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March 12, 2021
Updates in this email:
Earlier this week, Commissioner Ricker shared with school leaders that she will be stepping down as commissioner of education, effective April 1. Governor Walz has announced that he will appoint Deputy Commissioner Heather Mueller to serve as Minnesota's next education commissioner, effective April 1.
We will miss Commissioner Ricker and we appreciate her leadership and contributions over the last two years. We wish her well in the next chapter.
Today, Governor Walz announced that we will be taking more steps to turn the dials forward. Executive Order 21-11 outlines the changes in full detail, but here are some highlights that will impact our school communities:
Events and ceremonies such as prom and graduation:
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On April 1, 2021, updated venue capacities and guidance will go into effect for venues that can ensure compliance with health and safety measures.
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Guidance specific to prom and graduation will not be issued. When planning prom and graduation, please refer to the updated Entertainment and Meeting Venue Guidance on the Stay Safe MN website.
Work from home:
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On April 15, 2021, updated work from home guidance will go into effect. Working from home will be strongly recommended for those who can, but not required.
- All employers are strongly encouraged to continue to accommodate employees who wish to work from home, and must provide reasonable accommodations as required by law.
- Districts and charter schools will be strongly encouraged to implement reasonable accommodations for at-risk employees or employees with one or more members of their household who have underlying medical conditions and are not yet eligible for vaccination.
- School districts and charter schools should continue to use the same HR processes and ADA analysis that they normally use when an employee with a disability requests accommodations in order to perform their essential job duties.
Late last week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) issued a warning in Carver County related to a cluster of COVID-19 cases, including cases of the new variant of the virus, known as B117. With this warning, MDH recommended enhanced mitigation strategies and increased testing opportunities in the area. As the state continues to monitor this situation, here are a few updates:
- Currently 114 cases of COVID-19 have been identified in connection with this cluster. 29 of those are confirmed B117.
- Early data suggests that the B117 variant is up to 50% more contagious than the original virus.
- The transmission in Carver County seems to be connected primarily to the youth sports and recreation ecosystem. The spread and continued transmission is then happening in households, as well as the broader community connected to youth sports, including fitness centers and recreation facilities, schools, child care facilities and local businesses.
- So far, 9 schools have been identified: 2 private high schools, 1 private elementary school, 2 public high schools, 3 public middle schools and 1 public elementary school.
- MDH has recommended a two-week county-wide pause in youth sports for Carver County, beginning Monday, March 8. If an organization chooses to not pause, MDH strongly recommends doubling down on mitigation measures, including regular testing.
- The state is hosting a temporary community COVID-19 testing site to help identify and stop the spread of the B117 variant in Carver County.
- This is an important situation to be aware of beyond Carver County. As of early March, health officials have identified at least 200 cases of B117 statewide, in more than 15 counties. While implementing targeted measures focused on the cluster, MDH is continuing to monitor the situation statewide.
- This outbreak underscores the need for young people to get tested regularly through the end of the school year. See below for information on promoting testing opportunities for families.
MDH announced a recommendation for all school-age youth returning to school, youth sports, or extracurricular activities, and their families, to get tested every two weeks through the end of the school year. While it is not a requirement, regular testing complements other safety measures already in place, such as masking and social distancing.
Schools and youth organizations can send messages and resources available on COVID-19 Testing for Kids and Families to families to encourage testing. Getting tested every two weeks from now until the end of the school year can help keep schools open and sports operating, and ensure we are limiting the spread of COVID-19.
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At Governor Walz’s direction, MDE is removing yet another barrier to testing: the UPS drop box. While some kids live down the street from a drop box, it’s quite a haul for others. Students will now be able to send their Vault-at-Home tests back to the lab through their schools.
How this works:
- Students or families order tests through the Vault-at-Home program (remember tests are no costs to Minnesota residents).
- Students complete their test at home.
- Students seal their sample tube and place it in the biohazard bag. The biohazard bag then gets sealed in the shipping bag that came with the test. The shipping label sticker is attached to the bag.
- Students bring their sealed shipping bag with the shipping label to school on your designated onsite testing day. Please communicate clearly with all students and families as to the day of your onsite testing programs.
To help students comply with MDH’s bi-weekly testing guidance and use at-home tests as a screening tool:
- Students should test on the same schedule as staff (a specific day every other week).
- Students will need to have a Vault-at-Home kit on hand at home to complete and bring to school on staff testing day.
- Once students receive notice that their sample is being processed at the lab, they can order another Vault-at-Home kit for the next screening day.
The CDC has published guidance on domestic and international travel during COVID-19, stating they recommend no travel at this time given that it increases the change of getting and spreading COVID-19. CDC has also published a recommendation for after you travel which recommends individuals get tested 3-5 days after travel and stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel, even if the test comes back negative. There is no requirement for schools to enforce the CDC recommendations for quarantine after travel, however because there may be many members of the school community who are returning from travel in many different locations, the two weeks following spring break will carry a heightened risk for potential exposures in the school setting.
For this reason, schools are encouraged to communicate CDC’s post-travel recommendations, and reemphasize all prevention measures with the school community including maintaining 6 feet of physical distance from others whenever possible, masking consistently, staying home when sick and seeking testing as appropriate, hand hygiene, and following quarantine guidance. We are aware that some schools are considering or planning to implement a hybrid or distance learning model for 1-2 weeks following spring break to guard against exposures in the school setting, similar to the approach many took in a delayed return after the holidays.
Additional language to share with your school communities
Considerations before traveling
Given the high level of COVID-19 spread in our communities, any unnecessary travel is highly discouraged. If you must travel outside the state or country for work, study, medical care, or personal safety and security, do what you can to protect yourself and your family.
Before you travel, think about:
- How much COVID-19 is spreading where you are going and how much it is spreading in your local community.
- Whether you or someone you are traveling with could get very sick from COVID-19.
- How easy or difficult it will be to keep 6 feet between people.
- Whether you would be able to miss work, school, or other activities if you get sick.
- For more tips and things to consider when traveling, see CDC: Travel during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Travel to or from Minnesota
- If you are sick or have tested positive for COVID-19, do not travel.
Out-of-state travel is highly discouraged.
- People who visit Minnesota, and Minnesotans returning after traveling out of state, are asked to stay away from others (quarantine) for 14 days after they arrive in Minnesota. During those 14 days, it is important that you stay home and watch for symptoms. If you must go out, wear a mask, stay 6 feet from other people, and wash your hands often.
- Staying away from others for 14 days is safest. In some circumstances, a shortened quarantine period may be possible. For more information, see Close Contacts and Tracing and Quarantine Guidance for COVID-19 (PDF).
- If you are close to someone with COVID-19 during travel, follow guidelines for how long to keep away from others (quarantine).
- For information on testing, visit Getting Tested for COVID-19.
After traveling
Visit CDC: Travel for more information about traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two weeks ago, the U.S. Department of Education announced that states would be able to apply for waivers from the accountability requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). While states still have to meet the law’s testing requirements, those that receive accountability waivers will not use this year’s test results the next time schools are identified for support using the accountability system.
Minnesota is currently planning to pursue this waiver opportunity. MDE will consult with the Governor’s Office, tribal governments, administrators, educators, and community partners before posting the waiver application for public comment later this month. Unless there is significant opposition to pursuing this waiver, the state will then submit its waiver request to the U.S. Department of Education on or around April 1.
World’s Best Workforce Specialist and Survey Request
MDE's division of equity and opportunity is excited to announce our new World’s Best Workforce (WBWF) Specialist, Calvin Lewis. If you have any questions concerning WBWF, Calvin can be reached at calvin.lewis@state.mn.us
To ensure school districts and charter schools receive the support needed to successfully develop World’s Best Workforce (WBWF) plans, it is important for us to understand the support you would like to receive. We request 5-10 minutes of your time to complete the WBWF Support Survey (the survey works best in browsers other than Firefox). This request specifically pertains to developing your comprehensive strategic WBWF plans. Please complete no later than March 22, 2021. We look forward to receiving your responses.
For more WBWF updates, please subscribe here.
Aligning Career Pathways Networking Opportunity
The Minnesota Department of Education is hosting a networking opportunity for schools, out of school time learning programs, University of Minnesota Extension regional offices, Regional Education Service Cooperatives, institutes of higher education and local workforce initiatives to discuss regional career pathways. The focus will be on building regional networks that connect schools, communities, higher education and state agencies in ways that promote collaboration and coordination. The event will take place Wednesday, March 31, 10-11:30 am.
Dr. Annett Parker, South Central College, will speak about the importance of collaboration to support career pathways, a panel of school and community partners from Stephen-Argyle Central, Long Prairie-Grey Eagle, Northfield, and Faribault will share examples, and then participants will join regional breakout groups to discuss local opportunities for collaboration.
This is the first of a series of quarterly training opportunities for schools and community partners who are or will be working toward career pathways programs. Session II, Creating a Career Pathway Plan will be offered in Summer 2021.
Register here or contact, Eric Billiet, 651-582-8425, for further information.
Restorative Practices in Schools and Communities Online Sessions and Trainings
June 14-17 and June 21-25, 2021
Registration is open for the Minnesota Department of Education School Climate Center Restorative Practices (RP) in Schools and Communities Online Sessions and Trainings June 14-25, 2021. The RP Online offerings include one day (5 hours) sessions to four day (20 hours) circle and repair of harm trainings. All sessions and trainings will be held online and are facilitated by restorative practices practitioner and trainers. Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) and Administrative CEU’s will be offered. People who work in education, with restorative justice/practices, and with youth are welcome to register. RP Online Training Descriptions and Frequently Asked Questions about RP Online can be found on the Restorative Practices website. For further information, contact Nancy Riestenberg, Restorative Practices Specialist, at 651-582-8433.
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