StaffNet
A resource for employees of Mounds View Public Schools
Good morning, staff,
On March 15, Governor Walz issued an Executive Order that directed all school districts to use the days between March 18 and 27 to prepare our schools to deliver distance learning to our students. This is a significant undertaking which will take effort, organization and planning, and I am confident our district is up to the task.The current school closure period is scheduled to end Friday, March 27, but we have been told to anticipate and be prepared for an extended period of distance learning.
The original guidance to school districts was to have all staff report to work in order to begin planning and preparing for distance learning. That guidance was given before there was evidence of the virus spreading in the community. Now, given the rapidly changing state of COVID-19, the new guidance is focused on community mitigation.
The Center of Disease Control (CDC) has recommended the following guidance for the workplace:
- Encourage staff to work remotely (when feasible), particularly individuals at increased risk of severe illness.
- Implement social distancing measures:
- Increasing physical space between workers at the worksite
- Staggering work schedules
- Decreasing social contacts in the workplace (e.g., limit in-person meetings, meeting for lunch in a break room, etc.)
- Limit large work-related gatherings (e.g., staff meetings, after-work functions).
- Limit non-essential work travel.
- Consider regular health checks (e.g., temperature and respiratory symptom screening) of staff and visitors entering buildings (if feasible).
Out of an abundance of caution and in response to these CDC recommendations, we do not want groups of staff to physically report to buildings on Monday, March 23. Effective immediately, all group meetings of more than 10 people will move to virtual meetings rather than in person meetings. This work should be conducted remotely while staff continue to be paid. Please know that childcare will still be available for children in grades K-5.
We understand that individuals may need to access our schools and classrooms in order to get supplies, materials, personal effects and devices such as laptops or Chromebooks which you will need in order to participate in virtual meetings and deliver distance learning. You are welcome to do that, but while in the building you will be expected to practice all social distancing recommendations and join any virtual meetings from the comfort of your individual classroom or another isolated area.
Principals and supervisors will be providing specific information about the schedule and expectations for Monday, March 23 and beyond, including how to join all appropriate meetings so that we can begin our planning and be prepared to deliver distance learning for our students beginning March 30.
In addition, as part of the Governor’s Executive Order, school districts have been charged with three responsibilities: providing distance learning, providing childcare for emergency workers and staff, and continuing to provide meals for our students. While we do not want large groups of staff reporting to our sites, we will need the help of some onsite staff to successfully provide these services. We have reached out to employee and union leaders to discuss the development of a staffing schedule that can address needs across each of these areas. More information will be shared as these discussions unfold and needs are established.
Please know your health and safety remain our top priority. We will continue to work with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to monitor the community conditions, and provide updated guidance as it is available.
Thank you,
Chris Lennox
Superintendent
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