South Washington County Schools Extend Distance Learning Until End Of The School Year

Press release from South Washington County Schools:

April 23, 2020

Today, Governor Tim Walz announced that school buildings will remain closed through the end of the school year. We know this may create challenges for you and your family, but please know that our educators are preparing for this next phase of distance learning.

Distance learning will continue through the last day of school as previously scheduled:

• June 3: Last Day of School (PreK-5)
• June 4: Last Day of School (Seniors)
• June 5: Last Day of School (6-11)

The extension of distance learning is an opportunity for us to evaluate what is working as we enter into May. Your input through the distance learning surveys is instrumental in helping us make adjustments as we finish out the school year online. On Friday, May 1 and Monday, May 4 students are not expected to do classwork and will not receive new assignments so teachers can evaluate our progress and prepare for the next month of distance learning. Additionally, we will continue to follow our 2019-20 calendar which includes ‘No School’ on April 27. Students are not expected to do classwork or connect with their teachers on this day.

What we know:

• Schools remain closed through the end of the school year
• Students will not receive new assignments on May 1 or May 4 so that teachers can plan for extended distance learning
• All activities, events and athletics are canceled (including spring sports and fine arts)
• Emergency child care will continue to be provided for essential workers
• Emergency meal pick-up sites will continue

What we continue to work on:

• Exploring how best to honor the class of 2020 and to recognize their achievements in the absence of a traditional graduation ceremony
• Evaluating grading procedures for high school students
• Examining how to offer summer programming for students who may fall behind during distance learning
• Reviewing how to make adjustments to help students and families address the challenges of distance learning for academic success
• Planning for next fall and a potential return to our classrooms

We’ve gathered a lot of information on sowashco.org/covid19 including resources for mental health, meals and emergency child care. Please also visit sowashco.org/distancelearning for more learning resources and information.

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