Governor Walz issued a “Safe Learning Plan” for all Minnesota public schools that prioritizes health and safety for school communities and the return of as many students as possible to schools.
St. Cloud Area School District is excited and committed to bringing as many students back to school as possible, in a way that keeps staff, students and the community safe. As always, the health and safety of all students, staff, and families are top priority.
According to state guidance, 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 the local community, districts 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.
St. Cloud Area School District encompasses 250 square miles and four counties. According to the Governor’s plan, the most conservative county health data must be used to inform which learning model is implemented.
Because the real-time health status of the community dictates what learning model will be implemented, the plan for the first day of school is yet to be determined.
All families have the option to choose distance learning regardless of the learning model required by State guidance.
Safety measures will be implemented including:
- symptom and exposure screening for all students and staff
- hand hygiene
- frequent cleaning of high touch surfaces
- all students, staff, and visitors wear masks throughout the school day and while on buses.
- limited visitors and
District administration has spent the summer preparing to implement all three learning models. In addition, the district is working to ensure all students will have devices at the start of the school year. Personal protective equipment for staff and students will be provided as well as a complete supply of cleaning products. School staff and students will be prioritized for COVID-19 testing throughout the state.
At this time, MSHSL has not given any advice on Activities.
