Frequently Asked Questions

How will the school/district respond to any students or staff who test positive for COVID-19?
When notified of a confirmed case of COVID-19 involving staff or children, we will follow the guidance of the Minnesota Department of Health. Their team will complete contact tracing and determine any exposure through close contact (anyone who was within 6 feet of the person who is sick while they were considered to be infectious, for 15 minutes or more, regardless of whether either person wore a cloth face covering or face shield). The individual with the confirmed case will be isolated at home for at least 10 days, and for three days with no fever (without fever-reducing medicine) and improvement of respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) whichever is longer. Anyone with close contact will be guided to stay home for at least 14 days and monitor for symptoms.

Students in school who are demonstrating symptoms (fever of 100.4+, severe headache, sore throat, uncontrolled coughing that causes difficulty breathing, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of smell or taste) will be assessed by the school nurse and directed to the “Special Care Zone," an isolated area, until being picked up; the parent/guardian will contact the office upon arrival; the school nurse or designee, wearing personal protective equipment, will escort the student to the car and strongly encourage testing for COVID-19.

Will the school be checking student and staff temperatures daily?
No, the school will not be conducting daily temp checks on students and staff. Families will be asked (with supporting communication to all families) to self monitor student symptoms daily and stay at home if there are any symptoms.

How many students will be in a school at one time? How many students will be in a classroom at one time?Only 50% of student enrollment will be in any school at any one time. Classrooms will be at no more than 50% their occupancy load. The number of students will vary from elementary to middle school to high school classrooms based on their size and the range could be from 12 students to 20 students. Student seating will be spaced 6 feet apart.

If kids need to go to the nurse non-COVID related, will they be in the same area as quarantined kids?
Students in school who are demonstrating symptoms (fever of 100.4+, severe headache, sore throat, uncontrolled coughing that causes difficulty breathing, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of smell or taste) will be assessed by the school nurse and directed to the “Special Care Zone," an isolated area, until being picked up; the parent/guardian will contact the office upon arrival; the school nurse or designee, wearing personal protective equipment, will escort the student to the car and strongly encourage testing for COVID-19. 

Will truancy be a factor for kids/families that are quarantined? Will they be required to move to distance learning format for this time frame?
No. Truancy is related to unexcused absences. If a student is too ill to participate, then it is an excused absence. If the student is not ill, but must quarantine, then the student is expected to continue with school in a distance learning format. Each case will be different, based on the level, the number of students involved in the quarantine, and whether or not the teacher is also quarantined. The school will work with families to determine the best way for students to continue to participate. Schools will be working to support and accommodate families in these cases.  

What is the plan for students' social distancing during passing times?   
Across the district, student passing times have been increased to reduce the concentration of students in hallways, stairwells, and entrances at any one time. At Henry Sibley, the goal is to have staggered release from classes to reduce the number of students in the hallways at any one time. In addition stairwells will be one way, meaning one stairwell will go up while another will go down to eliminate students “passing” each other in those closed spaces.  

How will social distancing work for before/after school when kids are entering/exiting?
All schools are making plans to provide additional time during student passing, entering, and exiting to reduce the number of students in entryways, stairways, and hallways at any one time.

What about recess and gym? Will these be socially distanced?
All classes and activities during the school day will be planned with social distancing in mind.

How will social distancing work for before/after school when kids are entering/exiting?
All schools are making plans to provide additional time during student passing, entering, and exiting to reduce the number of students in entryways, stairways, and hallways at any one time.

If a student is quarantined due to exposure, does that quarantine extend to their siblings?
The Minnesota Department of Health says contacts of the close contacts, which could be parents or siblings, do not need to quarantine. That changes if the close contact gets sick or tests positive, then all the household members should stay home as well.   

Is there a specific threshold (e.g., a specific number of infections per class or per school) when a class will switch to distance learning? 
We are following the guidelines established by the Minnesota Department of Health and will be in consultation with them, as well as a Dakota County Public Health Nurse. The decision to shift to an alternative learning model will center on the impact of COVID-19 at the school level, while maintaining awareness of changes in viral activity in the community through continued review of the biweekly county-level case data. Situations that may necessitate a transition to a distance learning model include: The number of students and school staff who are absent or who are sent home with influenza or COVID-19-like illness reaches approximately 5% of the total number of students and staff in a school within a single week; OR A significant community outbreak is occurring or has recently occurred (e.g., large community event or large local employer) that has the potential to impact staff, students, and families served by the school community but has not yet resulted in increased cases within the school setting.

What happens if there is a child/staff member in a given class/school who is exposed to COVID and they come to school before they are aware that they have been exposed?
Once an individual has a confirmed positive case of COVID-19, public health officials will guide contact tracing to determine exposure and need for quarantine. A close contact is anyone who was within 6 feet of the person who is sick while they were considered to be infectious, for 15 minutes or more (regardless of whether either person wore a cloth face covering or face shield). Quarantine expectations will be determined on a case by case basis and may impact individual students, classrooms, departments, schools, or the district. Closing an entire classroom, school, or the district for 14 days will depend on the extent of exposure and whether there is the possibility of ongoing transmission in the program. Any closing decisions should be made in consultation with the MDH follow-up team.

Will teachers and staff members be tested before the school year starts since they have contact with the most people/students?
Staff members will be expected to self-monitor for symptoms daily, but will not be expected to test for COVID-19 prior to the start of the school year.

Will the school be made aware if a staff/student or other members of the household are getting tested or awaiting results of a COVID test?
When the Minnesota Department of Health is notified of a positive case, they begin contact tracing and will reach out to the school to provide guidance on communication and next steps. Given delays in testing results, individuals that are awaiting information are encouraged to let school staff know and remain at home until they are notified of test results.

If a student/staff member needs to isolate at home, then what are guidelines for return to school?  Does testing play a role in when you can/cannot return to school?
For students and staff members who received a laboratory test for COVID-19, they must stay home at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared AND until no fever for at least 24 hours without medication AND improvement of other symptoms. Siblings and household members also stay home for 14 days. For students and staff members needing to isolate at home due to a COVID-19 diagnosis without a lab test OR people with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 without a medical evaluation, they must stay home at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared AND until no fever for at least 24 hours without medication AND improvement of other symptoms.

Does any student with influenza symptoms automatically stay home for 2 weeks in the absence of access to a COVID test?
Following the guidance of the Minnesota Department of Health, all students and staff demonstrating COVID-like symptoms are expected to stay home at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared AND until no fever for at least 24 hours without medication AND improvement of other symptoms. For people with other diagnoses (e.g., norovirus, strep throat) that explain the symptoms, or when a health care provider says symptoms are connected to a pre-existing condition, students and staff are expected to stay home until symptoms have improved and to follow specific return guidance from the health care provider.

When is everyone in a middle school house stay home?  For example, if a teacher tests positive and students are rotating through his/her classroom all day does the whole house stay home?
The district will work with the Minnesota Department of Health to determine the need for isolation and quarantine based on exposure and close contact. Additionally, decisions regarding a shift from in-person learning to distance learning will be based upon the availability of staffing for class coverage.

What is the criteria for closing the school?
We are following the guidelines established by the Minnesota Department of Health and will be in consultation with them, as well as a Dakota County Public Health Nurse. The decision to shift to an alternative learning model will center on the impact of COVID-19 at the school level, while maintaining awareness of changes in viral activity in the community through continued review of the biweekly county-level case data. Situations that may necessitate a transition to a distance learning model include: The number of students and school staff who are absent or who are sent home with influenza or COVID-19-like illness reaches approximately 5% of the total number of students and staff in a school within a single week; OR A significant community outbreak is occurring or has recently occurred (e.g., large community event or large local employer) that has the potential to impact staff, students, and families served by the school community but has not yet resulted in increased cases within the school setting.

What criteria needs to be met before they will reopen?
School districts have some flexibility in making reopening decisions, provided that local case counts of the virus remain beneath particular thresholds and that guidelines for cleaning, health screenings and physical distancing can be effectively met in school buildings.

How are families notified when there is a confirmed case and they need to keep the kids home?
Notification of exposure and close contact will be communicated to families as directed by the Minnesota Department of Health and will occur via email or a telephone call from a school district staff member.

If a whole class/house is out on the 14-day quarantine, will they all transition to the distance learning model for that period of time? Will the teacher be the dedicated distance learning teacher or will the classroom teachers continue to teach online?
School district leaders will determine plans and communicate to students and families based on the unique circumstances of each situation. Possible options may include a shift to distance learning with their current teacher, a designated distance learning teacher,  or with a substitute teacher.

Can students return to the class earlier than 14 days if they have a negative test?  Does everyone in their family need to get tested for the student to be welcomed back “early”?
The school district will follow guidance of the Minnesota Department of Health for all scenarios regarding isolation and quarantine. Additional details can be found in the Decision Tree for People with COVID-19 Symptoms in Youth, Student, and Child Care Programs

Is self-monitoring symptoms for students and staff an effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our schools?
 Using self monitoring is a mitigation strategy used by multiple school districts and organizations, including health-based organizations. Medical researchers have questioned the effectiveness of temperature monitoring as a line of defense against COVID. The multi-symptom checking we are asking staff and families to participate is in alignment with the guidance we have received at this time.

Has thought been given to the responsibility of the district not to contribute to community spread? 
Yes. We take our role in the community very seriously. Again, we rely on the MDH and the MDE to provide us with a baseline approach to virus mitigation. All learning models we are presenting/considering (including distance learning) are more restrictive than the baseline learning model.

Has thought been put toward the idea of distance learning for everyone, while utilizing the schools for support for those who do not have a safe or appropriate space to study, as well as support for meals, and other needed services, and for some socializing?
This is a model that is under consideration.
 

If my child has a medical reason to not wear a mask, can they still attend in person?
Face masks are required for all students and staff based on the Governor’s Executive Order. Exceptions or alternatives (i.e., face shields) may be considered for staff, students, or visitors who cannot tolerate a face covering due to a developmental, medical, or behavioral health condition. Parents/Guardians will need to share concerns with the classroom teacher, special education case manager, and/or school counselor.

Will students with sensory sensitivities be required to wear masks while in the building?
Face masks are required for all students and staff based on the Governor’s Executive Order. Exceptions or alternatives (i.e., face shields) may be considered for staff, students, or visitors who cannot tolerate a face covering due to a developmental, medical, or behavioral health condition. Parents/Guardians will need to share concerns with the classroom teacher, special education case manager, and/or school counselor.  

Will students be required to wear a face mask during music?
We are working on adapting our music curriculum and reviewing the guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health as it relates to music and masks.

Will students be required to wear a face mask during physical education?
We are working on adapting our phy ed curriculum and reviewing the guidance from MDH as it relates to phy ed and masks.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS UPDATE

Thank you for your patience as we work through decisions regarding the offering of middle school sports for the upcoming school year. The framework is currently being finalized. Many of our conference schools are offering an inhouse option, so competitions will not occur with schools outside the district. Information regarding the sport specific options available, season start and end dates, practice times, as well as how to register will be communicated soon. 

Please keep in mind that participation in after school sports requires a current sports physical. Sport physicals are good for three years. CLICK HERE for the sports physical form. 

If you have additional questions, please contact Christian Lawver, the middle school athletic director. 

How will meals be handled?
Any food items not individually packaged will be served by Child Nutrition staff onto the student’s tray. Individually packaged food items, including milk, may be chosen by students and placed on their tray. All Child Nutrition staff members will wear masks and practice social distancing with students and coworkers at all times. Normal food safety protocols will be followed according to the district’s HACCP plan, with increased cleaning frequency of equipment and food contact surfaces. Elementary point-of-sale stations will have touchless account entry by cashiers identifying the students, by homerooms, by choosing the child on their screen and pulling the account up. Middle school and high school point-of-sale stations will have touchless account entry by students having a card with their student ID barcode read by a scanner.

We usually do a combination of lunches from home and "hot lunches" (provided by the school). Can we still do that when we are doing in-person learning?
Yes. Students are welcome to bring lunches from home as well as choose a "hot lunch" at school when they want. They do not need to choose one or the other.

What is the plan for lunch?
At Moreland, kindergarten and grade 1 will eat in the cafeteria while grades 2-4 will eat in their classrooms. At Heritage, students will be eating breakfast and lunch in their classrooms. Contact tracing for food personnel will be the same for any student or staff member who test positive. Here's what that looks like: When notified of a confirmed case of COVID-19 involving staff or children, we will follow the guidance of the Minnesota Department of Health. Their team will complete contact tracing and determine any exposure through close contact (anyone who was within 6 feet of the person who is sick while they were considered to be infectious, for 15 minutes or more, regardless of whether either person wore a cloth face covering or face shield). The individual with the confirmed case will be isolated at home for at least 10 days, and for three days with no fever (without fever-reducing medicine) and improvement of respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) whichever is longer. Anyone with close contact will be guided to stay home for at least 14 days and monitor for symptoms. Students in school who are demonstrating symptoms (fever of 100.4+, severe headache, sore throat, uncontrolled coughing that causes difficulty breathing, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of smell or taste) will be assessed by the school nurse and directed to the “Special Care Zone," an isolated area, until being picked up; the parent/guardian will contact the office upon arrival; the school nurse or designee, wearing personal protective equipment, will escort the student to the car and strongly encourage testing for COVID-19.

Will before and after-school SAC be available for Tier 1 critical sector workers?
School District 197 School Age Care is working on staff models that may include a before-school option at each middle school and Somerset Elementary, as well as an after-school care option at all district elementary schools. Once we have families registered for Emergency Child Care (school day hours) we will know our staffing needs and if we are able to provide this service based on staff capacity  If we are able to offer care during these additional hours it will be fee based and we will let all families who have indicated their need for childcare know of this additional option. Please fill out your registration as soon as possible. This will help us to plan each site according to childcare needs. You will be contacted with registration information when our plans have been finalized.

If you are a Tier 1 worker and choose the provided childcare, will the teachers help with schoolwork?
The intention would be to support distance learning during childcare so students can complete their work during the day. Students who are in our district-provided childcare will log in and participate in their at-home learning days just as if they are at home. Our childcare staff will be trained on how to assist students to find their work in SeeSaw (grades K-4) or Canvas (middle school) and students will be able to join class meetings from childcare.

What before-school and after-school care options are available to families that are not Tier 1 or Tier 2 workers?
The team is still trying to determine if they have enough staff members to provide before- and after-school care at all. That said, even if it is offered, it will go to Tier 1 and Tier 2 workers first (critical sector sector workers) so unfortunately if a family doesn't fall into either category it most likely will not be available at this time.

If the child will be in district-provided childcare during the day, when will they have time to get their school work done?
​​The intention would be to support distance learning during childcare so students can complete their work during the day. Students who are in our district-provided childcare will log in and participate in their at-home learning days just as if they are at home. Our childcare staff will be trained on how to assist students to find their work in SeeSaw (grades K-4) or Canvas (middle school) and students will be able to join special class meetings from childcare.​

For families that do not have childcare for their designated hybrid in school days, is there an opportunity to request to switch groups?We recognize that making the determination between Option #1 and Option #2 can be difficult for families. We are asking families to make that determination and commit for a semester so that we can determine the best staffing model for both students and staff. We recognize that there will be circumstances that will warrant requests to change, and we will work with families to meet those where/whenever possible. We will move students from Option #1 to Option #2 if needed due to a positive COVID case. We also recognize that this is a unique time and we will continually review our model and make changes as necessary.

In the hybrid model, on non-school days, will students be mixed with students from other schools?
Our goal is to not mix students from different schools. It will depend on if we have enough staff to care for kids within ratio and still operate at each site.

If we do not qualify for emergency childcare, what resources are available to families who are looking for childcare?
Please click here for resources to find a licensed childcare provider in your area
 

HENRY SIBLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Weather permitting, distribution will be outside the high school's new entry. If we have inclement weather, distribution will take place just inside the front doors.

Wednesday, September 2 

• A-D from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• E-I from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursday, September 3

• J-M from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• N-R from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Tuesday, September 8

• S-V from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• W-Z from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Wednesday, September 9
Newly Enrolled Students or Student with Device Issues

• A-L from 8 a.m.-11 a.m. 
• M-Z from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Students with device issues should bring their device & charger with them. Students should also back up anything they want to keep to their google drive prior to meeting with technology.

What specifications and software laptops will need to have for integration with Henry Sibley HIgh School's networks and teaching platforms?
Henry Sibley High School students have the option to use their own laptop for learning. Laptops are used to access web-based resources so they are not brand or model specific. Laptops are preferred (vs. tablets) for keyboard use in some courses. 

If a family is going to purchase a laptop for a high school student, what specifications will the laptop need in order to work with the school’s networks and teaching platforms?
Henry Sibley High School students have the option to use their own laptop for learning. Laptops are used to access web-based resources so they are not brand or model specific. Laptops are preferred (vs. tablets) for keyboard use in some courses.

What will in-person learning days look like?

Elementary

• In-Person
• Morning Meeting
• Literacy Direct Instruction with Small Group in grades K-2
• Reading and Writing Conferencing
• Math Direct Instruction
• Specialist Time (will take place in the classroom or outside if possible)
• Lunch/Recess
• Closing Circle

What will in-person learning days look like for middle school students? 
Students will be following their schedules on a daily basis. For middle school, they will be either attending their six classes (plus homeroom, recess and lunch) as usual if they are onsite, and, if they are learning at a distance, they will be completing their six assignments/lessons at home.  

What will seating look like at both middle schools?
Classrooms districtwide will be at no more than 50% of their occupancy load. The number of students will vary by level (from 12-20). Student seating will be placed 6' apart.

What will in-person learning days look like for high school students? 
For high school, students will be doing the same thing, but following their block schedule instead.  On site, they will attend periods 1,3,5, and 7 on their first day, and then periods 2,4,5, and 6 the second day.  If they are learning at a distance, they will do the same; periods 1, 3, 5 and 7 one day, and 2, 4, 5, and 6 the other. In both the MS and HS situation, students will be engaged in activities/lessons for all their periods (six at MS, seven at HS).  

If I start my child in Option #1, will there be an option to switch to Option #2 during the first semester?
Yes. The school district will work with families who are considering a transition from Option #1 to Option #2 during the semester.

Will AVID be available to students in either option?
Yes. We are working on ways to provide AVID to students in both Option #1 and #2.  

If we choose one option, can we change to another option during the semester?

 

  

Will there be a difference in course offerings between Option #1 and Option #2?
The administration has been working diligently to minimize any courses that would not be available in both Option #1 and Option #2. We offer single sections of courses that will have students in Option #1 and Option #2 in the same class. We are establishing methods and expectations which include synchronous/live opportunities. We are also actively meeting with our staff to review the curriculum. We are most concerned with the courses with significant hands on components such as metals, small engines, foods, etc. We are exploring all options to bring these courses to all students. If we find that we cannot offer a course, we will communicate with them broadly. If your child is impacted by a course that will not be offered in the distance learning mode, then your response to the registration form can be changed.  

Will band be offered in Options #1 and #2?
The Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment team is working with teachers to determine how all classes will be supported and valuable via distance learning. But the overall goal is to support all courses across Option #1 and Option #2.  

What if you choose distance but second semester choose hybrid? Will they have different teachers?
They may have different teachers or they may be the same. It will depend on the number of students participating in each option and the availability of staff.

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Option #2 - Distance Only Learning

What will distance learning days look like for elementary students?

• Synchronous Learning (estimated 2.0-2.5 hours on a daily basis)
• Morning Meeting on Google Meet (15-30 min)
• Reading Lesson on Google Meet with Independent Reading Time (45-60 min)
• Math Lesson on Google Meet with Independent Practice Time (45-60 min) 

Asynchronous Learning 

• Science, Health and Social Studies via activities in SeeSaw (20-30 min)
• Music, Art and PE  via activities in SeeSaw (30-45 min)

What is synchronous learning?

•  Synchronous learning is when class interactions happen real time through video conferencing and during the class schedule. It can occur through:
• Google Meets
• Individual or small group Google Hangout Chats
• Phone calls with students 
• Asynchronous learning is when students engage in class materials and complete work at their own pace, typically within a given timeframe.

Will AVID be available to students who choose Option #2?  
Yes. We are working on ways to provide AVID to students in both Option #1 and #2.

Will distance learning students in elementary or middle school be placed with kids from other schools?
At our elementary and middle schools it is one of our top priorities to keep full-time distance learning students with a teacher from their assigned school. The goal is that they stay connected with the school community so when they return to school in person they will feel a part of that community.

If a family with elementary children chooses Option #2, will their children only be grouped with children from their school?
At our elementary schools it is one of our top priorities to keep Full-time Distance Learning students with a teacher from their assigned school. The goal is that they stay connected with the school community so when they return to school in person they will feel a part of that community.

Can you share some examples of how the schools will implement meaningful increased opportunities for social interaction and social/emotional supports?
In both the distance and hybrid learning models, we will have structured class meetings designed to help students talk about difficult feelings and emotions. These class meetings will also include time for kids to share and learn more about each other. In addition, students have also been given the ability to initiate Google Meets with classmates to discuss school work or just have some play time.

What does a typical day look like for a middle school student in distance learning?
Middle school students can plan to spend 35- 50 minutes on each class each day. The type of assignments will vary depending on the subject. There will likely be times that will be synchronous where your student is meeting with the teacher in a small group as a whole class. The day could be thought of in two chunks: morning work, lunch break  and afternoon work. Students can complete work at times outside of 9:30 - 4 but teachers would hold any synchronous work during that time.  

If Option #2 is chosen, can a students still participate in sports? 
Yes. 

Will there be an orientation for incoming 9th grade students at Henry Sibley this year?
Yes! With the revision of the 2020-2021 calendar at the August 3 school board meeting, school administrators are working to identify a new Link Day. They are also awaiting a final board action re: the school's learning format to begin the new year. Once they know the final decision, they will communicate with families of incoming 9th grade students.

Special Education Education Q & A

Based on guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education Safe Learning Plan for 2020-21, Minnesota Department of Health Direct Services Guidance, and Executive Orders 20-81 and 20-82]

Question 1: How will a student with a disability receive special education services during the 2020-21 school year? 
Response: Within a  phased-in hybrid model, special education teams in School District 197 will develop Contingency Learning Plans for all students as an Addendum to their current IEPs. School Staff, along with input from parents/guardians and students (grade 9 and above), will develop a plan for special education services and adaptations in both the  hybrid (in person and distance learning) AND the distance learning only plan as part of an effort to move smoothly between models as guidance comes from the Governor, the Minnesota Department of Education, the Minnesota Department of Health, and school district leaders.

Question 2: As we begin the 2020-21 school year in a phased-in hybrid model, can students with disabilities from any grade receive in-person direct services, if needed, to make progress in the general education curriculum and on their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals?
Response: As students begin phasing into in-person learning that begins on September 21st, special education services will be available on-site for pre-K and kindergarten students.  As each grade level is phased in, special education services will become available on site.

Additionally, students that spend much of their day in special education classrooms within center-based specialized programs (Pre-K- grade 12 and transition programming) will also have the opportunity to begin receiving in-person services as early as September 21st. Reach out to your child’s case manager with any questions.

Question 3: Is there any situation where we could not bring students into school for additional services?
Response: Yes. If School District 197 is required by the Minnesota Department of Education to implement a distance learning model for all students, no student will be allowed in buildings for instruction or services for any reason. As stated in the 2020-21 Planning Guidance for Minnesota Public Schools,, distance learning is implemented when the severity of infection risk is so significant that in-person contact between school service providers and students must be minimized as much as possible until the risk is reduced and schools are adequately prepared to provide a safe environment for both students and staff.

Question 4: My child needs a special education evaluation. Can she come to school for this even if her grade level isn't "in person" during the hybrid phase?
Response: As School District 197  implements the phase-in hybrid model,  school leaders will follow the guidance of the Minnesota Department of Education to determine which students are in need of additional in-school services or activities based upon the need to complete initial evaluations and reevaluations in a timely manner. That could include students identified under the child find process for initial eligibility, students whose needs have changed and are in need of a reevaluation, students moving from Part C to Part B and in need of a Part B evaluation, or a student aging out under the developmental disability criteria and in need of evaluation to determine eligibility under other categories. District leaders can then provide additional in-school time for those students, as long as they are complying with public health guidelines.

How does hybrid look for Early Learning students?

• All classes will have a maximum of nine students with one teacher per room. Our day programs will run every day, full days, as many of our families need childcare.
• Five day and three day classes will come two days per week and receive distance learning materials for the rest of the week. Two day classes will come one day per week and receive distance learning materials for the other day.
• Online support will be provided on distance learning days.

Please call the Early Learning Program at 651-4034-8390 for more information on safety protocols and procedures.

 

Will regular grading be used or will the pass/fail model return?
At this time, we have not made any determinations on grading.

How will the houses work at Heritage?
We are working to maintain houses as they are in a traditional year.

Will singing still be part of the curriculum even though this has been shown to spread COVID in confined areas?
We are working with our music teachers to adapt our curriculum to meet the guidance from MDH and the CDC.

Will band/orchestra still be an option during hybrid or distance learning?
We intend to offer all courses. We are reviewing our curriculum to adapt to MDH and CDC guidance.

When can we expect a school supply list and will this vary based on the option we choose?
Supply lists are being posted to the district website. Students will not share supplies.

Are schools and/or teacher's unions reaching out to the state government in support of parents? What support or pressure is the education system putting on the state to provide safety measurements for families?
From a district perspective, we regularly advocate with the state department in support of the needs of our students, families, staff, and larger community.

Where will students be for recess if there is inclement weather?
Recess and Lunch will happen at all elementary schools. Each school may approach it a bit differently but it is a part of the in-person school day schedule. When required to be indoors, students would likely remain in their homeroom.

Where will specials (specifically art and physical ed) be held?
Specialist teachers will travel to the classroom and/or meet outside.

Will the Gifted and Talented program still be a part of distance learning? 
Yes, Gifted and Talented services will be a part of student learning this fall. But what services look like will depend on the current learning model (in-person, hybrid, or distance).