Spring 2021 Information
- Updated Calendar
- School Start & End Times
- Reducing the Spread of COVID-19
- Breakfast & Lunch
- Childcare
- Technology & Internet Access
- Schedule Changes
- LEARNING OPTIONS
- Special Programs
- Student Registration Guide for 2020-21
Updated Calendar
School Start & End Times
We are moving our bus transportation to a three-tier model meaning that the start and end times for our schools throughout the 2020-2021 school year have changed. The new times are listed below
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Garlough, Mendota, Moreland, and Pilot Knob: 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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High School and Somerset: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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Friendly Hills and Heritage: 9:30 a.m. TO 4:00 p.m.
This will impact the pickup and dropoff times of our buses. In addition, due to guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Education, we are limited to the number of students we can transport on each bus. Fee-for- service bus transportation will not be available during the 2020- 2021 school year as we need to ensure we have space for those students who travel further.
Reducing the Spread of COVID-19
Face Coverings
Building Cleaning Protocols
- All routine cleaning and disinfection protocols (e.g., daily restroom cleaning and disinfecting) to continue
- Hand sanitizer stations installed throughout district buildings and on buses
- Disinfection of high-touch surfaces increased throughout the day
- All buses disinfected daily with electrostatic spray disinfectant
- In addition to regular cleaning, all rooms disinfected with electrostatic spray disinfectant a minimum of 2x/week
- In hybrid mode, in between A/B switches
- All employees expected to disinfect personal high-touch devices and work areas/stations
Ventilation
- All air handling units in the district are being evaluated to allow for maximum outside air flow based on outside air temperature.
- All of the district’s current ventilation systems meet or exceed American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) ventilation code.
- Opening building windows is not recommended due to negative impact on air distribution and filtration.
- Pre- and post-occupancy purge modes of operation will be utilized to ensure circulation of fresh air.
PPE
Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to protective clothing, helmets, gloves, face shields, goggles, facemasks, or other equipment designed to protect the wearer from injury or the spread of infection or illness.
The State of Minnesota will provide the following supplies to all public schools:
- Every K-12 student will receive one cloth face covering.
- Every school staff member will receive one cloth face covering.
- Every school will receive three disposable face masks per student.
- Every school will receive face shields for all licensed teachers and 50% of non-licensed staff.
In addition to what the state will provide, School District 197 will:
- Install plexiglass barriers in the main offices at each school
- Offer plexiglass table top barriers for check out
- Equip staff and students in special education programs with more restrictive face shields based on student need
- Additional face shields available for staff upon request
- Additional masks available for staff and students:
- Paper masks available in the main office and health office.
- Bus drivers will have masks to provide to students as needed.
Bus Cleaning Protocols
Transportation personnel will clean and disinfect the buses multiple times a day, with a focus on high-touch student surfaces and objects such as bus handrails, seats, and windows. In addition, transportation personnel will disinfect each used bus or vehicle with an electrostatic sprayer at least once each day.
Breakfast & Lunch
Childcare
Per the governor's executive order, emergency childcare for children in kindergarten through age 12 will be available for School District 197 students who are the children of Tier 1 critical sector workers. Childcare will be provided for free during the regular school day in either the hybrid or full-time distance learning models for Tier 1 families. Tier 2 families will be prioritized for any remaining spots and fees will apply.
Technology & Internet Access
For those times when students are learning from home, students in Kindergarten through grade 12 will need Internet access. Students in Kindergarten through 8 will be provided with iPads. Students in grades 9-12 will use laptops. High school students are asked to provide their own laptop. If they are unable, a laptop will be provided by the district. If you do not have reliable internet access, we will provide support and resources to assist you.
Buildings are currently planning how to best distribute devices to students in kindergarten, grade 5, grade 9, and newly enrolled students. Each building will communicate their plan directly to families.
Henry Sibley Textbook & Technology Collection & Distribution
As we prepare for the year ahead, it is imperative that we are able to get the right materials in the hands of our students.
In order to do this, we must collect materials, sanitize them, and then re-distribute to students for the 2020-2021 school year. In order to do this, we must collect materials, sanitize them, and then re-distribute to students for the 2020-2021 school year. Please note the following important dates for you to help us achieve this. Remember to wear a mask and remain socially distant from staff, other students and families at all times.
Distribution and collection of all devices and materials will be at the front entrance of the high school. We ask that you please park and walk up. See chart below for specific dates and times.
Schedule Changes
LEARNING OPTIONS
OPTION #1
This is the format based on local data, which may include in-person, hybrid, or distance learning and may vary over the course of the first semester.
OPTION #2
This is the format that provides full-time distance learning with NO in-person learning.
Families commit to full-time distance learning for semester 1 (September 14- January 22).
Instruction will be provided by School District 197 teachers. Synchronous/live online teaching will regularly occur in most classes with the amount per day varying by level.
Students will be placed in class with other full-time distance learning students where possible.
Students will be assigned a full complement of classes (grades 5-12) or a homeroom (grades K-4) to create a continuity of learning throughout the year. Some middle school and high school courses may not be available in the full-time distance learning format due to staffing/licensure/content.
Students will be able to connect with their teachers and peers in meaningful ways through Google Meet, Seesaw (K-4), and Canvas (5-12), video recordings, and other appropriate means of remote interaction.
Special Programs
Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) will be provided with services and supports based on the child's goals and objectives, within Option #1 and Option #2.
IEP Teams (including parents/guardians) will connect virtually prior to school starting to determine the service delivery plan and adaptations that best fit the needs of each individual student. Considerations will be made for inclusion options, teletherapy, and student schedules.
Students in Special Programs receiving over half of their school day in a special education setting will have the opportunity to attend up to four days in person if the district is in the hybrid scenario and the team determines that is what the student needs.
Any questions can be sent to Director of Special Education Sara Lein at sara.lein@isd197.org
