School Reopening Announcement
Governor Walz this week released his plan aimed at getting more middle and high school students back in the classroom, with a target of all schools offering some form of in-person learning by March 8th.
We need to safely reopen our schools as quickly as possible. Over the course of the last several months, science and data have made it clear that we can do so. In fact, numbers from the Governor indicate that transmission rates in schools for teachers are nearly zero.
On-going school closures are having negative impacts on student mental health, social well-being, and academic achievement - and these impacts have been devastating to many. It is unfortunate it has taken this long to get our students back in the classroom.
High level details from the Governor’s recent announcement include:
On February 22, Middle schools and high schools may begin either hybrid or in-person learning, if they are able to implement additional mitigation strategies.
If a school with either a hybrid or in-person learning model sees five percent of students and staff sent home with influenza- or COVID-19-like illness within a single week, these schools are strongly encouraged to transition a more restrictive learning model.
Additional mitigation steps include:
- Students are encouraged to be tested every two-weeks.
- Maintain physical distancing in the classroom.
- Daily documentation of lunchroom seating should occur, for contact tracing if needed.
- Continue monitoring the public health situation within school buildings and follow guidelines on learning models.
- Distance learning options will still be available for families and students that want to continue at-home learning.
It is time to get our kids back in school. Our students cannot afford to wait any longer.
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