At our Stearns County Public Health meeting last week it was noted that the positivity rate for testing in Stearns County is still around 8.2%. This is still a very high rate. The jwolfson site is open again. The number is now 121.16. As the data showed last week for Stearns County, the jowolfson site does show a peak in late November with the numbers slowly going down since this date. We are beginning to see the impact the new Omicron virus is having in Minnesota as it becomes more prevalent. We will continue to track the spread of this virus over the break and into the new year.
Our district numbers from last week:
A couple of comments about last week. First of all in regards to Thursday. I have now been a superintendent for 12 years. One of the most difficult decisions to make is whether to go 2 hours late or cancel school due to inclement weather. I work very hard to get it right and I did not get it right last Thursday. It was never my intention to put anyone’s lives in danger and for that, I apologize if that is the way you felt Thursday morning. I care very much for the welfare of our parents, students, and staff. I would have been devastated if anything would have happened to any of you, your children, or staff members.
In regards to last Friday. We acted on information we received from local law enforcement. As stated last week, there was no credible threat involving Melrose Area Public Schools. There were some schools in the area that did receive specific threats. It was these schools that canceled school for the day.
We did receive information from our superintendent association that I thought I would share out with the community and more specifically for parents/guardians. Here is that information:
“This situation serves as a good example of why it is important to avoid sharing posts online that refer to school safety threats. Even if they are not credible threats, they can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety for our students, families, and staff. We ask our families to monitor their children’s social media activity and speak with them about proper behavior online.
If you or your child become aware of any potential threat posted to social media or anywhere else, please notify a school staff member or trusted adult right away.”
Just a reminder as you plan forward, February 25, 2022, will be an E-Learning Day.
Also, please note a “draft” of the 2022-2023 school calendar has been posted on our website. This draft can be found by going to the menu and noting it is listed under district information. We have made some subtle changes to the calendar. If you have any questions or comments on the calendar please email me.
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