Sent to all district families and staff on January 11, 2022

​RE: Pandemic Response Update - No School for Students January 14

The operating challenges facing Shakopee Public Schools, as shared on Janaury 5, are not improving. These challenges continue to impact transportation, teacher staffing, support staffing and student attendance. We are continuing to monitor the situation and do everything we reasonably can to carry on with in-person learning. However, the chances that parts of our district may move to temporary distance learning continue to grow more likely. 

As part of the ongoing COVID mitigation efforts, Friday, January 14  will be adjusted to a 'no school day' for all PreK-12 students . Previously, this day was scheduled as a two-hour early release day for grades K-12. All schools, including Pearson Early Learning Center, Tokata Learning Center and Shakopee Online, will not have school for students on Friday. 

Childcare on Friday, January 14, through our partner River Valley YMCA, will be available free of charge for students in grades K-5. K-5 childcare will be offered at Eagle Creek Elementary from 7am - 5:30pm on Friday. All families, including those that may have previously been registered for the early release day, must sign up prior to Friday by clicking here and choosing the Eagle Creek location. If you were previously registered for care on Friday, the YMCA will apply credits to your account. Pearson Early Learning Center childcare information will be provided directly by that site.

For the time being, our district is continuing in-person learning. Should our district need to make some form of change from in-person to distance learning, we will make every effort to communicate such a change in as timely a manner as possible.

Monday, January 17  will remain a holiday/no school day for all PreK-12 staff and students. 

We appreciate your ongoing support.

• Sent to all district families and staff on January 7, 2022

  ​RE: Updated Health & Safety Protocols

  As previously announced, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) made changes to their guidance for COVID-19 isolation and quarantine protocols. On Wednesday evening (January 5), the district received a message from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). This message shared that we can now refer to the new CDC guidance and their revised guidelines that allow for shortened quarantine and isolation under certain circumstances. The MDE also stated that the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will soon be updating their guidance materials to align with the CDC recommendation. 

  Effective Monday, January 10, 2022, Shakopee Public Schools will follow the CDC’s recently updated health & safety protocols as they pertain to shortened isolation and quarantine.  Please review the Health & Safety Guide online here.

  As noted in the Guide, student and staff COVID-19 safety precautions remain unchanged, but rather the guidance that the district health services team will provide to COVID-19 infected or exposed individuals noted on pages 6 and 7 will result in adjustments. The present district-wide face mask rule also remains unchanged at this time and is listed on page 3 of the Guide. 

  If a staff member or student is presently in isolation due to a positive COVID-19 test or quarantine, a separate message will be sent to those individuals by 6pm this evening regarding any return to school date adjustments and guidance. 

  If you are home due to COVID-like symptoms and have contacted the health services team or your school attendance line, please plan to provide a negative COVID-19 test result or doctors note with an alternative diagnosis to return to school. If the individual chooses not to test or pursue an alternative diagnosis, they must stay home for 5 full days from the onset of symptoms. A person cannot return after that time unless symptoms have improved and are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications.

  The health & safety of our staff, students, families and communities remains a top priority. If you are experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms, please stay home and consult with the health services team for further guidance. For a list of district attendance lines, please click here. 

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  COVID-19 Optional At-Home Test Kit Reminders:

  • Staff:
    • Each school and district building has a supply of the BD Veritor individual rapid antigen test kits. Each kit contains two tests that may be administered at home following the manufacturer directions. 
    • A kit can be requested from your building front office or health services team. 
    • Access to a smartphone is required and not all models may be compatible.
  • Students:
    • Each of our schools has a replenished supply of at-home COVID-19 test kits for use by our students. The kits are free of charge and optional to families for their students in the district. Each kit contains two tests and both tests must be used as directed if serving as a return to school test.
    • Should a parent/guardian desire a test kit for their child or children, they should contact the school office directly. The health services team is also able to assist when directly supporting a student/family.
    • If you have multiple children enrolled in more than one school, please inform the office at one school and they can provide a test kit for each of your children if there is enough supply on hand.
    • Kits are reserved for district students.

Sent to all district families and staff on January 5, 2022

RE: Pandemic Update

This week, the operating challenges for Shakopee Public Schools have increased. These challenges involve transportation, teacher staffing, support staffing and student attendance. At this moment in time, we are not making any changes to our services or schedules. The remainder of this communication shares information about the changing nature of the operating challenges facing our district. It also provides information about changes we may need to make in the coming days.  

The district has communicated, on multiple occasions, that the best form of learning for most students is in-person. In light of the challenges being presented by the current increase in COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant, the district is creating plans that could result in targeted shifts from in-person learning to distance learning for grades K-12 in the coming days. These potential shifts to distance learning are unfortunate, but in light of the rapidly increasing operating challenges currently facing the district, such changes are the most prudent strategy. 

The current omicron variant driven ‘wave’ of the pandemic is different from previous waves during the pandemic. Experts are stating there will likely be a very rapid increase in the number of infections as the omicron variant is more rapidly transmissible. The experts are also sharing that the duration of this omicron wave is likely to be shorter than previous waves during the pandemic. So, any changes that may need to be made will hopefully be for a short duration. 

Our goal is to make as few targeted shifts as possible, and for such shifts to impact only individual classrooms, when possible. That said, it will be the impact of the pandemic and our district’s ability to operate that will ultimately determine the nature and scope of shifts from in-person to distance learning. Thus, it is possible shifts to distance learning could extend beyond individual classrooms to a grade level, an entire school or even the entire district should the operational challenges escalate to extremely high levels.  

One very concerning current challenge is staffing bus routes. Should this challenge increase to the level where we are unable to fill multiple routes, it is possible Shakopee High School would move to distance learning to help offset this district-wide challenge. Such a move would allow for consolidation of bus routes and greater flexibility in serving the transportation needs of our district’s middle and elementary schools. This move would also allow for greater support being shifted to grades K-8 in the form of substitute teachers and other staffing. 

This communication is being sent to keep all staff, students and families informed of potential learning model shifts. Again, there are no specific plans of action at this time. Should changes become necessary, we will work to communicate in a timely manner. For the latest district and County COVID-19 data, please click here.

Stay well and know that we appreciate your continued support. 

Sent to all district families and staff on December 30, 2021

RE: COVID-19 Winter Break Update

As our district prepares to return to school on Monday, January 3rd, we are sharing the following COVID-19 health and safety protocols update with staff, students and families.

Face Mask Rules: As COVID-19 cases per 10,000 have not fallen below 40 for ten days (or below 35 for five days), face masks will continue to be required for all persons in grades PreK-12 and throughout district buildings. Please visit the district website for more information on these case rates as well as a link to the current School Board approved COVID-19 health and safety resolution.

COVID-19 Optional At-Home Test Kits:

• Staff: Each school and district building has a supply of the BD Veritor individual rapid antigen test kits. Each kit contains two tests that may be administered at home. The district health services team and local school nurses will support staff at-home test kit needs.
• Students: Each of our schools has a replenished supply of at-home COVID-19 test kits for use by our students. The kits are free of charge and optional to families. Should a parent/guardian desire a test kit for their child or children, they should contact the school office directly. If you have multiple children enrolled in more than one school, please inform the office at one school and they should be able to provide a testing kit for each of your children, even if they attend another one of our schools.

Isolation & Quarantine Guidelines: Very recently the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced changes to their guidance for COVID-19 isolation and quarantine protocols. Our district is working with the Scott County Department of Health, the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Health to better understand the updated guidance and determine if changes should be made to our district’s present health and safety protocols. 

Sent to all district families and staff on December 9, 2021

RE: Important Weather Announcement: Two-Hour Early Release Friday, December 10

The district will have a two-hour early release tomorrow, Friday, December 10 for all E-12 schools including Pearson Early Learning Center and Shakopee Online. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm warning, including Shakopee, that begins at noon tomorrow, Friday, December 10, and runs through 6:00am Saturday, December 11. The NWS predicts a 100% chance of snow for tomorrow afternoon. The snowfall is expected to pick up later in the afternoon (after 2pm) and may fall at 1” or more per hour at that time. 

Making this decision on December 9th allows planning time for students, families and staff, in addition to our transportation team. The safety of those we serve, support and employ, along with our community, remains a top priority and the decision to have a two-hour early release was made with this priority in mind. More information will be provided by your child’s home school. 

Additional Early Release Information:

• Pearson Early Learning Center: 
  • Afternoon Stepping Stones Preschool classes will be canceled 
  • Full-day 4’s classes and River Valley YMCA mid-care families should pick up their children by 1pm

• Elementary (K-5):
  • River Valley YMCA after-school care will be canceled 

• After-School Athletics & Activities:
  • Any cancellations will be determined by site and level
  • Communication will come directly from program leaders 
• Community Education Classes & Events: 
• After-school youth enrichment classes will be canceled
• Communication will come directly from program leaders on evening classes

The district’s 2021/22 school year winter weather guidelines can be found on the website here. 

Sent to all district families and staff on December 8, 2021

RE: Pandemic Response Update 12/8 - Standard School Schedule

As a district, we continue to closely monitor COVID-19 case rates in Scott County and our schools as well as staffing and operational challenges associated with the pandemic. Our focus continues to be on providing as much in-person learning for our students as possible between now and winter break. While we continue to plan for any necessary adjustments to the K-12 student schedule prior to winter break, we do not have any adjustments at this time. We are planning to continue with a five day week of in-person school for all students next week, the week beginning Monday, December 13. Additionally, the winter break period for students and staff remains unchanged and, at this time, remains scheduled as planned for Wednesday, December 22, 2021 through Sunday, January 2, 2022. 

The district’s Pandemic Response Advisory Team (PRAT) continues to meet weekly, and the district is in regular consultation with the Scott County Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). We continue to monitor COVID-19 case rates in the County and inside the district. Please see the district website for information on these case rates as well as current Health and Safety guidelines.  

We will also continue to employ health and safety mitigation recommendations from MDH and the Minnesota Department of Education. Due to the current County COVID-19 case rates, face masks continue to be a requirement for all persons ages 3 and older inside our school buildings, at all times (including adults). 

Together, we can continue to maintain an appropriate balance between the health and safety of our students, staff and community AND provide the best learning opportunities possible. Thank you for your support!

Sent to all district families on December 1, 2021

RE: Pandemic Response Update - Standard School Schedule

When November 22 and 23 were changed to no school days for students, a part of the communication alluded to a possible ‘step two’.  This possible step two would be a proactive response to ongoing and increasing staffing challenges, and part of the effort is to continue to provide as much in-person learning for our students as possible between now and winter break. Step two would be a move from a typical five day school week for students to a four day school week. The four day week would see one day per week of no school for students in each of our elementary and middle schools. At the High School, the four day rotation would see a day in which there would be no school for students in grades 9 and 10 , and then another day in which there would be no school for students in grades 11 and 12.  

At this point, we are not yet moving to step two. We are planning to continue with a five day week of in-person school for all students next week, the week beginning Monday, December 6. 

We are sharing this information to keep our staff, students and families informed. We are still monitoring our staffing and operational challenges very closely, and it is possible we could make a move to a four day rotation prior to winter break. We continue to plan for such a possibility, while also hoping such a move will not be necessary.

Note: Should the district make a shift to a four day rotation, Pearson Early Learning Center, Tokata Learning Center and Shakopee Online school schedules would continue unchanged and remain in session five days a week.  

We continue to seek to maintain an appropriate balance between the health and safety of our students, staff and community AND provide the best learning opportunities possible for our students. Additional mitigation efforts continue to be explored in response to the pandemic. The district’s Pandemic Response Advisory Team (PRAT) continues to meet weekly, and the district is in regular consultation with the Scott County Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). We continue to monitor COVID-19 case rates in the County and inside the district. Please see the district website for information on these case rates.  

We also continue to employ health and safety mitigation recommendations from MDH and the Minnesota Department of Education. Due to the current County COVID-19 case rates, face masks continue to be a requirement for all persons ages 3 and older inside our school buildings, at all times (including adults). 

An updated health and safety resolution was passed during the November 22, 2021 school board meeting that includes changes that will take effect January 3, 2022. This resolution replaces previous resolutions approved by the School Board on August 23, 2021 and September 27, 2021. In short, the resolution aligns all E-12 mask rules starting January 3rd given the availability of COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5-11. A summary of the resolution can be found below. 

We appreciate your continued trust and support, thank you!

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• Sent to all district families on November 18, 2021

  RE: Important Shakopee Public Schools Pandemic Update

  Our district has continued to work diligently to be measured, consistent and proactive in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our main goal continues to be to provide a safe learning environment and sustain in-person learning throughout the school year. 

  In our district, the three weeks with the most COVID-19 infections per week since the beginning of the pandemic have all occurred this month. Confirmed COVID-19 cases in Scott County have also continued to rise in November. COVID-19 information continues to be reported daily and weekly on the district website.

  The continuing increases in COVID-19 cases are also impacting student and staff attendance, and have forced us to move three classrooms from in-person to distance learning. There are a handful of other classrooms in the district that are getting close to the threshold for being moved from in-person to distance learning.

  In order to address current pandemic concerns, and hopefully slow or decrease the rising number of COVID-19 cases in our district, there will be no school for all E-12 students on Monday, November 22 and Tuesday, November 23. 

  • Change in School Schedule
  • No school for E-12 students on Monday, November 22 and Tuesday, November 23, 2021; this includes Shakopee Online.
  • The regularly scheduled staff and student break Wednesday, November 24 - Friday, November 26, 2021 remains unchanged.
  • No bus transportation will be provided during this time.
  • ‘Emergency’ child care will be available at Sun Path Elementary for all district elementary schools, free of charge, November 22 and 23; click here for more information and to register. Pearson Early Learning Center childcare information will be provided directly by that site.
  • Meal pick-up will be provided at all sites from 11:30am - 1:00pm on Monday, November 22. Please register for meal pickup by clicking here no later than 5pm on Sunday, November 21.
  • All district schools are included in the schedule change  (Pearson Early Learning Center, all five Elementary Schools, East/West Middle School, Shakopee Online, Tokata Learning Center and Shakopee High School).
  • Targeted Services/Saber Squad are canceled when school is not in session and therefore will not run on November 22 and 23.
  • Secondary student athletes and those participating in activities should look for communication from their coaches and the Activities Office on whether event schedules are changed on November 22 and 23.
  • Those involved in Community Education classes/events should also check  on whether classes/events may be canceled or delayed. 

  The district will continue to monitor the situation, and explore possible additional mitigation steps and school schedule adjustments. Some of these possibilities are mentioned in the below pdf.  Our goal is to have some control over the situation and be proactive, whenever possible.

  Together, we will continue to navigate the pandemic and provide a safe and engaging learning environment for all involved. Thank you for your continued support.

Issued November 9, 2021 to all staff and students/families in grades 7-12

Re: Shakopee Secondary Schools - Mask Update

During the September 27th school board meeting, a recommendation from the Pandemic Response Advisory Team (PRAT) was approved to update the previous school board resolution that relates to district health and safety measures. The changes specifically included updates to mask rules at our secondary schools for grades 7-12 (East and West Middle Schools, Shakopee High School and Tokata Learning Center).  The general guidelines summary page can be found here and is below for reference.

As of November 9, 2021, the 14-day rolling average of confirmed COVID-19 cases per 10,000 residents in Scott County has exceeded 40 for three (3) consecutive days, which therefore requires the district to transition face mask rules for grades 7-12 as noted per below. 

• Starting Wednesday, November 10, 2021, all persons (including adults) are required to wear face masks when inside secondary school buildings (East and West Middle Schools, Shakopee High School and Tokata Learning Center).
• Participants (not spectators) in Middle School and High School Athletics and Activities (practices and contests) are considered exceptions to this rule and will not be required to wear a mask/face covering during such activities.
• The requirement will remain in place until cases per 10,000 for Scott County fall below 30 for five consecutive days. When this happens, face masks will no longer be required and will revert to being recommended/strongly recommended based upon vaccine status. A notification will be sent to all staff, students and families when this occurs;school signs will also be updated accordingly. 
• This page on the district website will continue to be updated with both Scott County (daily) and district (weekly) COVID-19 case rates. Weekly in-school confirmed secondary COVID-19 cases will continue to be sent via email to staff, students and family every Wednesday. 
• The district will continue to monitor the number of COVID-19 infections (and COVID-like cases) in our secondary schools. The guidelines set forth in the above health and safety file will continue to drive our practices and operations. 
• If you’d like to update your communication preferences to ensure you receive all noted updates, including text messages from the district, please log into Infinite Campus and adjust your notification settings.

Shakopee Public Schools will continue to work diligently to maintain an appropriate balance between the health and safety of our students, staff and community AND providing the best learning opportunities possible for our students. The district also continues to be supported by the Scott County Department of Health and Shakopee Public Schools Health Services team, and has relied on input and constructive feedback from the PRAT, which includes parents, students, teachers, staff, school board members and district leaders. 

We appreciate your support in continuing to keep our students thriving in the safest manner possible.

 

Issued October 12, 2021 to all district families

No Cost, Optional, At-Home Student COVID Test Kits

BinaxNOW at-home test kits are now available to all district families (PreK-12) who wish to have a kit on hand to test their child when COVID-like symptoms are present. The test kits are provided at no cost to the district and at no cost to families/students by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) via the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).  

The test kits will be available only for families who wish to receive a kit. The kits will be available in each child’s school health office and main office; they may also be available at school wide events such as conferences. A family with students in multiple schools can pick up a test kit for each of their children at one location of their choice. At this time, test kits are available, onsite, at Pearson Early Learning Center, Tokata Learning Center and all elementary schools: Eagle Creek, Jackson, Red Oak, Sun Path and Sweeney; the district is waiting on deliveries for East and West Middle Schools and Shakopee High School and will make them available once received. Test kits cannot be mailed to a student’s home.

The BinaxNOW test kit is only recommended for children that present COVID-like symptoms. If you are testing your child as precaution or due to exposure, you should seek PCR molecular testing for the child.

In accordance with the district’s health and safety protocols, please adhere to the following if your child presents COVID-like symptoms:

• Keep your child home from school, contact the child’s school attendance line and refer to the updated Health and Safety guide for additional information.
• If you decide to have your symptomatic child use the BinaxNOW test kit, please note that the kit includes two tests.  Additional details are below:
• The two BinaxNOW tests should be taken within three days of one another, the second test being taken at least 36 hours after the first test.
• If your child tests negative both times, then the child should return to school when the symptoms are improved, is fever free for 24 hours and documentation of both tests has been provided to your child’s building nurse.
• If your child tests positive (on either of the two BinaxNOW tests), the child must stay home from school and you should contact the child’s school attendance line. Additional guidelines for returning to school are found here. 
• There is a mobile app associated with the test kit - see package for instructions. 
• Additional information from the MDE about the BinaxNOW test kits can be found here: BinaxNOW OTC At-Home Testing Information (state.mn.us). 

Any support needed or questions about using the test kits should be directed to Abbott Labs at 1-877-441-7440. The district is not associated with test collection, processing or results reporting. 

Issued September 29, 2021 to secondary families with students in grades 7-12.

Re: Shakopee Secondary Schools - Health & Safety Update

​​Secondary Students and Families,

During the September 27th school board meeting, a recommendation from the Pandemic Response Advisory Team (PRAT) was approved to have the following additions/changes occur to the previously approved August 23rd school board resolution. These changes are in regards to health and safety measures, and specifically mask rules, at our secondary schools for grades 7-12 (East and West Middle Schools, Shakopee High School and Tokata Learning Center).  A minor change was also made to outdoor mask rules for our early learners and elementary schools.

A brief summary of secondary changes to grades 7-12 are below. The district Health & Safety Guide has also been updated to include this new information; click here to view; page 3 directly summarizes mask rule updates.  This page on the district website will continue to be updated with both Scott County (daily) and district (weekly) COVID-19 case rates.

 -Current secondary (grades 7-12) face mask rules: Given current Scott County confirmed COVID-19 case rates, face mask rules remain as recommended/strongly recommended (based on vaccine status) for students and staff in grades 7-12; the current County case rate, based upon a 14-day rolling average, is presently 37.7.

 - Updates to secondary (grades 7-12) face mask rules: 

• Should the 14-day rolling average of confirmed COVID-19 cases reach 40 or higher per 10,000 residents for three consecutive days, all persons (including adults) are required to wear face masks when inside school buildings.
• The requirement will remain in place until cases per 10,000 for Scott County fall below 30 for five consecutive days. When this happens, face masks will no longer be required and will revert to being recommended/strongly recommended.
• Should a secondary site/school have 5% or more of its student population infected with COVID-19 (and COVID-like cases) for three consecutive days, the building/site will require face masks for all persons (students and staff). 
  • Face masks will be required for the site until such time as the percentage of COVID-19 cases at that site falls below 3% for five consecutive days. When this happens, face masks will no longer be required and will revert to being recommended/strongly recommended.

Shakopee Public Schools continues to work diligently to be measured, consistent and thoughtful in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary guiding principle since the start of the pandemic has been to maintain an appropriate balance between the health and safety of our students, staff and community AND providing the best learning opportunities possible for our students.

The district also continues to be supported by the Scott County Department of Health and Shakopee Public Schools Health Services team, and has relied on input and constructive feedback from the PRAT, which includes parents, students, teachers, staff, school board members and district leaders. 

We appreciate your support in continuing to keep our students thriving in the safest manner possible.

• Issued August 24, 2021

  On August 23, 2021, a resolution was unanimously approved by the school board in relation to health and safety measures that will be implemented at the commencement of the 2021-2022 school year. 

  The below pdf provides a simplified explanation of the approved resolution. 

  Prior to the start of school, additional information will be shared to help answer questions on quarantine/isolation guidelines, testing availability, communication processes, seating charts/distancing and other related topics. 

  As noted in the below health & safety overview, face masks will be required starting September 1, for staff and students in early learning (ages 3-5) and grades K-6th. This includes Connect & Assess Days and 6th grade Open House (as part of the E/W Middle School Open Houses). Please see Scenario 2 in the overview for more details.   

  Face masks are recommended/strongly recommended (based on vaccine status) for students and staff in grades 7-12. In addition, the School Board resolution grants the Superintendent the authority to implement additional mitigation should there be a significant increase  in COVID-19 case rates.  

  Shakopee Public Schools has worked diligently to be measured, consistent and thoughtful in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary guiding principle since the start of the pandemic has been to maintain an appropriate balance between the health and safety of our students, staff and community AND providing the best learning opportunities possible for our students.

  The district has also been supported by the Scott County Department of Health and Shakopee Public Schools Health Services team, and has relied on input and constructive feedback from the Pandemic Response Advisory Team (PRAT). The members of the PRAT have invested much time and effort into becoming well informed on the many aspects of the COVID-19, and specifically its potential impact on school district services and activities. The PRAT consists of parents, students, teachers, staff, school board members and district leaders. 

  At all times, in all locations, for all ages, Shakopee Public Schools will employ the following health and safety mitigation recommendations from MDH and MDE:

  • Increased ventilation and air flow inside buildings
  • Cleaning and disinfecting of high touch surfaces
  • Greater emphasis on handwashing and hygiene
  • Greater emphasis on respiratory etiquette
  • Social distancing when practicable
  • Wearing face masks when riding on school buses as required by federal order

  Persons with symptoms of COVID-19, or persons infected by COVID-19  must follow health and safety rules and not be present in the school zone. 

  Thank you for your continued commitment to our students, families and district. Together, we will make the 2021/22 school year a success!

Issue Date: July 29, 2021

A large volume of new information about the COVID-19 pandemic has been shared by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).  This information includes guidance and recommendations for school districts. 

As has been the practice since the beginning of the pandemic, Shakopee Public Schools will be delving into and analyzing this new information and then working to make thoughtful decisions regarding the health and safety of our students, staff and community. As part of this process, the school district Pandemic Response Advisory Team (made up of school board members, district leaders, teachers, students, parents and community members) will resume scheduled meetings. The district will also continue to seek expert guidance from the Scott County Department of Health. 

Currently, the District continues to employ the following COVID-19 prevention strategies:

• Increased ventilation and air flow inside buildings
• Cleaning and disinfecting of high touch surfaces
• Social distancing, when practical 
• Wearing of face masks (staff and students) when riding on school buses as required by federal order

Currently, the District recommends (does not require) those not vaccinated should continue to wear face masks when inside school buildings. The school district will examine whether, or not, to move from this current practice to other forms of mask recommendations and/or requirements. Information will continue to be shared directly with district staff, families and stakeholders in addition to being posted to the district website here.

Information on the 2021/22 school year will be added throughout the summer. Please check back at a later date for updates. Major announcements or school year details will also be sent to your Infinite Campus account and school email on file. Please update your contact preferences in Infinite Campus to enable text notifications; a resource guide on this process can be found here.

Additional district parent/guardian resources can be found here.

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At this time, COVID-19 Health & Safety Protocols for the 2021/22 school year have not been directly communicated by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). At this time, summer program health and safety guidelines are outlined below and will continue to apply to all programming on or after June 11, 2011 until directed otherwise. 

• Face coverings

  • Face coverings are required only on public transportation. This is a federal government requirement as determined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
  • Face coverings are not required anywhere within the school district, including inside district buildings.
  • Face coverings are recommended by the CDC and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for staff and students who are not vaccinated.

  Physical distancing and cohorting

  • There are no longer capacity or physical distancing requirements.
  • Spacing will occur to the extent possible when indoors.

  Health screening, isolation, quarantine

  • Everyone will conduct a daily self-screening.
  • Isolation will be required for a person who tests positive for COVID-19 or lives with someone who tests positive for COVID-19.
  • Families will be notified via email if a person who tests positive for COVID-19 was present within the classroom or in a summer school activity. 
  • Students and staff will not be required to quarantine if they are exposed to a person with COVID-19 at school or a school activity.
  • Families may choose to have their child quarantined in such circumstances.

   Student and staff COVID-19 testing

  • On site testing is being discontinued in the school district due to very low participation rates.
  • Testing remains available from other sources in the community.