Return to Learn 2020-2021
Information
Update March 6, 2021
As many of you may be aware, last night the Minnesota Department of Health put out a press release warning of an outbreak of a variant of the COVID-19 virus centered in Carver County. The press release includes the following:
(March 5, 2021) Since late January, at least 68 cases of COVID-19, have been linked to participants in both school-sponsored and club sports activities, including hockey, wrestling, basketball, alpine skiing and other sports. In addition, health officials have seen increases in cases in Carver County gyms and fitness centers, with many of the cases linked to the sports-related cases. From Feb. 24 to March 4, there was a 62% increase in cases in Carver County, according to data from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
MDH’s press release calls for a two-week pause for all Carver County school and youth sports starting Monday, March 8, and also includes additional measures, including keeping secondary students in a hybrid model. Our district leadership has been working over the weekend to go through these recommendations and determine next steps. As the district is currently in a hybrid model for our secondary students, that will not change, nor will our in-person model for our elementary students. We will evaluate in the coming days whether there needs to be an adjustment to the March 22 timeline for a return to in-person learning four days a week for our middle and high school students.
With the health and safety of our students in mind and the priority to preserve in-person learning, the district will implement the following over the two-week period of March 8 - 21:
- All non-varsity winter sports will pause practice and games (varsity teams will continue)
- Additional mitigation measures and spectator restrictions will be in place for varsity teams
- All off-season sports practices and workouts will be paused
- All in-person extracurriculars will be paused
- All youth community education classes will be paused; participants will receive information from Community Education in the coming days
- District facilities will be closed to rental groups during the two week pause
Students and families who participate in activities and athletics can expect communication from their coaches and advisors soon.
I know this is frustrating to hear. Before school even started this fall, our district emphasized this year would be focused on health, safety, and a high quality education. We have worked hard to deliver on that commitment no matter what our learning model. Our goal all along is to get - and keep - our students back to in-person learning. In order to do that, we need the full support and partnership of our community. We all agree schools are the best place for our students to learn. In order to do that, we must do everything we can to minimize the spread of the virus in our schools and our cities. That means masking up, physically distancing whenever possible, and reducing our chances of exposure.
I know we are all tired. COVID fatigue is very real. We have made tremendous progress in getting our learners back in our buildings. We are getting our staff vaccinated, and hope that our broader community will have access to vaccines soon, as well. Please help us avoid a surge in cases by doing what you can in the days and weeks ahead. This will take a combined effort from us all.
Thank you for your grace, patience, and support as we work through these next few weeks and the remainder of the school year.
Together,
Lisa Sayles-Adams
Superintendent
Estimada comunidad ECCS:
Como muchos de ustedes sabrán, anoche el Departamento de Salud de Minnesota emitió un comunicado de prensa advirtiendo de un brote de una variante del virus COVID-19 centrado en el condado de Carver. El comunicado de prensa incluye lo siguiente:
(5 de marzo de 2021) Desde finales de enero, al menos 68 casos de COVID-19, se han vinculado a participantes en actividades deportivas patrocinadas por escuelas y clubes, incluyendo hockey, lucha libre, baloncesto, esquí alpino y otros deportes. Además, las autoridades sanitarias han observado un aumento de los casos en los gimnasios y centros de fitness del condado de Carver, con muchos de los casos vinculados a los casos relacionados con el deporte. Del 24 de febrero al 4 de marzo, hubo un aumento del 62% de los casos en el condado de Carver, según los datos del Departamento de Salud de Minnesota (MDH).
El comunicado de prensa de MDH pide una pausa de dos semanas para todos los deportes escolares y juveniles del condado de Carver a partir del lunes 8 de marzo, y también incluye medidas adicionales, incluyendo mantener a los estudiantes de secundaria en un modelo híbrido. El liderazgo de nuestro distrito ha estado trabajando durante el fin de semana para revisar estas recomendaciones y determinar los próximos pasos. Como el distrito está actualmente en un modelo híbrido para nuestros estudiantes de secundaria, eso no cambiará, ni tampoco nuestro modelo presencial para nuestros estudiantes de primaria. En los próximos días evaluaremos si es necesario ajustar el calendario del 22 de marzo para volver a la enseñanza presencial cuatro días a la semana para nuestros alumnos de secundaria y preparatoria.
Teniendo en cuenta la salud y la seguridad de nuestros estudiantes y la prioridad de preservar el aprendizaje en persona, el distrito implementará lo siguiente durante el período de dos semanas del 8 al 21 de marzo:
- Todos los deportes de invierno que no sean universitarios suspenderán los entrenamientos y los partidos (los equipos universitarios continuarán)
- Se aplicarán medidas adicionales de mitigación y restricciones a los espectadores para los equipos universitarios
- Todos los entrenamientos y prácticas deportivas de fuera de temporada se pausarán
- Todas las actividades extracurriculares presenciales se interrumpirán
- Todas las clases de educación comunitaria para jóvenes se pondrán en pausa; los participantes recibirán información de Educación Comunitaria en los próximos días
- Las instalaciones del distrito estarán cerradas a los grupos de alquiler durante las dos semanas de pausa
Los estudiantes y las familias que participan en actividades y deportes pueden esperar la comunicación de sus entrenadores y asesores pronto.
Sé que es frustrante escuchar esto. Antes de que empezaran las clases este otoño, nuestro distrito hizo hincapié en que este año se centraría en la salud, la seguridad y una educación de alta calidad. Hemos trabajado duro para cumplir con ese compromiso sin importar nuestro modelo de aprendizaje. Nuestro objetivo en todo momento es conseguir -y mantener- que nuestros alumnos vuelvan al aprendizaje presencial. Para ello, necesitamos el pleno apoyo y la colaboración de nuestra comunidad. Todos estamos de acuerdo en que las escuelas son el mejor lugar para que nuestros alumnos aprendan. Para ello, debemos hacer todo lo posible para minimizar la propagación del virus en nuestras escuelas y ciudades. Eso significa enmascararse, distanciarse físicamente siempre que sea posible y reducir nuestras posibilidades de exposición.
Sé que todos estamos cansados. El cansancio de COVID es muy real. Hemos hecho grandes progresos para que nuestros alumnos vuelvan a nuestros edificios. Estamos vacunando a nuestro personal, y esperamos que nuestra comunidad en general también tenga acceso a las vacunas pronto. Por favor, ayúdenos a evitar un aumento de casos haciendo lo que pueda en los próximos días y semanas. Esto requerirá un esfuerzo combinado de todos nosotros.
Gracias por su gracia, paciencia y apoyo mientras trabajamos durante estas próximas semanas y el resto del año escolar.
Juntos,
Lisa Sayles-Adams
Superintendente
In-Person Learning:
Students return to school buildings five days per week with enhanced health, cleaning, and distancing protocols.
Hybrid Learning:
Students return to school buildings two days per week with enhanced health, cleaning, and distancing protocols at 50% capacity. Students will learn remotely on the other three days.
Distance Learning:
Students learn remotely five days per week using district provided technology devices and other age appropriate learning resources.
Online Learning Academy:
For families who want a 100% online option, the ECCS Online Learning Academy will be taught by ECCS teachers and following the same standards and learning targets as other learning models. This fully online option is available to all K-12 students as an opt-in model.
Communications
- February 26
- February 24
- February 17
- January 15
- December 23
- December 16
- December 11
- November 12
- November 9
- November 5
- October 30
- October 6
- September 3
- August 25
- August 11
- July 30
- July 21
February 26
Over the last week, district staff have been working through the state’s revised Safe Learning Plan, analyzing our district data, and doing careful and thoughtful planning around our district learning models. I am very pleased to announce that on Monday, March 22 we will be welcoming back our middle and high school students in-person, four days a week. Wednesdays will remain a distance learning day for our secondary students.
Key dates for all middle and high schools:
-
Wednesday, March 10 and Wednesday, March 17 are non-school days for our 6-12+ students, including our Online Learning Academy students. These are planning days for teachers to prepare for the transition to in-person learning.
-
Monday, March 22: All 6-12+ students return to in-person learning four days a week; Wednesdays remain distance learning.
Parents can expect to receive specific information on school-specific plans in the weeks ahead.
Some of you may wonder why our secondary students are returning in-person four days rather than five days, like our elementary students. Governor Walz’s Executive Order mandates a certain number of planning minutes be provided when teachers are both online and in-person. A significant number of our middle and high school teachers teach both Online Learning Academy students and in-person students, so Wednesday remains a distance learning day for secondary students to provide the planning time for teachers in order to comply with the executive order.
The ability to have our students back in-person comes with strict mitigation measures as directed by the MN Departments of Education and Health. Contact tracing is even more important, and we need students to follow seating charts in class, on the bus, and in the lunchroom to make this work. Students identified as close contacts will still be required to quarantine for 14 days to minimize the risk of possible transmission in our buildings.
It is more important than ever that our community does what it can to mask-up, practice physical distancing, and reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. A spike in cases in a particular building or across the district, or staffing concerns, may still cause a temporary shift to distance learning. We want to do everything we can to make sure that’s not necessary. Our ability to remain in an in-person learning model depends on our building, district, and county-level data continuing to reflect whether it is safe to do so.
This is a huge step for all of us, and one we have been looking forward to for months. I am so grateful for the hard work of our entire community - our staff, students, families, our local public health partners and more. Your patience, support, and partnership have been crucial in getting us to this point. Thank you.
Durante la última semana el personal del distrito ha estado trabajando y revisando el Plan de Aprendizaje Seguro generado por el estado, analizando los datos de nuestro distrito y haciendo una planificación cuidadosa y reflexiva en torno a nuestros modelos de aprendizaje del propio distrito. Me complace mucho anunciar que, el lunes 22 de marzo, daremos la bienvenida a nuestros/as estudiantes de secundaria y preparatoria en persona cuatro días a la semana. Los miércoles seguirá siendo un día de aprendizaje a distancia para nuestros/as estudiantes de secundaria.
Fechas clave para todas las escuelas intermedias y secundarias:
-
El miércoles 10 de marzo y el miércoles 17 de marzo son días no escolares para nuestros/as estudiantes de 6-12+, incluidos los/as estudiantes de la Academia de aprendizaje en línea. Estos son días de planificación para que los/as maestros/as se preparen para la transición al aprendizaje en persona.
-
Lunes 22 de marzo: Todos/as los/as estudiantes de 6-12+ regresan al aprendizaje en persona cuatro días a la semana; Los miércoles seguirán siendo de aprendizaje a distancia.
Los padres pueden esperar recibir información específica sobre los planes de la escuela en las próximas semanas.
Algunos de ustedes se preguntarán por qué nuestros estudiantes de secundaria regresan en persona cuatro días en lugar de cinco días, como nuestros estudiantes de primaria. La Orden Ejecutiva del Gobernador Walz exige que se proporcione una cierta cantidad de minutos de planificación cuando los/as maestros/as están en línea y en persona. Un número significativo de nuestros/as maestros/as de secundaria y preparatoria enseñan tanto a estudiantes de la Academia de Aprendizaje en Línea como a estudiantes en persona, por lo que el miércoles sigue siendo un día de aprendizaje a distancia para que los/as estudiantes de secundaria proporcionen el tiempo de planificación para que los/as maestros/as puedan cumplir con la orden ejecutiva.
La capacidad de tener a nuestros/as estudiantes de regreso en persona viene con estrictas medidas de mitigación según lo indicado por los Departamentos de Educación y Salud de MN. El rastreo de contactos es aún más importante y necesitamos que los/as estudiantes sigan las reglas de asientos en clase, en el autobús y en el comedor para que esto funcione. Los/as estudiantes identificados/as como contactos cercanos deberán permanecer en cuarentena durante 14 días para minimizar el riesgo de una posible transmisión en nuestros edificios.
Es más importante que nunca que nuestra comunidad haga lo que pueda para resguardarse, practicar el distanciamiento físico y reducir el riesgo de exposición al COVID-19. Un aumento en los casos en un edificio en particular o en todo el distrito, o preocupaciones con el personal, aún pueden causar un cambio temporal a la educación a distancia. Queremos hacer todo lo posible para asegurarnos de que eso no sea necesario. Nuestra capacidad para permanecer en un modelo de aprendizaje presencial depende de que nuestros datos a nivel de edificio, distrito y condado sigan reflejando que si es seguro hacerlo.
Este es un gran paso para todos/as nosotros/as, y lo hemos estado esperando durante meses. Estoy muy agradecida por el arduo trabajo de toda nuestra comunidad: nuestro personal, estudiantes, familias, nuestros/as socios/as locales de salud pública y más. Su paciencia, apoyo y colaboración han sido cruciales para llevarnos a este punto. Gracias.
February 24
IMPORTANT UPDATE: School Changes for Friday, Feb. 26
As many of you know, we have been working hard over the past several weeks to get our district staff vaccinated to provide an additional layer of protection as we educate during a pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, Carver County has been a strong partner and trusted resource. Through their support, and the support of Ridgeview Medical Center, a vaccination clinic for Carver County school staff has been scheduled this Friday, February 26.
We are thrilled that a significant number of our staff will have the opportunity to get their vaccination on Friday. As the clinic is during school hours, it puts a significant strain on our ability to provide in-person learning. As a result, Friday, February 26 will be an asynchronous learning day for ALL students, including those in the Online Learning Academy.
Here’s what you need to know:
- No students (grades K-12) will report to the buildings on Friday, February 26.
- This will not be a distance learning day; teachers will provide work for students to complete independently.
- Meal kits will be provided to students who request them and will be sent home this Thursday. Middle School and High School Hybrid B students who normally would report to school on Friday will order them as usual via the meal order form link on their Chromebook landing page on Thursday morning and collect them Thursday at the end of the day. Parents of K-5 students can pre-order a 1-day Friday meal kit (by 8:00 pm tonight/Wednesday, February 24) using this FORM .
- Club Care is cancelled on Friday.
- StormHawks full-day preschool will continue as scheduled.
- Half-day preschool classes will continue as scheduled.
- All after-school activities and athletic events will continue as scheduled.
I know that schedule shifts are challenging and I appreciate your support as we work to get our teachers vaccinated. This is a very important step as we return to in-person learning to protect our staff, our students, and our broader community. You will receive more specific information about Friday from your student’s school soon.
Thank you for your partnership as we continue to navigate this school year.
Together,
Lisa Sayles-Adams
Superintendent
Actualización importante: cambios escolares para el viernes 26 de febrero
Como muchos de ustedes saben, hemos estado trabajando arduamente durante las últimas semanas para vacunar al personal de nuestro distrito para brindarles una capa adicional de protección mientras educamos durante esta pandemia. Durante la pandemia, el condado de Carver ha sido un socio sólido y un recurso confiable. A través del apoyo de Ridgeview Medical Center, se ha programado una clínica de vacunación para el personal de la escuela del condado de Carver para este viernes 26 de febrero.
Estamos encantados de que un número importante de nuestro personal tenga la oportunidad de vacunarse el viernes. Como la clínica es durante el horario escolar, ejerce una presión significativa sobre nuestra capacidad de brindar aprendizaje de manera presencial. Como resultado de ello, el viernes 26 de febrero será un día de aprendizaje asincrónico para TODOS/AS los/as estudiantes, incluidos los/as de la Academia de Aprendizaje en Línea.
Esto es lo que necesita saber:
• Ningún estudiante (k-12) acudirá a los edificios el viernes 26 de febrero.
• Este no será un día de aprendizaje a distancia; los/as maestros/as proporcionarán trabajo para que los/as estudiantes lo completen de forma independiente.
• Se proporcionarán kits de comida a los/as estudiantes que los soliciten y se enviarán a casa este jueves. Los/as estudiantes de secundaria y preparatoria Híbrido B que normalmente se reportarían a la escuela el viernes, los ordenarán como de costumbre a través del enlace del formulario de pedido de comida en su página de inicio de Chromebook el jueves por la mañana y los recogerán el jueves al final del día. Los padres de estudiantes de K-5 pueden pre-ordenar un kit de comida del viernes de 1 día (antes de las 8:00 pm esta noche / miércoles 24 de febrero) usando este FORMULARIO.
• Club Care no estará disponible el viernes.
• El preescolar StormHawks de día completo continuará según lo programado.
• Las clases de preescolar de medio día continuarán según lo programado.
• Todas las actividades después de la escuela y los eventos deportivos continuarán según lo programado.
Sé que los cambios de horario son un desafío y agradezco su apoyo mientras trabajamos para vacunar a nuestros/as maestros/as. Este es un paso muy importante a medida que regresamos al aprendizaje presencial para proteger a nuestro personal, nuestros/as estudiantes y nuestra comunidad en general. Pronto recibirá información más específica sobre el viernes de la escuela de su hijo/a.
Gracias por su apoyo mientras continuamos navegando este año escolar.
Juntos/as
Lisa Sayles-Adams
Superintendente
February 17
As many of you have likely heard, earlier today Governor Walz announced more changes to Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan. Much of his update today focused on potential changes for our middle and high school students. Here’s what the governor shared at today’s press conference:
- Minnesota has made great strides in addressing the pandemic. The state’s positivity rate is now below 5%. (Carver County’s positivity rate is 4.3% as of 1/30.)
- All Minnesota middle and high schools can opt to bring students back for hybrid or in-person learning as soon as February 22. (We brought our secondary students back in the hybrid model starting this week.)
- School districts will be asked to follow the CDC’s roadmap to return students to in-person learning as safely as possible. (Many if not most of these mitigation strategies are already in place in our district.)
You may be wondering how this will impact your students. For the moment, nothing will change. We have been thrilled to have all our elementary students back full time as of February 1. Tomorrow, February 18, we look forward to welcoming back our “B” students at the middle and high schools back in-person in a hybrid model, with our “A” students returning on Monday, February 22.
Over the next week, our staff will be working through the State’s revised guidance to see what the implications are for bringing our secondary students back full-time in-person. Any changes we make will not impact our Online Academy Students, who will continue learning in a virtual environment through the end of the school year. We are all in agreement this is the best place for our students to learn, but we need to make sure we have the capacity to do so. That means making sure we have food orders placed to provide breakfast and lunch for our students, nutritional and other staff back in the building to support our teachers and learners, and reviewing processes in place to keep our school community as safe as possible.
COVID fatigue is real for all of us, and I know we are all anxious to get back to normal as soon as possible. That is a goal for all of us, but we are not there yet. Vaccinations continue to roll out more slowly than we’d like. Please do everything you can to keep you and your family safe and healthy. Wear your masks, practice physical distancing, and limit your exposure to others to slow the spread of this virus. Your partnership is critical in getting, and keeping, all of our students back full-time in person.
I am committed to updating our community by Friday, February 26th about what the next steps and timeline will look like for our district as our learning model continues to evolve. Thank you for your grace, patience, and continued support.
Como muchos de ustedes probablemente hayan escuchado, hoy el gobernador Walz anunció más cambios al Plan de Aprendizaje Seguro de Minnesota. Gran parte de su actualización de hoy se centró en los posibles cambios para nuestros estudiantes de las escuelas intermedias y secundarias. Esto es lo que compartió hoy el gobernador en la conferencia de prensa:
- Minnesota ha logrado grandes avances para abordar la pandemia. La tasa de positividad del estado ahora está por debajo del 5%. (La tasa de positividad del Condado de Carver es del 4.3% a partir del 30 de enero).
- Todas las escuelas intermedias y secundarias de Minnesota pueden optar por traer de regreso a los estudiantes para el aprendizaje híbrido o en persona a partir del 22 de febrero. (Nosotros trajimos a nuestros estudiantes de secundaria nuevamente en el modelo híbrido a partir de esta semana).
- Se les pedirá a los distritos escolares que sigan la hoja de ruta de los CDC para que los estudiantes regresen al aprendizaje en persona de la manera más segura posible. (Muchas si no que la mayoría, de estas estrategias de mitigación ya están implementadas en nuestro distrito).
Quizás se pregunte cómo afectará esto a sus estudiantes. Por el momento, nada cambiará. Estamos encantados de tener a todos nuestros estudiantes de primaria de regreso a tiempo completo a partir del 1 de febrero. Mañana,18 de febrero, esperamos darles la bienvenida de regreso a nuestros estudiantes "B" en las escuelas intermedias y secundarias en persona en un modelo híbrido, con nuestros estudiantes “A” regresando el lunes 22 de febrero.
Durante la próxima semana, nuestro personal trabajará a través de la guía revisada del Estado para ver cuáles son las implicaciones para traer de regreso a nuestros estudiantes de secundaria a tiempo completo en persona o de manera presencial. Cualquier cambio que hagamos no afectará a nuestros estudiantes de la Academia en Línea, quienes continuarán aprendiendo en un entorno virtual hasta el final del año escolar. Todos estamos de acuerdo en que este es el mejor lugar para que nuestros estudiantes aprendan, pero debemos asegurarnos de tener la capacidad para hacerlo. Eso significa asegurarnos de que tengamos pedidos de alimentos para proporcionar desayuno y almuerzo para nuestros estudiantes, personal nutricional y de otro tipo en el edificio para apoyar a nuestros maestros y estudiantes, y revisar los procesos establecidos para mantener nuestra comunidad escolar lo más segura posible.
La fatiga que ha dejado el COVID es real para todos nosotros, y sé que todos estamos ansiosos por volver a la normalidad tan pronto como sea posible. Ese es un objetivo para todos nosotros, pero todavía no lo hemos logrado. Las vacunas continúan distribuyéndose más lentamente de lo que nos gustaría. Haga todo lo posible para que usted y su familia estén seguros y saludables. Use sus cubre-bocas, practique el distanciamiento físico y limite su exposición a otros para disminuir la propagación de este virus. Su cooperación es fundamental para que todos nuestros estudiantes regresen a tiempo completo en persona.
Me comprometo a mantener actualizada a nuestra comunidad para el viernes 26 de febrero sobre cómo serán los próximos pasos y el cronograma para nuestro Distrito a medida que nuestro modelo de aprendizaje continúe evolucionando. Agradeciendo su gracia, paciencia y apoyo continúo.
January 15
Dear ECCS Community:
I know many of you have been anxiously awaiting the January Learning Model update. Our district staff have been working hard over the last several weeks to analyze data, work on instructional plans, and prepare for the return of our youngest learners next week. Yesterday, we met with our Regional Support Team - which includes representatives from the MN Departments of Education and Health - to review our plan.
Here’s what you need to know: our elementary school plans remain unchanged, and we look forward to welcoming back our pre-K through second graders on Tuesday, January 19. Our third through fifth graders will return on February 1. What has changed is an acceleration of the timeline for our high school students. On Thursday, February 18, all secondary students, grades 6-12, will return to in-person learning in a hybrid model.
The schedule for our Online Learning Academy students will not change except for secondary OLA on February 10 and 17.
Key dates for our in-person return to learn:
Tuesday, January 19: K-2nd grade and K-5 center-based students return to in-person learning four days a week and grade 6-transition center-based Special Education students return to in-person learning two days a week. Wednesdays remain a distance learning day. PreK and early childhood students return to learn five days a week.
Wednesday, January 20, and Wednesday January 27: No school for students grades 3-5 to accommodate teacher preparation for return to in-person instruction.
Monday, February 1: 3rd through 5th grade students return. All elementary students attend in-person five days a week. Integrated Arts Academy students return in a hybrid model.
Wednesday, February 10 and Wednesday, February 17: No school for ALL students grades 6-12 (including OLA) to accommodate teacher preparation for return to in-person instruction.
Thursday, February 18: Grades 6-12 return to in-person learning in hybrid model.
Parents can expect to receive specific information on return-to-learn plans from their schools in the weeks ahead.
Here are other important updates as we prepare to return to buildings:
• Meal Kits for distance learning days
We are all in agreement that the best place for our students to learn is in school, and in order to ensure that happens we need to do everything we can to slow the spread. While the CDC has provided guidance for a shortened quarantine period, the MN Department of Health, Carver County Public Health, and our Regional Support Team continue to recommend the 14-day quarantine period as the best way to prevent the spread of the virus. Our district will continue to follow the 14-day quarantine period for those deemed "close contacts" of a positive case to protect the health and safety of students and staff as much as possible.
The drop in case numbers between November and January was tremendously encouraging, but now is not the time to become complacent. We need our numbers to continue to remain low if we want our students to return - and stay - in person. We must continue to be vigilant, to wear our masks, social distance, and minimize exposure to others. Stay home when sick, report COVID and other illnesses to the school nurse, and know they are available as a resource if you have questions.
I know this has been a challenging and difficult year for many. We can and will get through this by working in partnership. Thank you for your patience, grace, and support of our students, our staff, and each other.
Together,
Estimada comunidad de ECCS:
Sé que muchos de ustedes han estado esperando ansiosamente la actualización del Modelo de Aprendizaje de enero. Nuestro personal del distrito ha estado trabajando duro durante las últimas semanas para analizar datos, trabajar en planes de instrucción y prepararse para el regreso de nuestros estudiantes más jóvenes la próxima semana. Ayer, nos reunimos con nuestro Equipo de apoyo regional, que incluye representantes de los Departamentos de Educación y Salud del Estado de Minnesota, para revisar nuestro plan.
Esto es lo que se necesita saber: Nuestros planes para la escuela primaria permanecen sin cambios, y esperamos dar la bienvenida a nuestros estudiantes de prekínder a segundo grado el martes 19 de enero. Nuestros estudiantes de tercero a quinto grado regresarán el 1 de febrero. Lo que ha cambiado es una aceleración del cronograma para nuestros estudiantes de secundaria. El jueves 18 de febrero, todos los estudiantes de secundaria, grados 6-12, regresarán al aprendizaje en persona en un modelo híbrido.
El horario de nuestros estudiantes de la Academia de Aprendizaje en Línea (OLA) no cambiará excepto para OLA de secundaria el 10 y 17 de febrero.
Fechas clave para nuestro regreso al aprendizaje en persona:
Martes 19 de enero: los estudiantes de K-2do grado regresan al aprendizaje en persona cuatro días a la semana y todos los estudiantes de educación especial en el centro regresan al aprendizaje en persona dos días a la semana. Los miércoles siguen siendo un día de aprendizaje a distancia. Los estudiantes de PreK y de la primera infancia regresan para aprender cinco días a la semana.
Miércoles 20 de enero y miércoles 27 de enero: No hay clases para los estudiantes de los grados 3-5 para acomodar la preparación de maestros para regresar a la instrucción en persona.
Lunes 1 de febrero: regresan los estudiantes de 3º a 5º grado. Todos los estudiantes de primaria asisten en persona cinco días a la semana. Los estudiantes de Integrated Arts Academy regresan en un modelo híbrido.
Miércoles 10 de febrero y miércoles 17 de febrero: No hay clases para TODOS los estudiantes de los grados 6-12 (incluido OLA) para acomodar la preparación de maestros para regresar a la instrucción en persona.
Jueves 18 de febrero: Los grados 6-12 regresan al aprendizaje en persona en el modelo híbrido.
Los padres pueden esperar recibir información específica sobre los planes del regreso al aprendizaje de sus escuelas en las próximas semanas.
Aquí hay otras actualizaciones importantes mientras nos preparamos para regresar a los edificios:
• Recordatorios de salud y seguridad, el enlace es: Health and Safety Reminders
• Transporte, el enlace es: Transportation
Todos estamos de acuerdo en que el mejor lugar para que nuestros estudiantes aprendan es en la escuela, y para asegurarnos de que esto suceda, debemos hacer todo lo posible para frenar la propagación. Si bien los CDC han brindado orientación para un período de cuarentena más corto, el Departamento de Salud de MN, de Salud Pública del Condado de Carver y nuestro Equipo de Apoyo Regional continúan recomendando el período de cuarentena de 14 días como la mejor manera de prevenir la propagación del virus. Nuestro distrito continuará siguiendo el período de cuarentena de 14 días para aquellos considerados "contactos cercanos" de un caso positivo para proteger la salud y seguridad de los estudiantes y el personal tanto como sea posible.
La disminución en el número de casos entre noviembre y enero fue tremendamente alentadora, pero ahora no es el momento de volverse complacientes. Necesitamos que nuestros números sigan siendo bajos si queremos que nuestros estudiantes regresen, y se queden, en persona. Debemos seguir vigilantes, usando nuestros cubrebocas, el distanciamiento social y minimizando la exposición a los demás. Quédense en casa cuando estén enfermos, informen el COVID y otras enfermedades a la enfermera de la escuela, y sepan que está disponible como recurso si tiene preguntas.
Sé que este ha sido un año desafiante y difícil para muchos. Podemos y superaremos esto trabajando en asociación. Gracias por su paciencia, gracia y apoyo a nuestros estudiantes, nuestro personal y entre nosotros.
Juntos/as,
Gacaliye Bulsho ECCS:
Waan ogahay in badan oo idinka mid ah ay si walaac leh u sugayeen cusbooneysiinta Qaabka Barashada Janaayo. Shaqaalaha degmadu waxay si adag uga shaqaynayeen dhowrkii todobaad ee la soo dhaafay si ay u falanqeeyaan xogta, ugana shaqeeyaan qorshaha waxbarida iyo inaynu diyaar garoobaan soo noqoshada ardaydeena yaryar todobaadka soo socda. Shalay, waxaan la kulanay Kooxdayada Taageerada ee Gobolka - oo ay ku jiraan wakiilo ka socda Waaxda Waxbarashada iyo Caafimaadka ee MN - si aan dib ugu eegno qorshaheena.
Halkan waxaa ku yaala waxyaabaha aad u baahan tahay inaad ogaato: qorshayaasheena dugsiga hoose waxba iskama bedelaayo, waxaana rajeyneynaa inaan ku soo dhaweyno iskuulkeena pre-K illaa fasalka labaad maalinta Talaadada, Janaayo 19. Caruurteena fasalka sadexaad ilaa fasalka shanaad waxay iskuulka ku soo noqon doonaan Febraayo 1. Waxa is bedelay dardargelinta waqtiga ardayda dugsiyadeena dhexe iyo sare. Khamiista, Febraayo 18, dhamaan ardayda waxay ku soo laaban doonaan iskuulka maalmaha qaarkood si isku dhafnaan ah. Waa ardayda dugsiga dhexe iyo dugsiga sare, fasalada 6-12.
Jadwalka waxbarashada online-ka ee ardaydeena waxba iskama beddeli doonaan marka laga reebo dugsiga dhere iyo kuwa sare ee OLA (waxbarashada online-ka) Febraayo 3 iyo 10.
Taariikhaha muhiimka ah ee ku soo noqoshada wax ku barshada iskuulka:
Talaadada, Janaayo 19: Ardayda dhigata fasalka K-2-labaad waxay ku noqonayaan afar maalmood usbuucii; dhamaan ardayda waxbarshada Gaarka ah waxay ku soo noqon doonaan iskuulka laba maalmood usbuucii. Maalinta Arbacada waxay ku dhiganayaan guriga. PreK iyo caruurta xanaanada waxay ku noqon doonaan waxay iskuulka dhigan doonaan shan maalmood usbuucii.
Maalinta Arbacada, Janaayo 20-keeda, iyo Arbacada Janaayo 27-keeda: Uma jiro iskuul ardayda dhigtaan fasalada 3aad ilaa 5naad si uu macalinku u diyaargaroobo ku soo noqoshada iskuulka.
Maalinta Isniinta Febraayo 1-deeda: fasalka 3aad ilaa 5naad ardayda ayaa soo laabtay. Dhamaan ardayda dugsiga hoose waxay shaqsi ahaan u xaadiraan shan maalmood usbuucii. Ardayda Iskuulka Farshaxanka Isku-dhafan waxay ku soo noqdaan qaab isku dhafan.
Maalinta Arbacada ee Febraayo 3 iyo Arbaco, Febraayo 10: Iskuul uma jiro DHAMMAAN ardayda fasalada 6-12 (oo ay ku jiraan ardayda OLA) si macalimiintu ugu diyaargaroobaan ku soo noqoshada iskuulka.
Maalinta Khamiista ee Febraayo 18: Fasalada 6-12 waxay ku noqon doonaan waxbarashadii iskuulka iyo guriga lagu wada dhiganayey.
Waalidiintu waxaa loo dirayaa ooy helaan macluumaad qaas ah oo ku saabsan qorshooyinka ku noqoshada iskuulka todobaadyada soo socda.
Waa kuwan arimaha muhiimka ah markaan isku diyaarinayno inaan ku laabano dhismayaasha:
- Xusuusiyeyaasha Caafimaadka iyo Badbaadada Health and Safety Reminders
- Gadiidka Transportation
- Cuntada maalmaha guriga la joogo Meal Kits for distance learning days
Waxaynu isku raacnay dhamaanteen in meesha ugu fiican ee ardaydeenu wax ku bartaan ay tahay iskuulka, iyo si loo hubiyo oo inaynu samayno in iskuulka la dhigto waa inaynu isku dayno shidii aynu u yareyn lahayn faafitaanka xanuunka. In kasta oo CDC ay bixisay hagid mudo kooban oo karantiin ah, Waaxda Caafimaadka ee MN, Caafimaadka Dadweynaha Degmada Carver, iyo Kooxdayada Taageerada ee Gobolku waxay sii wadayaan inay kugula taliyaan mudada karantiinka ah ee 14-ka ah sida ugu wanaagsan ee looga hor tagi karo faafida cudurka. Degmadeenu waxay sii wadi doontaa inay raacdo mudada 14ka maalmood karantiinka ah ee kuwa loo arko inay yihiin "dadka isku soo dhawaaday" si loo tiro koobo dadka uu ku dhacay oo si macquula looga ilaaliyo oo loo badbaadiyo caafimaadka ardayda iyo shaqaalaha.
Hoos u dhaca tirada intii u dhaxeysay Nofeembar iyo Janaayo waxay ahayd mid si weyn u dhiirigelinaysa, laakiin hada ma aha waqtigii lagu qanci lahaa. Waxaan u baahanahay tirooyinkeena inay ahaadaan kuwo hoos u dhaca hadii aan rabno inay ardaydeenu ku soo noqdaan oo ay sii joogaan iskuulka. Waa inaan sii wadnaa feejignaanta, xirashada waji-gashiga, masaafada bulshada, iyo yaraynta soo-gaadhista dadka kale. Joog gurigaaga markii aad jiran tahay, u sheeg kalkaaliyaha caafimaadka ee iskuulka COVID iyo cudurada kale, ogowna inay diyaar u yihiin macluumaad hadii aad su'aalo qabto.
Waan ogahay inay uu sanadkani ahaa mid dhib badan oo ku adag dad badan. Waan ku guuleysan karnaa waana ku guuleysan doonaa hadaan ku shaqeyno iskaashi. Waad ku mahadsantahay dulqaadkaaga, nimcadaada, iyo taageerada aad siiso ardaydeena, shaqaalaheena, iyo dhexdeena.
Wadajir,
Lisa Sayles-Adams
Superintendent (Kormeerah Guud)
December 23
ECCS Families:
As we head into winter break, I know you have been anxiously awaiting updates on what school will look like for our students when we return in January. As was the case when we started the school year, our district’s top priorities continue to be health, safety, and quality instruction. While we will be sharing more specifics in early January, I wanted you to know broadly what our district’s plan is.
We continue to work closely with our local and state partners to make sure we are using the best data available to make decisions. While we lay out a plan for a return to in-person learning, it’s important to understand that this may change based on the guidance of our local public health officials. As we move into winter break, it is more important than ever that we do everything we can to slow the spread of the virus so we can make sure we keep our students in-person once they return.
As a reminder, all students will return in distance learning on January 4. There is no school Monday, January 18, in observance of Martin Luther King Day, and no school on Monday, January 25, which is a scheduled conference/workshop day.
Phase 1: Early Childhood, Elementary Grades Kindergarten through 2nd grade, and some Center-based programs for Grades 3-12
January 19:
-
Kindergarten through 2nd grade students will return to in-person learning four days a week, with Wednesdays in distance learning
-
PreK and early childhood programs will return to in-person learning five days a week
-
Students in grades 3-12+ on IEPs in some center-based programs will return to school in reduced group sizes
Phase 2: All Elementary Students Full-Time In-Person, Secondary Small Groups
-
Grades 3-5 return to in-person; all elementary students in-person 5 days/week
-
Secondary small group supports, no more than 10 students per group
Phase 3: Middle School Hybrid
February 18:
Phase 4: High School Hybrid
Online Academy (OLA) Students:
- There will be no changes for OLA students.
- Planning days will not impact OLA elementary students, and on Wednesdays, students will continue to work with teachers in the mornings only.
There is more information available about the new health and safety strategies we need to have in place and other changes to guidance on our Return to Learn website. I would encourage you to bookmark that page if you haven’t already.
While we are optimistic about the continued decline of our county case numbers, it is important to reiterate that we need the data to continue to move in the right direction to reach these benchmarks. Similarly, we will adjust our timeline to move up a return to in-person learning for our secondary students if the data supports such a shift and our Regional Support Team approves the plan.
Thank you so much for your support of our district as we navigate this together. I know how hard this is for our entire community. Stay tuned for more information in the new year. In the meantime, stay safe and healthy, and have a wonderful winter break.
Together,
A las familias de ECCS:
A medida que nos acercamos a las vacaciones de invierno, sé que han estado esperando ansiosamente actualizaciones sobre cómo será la escuela para nuestros/as estudiantes cuando regresemos en enero. Como fue el caso cuando comenzamos el año escolar, las principales prioridades de nuestro distrito continúan siendo la salud, la seguridad y la enseñanza de calidad. Si bien compartiremos más detalles a principios de enero, quería que supieran ampliamente cuál es el plan de nuestro distrito.
Seguimos trabajando en estrecha colaboración con nuestros socios locales y estatales para asegurarnos de que estamos utilizando la mejor información disponible para tomar decisiones. Si bien diseñamos un plan para volver al aprendizaje en persona, es importante comprender que esto puede cambiar según la orientación de nuestros/as funcionarios/as de salud pública locales. A medida que nos acercamos a las vacaciones de invierno, es más importante que nunca que hagamos todo lo posible para frenar la propagación del virus para que podamos asegurarnos de mantener a nuestros/as estudiantes en persona una vez que regresen.
Como recordatorio, todos/as los/as estudiantes regresarán en aprendizaje a distancia el 4 de enero. No hay clases el lunes 18 de enero, por ser el día dedicado a Martin Luther King.
Fase uno: programas de la primera infancia, los grados primarios de kínder a segundo grado y programas basados en algunos centros para los grados 3-12
Fase 2: Todos/as los/as estudiantes de primaria a tiempo completo en persona, grupos pequeños de secundaria
Fase 3: secundaria híbrida
Fase 4: preparatoria híbrida
Hay mucha más información disponible sobre las nuevas estrategias de salud y seguridad que debemos implementar y otros cambios en la orientación en nuestro sitio web llamado Return to Learn . Les invito a que revisen esa página si aún no lo han hecho.
Si bien somos optimistas sobre la continua disminución de los números de casos de nuestro condado, es importante reiterar que necesitamos que los datos continúen avanzando en la dirección correcta para alcanzar estos puntos de referencia. De manera similar, ajustaremos nuestro cronograma para avanzar en un regreso al aprendizaje en persona para nuestros estudiantes de secundaria si los datos respaldan dicho cambio y nuestro Equipo de Apoyo Regional aprueba el plan.
Muchas gracias por su apoyo a nuestro distrito mientras navegamos juntos por esto. Sé lo difícil que es esto para toda nuestra comunidad. Estén atentos para más información en el nuevo año. Mientras tanto, manténganse seguros y saludables, y tengan unas maravillosas vacaciones de invierno.
Juntos/as,
December 16
Eastern Carver County Schools Community:
Like you, we watched this afternoon’s news conference with Governor Walz anxious to learn about any changes to guidance about when and how our students might return to in-person learning in the weeks ahead. We were already hard at work on plans to begin bringing back smaller groups of students for in-person support in January. We will now adjust those plans to reflect the new guidance.
Here’s what the Governor shared this afternoon:
-
The current Executive Order allows districts to bring in small groups of students at every grade level for in-person support and interventions.
-
The updated Safe Return to Learn plan allows districts to consider a return to in-person learning for elementary learners starting January 18, so long as increased health and safety protocols are in place.
-
Districts can bring back no more than three grades at a time over any two-week period while monitoring positive cases and quarantines in school buildings.
-
Middle and High School students continue to follow the existing framework and will stay in distance learning for now.
-
Athletics and activities may resume in-person practices on January 4. More specifics will be available in the coming days.
Our staff is now working through the revised guidance to make sure we have the operational and instructional pieces in place to begin implementation of a safe and thoughtful reopening plan for our elementary schools. That is going to take some time. I know our patience is stretched. I know that these decisions have very real implications on our community’s home and work situations. I know we want our students back in school.
I am asking for a little more patience, and a little more time. District staff received the revised guidance the same time it was released to the public. We are committed to updating our community by Wednesday, December 23rd about what the next steps and timeline will look like for our district.
In the meantime, I will continue to ask you to do everything you can to keep you and your family safe and healthy. Wear your masks, practice social distancing, and limit your exposure to others to slow the spread of this virus. It is more important than ever as we move into the holiday season. Let’s keep our numbers moving in the right direction so all of our students have the opportunity to get back to learning in-person.
Together,
Lisa Sayles-Adams
Superintendent
Buenas tardes a la comunidad de las escuelas del condado de Eastern Carver:
Al igual que ustedes, he mirado ansiosamente la conferencia del gobernador Walz en las noticias esta tarde para aprender sobre los cambios relacionados a cuándo y cómo podrán nuestros/as estudiantes regresar al aprendizaje en persona dentro de las semanas venideras. Estábamos ya trabajando duro en la planeación para comenzar a traer a los/las estudiantes en pequeños grupos para apoyo en persona en enero. Ahora nos ajustaremos a esos panes para reflejar las nuevas instrucciones.
Esto es lo que el gobernador compartió esta tarde:
• La actual orden ejecutiva permite que los distritos traigan a grupos pequeños de estudiantes de cada grado a intervenciones de apoyo en persona.
• El plan actualizado Retorno Seguro al Aprendizaje permite que los distritos consideren un retorno al aprendizaje en persona a los estudiantes de primaria a partir del 18 de enero, siempre y cuando se pongan en marcha los protocolos de salud y seguridad.
• Los distritos no pueden traer más de tres grados al mismo tiempo durante un periodo de dos semanas mientras se monitorean los casos positivos y el confinamiento en nuestras escuelas.
• Los estudiantes de las escuelas secundarias (middle y high schools) seguirán los parámetros actuales y se mantendrán con el aprendizaje a distancia por el momento.
• Las actividades deportivas podrán reanudarse con prácticas en persona a partir del 4 de enero. Habrá más detalles próximamente.
Nuestro personal está trabajando con las guías revisadas para asegurarnos de que tengamos las piezas operacionales e instructivas en su lugar para comenzar la implementación de la reapertura segura y reflexiva para nuestras escuelas primarias. Esto llevará tiempo. Sé que nuestra paciencia se agota. Sé que estas decisiones tienen implicaciones reales en nuestra comunidad y en nuestros trabajos. Sé que queremos que nuestros/as estudiantes regresen a la escuela.
Les pido un poco más de paciencia y un poco más de tiempo. El personal del distrito recibió la guía revisada al momento de que esta se hizo pública. Estamos comprometidos a actualizar a nuestra comunidad el miércoles, 23 de diciembre sobre cuáles serán los pasos a seguir y el cronograma para nuestro distrito.
Por lo mientras, les seguiré pidiendo que hagan todo lo posible por mantenerse sanos y saludables. Usen sus cubre bocas, mantengan su distancia y limiten el contacto con otros para disminuir el contagio del virus. Ahora es más importante que nunca ya que comienza la época de festividades. Mantengamos los números en la dirección correcta para que nuestros/as estudiantes tengan la oportunidad de volver al aprendizaje en persona.
Juntos/as,
Lisa Sayles-Adams
Superintendente
December 11
As promised, I wanted to provide you with an update about our learning model. First, I want to thank all of you for your ongoing grace, patience, and support as we work through this continually evolving situation. I know this is not easy. It’s challenging for our students and families, our staff, and our entire community.
Shifting to distance learning last month was not a decision we made lightly. We weighed a number of different data points in reaching that decision, but ultimately the largest strain on our ability to continue to support in-person learning were staffing concerns related to positive COVID cases and to quarantines due to exposure. We simply could not continue to safely deliver learning in-person to our students.
Since we have been in distance learning, county, state, and national case numbers continue to climb. Our public health partners have identified a downward trend in the most recent numbers but are not yet certain if that represents a shift in cases or just a lull given the Thanksgiving holiday. Our district data has naturally declined as students are out of the building, but we are not confident that the data that is being reported during distance learning reflects the actual numbers within our student population. Please continue to call your school nurse to report illness.
Our Carver County data for the most recent reporting period - Nov. 15-28 - is 144.5, almost three times the number indicated by the Governor’s Safe Learning Plan at which districts should consider distance learning for all grades. As a district, we have had 205 positive cases since the start of the school year, students and staff combined, with virtually every building in our district impacted. To date, we have had 3,210 students - 35% of our student body - quarantined either because of a positive case or as a close contact. We’ve seen the same for 378 of our staff - a total of 27%.
The question on everyone’s mind is when is it safe to bring our students back for in-person learning. It’s something my entire team has been wrestling with since we made the decision to shift our model to distance learning. The numbers are still very, very high. We believe based on the current public health data that we would again quickly find ourselves in the same situation as last month, concerned about staffing and other impacts due to positive cases and quarantines. Guidance from our Regional Support Team, which includes representatives from the MN Departments of Education and Health, indicates we should see a consistent downward trend in data before we make a shift.
Given the available data, we will continue in distance learning upon return from winter break. The Governor’s Executive Order does allow flexibility to bring in smaller groups of students for in-person learning, including those receiving Specialized Education Services and our youngest learners. We are working right now to develop a framework for how that will work so we can slowly begin a transition back to in-person learning. We will communicate that framework, transition timeline, and next steps, in early January.
As some of you may know, the CDC has issued updated guidance around length of quarantine for close contacts. We are working with our public health partners to determine how this may impact our district and will include any changes as part of that January communication. In the meantime, our current procedure for quarantine due to a positive or close contact remains in place through winter break.
I know this is not the news our community wants to hear. It’s not what I’d like to be communicating. We all agree the best place for students to be is in school, for their academic, social, and emotional growth. To do so we need the public health data to start to shift in the right direction, and continue improving. We need parents to report illness to our school nurses so we have an accurate picture of what the spread really looks like within our district so we can estimate impacts to our buildings. And we need everyone to do what they can to minimize their risk of exposure in the days and weeks ahead.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the district. I know this is hard on us all. Please stay healthy and safe, and know that our district is doing everything we can to be ready to transition back to in-person learning in the new year. I am as anxious to have our students back in our buildings as you are.
Together,
Lisa Sayles-Adams
Superintendent
Extensión del Aprendizaje a Distancia: Qué esperar en enero
A la Comunidad de las Escuelas del Condado de Eastern Carver:
Como prometí, quería brindarles una actualización sobre nuestro modelo de aprendizaje. Primero, quiero agradecerles a todos por su gracia, paciencia y apoyo continuo mientras trabajamos en esta situación en constante evolución. Sé que esto no es fácil. Es un desafío para nuestros estudiantes y familias, nuestro personal y toda nuestra comunidad.
Cambiar al aprendizaje a distancia el mes pasado no fue una decisión que tomamos a la ligera. Sopesamos varios puntos de datos diferentes para tomar esa decisión, pero en última instancia, la mayor tensión que tuvimos era nuestra capacidad para continuar apoyando el aprendizaje en persona fueron las preocupaciones del personal relacionadas con casos positivos de covid y cuarentenas debido a la exposición. Simplemente no podíamos continuar brindando aprendizaje en persona de manera segura a nuestros/as estudiantes.
Desde que nos dedicamos al aprendizaje a distancia, el número de casos nacionales, estatales y del condado sigue aumentando. Nuestros socios de salud pública han identificado una tendencia a la baja en las cifras más recientes, pero aún no están seguros si eso representa un cambio en los casos o simplemente una pausa dado el feriado de Acción de Gracias. Los datos de nuestro distrito naturalmente han disminuido a medida que los estudiantes están fuera del edificio, pero no estamos seguros de que los datos que se informan durante el aprendizaje a distancia reflejen los números reales dentro de nuestra población estudiantil. Continúe llamando a el/la enfermero/a de su escuela para informar sobre alguna enfermedad.
Nuestros datos del condado de Carver para el período de informe más reciente (del 15 al 28 de noviembre) son 144.5, casi tres veces el número indicado por el Plan de Aprendizaje Seguro del Gobernador en el que los distritos deben considerar el aprendizaje a distancia para todos los grados. Como distrito, hemos tenido 205 casos positivos desde el comienzo del año escolar, los estudiantes y el personal combinados, con prácticamente todos los edificios de nuestro distrito afectados. Hasta la fecha, hemos tenido 3210 estudiantes, el 35% de nuestro cuerpo estudiantil, en cuarentena debido a un caso positivo o como un contacto cercano. Hemos visto lo mismo en 378 miembros de nuestro personal, un total del 27%.
La pregunta en la mente de todos es cuándo es seguro traer a nuestros/as estudiantes de regreso para el aprendizaje en persona. Es algo con lo que todo mi equipo ha estado luchando desde que tomamos la decisión de cambiar nuestro modelo al aprendizaje a distancia. Los números siguen siendo muy, muy altos. Creemos, basándonos en los datos actuales de salud pública, que nuevamente nos encontraremos rápidamente en la misma situación que el mes pasado, preocupados por la dotación de personal y otros impactos debido a casos positivos y cuarentenas. La orientación de nuestro equipo de apoyo regional, que incluye representantes de los Departamentos de Educación y Salud de Minnesota, indica que deberíamos ver una tendencia descendente constante en los datos antes de hacer un cambio.
Dados los datos disponibles, continuaremos con el aprendizaje a distancia al regresar de las vacaciones de invierno. La Orden Ejecutiva del Gobernador permite flexibilidad para traer grupos más pequeños de estudiantes para el aprendizaje en persona, incluidos aquellos que reciben Servicios de Educación Especializada y nuestros estudiantes más jóvenes. Estamos trabajando en este momento para desarrollar un marco de cómo funcionará, de modo que podamos comenzar lentamente una transición de regreso al aprendizaje en persona. Comunicaremos ese marco, el cronograma de transición y los próximos pasos a principios de enero.
Como algunos de ustedes sabrán, el CDC ha publicado una guía actualizada sobre la duración de la cuarentena para contactos cercanos. Estamos trabajando con nuestros socios de salud pública para determinar cómo esto puede afectar a nuestro distrito e incluiremos cualquier cambio como parte de esa comunicación de enero. Mientras tanto, nuestro procedimiento actual para la cuarentena debido a un contacto positivo o cercano permanece en su lugar durante las vacaciones de invierno.
Sé que esta no es la noticia que nuestra comunidad quiere escuchar. No es lo que me gustaría comunicar. Todos estamos de acuerdo en que el mejor lugar para los estudiantes es en la escuela para su crecimiento académico, social y emocional. Para hacerlo, necesitamos que los datos de salud pública comiencen a cambiar en la dirección correcta y sigan mejorando. Necesitamos que los padres informen la enfermedad a los/as enfermeros/as de nuestra escuela para que tengamos una imagen precisa de cómo se ve realmente la propagación dentro de nuestro distrito para que podamos estimar los impactos en nuestros edificios. Y necesitamos que todos hagan lo que puedan para minimizar el riesgo de exposición en los días y semanas venideros.
Gracias por su continuo apoyo al distrito. Sé que esto es difícil para todos. Por favor, manténgase saludable y seguro, y sepa que nuestro distrito está haciendo todo lo posible para estar listo para la transición de regreso al aprendizaje en persona en el nuevo año. Estoy tan ansiosa por tener a nuestros/as estudiantes de regreso en nuestros edificios como usted.
Estamos juntos/as en esto.
Lisa Sayles-Adams
Superintendent
November 12
To ECCS Families:
Thank you - again - for all the support you have shown for our district. The news this week was a lot to process for every single one of us. This is hard for our community. We tried our very best to avoid this shift to distance learning for as long as we possibly could. We will continue to regularly monitor the situation so we can bring our students back as soon as is safely possible.
Some important information as we look toward next week:
Reminder: Monday, Nov. 16 and Tuesday, Nov. 17 are planning days for district staff, NO SCHOOL for students EXCEPT La Academia and Kinder Academy students who are already in distance learning. All students return to learning in the distance learning model on Wednesday, Nov. 18. At this time, we anticipate remaining in this model through winter break.
Access to free meals: Thanks to government funding, ALL ECCS students have access to free meals throughout the year. Participating in our distance learning meal kit program gives students nutritious and delicious meal options, supports local vendors and business partners, and supports 112 Nutrition Services. Parents can sign up weekly for meal kits, which includes 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches for each student. Meal kits are full of student favorites that come as ready-to-eat foods along with some frozen items that are meant to be baked at home. Meal kits must be ordered weekly by 6:00 p.m. Monday for Wednesday pick-up/delivery. (With the exception of current OLA students whose orders remain in place.)
• Meal kits can be pre-ordered beginning today for pick-up on Wed, Nov. 18. The order form for next week’s pick up will close at 6:00 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16.
• Pick-up for Online Learning Academy students remains from 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Wednesdays at Chaska High School. Current orders from OLA students remain in place. No need for OLA students to pre-order each week.
• Pick-up for all other district students who are distance learning is available at Chaska High School and Chaska Middle School East with both day and evening options. You will be asked to select a pick-up location when you sign up.
• If you are unable to pick up food, delivery is available. Contact Nutrition Services if you need to arrange for delivery at Nutrition@district112.org.
This free Meal Kit program is available to ALL students. You do not need to be on the free/reduced lunch program to receive these kits. Read more HERE. Sign up for meal kits each week here: http://eccs.mn/weeklymeals.
Student Schedules/Wednesdays: We have received many questions about potential shifts in student schedules as we move to distance learning, and how or if Wednesdays might change in that model. Keep your eyes out for emails for your student’s school for specific information about how distance learning will work. We are continuing to evaluate Wednesdays, especially in light of last week’s Executive Order 20-94 from Governor Walz which has language regarding teacher preparation time. We will communicate any changes in the coming weeks.
Material pick-up from your child’s school: Again, please keep an eye out for communication from your child(ren)’s school with important information about material pick-up and distance learning updates in the next few days.
Please remember to wear your masks, practice social distancing, wash your hands, and do everything you can to slow the spread of this virus.
12 de noviembre de 2020
Familias de ECCS:
Gracias, nuevamente, por todo el apoyo que han mostrado a nuestro distrito. La noticia de esta semana ha sido mucho para procesar para cada uno de nosotros. Esto es difícil para nuestra comunidad. Hicimos todo lo posible para evitar este cambio hacia la educación a distancia durante el mayor tiempo posible. Continuaremos monitoreando regularmente la situación para que podamos traer a nuestros estudiantes de regreso tan pronto como sea posible.
Alguna información importante de cara a la próxima semana:
Recordatorio: el lunes 16 de noviembre y el martes 17 de noviembre son días de planificación para el personal del distrito, NO HAY CLASES para los estudiantes EXCEPTO los estudiantes de La Academia y Kinder Academy que ya están en el aprendizaje a distancia. Todos los estudiantes regresan a aprender en el modelo de aprendizaje a distancia el miércoles 18 de noviembre. En este momento anticipamos que permanecerán en este modelo durante las vacaciones de invierno.
Acceso a comidas gratuitas: gracias a la financiación del gobierno, TODOS los estudiantes de ECCS tienen acceso a comidas gratuitas durante todo el año. Los padres pueden inscribirse semanalmente para recibir kits de comida, que incluyen 5 desayunos y 5 almuerzos para cada estudiante. Los kits de comida contienen alimentos que son favoritos de los estudiantes que vienen como alimentos listos para comer junto con algunos artículos congelados que deben hornearse en casa. Los kits de comida deben solicitarse semanalmente antes de las 6:00 p.m. el lunes para recoger / entregar el miércoles. (con la excepción de los estudiantes actuales de OLA cuyas órdenes permanecen vigentes).
• Los kits de comida se pueden pedir por adelantado a partir de hoy para recogerlos el miércoles 18 de noviembre. El formulario de pedido para que sean recogidos la próxima semana se cerrará a las 6:00 p.m. Lunes 16 de noviembre.
• La hora para recoger en el caso de los estudiantes de la Academia de Aprendizaje en Línea permanece de 10:30 a. m. A 12:00 p. m. los miércoles en Chaska High School. Los pedidos actuales de los estudiantes de OLA siguen vigentes. No es necesario que los estudiantes de OLA hagan pedidos por adelantado cada semana.
• Para los demás estudiantes del distrito que están aprendiendo a distancia- podrán recoger sus kits que estarán disponibles en Chaska High School y Chaska Middle School East con opciones diurnas y nocturnas. Se le pedirá que seleccione un lugar para recogerlos cuando se registre.
• Si no puede recoger la comida, la entrega está disponible. Comuníquese con Servicios de Nutrición en Nutrition@district112.org.
Este programa gratuito de kit de comidas está disponible para TODOS los estudiantes. No es necesario estar en el programa de almuerzo gratis / reducido para recibir estos kits. Regístrese para recibir kits de comida aquí: http://eccs.mn/weeklymeals.
Horarios de los estudiantes / miércoles: Hemos recibido muchas preguntas sobre posibles cambios en los horarios de los estudiantes a medida que avanzamos hacia el aprendizaje a distancia, y cómo, o si los miércoles podrían cambiar en ese modelo. Esté atento a los correos electrónicos de la escuela de su estudiante para obtener información específica sobre cómo funcionará el aprendizaje a distancia. Continuamos evaluando los miércoles, especialmente a la luz de la Orden Ejecutiva 20-94 de la semana pasada del Gobernador Walz, que habla sobre el tiempo de preparación de los maestros. Comunicaremos cualquier cambio en las próximas semanas.
Recogida de material de la escuela de su hijo (a): Nuevamente, esté atento a la comunicación de la escuela de su hijo (s) con información importante sobre la recogida de material y las actualizaciones de aprendizaje a distancia en los próximos días.
Recuerde usar sus cubrebocas, practicar el distanciamiento social, lavarse las manos y hacer todo lo posible para frenar la propagación de este virus.
November 9
Since the start of the school year, we have made it a point not to take a single moment we have with our students for granted. We all believe that the best place for students to learn is in person, but they must be able to do so in a safe and healthy environment. Since our update to you last Thursday, our district’s data has changed dramatically.
This evening, the school board voted to approve a shift in the learning framework to reflect these changing conditions. Next week, our district will shift to distance learning for all students grades K-12. We anticipate remaining in that learning model through winter break which ends Friday, Jan. 1. Athletics and activities will continue unless the state mandates further restrictions.
Here are the important dates you need to know:
• Friday, November 13: Last day of current learning framework (in-person K-5, hybrid 6-12)
• Monday, November 16 and Tuesday, November 17: Planning days for district staff, NO SCHOOL for students EXCEPT La Academia and Kinder Academy students who are already in distance learning
• Wednesday, November 18: All students return to learning in the distance learning model
This is not a decision that was made lightly. Public health data shows a dramatic, exponential increase in positive cases at the state, county, and local levels. We are seeing the same numbers in our district data, with quarantines of students and staff placing additional stressors on our system. Staffing to fill these absences is not possible given the shortage of substitutes.
We also want to be clear that this announcement doesn’t preclude the potential need to quarantine students, classrooms, or buildings the remainder of this week. We are reevaluating our ability to staff and provide quality education to our students on a day-by-day, minute-by-minute basis.
We encourage you to watch the recap of the board meeting, which will be available HERE as soon as possible Tuesday morning. In addition to the staff update, we heard from Carver County Public Health Director Dr. Richard Scott. You can see the slides the district presented tonight HERE.
We know that you have many questions. We will be providing additional information later this week about access to meals, scheduling during distance learning, and other areas. Please stay tuned for those updates.
I know this is hard news. I know it will cause many challenges for our district community as we navigate work, school, childcare, and other issues. I promise we are doing everything we can to support you, in and out of school.
We are united in wanting our students to be back learning in-person as soon as possible. We need our entire community to work together toward that goal. Wear your mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands, and keep your contacts limited to those closest to you and your family. Help us stop the spread so our learners can get back where they belong: in the classroom.
On behalf of the School Board and our entire district leadership team, I want to thank you for your continued support of our district through these incredibly challenging times. I believe in us, and I know we will get through this together.
Lisa Sayles-Adams
Superintendent
El distrito cambiará al modelo de aprendizaje a distancia para todos los grados el 18 de noviembre
Desde el comienzo del año escolar, nos hemos propuesto no dar por sentado ni un solo momento que tenemos con nuestros estudiantes. Todos creemos que el mejor lugar para que los estudiantes aprendan es en persona, pero deben poder hacerlo en un ambiente seguro y saludable. Desde nuestra actualización el jueves pasado, los datos de nuestro distrito han cambiado drásticamente.
Esta noche, la junta escolar votó para aprobar un cambio en el marco de aprendizaje para reflejar estas condiciones cambiantes. La próxima semana, nuestro distrito cambiará al aprendizaje a distancia para todos los estudiantes de los grados K-12. Anticipamos permanecer en ese modelo de aprendizaje durante las vacaciones de invierno que terminan el viernes 1 de enero. Los deportes y las actividades continuarán, a menos que el estado exija más restricciones.
Estas son las fechas importantes que necesita saber:
• Viernes 13 de noviembre: último día del marco de aprendizaje actual (en persona K-5, híbrido 6-12)
• Lunes 16 y martes 17 de noviembre: Días de planificación para el personal del distrito, NO HAY CLASES para los estudiantes EXCEPTO los estudiantes de La Academia y KinderAcademy que ya están en el aprendizaje a distancia
• Miércoles 18 de noviembre: Todos los estudiantes vuelven a aprender en el modelo de aprendizaje a distancia.
Esta no es una decisión que se tomó a la ligera. Los datos de salud pública muestran un aumento espectacular y exponencial de casos positivos a nivel estatal, del condado y local. Estamos viendo los mismos números en los datos de nuestro distrito, con cuarentenas de estudiantes y personal que colocan factores estresantes adicionales en nuestro sistema. No es posible dotar de personal para cubrir estas ausencias dada la escasez de suplentes.
También queremos dejar en claro que este anuncio no excluye la posible necesidad de poner en cuarentena a los estudiantes, las aulas o los edificios el resto de esta semana. Estamos reevaluando nuestra capacidad de formar personal y proporcionar educación de calidad a nuestros estudiantes día a día, minuto a minuto.
Le animamos a que vea el resumen de la reunión de la junta, que estará disponible AQUÍ lo antes posible el martes por la mañana. Además de la actualización del personal, escuchamos al Dr. Richard Scott, director de salud pública del condado de Carver. Puede ver las diapositivas que presentó el distrito esta noche AQUÍ.
Sabemos que tiene muchas preguntas. Proporcionaremos información adicional más adelante esta semana sobre el acceso a las comidas, la programación durante el aprendizaje a distancia y otras áreas. Estén atentos a esas actualizaciones.
Sé que estas son malas noticias. Sé que causará muchos desafíos para la comunidad de nuestro distrito a medida que navegamos por el trabajo, la escuela, el cuidado de niños y otros problemas. Prometo que estamos haciendo todo lo posible para apoyarlos, tanto dentro como fuera de la escuela.
Estamos unidos en el deseo de que nuestros estudiantes vuelvan a aprender en persona lo antes posible. Necesitamos que toda nuestra comunidad trabaje junta hacia ese objetivo. Use su cubre bocas, practique el distanciamiento social, lávese las manos y mantenga sus contactos limitados a los más cercanos a usted y su familia. Ayúdenos a detener la propagación para que nuestros alumnos puedan volver a donde pertenecen: en el aula.
En nombre de la Junta Escolar y de todo nuestro equipo de liderazgo distrital, quiero agradecerles por su continuo apoyo a nuestro distrito a través de estos tiempos increíblemente desafiantes. Creo en nosotros y sé que superaremos esto juntos.
Lisa Sayles-Adams
Superintendente
November 5
As promised last week, I’m reaching out to provide you with an update about this week’s COVID-19 data and how that is informing our learning model in the district. This is an unprecedented time, and I want to again reiterate my gratitude for all of the different ways our students, staff, and families have come together to meet the challenges we face. If adversity reveals character, then this community has an abundance of riches.
Our county data continues to trend upward and as I said last week we have no indication that will change. This week’s number is 25.59, which is a significant increase. When we look at the cities our schools serve, they hold 70% of Carver County’s positive cases. We continue to analyze that data in partnership with Carver County Public Health.
The good news is that within the district, our positive cases remain relatively low, and we are not seeing the same upward curve in numbers. Please see the district data dashboard for more details. This is another piece of the data we use to determine our learning model, thanks to a shift announced late last month from the MN Department of Education. The so-called “scalpel approach” allows us to weigh that building and district data as part of our decision-making process. I’d encourage you to read more about what that looks like here.
While the positive case numbers are an important data point, as a district we are looking at a number of other factors: our ability to staff classrooms and provide services to students are key among them. We continue to face challenges in this regard. Substitute teachers are in high demand, as well as paraprofessionals to provide critical classroom support. I would encourage you to view the presentation we’ll be making to the School Board this Monday, November 9, where we will talk in greater detail about some of these challenges. You can view the livestream here starting at 6:30 p.m., or watch later via the archive here.
Looking at all the available data, and in partnership with our local and state health and education departments, we are continuing in our current learning model. Classes will remain in-person for our elementary learners, and hybrid for our middle and high school students. Our ability to continue in this framework relies in no small part on our district numbers continuing to remain low. Please help us keep our students in-person for as long as possible by wearing masks, practicing social distancing and good hygiene, and staying home when ill. We all must be vigilant about the health and safety of our families and our community.
I also want to reassure you that unless ordered by the governor or state agencies, we will not shift learning frameworks overnight. We know the strain this puts on our entire district, and will always work to provide as much notice as possible. Please look for another learning model update next week as we continue to monitor the situation.
Thank you again for your support and your partnership as we navigate this school year.
Together,
Lisa Sayles-Adams, Superintendent
Familias de ECCS:
Tal como les prometimos la semana pasada, me comunico para ofrecerles una actualización sobre los datos covid-19 de esta semana y cómo nuestro modelo de aprendizaje se ve afectado en nuestro distrito. Este es un momento sin precedentes y quisiera reiterar nuevamente mi gratitud por todas las formas en que nuestros/as estudiantes, personal y familias se han unido para enfrentar los desafíos que enfrentamos. Si la adversidad revela nuestro carácter, entonces esta comunidad tiene abundancia de riquezas
Los datos de nuestro condado continúan con una tendencia ascendente y, como lo mencioné la semana pasada, no tenemos indicios de que vaya a cambiar. El número de esta semana es de 25,59, lo que es un aumento significativo. Cuando miramos las ciudades que asisten a nuestras escuelas, contienen el 70% los casos positivos del condado de Carver. Continuamos analizando estos datos en asociación con el departamento de salud pública del condado de Carver.
La buena noticia es que, dentro del distrito, nuestros casos positivos siguen siendo relativamente bajos y no estamos viendo la misma curva ascendente en número. Consulte el panel de datos del distrito para obtener más detalles. Esta es otra parte de los datos que usamos para determinar nuestros modelos de aprendizaje, gracias a un cambio anunciado a a fines del mes pasado por el Departamento de Educación de Minnesota. El llamado “enfoque de bisturí” nos permite sopesar los datos de las escuelas y del distrito como parte de nuestro proceso de toma de decisiones. Los animo a leer más sobre cómo se ve aquí.
Si bien los números de casos positivos son un punto de datos importante, como distrito estamos analizando una serie de otros factores: nuestra capacidad para dotar de personal a las aulas y brindar servicios a los estudiantes es clave entre ellos. Seguimos enfrentando desafíos en este sentido. Los maestros/as suplentes tienen una gran demanda, así como también los paraprofesionales para brindar apoyo crítico en el salón de clases. Les animo a que vean la presentación que le haremos a la Junta Escolar este lunes 9 de noviembre donde hablaremos con mayor detalle sobre algunos de estos desafíos. Puede ver la transmisión en vivo aquí a partir de las 6:30 pm, o ver más tarde a través del archivo aquí.
Al observar todos los datos disponibles, y en asociación con nuestros departamentos locales y estatales de educación y salud, continuamos con nuestros modelos aprendizaje actual. Las clases permanecerás en persona para nuestros estudiantes de primaria e híbridas para nuestros estudiantes de secundaria y preparatoria. Nuestra capacidad para continuar en este marco se basa en gran parte en que los números de nuestro distrito continúan siendo bajos. Ayúdenos a mantener a nuestros/as estudiantes en persona durante el mayor tiempo posible usando cubre bocas, practicando el distanciamiento social y la buena higiene, y quedándonos en casa cuando estemos enfermos. Todos debemos estar atentos a la salud y seguridad de nuestras familias y nuestra comunidad.
También quiero asegurarles que, a menos que lo ordene el gobernador, o las agencias estatales, no cambiaremos los marcos de aprendizaje de la noche a la mañana. Sabemos la tensión que esto ejerce sobre todo nuestro distrito y siempre trabajamos para proporcionar la mayor cantidad de información posible. La próxima semana enviaremos otra actualización del modelo de aprendizaje mientras seguimos monitoreando la situación.
Gracias nuevamente por su apoyo y colaboración mientras navegamos este año escolar.
¡Juntos!
Lisa Sayles-Adams
Superindendente
October 30
When we started the year off, we promised to update you monthly or earlier, if necessary, about what the COVID-19 data was telling us about our learning models. This is one of those moments when the urgency of the communication necessitates an earlier message. Our Carver County case numbers continue to rise, and we are at the point where we need to evaluate our learning model at the elementary level.
As a district, we monitor a variety of data every week as part of our situation assessment. We look at the public health data (positive cases, nature of spread, etc.), impacts on our buildings, and staffing concerns. All of these factors impact our system. That public health data is a key metric, and it has been rising steadily over the past few weeks.
This week’s number is 18.82. If the trend continues, and based on our communications with local and state public health officials we believe it will, we will be close to or crossing the 20- threshold next week. That 20-30 case range indicates a hybrid learning model for all K-12 learners. This would be no change for our middle and high school students, but a shift for our elementary students. Learn more: Eastern Carver County Schools Data Dashboard
As a district, we committed to allowing for as much notice as possible to our families when shifting learning models. We understand the enormous strain this puts on our community, especially when it comes to access to child care for our youngest learners. We also do not want to pivot based on just one week’s data.
Right now, we are monitoring the data. If the numbers rise, cross into the 20-30 range, and stay there for consecutive weeks, we would anticipate a pivot to the hybrid learning model for our elementary schools. We will update you next week when new numbers are released on November 5 with next steps. In the meantime, school continues as normal.
I have been so proud of our students and staff as we have returned to in-person learning this year. Everyone has worked incredibly hard to keep our buildings as safe and healthy as possible so we can focus on education. We have seen very little spread in our schools as a result.
Our district doesn’t operate in isolation, though, and our county numbers do impact our ability to stay in-person. With that in mind, I am again asking that you do everything you can to reduce the risk of transmission to you and your family. Please wear your masks, practice social distancing, wash your hands, and stay home when you are ill. Every single one of us wants our students in school learning, and to do that we have to be diligent in minimizing risk of exposure. To turn this trend around, our whole community needs to work together.
Lisa Sayles-Adams
Superintendent
Cuando comenzamos el año les prometimos una actualización por mes o antes, en caso de que fuese necesario, sobre lo que los datos del covid-19 nos decían sobre nuestros modelos de aprendizaje. Este es uno de esos momentos en que nos urge comunicarles un mensaje más temprano. Los casos en nuestro condado siguen aumentando y estamos al grado de necesitar evaluar nuestro modelo de aprendizaje en las escuelas primarias.
Como distrito, monitoreamos una variedad de datos semanalmente para evaluar la situación. Nos fijamos en los datos de salud pública (casos positivos, propagación, etc.) impacto en nuestras escuelas y las preocupaciones del personal. Todos estos factores impactan nuestro sistema. Los datos de salud pública son la llave métrica y han estado subiendo continuamente durante las últimas semanas.
El número de esta semana es 18.82. Si esta tendencia continúa, y con base en nuestras comunicaciones con los oficiales locales y estatales de salud pública creemos que continuará, estaremos cerca o cruzando el límite de 20 la próxima semana. Ese rango de 20 a 30 casos indica un modelo de aprendizaje híbrido para todos los estudiantes de K-12. Esto no sería un cambio para las escuelas intermedias o secundarias, sino un cambio para nuestros estudiantes de primaria. Tablero de Datos de casos de covid-19 de las escuelas del Condado de Eastern Carver
Como distrito, nos comprometimos a permitir la mayor notificación posible a nuestras familias al cambiar los modelos de aprendizaje. Entendemos la enorme presión que esto provoca en nuestra comunidad, especialmente cuando se trata del acceso al cuidado infantil para nuestros alumnos más jóvenes. Tampoco queremos girar en función de los datos de una sola semana.
En este momento estamos monitoreando los datos. Si los números aumentan y cruzan el rango de 20 a 30 y permanecen ahí durante semanas consecutivas, anticiparíamos un cambio hacia el modelo de aprendizaje híbrido para nuestras escuelas primarias. Le informaremos los pasos a seguir la próxima semana cuando se publiquen los números nuevos el 5 de noviembre. Mientras tanto, la escuela continúa con normalidad.
Me he sentido muy orgullosa de nuestros/as estudiantes y personal, ya que este año volvimos al aprendizaje en persona. Todos hemos trabajado increíblemente duro para mantener nuestras escuelas seguras y saludables para poder enfocarnos en la educación. Como resultado, hemos visto muy baja propagación en nuestras escuelas.
A pesar de todo, nuestro distrito no opera de forma aislada y los números de nuestro condado sí afectan nuestra capacidad de permanecer en persona. Con eso en mente, nuevamente les pido que haga todo lo posible para reducir el riesgo de transmisión para usted y su familia. Use su cubre bocas y mantenga su distancia social, lávese las manos y quédese en casa cuando se sienta enfermo/a. Todos y cada uno/a de nosotros/as queremos que nuestros/as estudiantes aprendan en la escuela y, para ello, debemos ser diligentes en minimizar el riesgo de exposición. Para revertir esta tendencia, toda nuestra comunidad necesita trabajar junta.
October 6
COVID-19 Data Dashboard will be posted weekly
It’s hard to believe October is underway, and that we have a month of school already behind us. In an uncertain and changing environment, that’s an accomplishment to be celebrated. I’d like to thank our incredible staff and our fantastic students and families for all you have done to get us off to a strong start.
I want to especially acknowledge our staff, who have put in long hours to support our community of learners. We are doing something together that has never been done before. The commitment of our teachers, paraprofessionals, and other staff to providing a high quality education in challenging times is remarkable. I am proud of the job they are doing.
I’m also proud of the job our students are doing. I have been in every building in the district since school started, and I cannot say enough about how hard they are working. They are staying masked, they are distancing where they can (that looks different at the elementary and secondary levels), and they are working hard to keep themselves and their classmates healthy and safe. Thank you, parents, for supporting your students and the district in continuing to reinforce the precautions we must take to keep everyone in school.
At the start of the year we committed to communicating monthly about district learning models and the impact of the virus on our schools. Carver County has been consistently within the 10-20 cases per 10,000 range, which keeps our district in an in-person elementary and hybrid secondary model. We are seeing those county numbers rise, so we again ask our community to do everything you can to mask up, practice physical distancing, wash your hands, and take steps to reduce the spread of the virus. We all want our kids to stay in school, and these steps are essential to keep us there.
Since the start of school, we have had 13 confirmed positive cases in the district. I want to remind families to continue to monitor students at home for any signs of illness, and keep them home when they are not feeling well, display any symptoms, or you are waiting for test results. Your school nurse is a helpful resource if you have questions.
You can keep track of both the MDH, Carver County, and district numbers on our data dashboard. This is updated every Thursday, to reflect the most recently reported numbers from the state.
As we move into the fall, your vigilance and partnership in reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus is crucial. We now have all of our students back in the building for some level of in-person learning. That’s where we all want our students to be, so I thank you in advance for your support. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay up to date at http://www.district112.org/district-information/returntolearn2020/.
Stronger together,
Lisa Sayles-Adams
Superintendent
September 3
This week, the district welcomed back staff and focused on making final preparations to provide a quality education for our students, and to do so in a safe and healthy environment. Superintendent Lisa Sayles-Adams has shared a brief video message as we return to learning this fall. We also wanted to share a few reminders that will help you prepare your family for the start of the school year:
On Tuesday, Sept. 8 — first day of school:
Elementary: In-person learning for all students
Middle School: Hybrid learning with Group A in school buildings and Group B distance learning
High School: Distance learning for all students
Online Learning Academy: Distance learning for all students.
For students who won’t be attending school in-person on Tuesday, be sure to read the email(s) from teachers with the details for how to connect to ensure all students have a great first day of school.
Face Covering/Mask policy
At a special meeting on September 1, the School Board approved Policy 808 related to face coverings. The policy outlines district practices around the use of facial coverings for as long as the Governor’s Executive Order remains in effect. You can read the policy in its entirety here. This simplified mask guide can be used to help students understand how masks should be worn in school.
Bus Routes Posted on Portal
Students who did not opt out of busing have been assigned a bus route stop. Final routes are now posted on Campus Portal. When logging in, the Portal opens to the Message Center; click “Today” on the left side of the screen. Next, choose a student name in the upper right corner of the screen. Then choose the “Bus Information” tab below the child’s name. NOTE: Route changes will only be allowed two times/month (the 15th and the last day of the month). The first route change requests won’t be considered until Sept. 30, allowing busing and the school year to begin. Parents can make route change requests using the Bus Stop Change Request Form.
Meal Options
As we begin the new school year, students will have multiple ways to access meals this fall depending on their grade level and learning model choice (in-person, hybrid, distance learning or online-learning). On days when your student is in the school building, they will visit our kitchens and cafeterias as they have in previous years but with extra safety and physical distancing measures in place.
- Visit the Nutrition Services webpage to view daily menus for in-person learning and to add money to your child’s meal account.
- Learn more about home meal kit options for days when your student is learning remotely HERE.
Health & Safety Checklist
Before school each day, parents should be monitoring their children’s health in order to keep our students and staff as safe as possible. Use this checklist is a guide for symptoms to look for each day. Additional information can be found on our Stay Healthy web page.
August 25
With just two weeks to go before school starts, we wanted to provide an update about work being done in the district to prepare for the 20-21 school year.
A/B day assignments announced
We will begin the 2020-21 school year in a modified hybrid model:
- Elementary schools will be in-person learning four days each week (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri), with Wednesdays being a distance learning day.
- Middle Schools will be in an AA/DL/BB hybrid model with two days of in-person learning each week, with Wednesday being a distance learning day for both A and B groups
- Group A students in-person on Monday and Tuesday
- Group B students in-person on Thursday and Friday
- The district hybrid A-day/B-day calendar can be found here.
- High Schools will be in distance learning five days each week with options for additional supports in-person for those who need it.
While we start the year in this model, it’s important to remember that the district will need to be ready to pivot at any time to a different learning model (In-person, Hybrid, Distance Learning) based on evolving conditions, including guidance from the MDH and county officials.
Planning for the year is important, and knowing whether your child is an A or B group student is a key part of understanding their schedule to begin the year (for middle school students) or for elementary and high school student when/if their school is in a hybrid learning model. Therefore, all students have an A or B group assignment that will be used when/if their school is in a hybrid learning model. You can find your child(ren)’s assignment by logging into Campus Portal. The information is included in the district announcement section on the main menu. Contact your school directly with questions about group assignments and schedules.
Changes to district calendar
At the last school board meeting, the Board approved minor changes to the district calendar. Late start days were moved from Thursdays to Wednesdays, which are distance learning days district-wide, and other adjustments were made to balance learning between our A groups and B groups. No changes were made to scheduled days off. You can view the district calendar here
Transportation Update
Final bus route information will be posted on Campus Portal by Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Stronger Together
A return to in-person learning for all our students is the goal of everyone in our community. In order to keep the numbers in the Minnesota Departments of Health and Educations’ framework moving in the right direction, we must all do our part. That means masking up, practicing physical distancing wherever possible, washing our hands, and doing everything we can to limit our exposure. As we prepare for our return to learning, please talk with your children about what we can do to keep each other safe and healthy. Stay tuned to school and district websites and emails for more communication, and enjoy the rest of your summer!
August 11
Over the past several weeks, district leadership have been working in partnership with local and state education and health agencies. We have been running scenarios, poring through data, analyzing feedback from across our community, and consulting with experts. All of this to determine how we can best start this school year while delivering on our two central commitments: to provide a quality education for our students, and to do so in a safe and healthy environment.
Based on that data-driven, collaborative process, we have determined we will begin the year in a Modified Hybrid Model.
- Grades K-5 will return to school In-person four days a week, with Wednesdays as a distance learning day for students and a PLC day for staff.
- Grades 6-8 will return to school in a Hybrid Model, with students in-person two days a week and distance learning three days a week. Wednesdays will be a PLC day for staff. Note: group assignments for in-person school days in this model will be communicated to parents the week of August 25.
- Grades 9-12 will return to learning in a full-time Distance Learning 2.0 model, with opportunities for in-person learning for students needing additional supports. We plan to move to a hybrid model no later than October 8.
While we start the year in this model, it’s important to remember that the district will need to be ready to pivot at any time to a different learning model based on evolving conditions, including guidance from the MDH and county officials.
The district will continue to provide updates as we prepare for the start of school on September 8. In the meantime, here’s what you need to know now:
- Return to Learn Modified Hybrid Model details
- Online Learning Academy Enrollment Deadline:
Friday, August 14Deadline extended until 10 am/August 19- As we have previously communicated, for families who are not yet comfortable returning to school under those conditions, the ECCS Online Learning Academy offers a fully online alternative. Learn more about this Online Learning Academy option and how to enroll here.
- Changes to Bell times
- In order to accommodate transportation needs in different models, school start and dismissal times have been adjusted at the elementary and high schools. Find 2020-21 start and dismissal times here.
- Transportation
- Regardless of which learning model your child is starting the year in, please plan now for transportation needs as we shift shift to different learning models over the course of the school year.
- The Transportation Department will create bus routes and schedules for the school year based on your child’s home address. Final Bus information will be posted on Campus Portal by Sept. 1. Find more information and links to Transportation forms here.
- To help us accurately plan for transportation needs, we are asking parents who already know that they will drive their child to and from school, to opt-out of transportation by August 14. Log in to Campus Portal to choose this option.
- If you need to request an alternate address of pick up or drop off (daycare or shared custody) forms are due by August 25.
- Club Care & Tier 1 Child Care
- Parents currently enrolled in Fall 2020 Club Care will receive details in the next few days about registration options for before- and after-school care and care on the distance learning day (Wednesday) as staffing and space allows.
- The district also will provide child care for Tier 1 essential workers during the distance learning day as staffing and space allows. Learn more HERE.
- Community Information Sessions
- Remember, there are community information sessions coming up in the next two weeks to learn more about the models and get answers to questions. These information sessions will be recorded and available on the website for later viewing. Additional details about community information sessions here.
At the end of the day, we know that we all want our kids to be back in school, in-person, with their friends and teachers. In order to continue to move the dial towards full in-person learning, we will need your help. Wearing masks, practicing social distancing and good hygiene, and following public health guidance on gatherings helps to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Help us keep our students and staff healthy and safe by doing everything you can to reduce your risk.
We will get through this year together — all of our staff, students and their families, and our communities. Together, we are all Eastern Carver County Schools. And together, we are strong.
Lisa Sayles-Adams
Superintendent
July 30
Dear ECCS Community:
Like all of you, district leadership has been anxiously awaiting the Governor’s announcement about the start of the 2020-21 school year. As a public school district, we have two primary duties: to provide an exceptional education for our students, and to do so in a safe and healthy environment. Right now, our work is focused on how to do both of those things for our school communities. This is what we learned today from Governor Walz:
Districts will decide what model they will start school with based on consultation with public health officials and data around the number of cases per 10,000 in a county over a 14-day period. Transitions between models will also be based on that data. Based on what we know right now through the data provided by the Minnesota Department of Health, we anticipate that Eastern Carver County Schools may return to school in some sort of a hybrid learning model. We will be working with the MN Department of Education, MDH, and Carver County to make sure we have a clear understanding of the data and what will be required for us if we can transition to full in-person learning or have to move into a distance learning model. You will receive specific information about the final return to school model for Eastern Carver County Schools on August 11.
I know you have many questions about how this will impact our community and the start of the school year. A lot of those questions are about the specific learning model, but many of them are about other essential aspects of school life: selecting an online-only option, transportation, cleaning protocols, access to school meals, what will happen with our fall athletics and activities. Each one of these areas is important to our entire district community. I am going to ask for your patience for just a little longer as we finalize specifics based on the Governor’s guidance so we can accurately communicate with you what the return to learning will look like for Eastern Carver County Schools.
For the past several months we have been working as a team using feedback from all parts of our community to plan for our return to school. Our goal is to make sure whatever model we are in, whether at the start of the school year or as the year progresses, we are creating an environment with high standards and expectations not just for learning but for health and safety. We are working in partnership with state and local agencies to help determine how to safely support our academics, athletics, and other school-related programming and activities.
Here are important upcoming communications milestones and opportunities to learn more:
District-wide information:
August 6: Information will be available about ECCS fall sports and activities
August 11: ECCS will release detailed information about all three learning models, as well as the model we are starting the year with, to the public via the www.district112.org website.
Community Engagement Sessions:
This will be an opportunity to hear the models presented by district staff and to ask questions. The session will be recorded and posted on the district website. See the community engagement page for full details.
Thank you for your patience, your partnership, and your engagement as we work through these next several weeks, and our return to learning, together. This is a new playbook for all of us. This school year is going to look and feel different no matter what model we start the year with. We are committed to partnering with our families to make sure everyone has the tools to be safe and successful. No matter how we return, we will continue to grow stronger together this year in Eastern Carver County Schools.
Lisa Sayles-Adams
Superintendent
July 21
Throughout the summer, district leadership teams, teachers, and support staff have been working collaboratively to plan for the start of the school year. Per the guidance from the MN Department of Education (MDE) we are planning for three possible learning models: in-person learning, hybrid learning, and distance learning. As we wait for a decision from the governor at the end of July on how we return to learning this fall, we are committed to high quality instruction, high levels of student learning, and building strong relationships in each of these learning models.
We have incorporated parent feedback from the spring surveys into our work and will continue to seek community input through surveys and community engagement sessions. These sessions will give an opportunity to learn more about the details of returning to school and a chance to ask questions.
This school year is going to look and feel different no matter what model we start the year with. We are committed to partnering with our families to make sure everyone has the tools to be safe and successful. No matter how we return, we will continue to grow stronger together this year in Eastern Carver County Schools.
Thank you in advance for your feedback, and stay tuned for more updates.
Milestones and Community Engagement
Key Dates
July 20: School Board meeting to discuss fall planning
July 30: Governor Walz guidance on school opening
July 30: ECCS initial information update to parents
August 6: Sports and activities information update
August 11: ECCS return to learn details available
August 12: Community engagement session (6:30-8:00)
August 14: Community engagement session (12:00-1:30)
August 17: Community engagement session- Elementary specific (12:00-1:00)
August 17: Community engagement session- Middle School specific (6:30-7:30)
August 17: School Board meeting
August 18: Community engagement session- Specialized Services specific (10:30-11:30)
August 18: Community engagement session- High School specific (12:00-1:00)
August 18: Community engagement session- Elementary specific (6:30-7:30)
August 19: Community engagement session- Specialized Services specific (6:30-7:30)
August 20: Community engagement session- Middle School specific (12:00-1:00)
August 20: Community engagement session- High School specific (6:30-7:30)
September 1-2: Connect & Assess days (elementary)
September 8: First day of school