Dear parents/caregivers:
Please note: The information below does not apply to students enrolled in the year-long Distance Learning Academy (DLA).
Today, Governor Tim Walz provided new guidance for bringing secondary students back for in-person learning, either part-time (hybrid model) or full-time (full in-person learning model), “as long as [schools] are able to implement all updated health and safety measures.”
As you know, our elementary students are already in full in-person learning (under revised state guidance specific to elementary grades), and secondary students started returning in the hybrid model today.
We will now take time to examine all the elements of today’s updated guidance that includes, among other directives, social distancing requirements of six feet “whenever feasible” and a minimum of three feet at all other times.
Please know that our desire is for all students (except those who chose the DLA) to be able to return for full in-person learning as soon as it is feasible to do so. We believe in-person learning best supports our students’ academic, social-emotional, and nutritional well-being. We will now carefully consider the implications of the new guidance for secondary school operations, and I will follow up with more information by no later than March 1.
As always, I thank you for your patience and understanding during this challenging year. I recognize that there are wide-ranging perspectives about the “right” course of action. With every learning model implementation, our goal is to help ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
Reminder: Students in grades 10 and 11 will return in their hybrid model groups starting March 1.
Respectfully,
Cory McIntyre
Superintendent
