St. Cloud Area School District will return students enrolled in preschool, elementary and alternative programs to hybrid learning Tues., Jan. 19, following the Monday holiday.

This decision is in alignment with the Governor’s Executive Order and in consultation with the Minnesota Department of Education and Minnesota Department of Health and based on local health data and operational constraints.

• Students in pre-school will attend school in-person two days a week following the same A/B rotation previously assigned;

• Students in grades K-2 will attend school in-person Monday-Thursday and learn from home on Fridays;

• Students in grades 3-5 will attend school in-person two days a week following the same A/B rotation previously assigned and learn from home on Fridays;

• Students enrolled in special education alternative programs (e.g., REC, Riverwoods) will attend school in-person Monday-Thursday and learn from home on Fridays.

Delaying the return to hybrid learning until January 19 provides the best opportunity to predictably staff schools following the holiday break. The Minnesota Department of Education and Minnesota Department of Health recommend districts allow for one incubation period after winter break before returning to school since significant numbers of students and staff may be required to quarantine following holiday gatherings and exposures.

If health conditions permit, the plan is to begin the transition of all PK-5 students to full inperson learning at the start of the third trimester March 8.