Superintendent's Report

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) have given public schools guidance on preparing for three possible scenarios for the 2020-2021 school year: 1) all students back, 2) hybrid, or 3) distance learning. 

All students back: All students would be allowed to return to school.  Schools will work to social distance 6 feet apart as often as possible, and new sanitization measures would be implemented.

Hybrid: The hybrid model requires that the number of people in the school building not exceed 50% of its occupancy, and social distancing of 6 feet must be followed at all times, including buses.  We are striving in Minneota to be able to bring all K-12 students back in the hybrid model since our enrollment is already less than 50% of the building occupancy. One of our biggest challenges will be busing. We will need some parents to step up and help transport their children to make the hybrid model work.  Again, the goal is to get all K-12 students back in the building every day.

Distance Learning: All students will learn from home as they did in the spring.  The district will provide childcare for students of tier 1 workers, and nutrition will be provided to all students who are interested in receiving meals.

We have been preparing for all three scenarios, with the goal being to provide all K-12 students with face to face learning (if possible) while ensuring staff and students learn in the safest environment. A task force made up of various staff have focused on the following seven areas while planning for our return to school:

Transportation
Sanitation
Elementary Procedures
High School Procedures
Nursing/Health
Food Service
School District Office Procedures

Within the next two weeks, we will have an MPS COVID-19 parent/student handbook created that will address the seven areas listed above. I know it can be frustrating waiting to find out how the 2020-2021 school year will begin, but I promise as soon as we know, we will get the information out to you.
We are still waiting to hear from the Minnesota State High School League, whether fall athletics will be played, canceled, or modified.  I suspect the MSHSL is waiting to hear what scenario schools will be implementing before a decision is made.
As always, thank you for your support as we work through this difficult time.  It is with your partnership we are able to achieve great things for our students!

Dan Deitte, Superintendent of Schools