in summer school are required to bring their device.

Graduating Seniors Grade 12 (not attending summer or attending Focus Beyond or Journeys)

• Erase and return their device and charger to school. Help guides for erasing data and other info for seniors are available at spps.org/ipadhelp.

Exceptions

• Elementary students attending ESY should keep their iPads over the summer.
• All students at SPPS Online School should keep their iPads over the summer.
• Families not enrolled in SPPS or who prefer the iPad to stay at school over the summer should return the iPad and charger before the last day of school.
• Families can return iPads and chargers during the summer to the District Educational Operations Facility at 1930 Como Avenue or any summer school location.

Summer meals are available at NO COST to kids 18 and under, and those over 18 with a disability who are enrolled in a school program. Kids and teens can enjoy a meal at more than 50 schools, recreation centers, libraries and community sites starting June 17. The SPPS food truck will also serve meals at parks and community centers from June 22-August 21. For more information, click on the link.

This spring, the Community Science class has had multiple service-learning field trips. On a cold, windy day in early May, we partnered with Friends of the Mississippi River to stencil 32 storms drains in Hmong and English, distribute 73 door fliers, and pick up trash throughout the surrounding neighborhood of TCUC. Students learned about pollutants and how they enter our waterways through the storm drain system, then shared their knowledge with the surrounding neighborhood.

Community Scientists also partnered with Urban Roots and spent a morning learning and working in their Eastside Rivoli Bluffs Farm Site. Students learned about growing food locally, invasive plants, and potential future youth jobs in their gardens. They also helped pull invasive black mustard plants from their growing fields. We have been learning so much about the science in our Eastside community and the role we play in keeping our own communities healthy and vibrant.

8th Grade Recognition Ceremony - June 10th, 2:50-4:00 PM

On June 10, we will recognize our wonderful 8th grade students for their years spent learning and growing at TCUC. We invite all 8th grade families to join us in the school gym from 2:50-4:00 PM for this ceremony. Cake and lemonade will be served following the ceremony with time to take pictures and celebrate your 8th grade student. If your 8th grade student has siblings that attend TCUC and you would like them to join you at the ceremony, please send a note with permission to the school office so they may be excused from class.

8th Grade Valleyfair Day - June 11th

On the last day of school June 11, 8th graders will be going to Valley Fair to celebrate the end of their middle years and their time at Txuj Ci Upper Campus. Students will leave TCUC at 10AM and return to school around 6PM. Families will have to pick up their student from TCUC. There is no bus home. Please reach out to your student's Foundations teacher with any questions you have.

Summer Opportunities and Resources

Summer Learning Programs:

If you missed the chance to register for SPPS Summer Programs, you can still put them on the waitlist! Students will be accepted into programs based on availability. If the student is accepted in a program, families will receive an email confirmation. More information here: https://www.spps.org/academics/summer-learning-programs

Summer Reading Program with St. Paul Public Libraries: https://sppl.org/summer/

Summer Meals: SPPS partners with community sites to provide summer meals for children 18 and under. More information here: https://www.spps.org/about/departments/nutrition-services/summermeals

Ramsey County Food Resources: https://www.ramseycountymn.gov/residents/assistance-support/assistance/food-resources

Mental Health Resources:

For the Month of June:

Wed., June 10 - 8th Grade Recognition @ 2:50 PM

Thurs., June 11 - Last day for students

Fri., June 12 - Last day for staff

Txuj Ci HMong Language and Culture Upper Campus provides rigorous instruction specializing in the Hmong language and culture to preserve Hmong identity and pride. Hmong language, culture, and history are weaved throughout the curriculum and learning day. The middle school has a multicultural kitchen, auditorium, courtyard, and gardens.

Website: https://txujciupper.spps.org/

Office Phone Number: 651-744-1000

Hours: 9:40 am - 4:10 pm