January learning plans
Update to Families - December 16, 2020
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Spring Lake Park Schools Families:
Today, Governor Walz and state health and education officials provided new guidance for schools specific to re-opening for grades preK-6 beginning as early as mid-January. As we prepare for winter break (Dec. 23-Jan. 1), we want to update families on what we know today.
First, for all grades, when school resumes on Monday, January 4, we will return in the current Extended Flexible Learning (distance learning) model for all grades. The optimism underlying the Governor’s announcement is encouraging, yet the updated Safe Learning Plan from the governor does require us to maintain our current learning model for the time being. We look forward to beginning a transition process to at-school learning in January.
Planning for students in grades preK-6
We are excited about the opportunity to restart at-school learning for our preK-6 learners in the near future. State guidance provided today gives direction on safety protocols we must have in place to begin a transition no earlier than January 19.
Our planning over the coming weeks will be focused on ensuring we are able to meet necessary guidelines so we are able to open as much as feasibly possible. This transition involves implementation of additional safety protocols and provides direction to implement a rolling, staggered start by grade band.
There are many details to consider and we will take time over the next couple of weeks to develop our plan. We will provide further communication about transition plans by January 8.
Current status for grades 7-12
At this time, state officials have not made any changes to the current guidance in the state’s Safe Learning Plan for grades 7-12. County COVID-19 case rates still place grades 7-12 in distance learning, but we are hopeful declining numbers we’ve seen in recent days continue so that we are able to resume at-school learning as soon as possible. An update on transition plans for grades 7-12 students will be provided by January 8.
The Governor did announce that youth sports for winter may continue effective January 4. We will be offering winter sports for families who choose to participate following recommended health and safety practices.
The Extended Flexible Learning choice continues
The Extended Flexible Learning choice continues even as we are able to transition to less restrictive models of learning. We will continue to operate our full-time Extended Flexible Learning (distance) model for families who have selected it.
We end the calendar year 2020 with gratitude for this community. Thank you for being our partners in your child’s learning and for all the ways you support from home. All of us at Spring Lake Park Schools wish you a safe and healthy winter break. We look to 2021 with new hope that the day students are able to safely return to learning at school are just on the horizon.
Best wishes to your family,
Jeff Ronneberg, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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