Grades 6-12 Of South Washington County Schools To Shift To Distance Learning From November 16, Elementary Schools Remain In Hybrid

Press release from South Washington County Schools:

October 30, 2020

The new school year brought hope that South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo) could continue in our hybrid learning model for as long as possible. We also shared that a shift in learning models could be possible at any time based on COVID-19 rates or even staffing shortages. Unfortunately, we have reached a milestone that requires us to take action.

Washington County, like many areas of the state, is seeing a dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases. The SoWashCo Incident Command Team met on Friday, Oct. 30 to review the latest data related to COVID-19 in our community.

After receiving input and reviewing the data, the following decision has been made:

• Secondary students in grades 6-12 will shift to distance learning beginning on Monday, Nov. 16 through at least Tuesday, Dec. 22.
• Elementary students (PreK-5) will continue in the hybrid learning model at this time.
  No changes for emergency care or Kids Club
• Secondary teachers and staff will be provided with a planning day on Friday, Nov. 13 in preparation for all secondary students shifting to distance learning.
• Secondary students (6-12) will not have school on Friday, Nov. 13.

Why the Decision was Made:

• Though positive COVID-19 rates in schools remain low, the community spread in our cities and county continues to increase on a daily basis
  • In addition, the state’s recommendation for case rates between 30 and 50 includes hybrid learning for elementary (K-5) and distance learning for secondary (6-12).
• Positive COVID-19 cases jumped two weeks after MEA weekend. Public health officials are expecting another increase after Thanksgiving break.
• Finding substitute teachers for elementary schools is increasingly challenging. Shifting to distance learning at the secondary level will allow substitute teachers and support staff to be reallocated for elementary schools. This meets our goal of ensuring our youngest learners receive as much in-person learning as possible.

What This Means for Secondary Students (6-12) and Families:

• Secondary teachers who divided their time between both learning models (hybrid and Virtual Learning Academy) will now teach one group of students in distance learning with real-time instruction and support opportunities.
• Secondary students who require center-based special education services and who have previously been identified to receive additional in-person days in the hybrid model, will continue to receive those in-person instruction days.
• Secondary English learners, students experiencing homelessness, students in foster care and students who are struggling academically will be evaluated to determine if their specific needs cannot be met through distance learning.
• Meals for all secondary students will continue to be provided under a curbside pick-up model at designated sites. More information will be shared at a later date.
• Community Education activities, building permit rentals and secondary athletics will continue at this time. Changes could be made in consultation with the Regional Support Team (local public health officials, Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Department of Health and regional service cooperatives).

To Be Finalized at a Later Date:

• School-day schedules for how a distance learning school day will look for all middle and high school students will be finalized before Nov. 16

The Latest Data
The 14-day COVID-19 case rate for Washington County, reported on Oct. 29, shows a rate of 43.98. This increase does not fully represent who is being infected. For example, positive cases from the Minnesota Correctional Facility are included in these numbers. As a result, Washington County Public Health has recalculated the data by removing prison case rates to better reflect potential risks for schools. The adjusted rates for Oct. 22 show 28.02 (a decrease from 32.61) and case rates for Oct. 29 would be 36.08.

• The state’s recommendation for case rates between 30 and 50 (currently 36.08) includes hybrid learning for elementary (K-5) and distance learning for secondary (6-12).
• SoWashCo is currently experiencing low case rates in schools. Since the beginning of the school year (and as of Thursday, Oct. 29) SoWashCo reports 31 staff members and 45 students who have contracted COVID-19.

County case rates are only one factor in determining the learning model for SoWashCo students. Other factors considered include:

• Staff and student absence/illness rates including absences for COVID-like symptoms, COVID-related symptoms or quarantines, and all other absences.
• Staffing availability and the ability to cover absences with substitute teachers
• Success in the current learning model
• Finding solutions to planning challenges before shifting to another learning model

Free COVID-19 Testing
Beginning Monday, Nov. 2, Washington County will host free COVID-19 testing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Monday at the Washington County Environmental Center, 4039 Cottage Grove Drive, Woodbury. To make an appointment, visit https://www.primarybio.com/r/washington.

SoWashCo will continue to review the latest data and will make adjustments as needed. For more information about each learning model, visit sowashco.org/fall2020.

Safety is a shared responsibility. With your help, we can continue the hybrid model at the elementary level. With increasing cases,, it is important to closely follow health protocols for upcoming holidays such as Halloween, Diwali, Thanksgiving or Hmong New Year celebrations. As always, we appreciate your patience and understanding.

This press release was produced by South Washington County Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.