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Welcome to Barack and Michelle Obama Middle School
Located in a newly renovated building, Obama Middle School is purposefully designed to be the middle school pathway for students and families who are interested in experiential, hands-on learning.
Building Support for Middle School Success
Foundations helps students transition to middle school through a supportive class focused on academics, digital citizenship, social-emotional learning, and college and career exploration.
Rebekah Orensten Wins State Library Award
Our librarian was named School Media Innovator of the Year at the 2025 Minnesota Library Association Conference.
What’s New
![Two young girls making "eyeglasses" with their fingers]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1742593727/sppsorg/kd8z7wpamut2rlok4ejk/SLP.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1742593727/sppsorg/kd8z7wpamut2rlok4ejk/SLP.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1742593727/sppsorg/kd8z7wpamut2rlok4ejk/SLP.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1742593727/sppsorg/kd8z7wpamut2rlok4ejk/SLP.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1742593727/sppsorg/kd8z7wpamut2rlok4ejk/SLP.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1742593727/sppsorg/kd8z7wpamut2rlok4ejk/SLP.png","width":1920}])
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about Summer Learning Programs Coming Soon! (opens in new window/tab)
![Bus dropping students off at Randolph Heights]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1722534481/sppsorg/cdm1yfszz8wfk0rohinc/BTS-Bus.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1722534481/sppsorg/cdm1yfszz8wfk0rohinc/BTS-Bus.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1722534481/sppsorg/cdm1yfszz8wfk0rohinc/BTS-Bus.png","width":720}])
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about Where's My Bus? Download the My Stop App
![Students smiling with text that says Thank You Voters!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762363545/sppsorg/libuthnyfhlak4whsia4/ThankYouLawnSignCreative.pdf","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762363545/sppsorg/libuthnyfhlak4whsia4/ThankYouLawnSignCreative.pdf","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762363545/sppsorg/libuthnyfhlak4whsia4/ThankYouLawnSignCreative.pdf","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1762363545/sppsorg/libuthnyfhlak4whsia4/ThankYouLawnSignCreative.pdf","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1762363545/sppsorg/libuthnyfhlak4whsia4/ThankYouLawnSignCreative.pdf","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762363545/sppsorg/libuthnyfhlak4whsia4/ThankYouLawnSignCreative.pdf","width":1800}])
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about Thank You for Your Support!
![School librarian holds a certificate in front a bookshelf that says READ in blue wooden letters]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760993114/sppsorg/o4nz7gpynjcfmr8by1vn/RebekahOrensten.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1760993114/sppsorg/o4nz7gpynjcfmr8by1vn/RebekahOrensten.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1760993114/sppsorg/o4nz7gpynjcfmr8by1vn/RebekahOrensten.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1760993114/sppsorg/o4nz7gpynjcfmr8by1vn/RebekahOrensten.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1760993114/sppsorg/o4nz7gpynjcfmr8by1vn/RebekahOrensten.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1760993114/sppsorg/o4nz7gpynjcfmr8by1vn/RebekahOrensten.jpg","width":2200}])
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about Obama Middle School's Rebekah Orensten Wins State Library Award
![Obama Ribbon Cutting]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759255098/sppsorg/ncf5607teiobsumubmk7/Screenshot2025-09-30at125755PM.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759255098/sppsorg/ncf5607teiobsumubmk7/Screenshot2025-09-30at125755PM.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759255098/sppsorg/ncf5607teiobsumubmk7/Screenshot2025-09-30at125755PM.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1759255098/sppsorg/ncf5607teiobsumubmk7/Screenshot2025-09-30at125755PM.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759255098/sppsorg/ncf5607teiobsumubmk7/Screenshot2025-09-30at125755PM.png","width":1308}])
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about Ribbon Cutting Held for Obama Montessori and Middle Schools
![White SPPS logo on black background]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1756317579/sppsorg/spepf9f5daakngg3halo/SPPSPost-Black.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1756317579/sppsorg/spepf9f5daakngg3halo/SPPSPost-Black.png","width":371}])
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about Important School Safety Reminders
![animated school bus and text that says Back to School with Saint Paul Public Schools logo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1755708485/sppsorg/jytwuqqkijdoypuvcwyo/Screenshot2025-08-15at114750AM.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1755708485/sppsorg/jytwuqqkijdoypuvcwyo/Screenshot2025-08-15at114750AM.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1755708485/sppsorg/jytwuqqkijdoypuvcwyo/Screenshot2025-08-15at114750AM.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1755708485/sppsorg/jytwuqqkijdoypuvcwyo/Screenshot2025-08-15at114750AM.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1755708485/sppsorg/jytwuqqkijdoypuvcwyo/Screenshot2025-08-15at114750AM.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1755708485/sppsorg/jytwuqqkijdoypuvcwyo/Screenshot2025-08-15at114750AM.png","width":1818}])
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about Welcome to the 2025-26 School Year!
![School supplies spilling out of backpack]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1721408840/sppsorg/scm7nrvxvpsdpsjzpnvz/SchoolSupplies.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1721408840/sppsorg/scm7nrvxvpsdpsjzpnvz/SchoolSupplies.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1721408840/sppsorg/scm7nrvxvpsdpsjzpnvz/SchoolSupplies.png","width":720}])
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about School Supply Lists & More! (opens in new window/tab)
![Three calendars stacked next to a blue pencil]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1704234281/sppsorg/ngjecw6af80xapugt4rb/Calendar1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1704234281/sppsorg/ngjecw6af80xapugt4rb/Calendar1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1704234281/sppsorg/ngjecw6af80xapugt4rb/Calendar1.png","width":720}])
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about Board of Education Approves Upcoming School Year Calendars
![Headshot of Amanda Herrera-Gundale]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1734108300/sppsorg/nlappmml42nx9tcymgmb/AmandaHerrera-Gundale.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1734108300/sppsorg/nlappmml42nx9tcymgmb/AmandaHerrera-Gundale.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1734108300/sppsorg/nlappmml42nx9tcymgmb/AmandaHerrera-Gundale.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1734108300/sppsorg/nlappmml42nx9tcymgmb/AmandaHerrera-Gundale.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1734108300/sppsorg/nlappmml42nx9tcymgmb/AmandaHerrera-Gundale.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1734108300/sppsorg/nlappmml42nx9tcymgmb/AmandaHerrera-Gundale.jpg","width":1613}])
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about Amanda Herrera-Gundale Named Principal of Obama Middle School
Welcome to Obama Middle School
![Two middle school boys walking down a school hallway next to each other]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765314814/sppsorg/jwfoxyrw567v8zajeuol/20251114_spps_0432.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1765314814/sppsorg/jwfoxyrw567v8zajeuol/20251114_spps_0432.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1765314814/sppsorg/jwfoxyrw567v8zajeuol/20251114_spps_0432.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1765314814/sppsorg/jwfoxyrw567v8zajeuol/20251114_spps_0432.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1765314814/sppsorg/jwfoxyrw567v8zajeuol/20251114_spps_0432.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1765314814/sppsorg/jwfoxyrw567v8zajeuol/20251114_spps_0432.jpg","width":2200}])
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about Tour Our School (opens in new window/tab)
![Obama main entrance]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765314273/sppsorg/n8f0crids6gffgeo3dna/20251114_spps_0374.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1765314273/sppsorg/n8f0crids6gffgeo3dna/20251114_spps_0374.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1765314273/sppsorg/n8f0crids6gffgeo3dna/20251114_spps_0374.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1765314273/sppsorg/n8f0crids6gffgeo3dna/20251114_spps_0374.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1765314273/sppsorg/n8f0crids6gffgeo3dna/20251114_spps_0374.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1765314273/sppsorg/n8f0crids6gffgeo3dna/20251114_spps_0374.jpg","width":2200}])
Located in a newly renovated building attached to Barack & Michelle Obama Montessori, Obama Middle School is purposefully designed to be the middle school pathway for students and families who are interested in experiential, hands-on learning. This new school serves sixth grade only in 2025-26, and will add a grade each year to become a full 6-8th grade middle school in 2027.
![Students sitting in large gym listening to an african american female reading a story]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765314353/sppsorg/qzmvwitephxvqtgayeqn/20251114_spps_0592.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1765314353/sppsorg/qzmvwitephxvqtgayeqn/20251114_spps_0592.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1765314353/sppsorg/qzmvwitephxvqtgayeqn/20251114_spps_0592.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1765314353/sppsorg/qzmvwitephxvqtgayeqn/20251114_spps_0592.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1765314353/sppsorg/qzmvwitephxvqtgayeqn/20251114_spps_0592.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1765314353/sppsorg/qzmvwitephxvqtgayeqn/20251114_spps_0592.jpg","width":2200}])
Principal Herrera-Gundale has spent the last 22 years in SPPS, beginning as a bilingual elementary teacher and most recently serving as an assistant director in the Office of Teaching and Learning since January 2022. She has spent much of her last 10 years focused on middle schools.
![Students and school principal planting a tree outside the school]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765314470/sppsorg/yb0xozbsvxy7ejjev69a/20251114_spps_0187.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1765314470/sppsorg/yb0xozbsvxy7ejjev69a/20251114_spps_0187.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1765314470/sppsorg/yb0xozbsvxy7ejjev69a/20251114_spps_0187.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1765314470/sppsorg/yb0xozbsvxy7ejjev69a/20251114_spps_0187.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1765314470/sppsorg/yb0xozbsvxy7ejjev69a/20251114_spps_0187.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1765314470/sppsorg/yb0xozbsvxy7ejjev69a/20251114_spps_0187.jpg","width":2200}])
Like the Montessori model, the middle school model is centered around a team of teachers and advisors who work together to meet the social-emotional and academic needs of students.
Obama Middle School
at a glance
Obama Middle School is purposefully designed to be the middle school pathway for students and families who are interested in experiential, hands-on learning.
Go Pilots!
Students are challenged and inspired to reach their full potential in preparation for success in high school..
Service to Community
Students grow to be responsible leaders and mentors who give back to the school community.
Grade-Level Cohorts
Each grade is housed on its own floor to create a space for each grade to build community.
Hands-on learning
Students build skills and apply critical thinking through project-based, real-world learning.
Calendar
all day
all day