Superintendent Message to Families and Staff July 30
Today, Governor Walz provided districts with guidance on return-to-school plans. The Safe Learning Plan prioritizes health and safety for school communities and the return of as many students as possible to our schools.
Each school district will be required to use local COVID-19 case rates to inform their learning models: in-person, hybrid, and distance learning. Based on the changing health needs of our community, we must be prepared to implement any of these learning models throughout the school year and may need to shift between models as health conditions change.
We will finalize plans for each learning model in the upcoming days. These plans will be shared at the August 5 Board of Education meeting. Information on how to view the Board meeting can be found on our district website or at https://www.isd742.org/Page/9151.
Because our learning model will be informed by the real-time health status of our community, we cannot say right now what our first day of school will look like. However, we can assure you that our back-to-school plans will honor the requests you shared over the past few weeks. These requests include:
-
prioritizing the health and safety of our students, staff, and families.
-
ensuring rigorous academic expectations and routines.
-
providing quality, effective instruction.
-
creating opportunities for meaningful social connections.
Regardless of the models implemented, all families have the option to choose distance learning. Shortly, you will receive a survey providing you with the opportunity to select the year-long distance learning option and sign-up for district transportation. Please return this survey by Sunday, August 9 at 9:00 pm.
We know you will have many questions about the Governor’s plan and how it will impact your family. Please know that this information is new to all of us, and we will continue to update you frequently.
It takes all of us working together to create the best possible pathways forward, and I appreciate your understanding and support.
For further information: https://mn.gov/covid19/for-minnesotans/safe-learning-plan/overview.jsp.
Be well, stay well.
Wille Jett,
Superintendent