MSHSL UPDATES
March 19, 2020
Message to Member Schools
We recognize the incredible and unforeseen impacts of the COVID-19 situation on our students, teachers, coaches, directors, and administrators in our member schools as well as their communities. From school closures and social distancing, to cancellations and business shutdowns, we are facing new challenges on a daily basis. This new reality creates an even greater need for the work that you do with our students and a depth of support to be provided in all aspects. Our students, like all of us, are trying to make sense of the situation and are encountering feelings of loss, frustration, fear, confusion and great uncertainty. This is all happening without many of the structures and supports in their life that have always existed.
We speak often about the lessons learned through participating in education-based activities and athletics. We know that our outstanding coaches, advisors and directors have a special way of helping students learn the values of perseverance, determination, grit, togetherness, compassion, loyalty and work ethic. By maintaining student-connectedness, as we have encouraged, you can continue to teach these important characteristics to our young people, and provide guidance, understanding and hope through these challenging times. The League encourages ongoing dialogue and the maintenance of relationships with your students, who trust, look up to, and believe in you most. Leadership at the school level is vitally necessary and we thank you for what you have already done and know that you will continue to make an incredible difference going forward.
Our commitment to you, our member schools and leaders, will be to keep community health and responsibility as our central focus while we maintain our mission to provide our students with experiences and opportunities and support our member schools. We are dedicated to providing leadership and direction to our member schools. We will continue to communicate frequently, monitor the most current information and requirements and employ thoughtful and discerning decision-making. We strive to do the very best for all involved in or connected to our many activities and athletics.
Our inboxes and voicemails are filled with messages from many individuals regarding their hope and desire that we continue to seek ways that opportunities may still be provided for our students this spring season. The decisions and directives at the state and national level will certainly guide our decisions and we will respond appropriately in setting direction for our programs and for our students.
May you all remain healthy and support one another in this difficult and uncertain time. We offer our deepest thanks for your ongoing service to all students and your communities.
Erich Martens, on behalf of our entire MSHSL staff
Updates on MSHSL Scheduled Events
Using the guidance provided by MDH, CDC, and the State and Federal government regarding recommended sizes of gatherings, the status of the MSHSL events follows:
Recognition Programs:
- ExCEL Award Presentation has been cancelled. Awards will be mailed to these winners and they will be recognized in the April issue of MSHSL Connect.
- Triple A Banquet scheduled for March 21, 2020, has been indefinitely postponed.
- Speech Section Contests and State Tournament have been postponed indefinitely from their original dates.
- Music Contests have been postponed indefinitely from their original dates.
- Visual Arts Contests have been postponed indefinitely from their original dates.
- Robotics State Tournament scheduled for May 16, 2020, has been postponed indefinitely.
Area Meetings:
- Area Meetings scheduled for April have been cancelled. An alternate way of delivering information will be developed and shared.
Special Events:
- The InSideOut Initiative Activities Director Event scheduled for April 6, 2020, has been cancelled. This is a three-year program and future opportunities will be available.
- MNIAAA Conference and the MSHSL Listening Sessions within it have been cancelled.
- Advisory Committee Meetings for various groups will be communicated separately with those attendees.
Board Meeting:
- No decision has been made at this time for the Minnesota State High School League Board of Directors Committee Meetings and Regular Meeting scheduled for April 1 and 2, 2020.
Associate Director Opening Application Period Extended to March 27, 2020
The Minnesota State School League has posted an opening for an Associate Director and is seeking top-quality candidates who are dedicated to providing outstanding experiences for students and supporting member schools and their administrators, coaches, and directors.
Applications will be accepted through March 27, 2020.
MSHSL Tournament Photos for Sale
Photos taken by the Minnesota State High School League's contracted photographers at state tournaments are available for sale. Fall Tournaments and concluded Winter Tournaments are now available. Other tournaments will be added after each tournament.
Photos for sale can be seen and purchased here: https://mshsl.smugmug.com
Photos are available from the portions of the tournaments that were captured by the photographer. At each tournament, photographers are contracted for only parts of the event.
You'll find the option to purchase printed photographs and downloadable images.
Please share this information with others from your school and community.
Swimming and Diving: New Start Date (Boys) and State Tournament Dates (Girls and Boys)
Girls Swiming and Diving-Fall 2020
The season start date for the Girls Swimming and Diving season is August 17, 2020. The tournament date for Girls State Swimming and Diving has been changed to Wednesday, November 18 - Friday, November 20, 2020.
Boys Swimming and Diving-Winter 2020-2021
The start date for the Boys Swimming and Diving season is Monday, November 30, 2020. The state tournament for Boys Swimming and Diving is Thursday, March 4 – Saturday, March 6, 2021.