Updates from MDE: 4-29-22

department of education

April 29, 2022

Updates in this email:

COVID-19 Updates

Summer Youth Programming: COVID-19 Tests Available  

The State of Minnesota is making at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests available for summer youth programming at no cost. Starting now, summer programs that serve youth can order BD Veritor At-Home tests. All youth summer programming in Minnesota may order a supply of tests to meet the needs of both staff and participants over the age of 2. The tests have expiration dates beginning July 23, 2022.  

Currently, there are no limits on orders. However, the state reserves the right to prioritize if demand is greater than the supply available. Test delivery should occur within two weeks of placing an order.   

BD Veritor At-Home tests should be administered by an adult outside of the summer programming setting. An adult will need to download an app onto a smartphone in order to use the BD Veritor test. Instructions are available in EnglishHmongSomali and Spanish. Information on which phones are supported is listed on the BD Veritor At-Home website.    

Again, these at-home, rapid tests are not intended for use at the programming location by staff on children. Contact health.test.help@state.mn.us for any additional questions on these tests.    

Reminder: Mall of America Nickelodeon Universe – Mystery Points Passes with Your COVID-19 Vaccine

Minnesotans who get their COVID-19 vaccine (first, second or booster) at the Mall of America before May 31, 2022 are eligible to receive a Nickelodeon Universe Mystery Points Ticket. Each mystery ticket is good for at least one ride at Nickelodeon Universe and up to a full day of rides. Ticket value revealed at time of redemption. Guest can bring their Nickelodeon Universe mystery ticket directly to a ride to redeem and find out what their mystery ticket is worth!

The State of Minnesota Community Vaccination Site at the Mall of America has Pfizer vaccines for 5- to 11-year-olds; Pfizer vaccines for people 12 and older; and Pfizer boosters for people 12 and older. 

Vaccination Site Hours: 

  • Wednesday from 1-8 p.m.
  • Thursday from 1-8 p.m.
  • Friday from 1-8 p.m.
  • Saturday from 9-4 p.m.

Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome. Vaccination appointments can be made online in English, Hmong, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese. Call 855-612-0677 to make your appointment over the phone. 

Mystery Points Tickets will be distributed following vaccination while supplies last or until May 31, 2022. 

Training Opportunities, Important Dates and Announcements

Career and Technical Education Levy Revenue Budgets – Due June 6

Read the memo regarding Career and Technical Education (CTE) Levy Reporting. The CTE Levy reporting system opens May 2 for entering the anticipated FY23 (2022-2023 school year) budgets. Budgets must be entered for approved CTE programs by June 6.

Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.4531, directs the Minnesota Department of Education to annually recalculate the authority of a school district to levy for costs associated with its CTE programs. Districts must submit annual budgets for their CTE programs to qualify for this permissive levy.

For assistance with detailed questions about the CTE Levy Program System, contact Shelli Sowles, 651-582-8403.

Restorative Practices for Growing Resilience—June 13-17 and June 21-24

The Restorative Practices June Trainings on June 13-17 and June 21-24 include sessions and trainings that help strengthen resilience and offer practices of self-care. Restorative Mindfulness and Nurturing Professional Wellness offer those new to restorative practices a grounding in building a restorative mindset. For the experienced circle keeper, Circle 2—Supporting Educators in Loss and Hope, provides a place to explore the components of supporting others in times of difficulty, such as what we have all experienced these last two years. Finally, the Restorative Practices Affinity Circles for Connection and Support on June 16-17 and June 23-24 give anyone—with or without circle training—the opportunity to experience circle as a way of learning and supporting each other. Grow your own resilience with these sessions!

For more information, visit Implementing Restorative Practices (mn.gov), or contact Nancy Riestenberg at the Minnesota Department of Education, 651-582-8433.

2022 Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

Nearly 70% of school districts have registered for the Minnesota Student Survey (MSS). Districts may register and complete the survey now through Friday, June 10. The 2022 MSS results will help schools understand the health and well-being of their students. These results will be especially beneficial when compared with pre-pandemic results from 2019.

District Assessment Coordinators received an email on December 2, 2021 with registration information. If you need additional help with registration or cannot find the email, please contact mss@wilder.org. Other questions about the survey can be directed to mde.studentsurvey@state.mn.us.

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