Superintendent Update 8/10/2020
We continue to move closer to finalizing our plans for the fall opening of school on August 31st. I know there was an error recently in the Star Post, however, school is still scheduled to start on August 31st.
In last week's message I outlined the formula that is being used by the state to determine how schools will open this fall. In the most recent data, this number did trend down slightly. However, we still anticipate opening at the Pre K-5 grade levels with all students in school all days of the week while Grades 6-12 will be using the Hybrid Model. This Hybrid model is described more extensively below.
It is important to note that even if we enter the Hybrid phase in our PreK-5 grade, we will still be able to accommodate all students in school every day under the 50% capacity outlined in our Fire Code.
Our current Hybrid Model was rolled out in the School Board’s Working Meeting last Thursday, August 6. In our Hybrid Model Scenario, Middle School and High School Students will attend school in-person two days a week and will participate in independent learning from home three days a week along with Zooming into their 4 classes 2 of the 3 days from home. This would take place in a normal 5 day week. On days that are less than 5 days, we will make adjustments to the calendar to offer the most in-person instruction as possible.
The schedule of periods for the Hybrid model will only have four periods. On two of the days it will be periods 1,3,5,7. On the other two days the periods will be 2,4,5,6. On each day, 5th period will be the day for skinnies (shorter class periods) to allow for lunch. With only four periods per day, students will only have to focus on 4 classes per day both in school and at home. When students are home, they will also be responsible for synchronous learning (they will have to Zoom into their classes) for periods of time while they are home.
During a normal 5 day week and possibly rotating in on shorter weeks we will schedule “Learning Plus Days”. In a 5 day week this will occur on Friday. This day will be a learning day for all students. This Learning Plus day offers students additional in-person or online enrichment or support based on their individual needs. Teachers will be in school and offer opportunities for students to visit school as desired or needed.
Here is a table that will help in understanding how the Hybrid Model would work.
** Students in the “On-Line” category will be required to still participate in your class.
Day of Week | Day | Hours | A | B |
Monday | A (A-K) | 1,3,5,7 | School | On-Line |
Tuesday | B (L-Z) | 1,3,5,7 | On-Line | School |
Wednesday | AA (A-K) | 2,4,5,6 | School | On-Line |
Thursday | BB (L-Z) | 2,4,5,6 | On-Line | School |
Friday | “C Day” Learning Plus Day | This Day will be a day of learning for students. This “Learning Plus Day” offers students additional in-person or online enrichment or support based on their individual needs. Teachers will be in school and offer opportunities for students to visit school as desired or needed. | ||
Daily Schedule
Hours | Time |
1st or 2nd | 8:15-9:55 (100min) |
3rd or 4th | 10:00-11:40 (100 Min) |
5th | 11:45-1:00 (Class - 50min) (Lunch 25 Min) 1st Lunch - 11:45-12:10 2nd Lunch - 12:10-12:35 3rd Lunch - 12:35-1:00 |
6th or 7th | 1:05- 2:45 (100 Min) |
2:45PM-2:50PM | Students pick up breakfast and lunch for the next day they are at home. |
One question that has come up recently is what determines the grade level for elementary? Is it PreK-5? PreK-6? In some schools it may even be PreK-4. It all depends upon your school configuration. A number of years ago, our school went to a middle school model. In this model our configuration is Grades 6-8. What is the difference in this configuration versus a K-6 model? One simple way to understand the difference is whether or not 6th grade students move to different classes throughout the day. In a PreK-6 model, students move very little throughout the day. In our middle school model, 6th grade students have many more opportunities throughout the day and may move many times throughout the day. Our 6th grade students would have Phy. Ed. every day along with many of the electives we can offer to our students. The Middle School model offers a transition to students entering into high school to further prepare them for their post-secondary opportunities.
The School Board will have to make a final determination on what model(s) school will open within one week prior to the start of school. This will occur at a regularly scheduled School Board meeting on August 24. Until then we will continue to monitor the statistics in our county to determine what is the safest model for students and staff to open school with this fall.
Distance Learning Plan
As defined by the MN Safe Learning Plan, we will offer a Distance Learning Plan to any student that does not want to attend an in-person educational model. Please contact your building principal for information in regards to an alternative educational plan by August 14.
Transportation
We would like to know specific information on who does NOT need transportation for this school year. As discussed in the past, many parents may not choose to use our bus transportation due to personal feelings on safety. There is a question on our online registration that asks this question. If you could review this question and note either yes or no it would help us in planning for bus transportation this fall. If you are unable to do this online, please send an email directly to me with your name and address only if you do NOT require bus transportation this year.
Open House
As we continue to plan for the fall opening, we have also planned a different schedule for the Open House Night. In an attempt to keep numbers of parents and student numbers low in our building, we will split up the Open House Night into three nights.
Monday August 24 with be for the High School
9th grade and all new students.
Tuesday August 25 will be for the Middle School
6th grade students and all new students & incoming Parochial students.
Wednesday August 26 will be for the Elementary
PreK & all new students
Videos from other grade levels will be available for students in Grades 2-5.
We will further limit the number of parents and students each night in the building by breaking down these nights into one hour increments by last names. More information will come in regard to this schedule.
If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact me or any of the building principals.
Greg Winter, Superintendent: gwinter@isd740.org
Chad Doetkott, High School Principal cdoetkott@isd740.org
Robert Anderson, Middle School Principal randerson@isd740.org
Terryl Pearson, Elementary School Principal tpearson@isd740.org