Superintendent Update 8/3/2020
The information we received last week from the Governor was close to what most superintendents were expecting except for the issue of implementing multiple models within a district at the start of the school year. The Governor and his administration, working with the latest scientific data through the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) came up with a formula to determine how school districts would open this fall. Along with this formula, it has been determined that younger students do not transmit the Coronavirus as readily as older students. Because of this, we are currently scheduled to start In-Person for all K-5 students and the Hybrid model for all 6-12 students.
In-person learning for all students: All students attending school with enforcement of social distancing and other safety protocols in place.
Hybrid model with strict social distancing and capacity limits: Similar to #1 but with only 50% capacity of students in the building.
Distance Learning Only: Very similar to what we did this past spring.
The formula used to determine what phase a school will open with and possibly change throughout the year calculates the 14-day county case level per 10,000 residents. This bi-weekly rate will be monitored up to two weeks prior to the start of school. As stated in the first paragraph this number puts us in the category of In-Person for our K-5 students and Hybrid for our 6-12 students.
It is also interesting to note the Hybrid model calculates a 50% capacity in your building. This 50% is calculated by the Fire Code. Under the Fire Code we could get all of our elementary students in the buildings under the Hybrid Model. Although we start the elementary in the In-person model, if we had to switch to the Hybrid model there would be no change in the elementary.
Although it may not seem like it is, the explanations given are an oversimplification on how this works. With every government mandate, there are many details to be worked out.
The 14-day county case level per 10,000 residents could change over the course of the next three weeks before school starts. Optimistically, the ideal scenario would have all of our high school students to return this fall. If we continue to follow the appropriate steps such as the wearing of masks, social distancing, washing of hands with warm soapy water, theoretically these numbers would decrease. These measures that we are taking have the highest probability of students coming back to school full-time and remaining full-time.
Please look for an email and letter in the coming days from the building principals in regard to an alternative learning plan for your child.
If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact me. The best way to reach me is through email. My email address is: gwinter@isd740.org
Greg Winter, Superintendent