North Branch Activities
Winter 2021 Update
Greetings from the North Branch Activities Department
Thank you for registering your student for a winter sport or activity. As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, below are great reminders regarding COVID-19, updated protocols, and information in relation to the upcoming season. Please note, this information is ever changing and we will continue to update you as new information is released.
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. Let’s all work together to provide a positive experience for our North Branch students this winter season. We thank you for your continued support of North Branch Activities!
North Branch Return to Learn Website
Minnesota State High School League: COVID – 19 Notification of Risk
In accordance with governmental directives, the MSHSL will offer certain activities subject to compliance with local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines. The Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Department of Education and the MSHSL have developed guidance and requirements related to youth sports, use of school facilities and modifications of MSHSL activities designed to keep participants safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Even with these measures, the MSHSL cannot guarantee that students or other individuals participating in organized athletic activities (“Participants”) will not be exposed to COVID-19. Participants and their parents/legal guardians should consider the risks before participating in any MSHSL activities. To view the full release please Click here to view the MSHSL COVID-19 Notification of Risk.
Symptoms and Self-Check
Before sending students to practice/events, please do a self-check. If you are not feeling well, please stay home and notify the coach immediately. Coaches will then communicate with Ms. Schmidt, and she will work with the school nurse to follow up on your symptoms. A reminder of common COVID-19 symptoms can be found by clicking here.
Positive COVID-19
If there is a positive COVID case within a program, district administrators will work with the school nurse and MN Department of Health to determine close contacts, and inform the students who might need to quarantine. Notifications will be sent via email.
COVID-19 Quarantine Process
As of January 7th, 2021 the North Branch School District will continue to enforce a 10-day quarantine for any student that has been identified as a non-household “close contact” as long as both of the following are true: the student has not had any symptoms of COVID-19 during the quarantine period and the student does not live with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
COVID Return to Participation Protocol
The North Branch School District will continue to work hard to keep students, coaches and spectators safe as we navigate this pandemic. One effort to ensure a student is physically able to return to participation after an athlete has been diagnosed with, or has tested positive for COVID-19, is to complete a medical evaluation by a qualified medical provider (MD/DO/PAC/ARNP) prior to returning to physical activity and team training. From onset of illness, or positive test through the return protocol, the recovery and return process requires a minimum of 10-days for an uncomplicated COVID-19 infection. Complicated infections may require 6 months or more. District 882 will continue to work with the MDE, MDH, and the MSHSL to provide a safe, education-based athletic experience. Click to view the MSHSL Student-Athlete Medical Eligibility – Post COVID-19 Return to Sport. Courtney Kelly, Licensed Athletic Trainer, will assist in the Return to Play protocol for North Branch athletes.
MSHSL Guidelines for each winter sport (click on the sport to view guidelines)
Masks
At this time face-coverings must be worn by all persons at all times. This includes both practices and games, with only a few exceptions. Removing face-coverings during activities that involve a high level of exertion is not permitted. The exceptions to the cloth face-covering rule include:
Gymnastics: Student-athletes may temporarily remove the cloth face-covering during activities such as tumbling/stunting/flying or on certain apparatuses to avoid impairing vision, risk of choking or getting caught on the apparatuses. Student-athletes must wear face-coverings for all other practices and routines.
Swimming and Diving: Student-athletes should not wear a cloth face covering while they are in the water.
Wrestling: Student-athletes may remove their cloth face-covering when they have wrestling contact with another student-athlete.
For more information on Mask/Face Covering guidance from the Minnesota State High School League, visit Mask/Face Covering Guidance and Information
International vs Domestic Travel
International Travel: Upon returning from travel outside of the United States, students are expected to quarantine for 14 days. If COVID symptoms start during those days please notify the school nurse.
Domestic Travel: Traveling outside of Minnesota, while not recommended, a student will NOT have to quarantine unless they develop symptoms.
Transportation & Transportation Release Form
North Branch Area Public Schools does plan to provide team transportation to away events as needed. As has been the case in the past, families can sign a travel release form that allows parents to arrange transportation to and from events when desired or when district transportation is not available. We will follow MDH guidelines in terms of how many athletes will be allowed on a bus at a time. (50% capacity during hybrid learning, 100% capacity during full in-person learning). Masks will be required when traveling to events. Athletes should eat before they get on the bus, so the masks can remain on during travel. Parents who would like to drive their child can fill out the form and send it to their child's coach or advisor.
Spectators & Admission to Contests
The Mississippi 8 Conference will be allowing 2 spectators per athlete when the venue capacity allows it. We will be sending out a Google Doc for parents to list names of possible guests for your child. Each site will have the sheet for that sport, and the two spectators that are attending will be highlighted for contact tracing when they arrive. Spectators will be able to pay as they enter just like in previous seasons. For split households or other special circumstances please share that with the Activities Office and accommodations will be considered if possible.
Online Athletic & Activity Registration and Refunds
North Branch High School will continue to offer full refunds if your son/daughter does not make a team. This applies to programs that conduct tryouts. No refunds will be given after the first competition takes place. In addition, any cancellation and/or stoppage of play, due to COVID-19, will not be grounds for reimbursement.
Contact Information:
Andrea Schmidt, Activities Director
651-674-1512
alschmidt@isd138.org
Kindra Helin, Activities Assistant
651-674-1514
khelin@isd138.org
Allyssa Hoopman, Athletic Trainer
ahoopman@physicaltherapyptc.com
Abigail Krause, High School Nurse
651-674-1525
akrause@isd138.org