The Big Lake school district will be going back to school on Sept. 8. Whether students will be learning in school or at a distance will be determined by the average number of COVID-19 cases (per 10,000) in Sherburne County over a period of 14 days. As of this time, however, the plan for fall semester is as follows:

Elementary students (grades K-5) will be following an in-person model. Classes will be held at full capacity, and general COVID-19 practices will be followed, including wearing face masks; social distancing whenever possible; having students stay with their own class as much as possible; and taking advantage of good weather to hold some classes, lunch, and recess outside whenever possible.

Secondary students (grades 6-12) will be following the hybrid model. Students in Group A will attend in-person on Mondays and Tuesdays, and be at home on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Group B will be at home on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and be in-person on Thursday and Friday. Students who are at home will still be expected to attend their class at the appropriate time.

The first week of school will be slightly different: Group A will be in-person on Tuesday and Thursday, Group B will be in-person on Wednesday and Friday.

More information will be made available to parents and students as the school year approaches. Parents with questions are strongly encouraged to contact their students’ school(s).