COVID Update-1/25/21
The COVID Committee met yesterday and we have a plan to transition to an in person learning model.
Pre K-6 students returned to their respective buildings on Tuesday, January 5th. By February 9th, a few minor changes will be made. Preschool will be back to a larger group, specialists at Reede Gray will return to their classrooms, and small group interventions will also be allowed. All other mitigations in place continue as they are currently. There were a few adjustments that have been previously announced and communicated at the Middle School also.
The district has to comply with guidelines set forth by the state of Minnesota. These include additional prep time for our teaching staff and transitions of no more than three grades at a time per building site. With those factors here is our return plan:
There will be a transition day on Monday, February 8th for teachers to plan and rearrange anything that is necessary. There will be no school PreK-12 on February 8th. SACC will be available for registered families.
Grades 7-8 at the Middle School and grades 9-10 at the High School will commence the in person learning model (everyday) on Tuesday, February 9th.
Grades 11-12 will resume in person on Monday, February 22nd. Last but definitely not least.
Please also note that the school calendar will be altered starting in March to comply with the executive order on teacher planning time. The district will have an early release for students each Wednesday. Preschool will run until 2:50 on Wednesdays starting in March. Release time will be 1:15 at Reede Gray (K-4) and 1:30 at the MS/HS for grades 5-12. The first date will be Wednesday, March 3 and it will be each Wednesday for the remainder of the year.
With these changes, we realize social distancing is compromised, therefore it is important to continue to follow all other mitigations in place with fidelity-masking, handwashing and sanitizing, cleaning, seating charts, etc. In addition, teachers need to maintain 6 feet from students when possible. The district is excited to have our students back in school, but we want this to be a safe experience and we also want it to last for the duration of the school year. So we all need to be vigilant.
Families that are not comfortable with this learning model have the option to opt-out to distance learning. If this is something you choose to do, please contact your site level office. K-grade 10 by February 5th and Grades 11-12 by February 19th.
I apologize for the revolving schedules and changes but they have been necessary for safety and compliance with the state’s requirements. It is exciting that we are at this point and I hope we can finish the year in school with our students.
Becky Cselovszki, Superintendent of Schools