Randy's News

Welcome Back!

Welcome to the 2026-27 school year! We are incredibly excited to get the new year started, and we are ready to welcome all of our new 1st - 5th grade students on Tuesday, September 8th, and our new kindergartners on Thursday, September 10th.

I hope everyone enjoyed the summer and had many opportunities to engage in fun, relaxing activities that helped recharge your batteries for the coming year. The entire staff is looking forward to making this upcoming year memorable and awesome!

Boo Hoo Breakfast

For all of our kinder parents, please join us and your fellow parents at the "Boo Hoo" breakfast on Thursday the 10th. After you drop your student off (outside the classroom) join others outside of the library (weather permitting) on the lawn for coffee, donuts, and conversation. Meet the PTA and make new friends to start the year. If the weather does not cooperate, we will be in the library.

Open House

Just a reminder for everyone that our Open House is tomorrow (Thursday) from 5:00 to 6:30. We are welcoming students with last names N-Z from 5:00 to 5:45 and students with last names A-M from 5:45 to 6:30. Come in and meet your teacher, bring in your supplies and get a popsicle from the PTA.

Important Technology Information

Dear Randolph Heights Families,

I am writing today with an update on technology use at our school. Saint Paul Public Schools is responding to family and staff feedback about screen time, social-emotional effects of technology, and the continued need for hands-on learning. There are many new and continuing technology safeguards in place for students in the 2026-27 school year. More information is available at spps.org/digital-support.

Here is a list of ways we are keeping our elementary students safe and engaged.

YouTube is blocked on student iPads in grades PreK-5. Students will still be able to view videos that teachers have embedded into Seesaw.

Google Gemini and other Artificial Intelligence websites are not available for all elementary students.

Gmail is disabled in grades PreK-3.

Elementary students’ iPads remain in the classroom and are only sent home in specific circumstances, such as e-learning days.

Digital Citizenship is a requirement for Saint Paul Public Schools. All students PreK-12 complete Digital Citizenship, Online Safety / Privacy, Online Behavior and Cyberbullying lessons in class each fall. Teachers review lessons with students periodically throughout the year.

Additional student iPad security and restrictions are being enabled to keep students safe and focused. Among these changes:

No mass e-mailing. There is a 35 recipient maximum for emails on student Gmail accounts.

Students are unable to sign into their personal Google Account on their iPads.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Google search results have been limited and reduced from student access.

What you can do at home:

Families can use the free Securly app to manage your student's school iPad when it is at home. You can pause internet access, block specific websites or schedule offline time. In the Securly app, enter your Campus Parent email then tap “get instant access” to set up your account.

Families can also use iPad “Screentime Reports” (inside the Settings App) for similar controls and usage information. Elementary families can speak to their student’s teacher for more information.

Please reach out to me directly with any concerns about iPad or technology use.

Sincerely,

Tim Williams, Principal

Randolph Heights

Save the Date

Just a reminder that the PTA has playdates scheduled for families to come out and enjoy the playground and meet new friends. It is an opportunity to get some exercise and make connections with new classmates for students and adults.

Students in kindergarten - 2nd grade (and siblings) can come to the playground on September 16th from 6:00 to 7:00. Popsicles will be provided through the PTA.

Students in 3rd - 5th (and siblings) can come on September 17th from 6:00 to 7:00. Popsicles will again be provided by the PTA.

Hope to see many of you there!