COVID-19 Response Plan [ARCHIVED AND HIDDEN]
2019-20/ 2020-22 school years
This information below includes updates on the St. Anthony-New Brighton School District's response plan to the COVID-19 pandemic for the 2019-20 school year.
Resources for families, such as our Quarantine Guidelines To Return to School for In-Person Learning Following Out of State Travel document, basic needs and mental health resources, and the information from the district's Local Incident Team (LIT), are available in the accordion drop-down sections below the district's and MDH dashboard information (example below):
Need information or have questions? Contact covidhealth@isd282.org or call 612-440-5012 between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. If it is a medical emergency, please call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.
COVID-19 Dashboard
The following dashboard includes the total number of Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reported lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases at St. Anthony-New Brighton. These reported cases indicate that a COVID-19 positive individual was in one of our buildings or taking part in a district-sponsored event during their infectious period. We are providing the most accurate and up-to-date information and rely on SANB families to notify us of positive COVID-19 cases. We know there are other COVID-19 cases in our community that were not deemed as reportable by the MDH for our district.
Date of confirmed case | Reported lab-confirmed case(s) |
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Sept. 30, 2020 | 1 |
Oct. 7, 2020 | 1 |
Oct. 29, 2020 | 1 |
Oct. 30, 2020 | 1 |
Nov. 2, 2020 | 2 |
Nov. 4, 2020 | 1 |
Nov. 5, 2020 | 1 |
Nov. 10, 2020 | 1 |
Nov. 11, 2020 | 1 |
Nov. 13, 2020 | 3 |
Nov. 14, 2020 | 1 |
Nov. 16, 2020 | 1 |
Nov. 17, 2020 | 1 |
Nov. 19, 2020 | 1 |
Nov. 20, 2020 | 1 |
Nov. 25, 2020 | 1 |
Dec. 2, 2020 | 1 |
Dec. 4, 2020 | 3 |
Dec. 8, 2020 | 1 |
Dec. 9, 2020 | 1 |
Dec. 15, 2020 | 1 |
Dec. 21, 2020 | 1 |
Feb. 16, 2021 | 1 |
Feb. 26, 2021 | 1 |
Mar. 4, 2021 | 1 |
Mar. 6, 2021 | 1 |
Mar. 25, 2021 | 1 |
Apr. 9, 2021 | 1 |
Apr. 12, 2021 | 2 |
Apr. 15, 2021 | 2 |
Apr. 19, 2021 | 3 |
Apr. 23, 2021 | 1 |
Apr. 26, 2021 | 1 |
April 28, 2021 | 1 |
Apr. 29, 2021 | 1 |
May. 3, 2021 | 1 |
May. 4, 2021 | 1 |
May. 5, 2021 | 1 |
May. 6, 2021 | 1 |
Current total of reported lab-confirmed cases: | 48 |
MN Department of Health Dashboard
- COVID-19 testing info
- COVID-19 mental health resources for families
- COVID-19 basic needs resources for families
- COVID-19 SANB Restart Blueprint
- Preventing COVID-19 incidents
- Monitoring for COVID-19 incidents
- MDH guidance for schools and families
- Determining if the District will re-open/close as a result of a coronavirus incident
- District services during a school closure
- School information for families
- Nutrition Services (meals)
- Refugee and Immigrant COVID-19 Help Line
- Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) athletics and activities
- Staff: school information
- Staff: Covid-19 mental health resources for teachers
- Communication
- Messages from the District
- Health and Safety Guidelines for St. Anthony-New Brighton Assessment Administrations
- Local Incident Team (LIT)
COVID-19 testing info
The Minnesota Department of Health Saliva Testing Sites also allow for walk-in testing without an appointment. You can also make an appointment if you are able to wait a few days before testing. Most often the results have been returned within 24 hours.
MDH COVID-19 Testing for Kids and Families
COVID-19 mental health resources for families
Accordion
- Mental health concerns and navigating next steps
- Tools to help support mental well being
- Crisis resources
- Mental health helplines, services and clinics
Mental health concerns and navigating next steps
These are some warning signs to look for in children, adolescents, teens who may be struggling with mental health (per Hennepin County Mental Health and Mayo Clinic websites):
- Problems getting along with peers and adults
- Inability to control anger or aggression
- Inability to manage worries, troubling thoughts or feelings
- Not being able to pay attention or focus
- Feeling sad or worthless
- Withdrawing from or avoiding social interactions
- Hurting oneself or talking about hurting oneself
- Outbursts / extreme irritability
- Talking about death or suicide
- Drastic changes in mood, behavior or personality
- Changes in eating habits
- Difficulty sleeping
- Frequent headaches or stomach aches
What should I do I suspect my child struggling with mental health?
- If your child is in immediate danger/crisis, call 911 or crisis line
- If your child is not in immediate danger/crisis, it might be beneficial to discuss with friends, relatives, teachers, or anyone else who sees your child to see if they are noticing similar changes in your child’s behavior.
- You can check out resources available on this website under Tools to Help Support Mental Wellbeing, which includes links to district Virtual Calming Rooms as well as outside resources.
- You can also email the following staff if you would like to discuss concerns further in order to determine how to best support your child. If it is determined that therapy might be beneficial, a referral can be made to our Lee Carlson school-based mental health therapists. Staff can also provide families with other available community resources, which can also be found under Mental Health Helplines, Services and Clinics.
Wilshire Park staff:
- Carrie Nord, Behavior Interventionist: cnord@isd282.org
- Anna Nagle, Dean: anagle@isd282.org
- Caitlin Thiesen, Counselor: cthiesen@isd282.org
St. Anthony Middle School staff:
- Renee Nettleton, Counselor: rnettleton@isd282.org
St. Anthony Village High School staff:
- Kate Edwards, Counselor: kedwards@isd282.org
- Heather Berndt, Counselor: hberndt@isd282.org
District-wide staff:
- Katrina Peterson, School Psychologist: kpeterson@isd282.org
- Rebecca Zimmermann, School Psychologist: rzimmermann@isd282.org
- Lori Watzl-King, RN, Nurse: lwatzl-king@isd282.org
Tools to help support mental well being
- SAVHS Calming Room (St. Anthony Village High School)
- SAMS Calming Room (St. Anthony Middle School)
- Ms. Nord’s Virtual Calming Room (Wilshire Park)
- Ms. Theisen’s WP School Counselor Page (Wilshire Park)
- Minnesota Department of Health: Supporting Mental-Wellbeing During COVID-19
- Managing Fear and Anxiety around COVID-19: Harvard Health Services
- Staying Grounded
- Health Powered Kids: A collection of activities to help young people make healthy eating, exercise and life choices; designed for ages 3-14
- Change to Chill: Mindfulness & stress relief for Teens
Crisis resources
With immediate mental health emergencies
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Call 911 immediately
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If you or someone you know are having thoughts of self-harm, or you are aware that someone is in danger, contact your local 24/7 Crisis Hotlines:
Ramsey County Mental Health Crisis
Adult Crisis: 651-266-7900
Child Crisis: 651-266-7878
Hennepin County Mental Health Crisis
Adult Crisis: 612-596-1223
Child Crisis: 612-348-2233
Anoka County Mental Health Crisis
Adult Mental Health: 763-324-1420
Children’s Mental Health: 763-324-1430
General Crisis Number: 763-755-3801
If you live in another county, you can visit Metro Children’s Crisis Response Services to look up your county’s contact information.
National 24/7 Hotlines and App:
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- A Friend Asks (App for iPhone and Android)
- Domestic Violence: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)
- Runaway and Homeless Youth: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929)
Mental health helplines, services and clinics
Numbers to Call for Support (Non-Crisis):
- Minnesota Helpline: 651-645-2948, ext. 117 or 1-888-NAMI-HELPS or email namihelps@namimn.org
- Minnesota Warmline: 651-288-0400 or text “Support” to 85511 – if you need someone to talk to and receive peer support to address loneliness, isolation, increased feelings of anxiety and depression, or help living with mental health conditions before a crisis occurs
- Mental Health Minnesota The Voice of Recovery: This is a no-cost option for families to consult with a mental health provider and make a plan of action for safety and care. Call 1-800-862-1799. Mentalhealthmn.org
- Fraser Hope Line: Calling 612-446-HOPE (4673) or emailing fraserhopeline@fraser.org puts you in touch with a clinician who can help with autism, mental health or special needs.
- National Parent Helpline: 1-855-427-2736 to receive emotional support from a trained advocate.
- SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline Toll-Free: 1-877-726-4727 (English and español) SMS: Text TalkWithUs to 66746 SMS (español): “Hablanos” al 66746 TTY: 1-800-846-8517 website (English) website (español).
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network’s guide Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) will help you think about how an infectious disease outbreak might affect your family—both physically and emotionally—and what you can do to help your family cope. View the helpful factsheet.
Mental Health Clinics/Services
- Mental Health Helpline: receive connections to care referrals across Minnesota. Call 800.862.1799 or email: helpline@mentalhealthmn.org
- Minnesota Association for Children's Mental Health (MACMH): Offering a new, free Caregiver Resources Library designed to help parents, caregivers and family members support both their children's mental health as well as their own. Create free login.
- Cornerstone Youth Advocacy and Support: Free, confidential emotional support to youth ages 13-24 via Telehealth telehealth ages 13-21. Youth Advocacy website or email: sbs@cornerstonemn.org
- Open Path Psychotherapy Collective: Affordable therapy (find a therapist in your area).
- Minnesota Community Care: Provide affordable mental health care. You can make an appointment by calling 651-602-7500. 24-Hour Careline: 612-333-2229
- Lee Carlson Center (offers Telehealth option). 763-780-3036.
- Locate local mental health clinics by address, city, or zip code.
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Walk-In Counseling Center: Nonprofit that offers free and anonymous remote counseling for individuals and families. Services by phone or video. No insurance needed! Services for Spanish and Hmong speakers available.
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Mental Health Connect Navigator: Complete short online form to connect to a mental health navigator who can connect you to various supports and services.
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Trans Lifeline: Peer support service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers (Spanish option available). Also offers family and friends hotline that provides help in supporting a trans loved one. 877-565-8860
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MN Mental Health Providers of Color Database created by Larry Yang
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Wilder Foundation: therapy for children of all ages (birth to 17): 651-280-2310
Black Mental Health Resources:
- Therapy for Black Girls: (find a therapist in your area).
- Mary Ellen Strong Foundation: list of Black therapists in Minnesota.
Latinx Mental Health Resources:
- Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES): website available in English and Spanish
- Therapy for Latinx (find a therapist in your area).
Indigenous Mental Health Resources:
Asian American Pacific Islander Resource Mental Health Resources
COVID-19 basic needs resources for families
Accordion
- Helpful videos from MDH (multiple languages)
- Local emergency services
- Financial assistance/relief funds
- Food assistance
- Housing and homelessness
- Unemployment
- Health insurance
- Legal resources
- Internet resources
- Medical
Helpful videos from MDH (multiple languages)
MDH provides a variety of short, helpful videos covering topics such as health and safety while attending in-person school, masks and face coverings, testing, if you become sick, protecting yourself and others, and hand hygiene. These videos are available in multiple languages. View the MDH video resource page.
Local emergency services
- Hennepin County Human Services Emergency Programs: services such as cash assistance, food assistance, health care assistance, child care assistance, energy assistance.
- Hennepin County Community Resources: Provides local resources for housing, financial assistance, food shelves, masks, hate crimes, domestic violence, etc.
- Ramsey County Emergency Assistance: services such as cash assistance, food assistance, health care assistance, child care assistance, energy assistance
- Anoka County Emergency Programs: services such as cash assistance, food assistance, health care assistance, child care assistance, energy assistance
- Minnesota Covid-19 Response Resources: Resources for unemployment, food assistance, child care, energy bills, utility bills, rent, mortgage, worker’s rights.
- Neighborhood House: Resources to access basic needs such as food housing, health insurance, information on unemployment, etc. Visit online or call 651-789-2500 or 651-793-7349.
- HACER and MDH Covid-19 English and Spanish Hotline: Covid support, provides resources such as food and housing, etc. Call 651-304-6145
Financial assistance/relief funds
- One Fair Way Emergency Fund: For service workers who are struggling amidst the coronavirus crisis. Apply to receive financial assistance.
- Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation: You can complete an application for financial assistance if you are employed by a restaurant or bar or a restaurant or bar supplier, or if you own a restaurant or bar. Only apply if insurance is not providing you with compensation for your emergency. View application in English and in Spanish.
- Restaurant Opportunities Center United: List of national direct financial assistance options.
- The Minnesota Immigrant Families Fund (available in English, Spanish and Somali): Emergency fund for immigrant families that live in Minnesota that do not qualify for any state or federal benefits and because COVID-19 are left with few resources available to meet their immediate needs.
- Springboard for the Arts Personal Emergency Relief Fund: Offers artists and creative workers in Minnesota emergency financial relief.
Food assistance
- Hennepin County Food Assistance
- Hunger Impact Partners: Download the Free Meals for Kids mobile app to find and access free meals across Minnesota.
- Give Me the Mike: List of restaurants offering free meals to Minnesota families.
- Minnesota Food Pantries: List of food pantries across the state of Minnesota.
- Second Harvest Heartland: Lists food shelves, meal programs, food distributions, discount grocery stores, and more in all counties in the state of Minnesota.
- Apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits
- List of restaurants that offer free lunches for kids in the metro area
Housing and homelessness
- Hennepin County Housing Assistance: Tenant Resource Center (Hennepin County) call 612-302-3180 for support. You can leave a message on the voicemail. Calls will be returned within 24 hours. Resources available on eviction and homelessness prevention, emergency assistance, mediation, workforce, and legal assistance.
- Ramsey County Housing Assistance: Households that need assistance with rent or a notice of late rent should contact Financial Assistance Services at 651-266-4444 or a Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program.
- Anoka County Housing Assistance
- Hennepin County Coordinated Entry (homeless assistance): Adults: Call 612-248-2350
- Families: Call 612-348-9410. On holidays, weekends, and evenings until 11 p.m., call 211 (mobile: 651-291-0211) and ask for the after-hours shelter team.
- Ramsey County Homeless Assistance: Families with at least one minor child in need of emergency shelter should call 211, the United Way's Helpline and Crisis Line, for a pre-screen. If a family is currently unsheltered, they can also call Ramsey County's Homeless Services Team directly during business hours at 651-266-7818.
- Households that need assistance with rent or a notice of late rent should contact Financial Assistance Services at 651-266-4444 or a Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program.
- Anoka County Homeless Shelters
- United Way First Call for Help: Dial 211 (can provide suggestions for shelter, food, clothes, resources, etc).
- Home Line: Offers free legal help for renters (Spanish, Somali, and Hmong interpreters available).
Unemployment
Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program (available in multiple languages):
To apply for Minnesota unemployment benefits, file an application on the first day that you are unemployed or your work hours are substantially reduced by completing the application online on the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance website (click on "Applicants" and then on "Apply for Benefits")
Or call to apply by phone (on Fridays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.):
- Twin Cities area: 651-296-3644
- TTY-users: 866-814-1252
Health insurance
- Minnesota Medicaid Application Process (MNsure): You will need last year's tax return, income, and dependent information. MNsure Contact Center 651-539-2099 (open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday).
- Hennepin County Health Care Assistance
- Ramsey County Health Care Assistance
- Anoka County Health Care Assistance
- Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES): available in English and Spanish; Offers assistance with health insurance enrollment (MNsure) CLUES COVID-19 Hotline: 651-768-0000.
- Neighborhood House: Health insurance, information on unemployment, and other resources. Call 651-789-2500 or 651-793-7349.
Legal resources
- Law Help MN: offers information and resources on a variety of legal topics pertaining to housing rights, unemployment, immigrant rights, loan relief and financial help, disability rights, etc.
- Home Line: Offers free legal help for renters (available in multiple languages).
- Legal Aid Resources: Eviction, Court, Unemployment, Immigration information.
- Informed Immigrant: Resources for the undocumented immigrant community across the U.S.
- Protecting Immigrant Families Campaign: Legal information and resources.
Internet resources
- Internet Essentials from Comcast: affordable internet for low income households.
- Everyone On: Low-cost internet and affordable computers- search by zip code.
Medical
Neighborhood Healthsource - Central Clinic: Affordable Clinic (Minneapolis) Contact: 612-588-9411 Services available include adult medicine, physical exams, well-woman exams, screening tests, pediatric medicine, well-child exams, immunizations, pregnancy testing, prenatal, post-partum care, mental health, substance abuse counseling, chronic disease prevention/management. Open year-round, 47 hours per week.
COVID-19 SANB Restart Blueprint
Preventing COVID-19 incidents
The district encourages students, staff members and volunteers to begin the following measures to avoid contracting COVID-19 and avoiding the spread of it if they unknowingly have it:
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Washing hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, and use your arm or paper towel to turn off the faucet.
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Cough into your arm/elbow or facial tissue rather than using your hand.
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Staying home when sick.
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Avoiding touching their face with unwashed hands.
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Hand-shakes and touching of each other should be discouraged.
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Touching uncleaned objects (like door handles and faucet handles) with clean hands should become an issue of awareness.
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Accessing sanitizers and wipes available in classrooms should be encouraged.
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Staff are encouraged to wear face masks while in the buildings.
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Limit visitors/volunteers in each of the buildings. If they are allowed in the building, they would be encouraged to wear a mask.
Additionally, the district will take additional steps to help prevent the spread of the virus:
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District facilities staff is following state, federal, and industry guidance regarding cleaning of facilities and frequently touched surfaces to help stop the propagation of COVID-19.
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All students have watched videos that demonstrate good hand washing techniques and hand washing is being encouraged by teachers and other staff.
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An employee daily health screen is required for each staff member in the building.
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Parents will be asked to complete a Skyward symptom and exposure screening for their student(s) daily before sending them to school.
Monitoring for COVID-19 incidents
Monitoring the health condition of students, employees and family members
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The district will closely monitor the health conditions of students and employees while they are in school in order to detect any potential for the presence of an infectious illness, including COVID-19.
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The district is also asking parents to work with them to help prevent any spread of COVID-19 if it comes to our community. The district requests the immediate notification of any family member who exhibits any serious symptoms that could impact students or staff members.
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However, the MDH has a primary responsibility for the overall monitoring of Minnesota residents who may be exposed to COVID-19, and they would inform the district of steps they expect the district to implement.
Monitoring the exposure of students, employees and family members to COVID-19
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The district cannot possibly know the interactions of students, employees or family members outside of school; however there would be an immediate effort to identify social interactions of any infected persons related to our schools.
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The school district is monitoring the incidence of COVID-19 in our county and seeking the advice of local public health experts to help monitor the amount of transmission in our community.
Identification of COVID-19 presence in a student, employee or family member
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The district will work with the Regional Response Team whenever a student or staff member is confirmed to have COVID-19.
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In the event that the presence of COVID-19 in either a student, employee or volunteer is first discovered at school, the district will need to take immediate control of the situation until the MDH can intervene and take appropriate actions.
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The district has protocols in place if a case of COVID-19 is discovered at school including immediate isolation of the person involved, communication with the Regional Response Team, and communication to families and staff who are affected.
Travel out of the area or travel out of the country
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Refer to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for travel guidelines.
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Refer to our Quarantine Guidelines To Return to School for In-Person Learning
Following Out of State Travel document.
MDH guidance for schools and families
Tabs
- MDE COVID-19 Attendance Guide
- MDE Home Screening Tool
- COVID-19 Decision Tree (multiple languages available)
MDE COVID-19 Attendance Guide
MDE Home Screening Tool
COVID-19 Decision Tree (multiple languages available)
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COVID-19 Decision Tree for People in Schools, Youth, and Child Care Programs English (PDF)
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COVID-19 Decision Tree for People in Schools, Youth, and Child Care Programs in Hmong (PDF)
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COVID-19 Decision Tree for People in Schools, Youth, and Child Care Programs in Somali (PDF)
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COVID-19 Decision Tree for People in Schools, Youth, and Child Care Programs in Spanish (PDF)
Determining if the District will re-open/close as a result of a coronavirus incident
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The decision to change learning models between Distance Learning, Modified Hybrid Learning, Full Hybrid Learning, or On-Site Learning would be made through consultation with local public health officials, with consideration to county-level data, local transmission rates, and the availability of staff.
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When viral activity increases, the District will analyze the county-level data to determine if a different learning model should be implemented. The District will notify the Commissioner of Education via the Learning Model Portal within 24 hours of beginning a new learning model. Superintendent Dr. Renee Corneille is responsible for all communications through the Learning Model Portal.
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When viral activity decreases, the District will analyze the county-level data and consult with local public health officials, MDH and MDE through the Regional Support Teams to determine if a different learning model should be implemented.
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After implementing a distance learning model due to high levels of viral transmission in the school or local geographic community, the District will wait a minimum of two to three weeks before bringing students back into the buildings for on-site or hybrid learning.
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Parents, guardians, staff and students will be notified of scheduling changes through SwiftK12.
District services during a school closure
Athletic Events, Musical Events, Dramatic Events and Other Major Functions
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St. Anthony Middle School and St. Anthony Village High School co-curriculars will follow Minnesota State High School League, Minnesota Department of Education, and Minnesota Department of Health recommendations for athletics/activities practices and/or competitions.
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Per Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), summer athletics will be allowed to meet beginning June 15th. Groups will need to follow MDH and MSHSL guidelines. Groups will need to develop a specific implementation plan to address all guidelines.
Community Education Programs
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Some Community Services programs will be offered this summer. Call 612-706-1001 for more information.
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Community Services programs will continue to operate while school is in session.
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In the event of a school closure, all Community Services programs will be canceled.
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Community Services classes will be canceled and instructors will be paid on a prorated basis for the time they taught.
School information for families
Providing Education During a School Closure
The District will move to a Distance Learning model if a school or schools are closed due to COVID-19.
All Students
In planning for the coming school year, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has requested school districts to plan for three different scenarios going into the 2020-2021 school year. Those three scenarios include:
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Scenario/Phase 1 (Distance Learning): All students receive instruction through an improved version of distance learning.
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Scenario/Phase 2 (Modified Hybrid Learning): On-site learning for small groups of identified students on specified days based on student need and staffing considerations. Students with special needs, English Language Learners, our youngest learners may be considered for on-site learning.
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Scenario/Phase 3 (Full Hybrid Learning): On-site learning for all students on specified days unless their family has opted for Distance Learning only.
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Scenario/Phase 4 (On-Site Learning): All students and staff back in school, unless their family has opted for Distance Learning only.
STUDENTS IN GRADES K-12
Teachers will offer learning with coursework, assessments, and grades for all classes regardless on learning model. The focus will be engaging, collaborative, and personalized learning opportunities as we try to make the best out of this unpredictable situation.
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The amount of time spent on learning activities and assignments will vary depending on the course and grade level.
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Wilshire Park - K-1 students and invited students are in in-person from 8:30-12:30 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Students in Distance learning should expect at a minimum to engage in synchronous and asynchronous learning activities and check-ins between the hours of 2:00 pm -4:00 pm or teacher designated times.
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Middle School - Students should expect at minimum to engage in synchronous and asynchronous learning activities and check-ins between the hours 10:00 am-2:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. All students are expected to meet with student clubs on Wednesdays as well as receive extra support if needed.
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High School -
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9th grade- on average 60 min per course per day
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10th-12th grade-on average 90 min per course per day
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AP/CIS-on average 120 min per course per day
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Assignments, resources, and videos from teachers will be posted by 9:00 am or earlier on Google Classroom, Seesaw, or via email.
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Teachers will be available by email during normal school hours.
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Any modifications and support students have at school will continue to be provided.
Technology:
Support
Technical support will be available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Email: helpdesk@isd282.org
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Call the Technology Help Line: 612-706-1014
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Please include the student's first and last name, grade, and a detailed description of the problem.
The district has been planning for a 1:1 technology initiative over the past few years, prior to COVID-19. This past spring with emergency distance learning, the district received state and federal funding from the Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund and the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund that helped jump-start the 1:1 Technology Initiative.
It was important to provide students and families with the most up-to-date device security, along with improved classroom management and testing tools for teachers and students.
The district will be providing technology (iPads for grades K-2; Chromebooks for grades 3-12) for every student.
This does not mean that students will be on technology for the entire amount of time, but that they will have a balance of time on digital learning platforms and work on the assignments given without technology.
FAQ and helpful information for connecting a school Chromebook to Wi-Fi.
Information about other discounted internet options may be found here:
allconnect.com/blog/low-income-internet-guide
highspeedinternet.com/resources/are-there-government-programs-to-help-me-get-internet-service
Students in Grades K-12
Teachers will offer learning with coursework, assessments, and grades for all classes regardless of learning model. The focus will be engaging, collaborative, and personalized learning opportunities as we try to make the best out of this unpredictable situation.
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Students should plan to spend roughly the same amount of time on lessons, assignments, and class activities as if they were at school.
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Assignments, resources, and videos from teachers will be posted by 9 am (K-12) on Google Classroom, Seesaw, or via email each school day.
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Teachers will be available by email during normal school hours.
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Any modifications and support students have at school will continue to be provided.
Students in Pre-school, ECFE and ECSE
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In the event of a school closure, preschool and ECFE will be closed.
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Take-home bags with early childhood activities are available and will be provided to families during a closure. When the bag is returned, every item will be sanitized and available for other families to check out.
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ISD 282 students who receive Early Childhood Special Education Services (ECSE) through Mounds View Public Schools (MV) will follow the guidance of MV. If ISD 282 schools are closed, transportation will NOT be provided to Mounds View.
Students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP's)
Special Education teachers will provide instruction digitally to implement appropriate instructional strategies that comply with IEP’s.
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There are other tools that will be implemented for all students to enable them to receive instruction in the best form possible.
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Questions regarding services should be directed the student's IEP case manager or the Director of Special Education Hope Fagerland at hfagerland@isd282.org.
Village Kids
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If school is closed, Village Kids will be closed, with the exception of Emergency Childcare.
EL services during distance learning
- Communication with EL families and academic support
- Grades K-12
- Grades 3-5
- Middle school
- High school
Communication with EL families and academic support
EL service will follow the protocol outlined below when district distance learning plans are implemented.
District communication with EL families during distance learning:
- The district communicates with families via email, text message, phone call, and sometimes video. All messages are available on the district website isd282.org.
- Written translations for district communications are available in our top six languages (Spanish, Tibetan, Somali, Arabic, Amharic, and Oromo.) For other languages, a phone number is given to request oral interpretation of the written communication
- Oral interpretation is provided via Language Line and/or language proficient paraprofessionals.
- Teachers communicate orally with families via Language Line.
Student academic support from general education classroom teacher:
- All teachers are required to scaffold instruction for all learners, check in with, and be available to students during established contact hours.
- Teachers district-wide will complete and submit lesson plan frameworks that include scaffolding and accommodation/modification descriptions.
- Teachers have access to Language Line for direct communication with students/families.
Grades K-12
- Individual student check-ins (emphasis on relationships):
- Email, messages via Seesaw, video conferencing, and/or phone calls.
- Direct ELD instruction:
- Primary Platform: Seesaw
- Asynchronous activities, online and other, addressing all modalities.
- Examples:
- General: National Geographic Reach
- Speaking: video speaking prompts (Flipgrid, etc.)
- Reading: RAZ Kids, etc.
- Writing: Journaling (2nd grade)
- Student academic support from EL teacher in general education classroom:
- Indirect support (see EL department support for general education teachers in making accommodations below).
- EL department support for general education teachers in making accommodations:
- EL teachers will work with general education teachers to coordinate instruction and communication.
- Each elementary team designates a representative to work with an assigned EL teacher.
- Teachers have access to the Differentiation Google Classroom and district EL Consultant.
Grades 3-5
- Individual student check-ins (emphasis on relationships):
- Email, messages via Google Classroom, video conferencing, instructional apps, and/or phone calls
- Direct ELD instruction:
- Primary Platform: Seesaw; Google Classroom
- Asynchronous activities, online and other, addressing all modalities.
- Examples:
- General: National Geographic Reach; Hyperdocs
- Academic vocabulary: WordGen
- Reading: RAZ Kids, NewsELA, Activelylearn, GetEpic
- Writing: dialogue journals
- Student academic support from EL teacher in general education classroom:
- Student work will be monitored through Google Classroom, with support given as needed.
- EL department support for general education teachers in making accommodations:
- EL teachers will work with general education teachers to coordinate instruction and communication and will provide training and resources when appropriate.
- Each elementary team designates a representative to work with an assigned EL teacher.
- Teachers have access to the Differentiation Google Classroom and district EL Consultant.
Middle school
- Individual student check-ins (emphasis on relationships):
- Email, messages via Google Classroom, video conferencing, and/or phone calls
- Direct ELD instruction:
- Primary Platform: Google Classroom
- Asynchronous activities, online and/or other, addressing all modalities.
- Examples:
- Writing: Quill, NoRedInk, etc.; reflection journaling
- Reading: Readtheory, pdf articles/books, etc.
- Student academic support from EL teacher in general education classroom:
- Indirect support (see EL department support for general education teachers in making accommodations below)
- EL department support for general education teachers in making accommodations:
- EL Teachers will provide student-specific consultation with general education teachers.
- For general support regarding differentiation, general education teachers have access to the Differentiation Google Classroom and district EL Consultant.
High school
- Individual student check-ins (emphasis on relationships):
- Email, messages via Google Classroom, video conferencing, and/or phone calls
- Direct ELD instruction:
- Primary Platform: Google Classroom
- Asynchronous activities, online and/or other, addressing all modalities.
- Examples:
- Writing: Quill, NoRedInk, etc.; reflection journaling
- Reading: Readtheory, pdf articles/books, etc.
- Student academic support from EL teacher in general education classroom:
- For Extended EL students only: students will have access to EL teacher support as needed via email, video conferencing, and/or phone. The EL teacher will have access to general education Google Classroom sites.
- Other ELs: Indirect support (see EL department support for general education teachers in making accommodations below)
- EL department support for general education teachers in making accommodations:
- EL Teachers will provide student-specific consultation with general education teachers.
- For general support regarding differentiation, general education teachers have access to the Differentiation Google Classroom and district EL Consultant.
Nutrition Services (meals)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) extended our ability to serve meals at no cost to ALL STUDENTS regardless of income through June 30, 2021. If you will be in distance learning and are interested in receiving school meals, please complete this meal request form.
Free meal pick-up information (updated as of February 8, 2021)
- Location: St. Anthony Village High School (for ALL students) Lower parking lot, cafeteria door 16 (facing the east parking lot).
- Days/times: Tuesdays 8am-10am or Thursdays 3:30pm-5:30pm
Meal boxes will continue to contain 7 days’ worth of breakfast, lunch, and snacks. For those students returning to a hybrid model, we trust that the pickups will be coordinated with on-site pickups (i.e., if student is on site 2 days/week, meal boxes are only taken 3 out of 4 weeks of the month).
All meals will continue to be free of charge through the end of the school year.
Your participation is crucial to our program and we thank you so very much for your support. Much like restaurants, we rely on our patrons for support and cannot keep our staff employed or our doors open if we do not have student meals to prepare and serve.
Below is information on how meals will be served in the four learning models.
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Scenario/Phase 1 (Distance Learning): Families can put in a request of a week’s worth of food to be dropped including lunch or breakfast AND lunch. Applications received later may not receive a delivery on the first week of distance learning.
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Scenario/Phase 2 & 3 (Hybrid/Modified Hybrid Learning): Students who will be onsite will have access to breakfast and lunch in the building. Students will eat in the classroom or outside if weather permits. School meals will be available for home delivery on Wednesdays.
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Scenario/Phase 4 (On-Site Learning): Students who will be onsite will have access to breakfast and lunch in the building. Students will eat in the classroom or outside if weather permits.
Refugee and Immigrant COVID-19 Help Line
Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) athletics and activities
Accordion
- Shortened quarantine considerations for spring 2021 outdoor sports
- 2020-21 MSHSL approved fall sports information
- Athletics information for 2020-21
- MSHSL activities
Shortened quarantine considerations for spring 2021 outdoor sports
May 4, 2021
At this time, the Athletics and Activities Department is considering a shortened quarantine option for spring outdoor sports under certain circumstances for the 2020-21 school year. If you believe your student qualifies for a shortened quarantine after reading the description below, please complete this Google Form.
Important: This quarantine option is limited to outdoor spring sports due to the lower risk of transmission outdoors and the more socially distanced types of sports that are played in the spring. In-person learning quarantine will remain at 14 days since students are unable to stay 6 feet apart and avoid crowds in the current school model.
A shortened quarantine period for spring outdoor sports may be considered if ALL of the following are true:
- The person has NOT had symptoms of COVID-19 during the quarantine period.
- The person does NOT live with someone who has COVID-19.
- The person does NOT live or work in a high-risk setting, including a long-term care or assisted living facility, correctional facility, shelter, or other congregate living facility.
- The person does NOT work in a healthcare facility.
- The person had a defined exposure, meaning a known exposure with a beginning and an end. Examples could be someone who was exposed:
- At school or a sporting activity.
- During a shift at work or while on break.
- At a social gathering or event, like a party or funeral.
After stopping quarantine at 7 days:
Wear a mask, stay 6 feet from others, wash hands, and avoid crowds or settings with people who are at risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Watch for symptoms until 14 days after exposure. If any symptoms occur, isolate from others right away and get tested.
Other requirements that must be met:
- Wear a mask throughout the full 14 days of quarantine.
- Stay 6 feet from others and avoid crowds during the full 14 days of quarantine.
- Provide your own transportation (cannot ride bus or carpool with others on the team) throughout the full 14 days of quarantine.
- If the athlete develops ANY symptoms they must stay home and get tested for COVID-19 with a PCR test.
Important: carefully review the following procedure for a shortened quarantine (similar to the travel quarantine).
2020-21 MSHSL approved fall sports information
Athletics information for 2020-21
Please watch this video and read through the following information carefully.
The St. Anthony Activities Office is working with school administration, the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), the Tri-Metro Conference (TMC), the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), and the National Federation of High School Sports (NFHS) to provide a safe and healthy return to play experience.
Safety plans:
- Each coach will develop a safety plan for their team approved by the district prior to the start of each season.
Schedules:
- The fall season has been shortened.
- The number of games was reduced by 30%.
- There will be a max of two competitions a week.
- Our conference voted to only play conference teams.
Fees:
- Due to the uncertainty of the season, we have reduced our registration fees by 50%.
- No refunds will be offered after the start of the season.
Sport seasons:
- The MSHSL has broken the sports seasons into four modified seasons.
- Fall (August - October).
- Cross country, soccer, girls swimming & diving, and girls tennis.
- Winter (End of November - March).
- Basketball, bowling, gymnastics, hockey, nordic skiing, boys swimming & diving, and wrestling.
- Spring 1 (March - Early May).
- Football, cheerleading, and volleyball.
- Spring 2 (May - Early July).
- Baseball, golf, lacrosse, softball, boys tennis, and track & field.
- Fall (August - October).
- Details about activities including a fall production are being worked on. We will follow up with more information when available.
Transportation
- We will follow MDE and MDH’s recommendations allowing for 50% capacity on busses.
- If parents wish to transport their children to and from activities, they are encouraged to do so.
Locker Rooms
- We are encouraging students not to use locker rooms.
Fans
- We are still determining if spectators will be allowed at events. We will keep you posted as we have more information.
Sign up for a fall sport
- You can register for an activity by going to letsgohuskies.com . Please follow the prompts under the registration tab.
- You must be registered before you can participate in an activity.
- This year any student whose sports physical was expected to expire anywhere between March 12th, 2020 through the end of the 2020-21 school year will have an extension. Those physicals will now be valid through the 2020-21 school year. All incoming students and students participating in athletics for the first time will need to submit a valid sports physical to the High School Activities Office.
- Consider participating in a new sport or activity if your sport or activity was moved to a different season.
MSHSL activities
Staff: school information
Working during a school closure
Working conditions for employees may need to be altered, and the respective employees will be informed of plans and any changes that will affect their work and attendance at work.
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The requirements for employees will vary depending upon the nature of school closure.
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If there were a modified plan by the MDH whereby just some students were quarantined, there would be a new plan developed to meet the special conditions of the MDH expectations.
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The district will assure that employees will be paid on time during any emergency. In order to process payroll in a timely manner, enter your absences and submit your timesheet in Skyward every week.
Teachers
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Teachers of students in grades K-12 are expected to be available throughout their normal work day, including time before or after school, as assigned. In addition to the time for delivering instruction through digital learning platforms, teachers need to expect students reaching out to them for assistance with lessons during the normal workday.
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Times for students to contact their teachers with assignment questions will be established by each principal of any schools closed.
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Teachers who need to take time off during any of the e-learning days will need to inform their principal, and alternatives for the students will be determined by the district.
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Special Education teachers will need to work with their students through assistance from the students’ families.
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It is expected that all teachers will assure their readiness to deliver instruction through the use of Google Classroom, email, SeeSaw, and other supplementary learning venues during a crisis due to COVID-19.
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This will require teachers to insure that they have a district device or home computer available at the end of every school day, in case school is closed before the start of school the next day.
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Any teacher who does not have Internet capability at home should inform their principal immediately, so arrangements can be made to provide such access during an emergency.
Support Staff
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Paras and support staff will be assigned different jobs (distribution of materials, technology devices, meals, distance learning support for teachers and students, providing community support and/or other duties) during school closures.
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Every effort will be made to keep our employees and families safe during the pandemic. Please contact Human Resources if you will not be able to work in the building because you and/or your family members have a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 (older adults and/or persons with underlying health conditions).
Office Assistants
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Office assistants will not be expected to perform duties during days that school is not in session during an emergency closure, but there may be an expectation that evolves during the closure by which these staff members will be needed to assist with communications between parents/students and teachers or administrators.
Food Service
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Food service employees are expected to perform their regular assignments due to state mandated continuation of meals for students during school closures.
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Every effort will be made to keep our employees and families safe during the pandemic. Please contact Human Resources if you will not be able to work in the building because you and/or your family members have a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 (older adults and/or persons with underlying health conditions).
Custodians
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Custodians are expected to perform their normal assignments. Employees will continue to be paid at their normally scheduled hours and rate.
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Every effort will be made to keep our employees and families safe during the pandemic. Please contact Human Resources if you will not be able to work in the building because you and/or your family members have a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 (older adults and/or persons with underlying health conditions).
Principals, Instructional Coaches, Deans, Counselors, Nurses/health aides, School Psychologists, Coordinators and Administrators
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Staff on the teacher contract are expected to be available throughout their normal work day, including time before or after school, as assigned. Principals may assign additional duties during a closure to support students.
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District-wide administrators will report to the District Office, unless they have been quarantined due to contact at schools or events. All will be needed to assist in communications with parents and employees.
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Coordinators are expected to work unless buildings are closed. If the buildings are closed, coordinators may work with their supervisor to determine the possibility of working remotely. If telecommuting is not an option, the staff may use accumulated vacation, personal or compensatory overtime.
Village Kids Staff and Assistant Teachers in ECFE and Preschool
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The first day of a school closure will be paid. Any additional days on which school is canceled, staff will be able to use accumulated personal leave, vacation or compensatory overtime. If staff are called in to work during a closure, they will be paid for the hours worked at their normal rate.
COVID-19 testing coverage - For employees who have health insurance coverage through SANB
Because COVID-19 has risen to the level of a significant public health concern, our health insurance provider will provide coverage at no cost to members for COVID-19 laboratory test regardless of where the test is performed, as well as no cost related to an in-network office or urgent care visit associated with the test. Please note that this will not apply to an emergency department visit.
In addition to the above accommodations, Healthpartners is also allowing members to temporarily refill their medications early should they choose to do so. Please note, this only applies to members who have a current prescription with adequate refills remaining.
Members who are concerned that they may have been exposed to COVID-19 can take a free online screening assessments available online at virtuwell.com or should call their primary care clinic. The assessment follows the latest guidelines from the CDC and other public health officials.
CareLine (612-339-3663 or 800-551-0859) is also available 24/7 at no cost to members. The most updated information for HealthPartners members is availableHealthpartners.com.
Staff: Covid-19 mental health resources for teachers
Accordion
- Mental Health Concerns and Navigating Next Steps
- Tools to Help Support Mental Wellbeing
- Crisis Resources
- Mental Health Helplines, Services and Clinics
Mental Health Concerns and Navigating Next Steps
(View flowchart summarizing the following information)
These are some warning signs to look for in children, adolescents, teens who may be struggling with mental health (per Hennepin County Mental Health and Mayo Clinic websites):
- Problems getting along with peers and adults
- Inability to control anger or aggression
- Inability to manage worries, troubling thoughts or feelings
- Not being able to pay attention or focus
- Feeling sad or worthless
- Withdrawing from or avoiding social interactions
- Hurting oneself or talking about hurting oneself
- Outbursts / extreme irritability
- Talking about death or suicide
- Drastic changes in mood, behavior or personality
- Changes in eating habits
- Difficulty sleeping
- Frequent headaches or stomach aches
What should I do if I suspect a student is struggling with mental health?
- If child is in immediate danger/crisis, call 911 or crisis line.
- If the student is not in immediate danger/crisis, it might be beneficial to discuss the concerning behaviors with other teachers/staff who work with the student to determine if they are seeing similar behaviors.
- Discuss your concerns with the student’s guardian(s).
- Check out resources available on this website under Tools to Help Support Mental Wellbeing, which includes links to district Virtual Calming Rooms as well as outside resources.
- Teachers can bring up concerns to the SAT teams in the middle school and high school, which meet weekly; OR Teachers have the option to complete the Mental Health Teacher Referral form in order to discuss these concerns with counselors/school psychologists to determine how to best support the student; OR Teachers can also email one of the staff members below if they would like to discuss concerns further in order to determine how to best support their student.
- If it is determined that therapy might be beneficial, a referral can be made to our Lee Carlson school-based mental health therapists. Staff can also provide families with other available community resources, which can also be found under Mental Health Helplines, Services and Clinics.
Wilshire Park staff:
- Carrie Nord, Behavior Interventionist: cnord@isd282.org
- Anna Nagle, Dean: anagle@isd282.org
- Caitlin Thiesen, Counselor: cthiesen@isd282.org
St. Anthony Middle School staff:
- Renee Nettleton, Counselor: rnettleton@isd282.org
St. Anthony Village High School staff:
- Kate Edwards, Counselor: kedwards@isd282.org
- Heather Berndt, Counselor: hberndt@isd282.org
District-wide staff:
- Katrina Peterson, School Psychologist: kpeterson@isd282.org
- Rebecca Zimmermann, School Psychologist: rzimmermann@isd282.org
- Lori Watzl-King, RN, Nurse: lwatzl-king@isd282.org
Tools to Help Support Mental Wellbeing
- SAVHS Calming Room (St. Anthony Village High School)
- SAMS Calming Room (St. Anthony Middle School)
- Ms. Nord’s Virtual Calming Room (Wilshire Park)
- Ms. Theisen’s WP School Counselor Page (Wilshire Park)
- Minnesota Department of Health: Supporting Mental-Wellbeing During COVID-19
- Managing Fear and Anxiety around COVID-19: Harvard Health Services
- Staying Grounded
- Health Powered Kids: A collection of activities to help young people make healthy eating, exercise and life choices; designed for ages 3-14
- Change to Chill: Mindfulness & stress relief for Teens
Crisis Resources
With immediate mental health emergencies
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Call 911 immediately
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If you or someone you know are having thoughts of self-harm, or you are aware that someone is in danger, contact your local 24/7 Crisis Hotlines:
Ramsey County Mental Health Crisis
Adult Crisis: 651-266-7900
Child Crisis: 651-266-7878
Hennepin County Mental Health Crisis
Adult Crisis: 612-596-1223
Child Crisis: 612-348-2233
Anoka County Mental Health Crisis
Adult Mental Health: 763-324-1420
Children’s Mental Health: 763-324-1430
General Crisis Number: 763-755-3801
If you live in another county, you can visit Metro Children’s Crisis Response Services to look up your county’s contact information.
National 24/7 Hotlines and App:
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- A Friend Asks (App for iPhone and Android)
- Domestic Violence: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)
- Runaway and Homeless Youth: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929)
Mental Health Helplines, Services and Clinics
Numbers to Call for Support (Non-Crisis):
- Minnesota Helpline: 651-645-2948, ext. 117 or 1-888-NAMI-HELPS or email namihelps@namimn.org
- Minnesota Warmline: 651-288-0400 or text “Support” to 85511 – if you need someone to talk to and receive peer support to address loneliness, isolation, increased feelings of anxiety and depression, or help living with mental health conditions before a crisis occurs
- Mental Health Minnesota The Voice of Recovery: This is a no-cost option for families to consult with a mental health provider and make a plan of action for safety and care. Call 1-800-862-1799. Mentalhealthmn.org
- Fraser Hope Line: Calling 612-446-HOPE (4673) or emailing fraserhopeline@fraser.org puts you in touch with a clinician who can help with autism, mental health or special needs.
- National Parent Helpline: 1-855-427-2736 to receive emotional support from a trained advocate.
- SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline Toll-Free: 1-877-726-4727 (English and español) SMS: Text TalkWithUs to 66746 SMS (español): “Hablanos” al 66746 TTY: 1-800-846-8517 website (English) website (español).
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network’s guide Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) will help you think about how an infectious disease outbreak might affect your family—both physically and emotionally—and what you can do to help your family cope. View the helpful factsheet.
Mental Health Clinics/Services
- Mental Health Helpline: receive connections to care referrals across Minnesota. Call 800.862.1799 or email: helpline@mentalhealthmn.org
- Minnesota Association for Children's Mental Health (MACMH): Offering a new, free Caregiver Resources Library designed to help parents, caregivers and family members support both their children's mental health as well as their own. Create free login.
- Cornerstone Youth Advocacy and Support: Free, confidential emotional support to youth ages 13-24 via Telehealth telehealth ages 13-21. Youth Advocacy website or email: sbs@cornerstonemn.org
- Open Path Psychotherapy Collective: Affordable therapy (find a therapist in your area).
- Minnesota Community Care: Provide affordable mental health care. You can make an appointment by calling 651-602-7500. 24-Hour Careline: 612-333-2229
- Lee Carlson Center (offers Telehealth option). 763-780-3036.
- Locate local mental health clinics by address, city, or zip code.
Black Mental Health Resources:
- Therapy for Black Girls: (find a therapist in your area).
- Mary Ellen Strong Foundation: list of Black therapists in Minnesota.
Latinx Mental Health Resources:
- Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES): website available in English and Spanish
- Therapy for Latinx (find a therapist in your area).
Indigenous Mental Health Resources:
Asian Mental Health Resources
Communication
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The District is committed to regular communications with parents and the community during these events.
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A clear and detailed communications plan for the various scenarios related to possible school closings or disruptions has been developed and will be implemented.
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The district has a Google Site dedicated to COVID-19 information and procedures. Please call the information center at 612-706-1001 if you have questions.
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The district will provide timely information at that site, as well as any updates via email, text and phone as needed.
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Parents are encouraged to contact the district with educational questions or rumors about the illness possibly being in St. Anthony-New Brighton.
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Parents who are concerned about the virus itself should contact the MDH hotline at 651-201-3920.
Messages from the District
2020-21 school year messages
- July 30, 2020: Update to families on fall planning for 2020-21 school year
- Aug. 5, 2020: Update on planning for the 2020-21 school year
- Aug. 6, 2020: Video message from Superintendent Dr. Renee Corneille
- Aug. 17, 2020: Town Hall Zoom meeting for families to ask questions about Learning Models for the 2020-21 school year: 4 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 19
- Aug. 19, 2020: Modified Hybrid Learning Model approved by the School Board for the start of the 2020-21 school year
- Aug. 21, 2020: Video: recording now available of Aug. 19 virtual Town Hall Zoom meetings
- Aug. 25, 2020: Fall 2020-21 Modified Hybrid Plan for students
- Aug. 26, 2020: Technology Information for the 2020-21 school year
- Sept 4, 2020: First day of school on Tuesday, Sept. 8
- Sept. 5, 2020: Complete your child’s daily health screening
- Sept. 14, 2020: Important meal request change: complete form to pick up meals starting Sept. 15
- Sept. 23, 2020: Important COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, reminders
- Sept. 30, 2020: Lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 notification
- Oct. 7, 2020: Lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 notification
- Oct. 29, 2020: Lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 notification
- Nov. 2, 2020: Lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 notification
- Nov. 4, 2020: Lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 notification
- Nov. 6, 2020: Video message from the Superintendent
- Nov. 11, 2020: District will begin transition to full-time distance learning model
- Nov. 25, 2020: Video message from Superintendent Dr. Renee Corneille
- Dec. 7, 2020: Resources available for families
- Dec. 16, 2020: Message to families regarding update from Gov. Walz on Safe Learning Plan
- Dec. 18, 2020: Message to families before winter break
- Jan. 6, 2021: Important free grab-and-go meals update
- Jan. 20, 2021: 2021 Safe Learning update: WP moving to Modified Hybrid, SAMS/SAVHS in Distance Learning
- Jan. 26, 2021: Update on district and school staff COVID-19 vaccinations
- Feb. 17, 2021: Gov. Walz Safe Learning Plan Update
- March 3, 2021: Video message from Superintendent Dr. Renee Corneille
- March 24, 2021: 2020-21 MCA/MAP assessment information for families
2019-20 school year messages
- District Nurse Message update June 9, 2020
- District COVID-19 update May 22, 2020
- District COVID-19 update May 13, 2020
- District COVID-19 update April 30, 2020
- District COVID-19 update April 23, 2020
- District COVID-19 update March 25, 2020
- District COVID-19 reminder info March 22, 2020
- District COVID-19 update March 19, 2020
- District COVID-19 update March 16, 2020
- District COVID-19 update March 15, 2020
- District COVID-19 update March 12, 2020
- District COVID-19 update March 13, 2020
- Distance learning info April 23, 2020
Health and Safety Guidelines for St. Anthony-New Brighton Assessment Administrations
Local Incident Team (LIT)
Who we are
The LIT is a combination of two teams (the logistics and operations and schedule committees) that worked on creating our learning models for the 2020-21 school year. The team also consists of district administration, one School Board member, one school nurse (COVID-19 Coordinator), parents/guardians, local public health/epidemiologist experts, union representatives and one student. List of current members:
- Laura Oksnevad, School Board Chair (Wilshire Park and SAMS parent)
- Dr. Renee Corneille, Superintendent (Wilshire Park parent)
- Lori Watzl-King, RN, District Nurse and COVID-19 Coordinator
- Hope Fagerland, Director of Special Education, Technology, & Assessment
- Phan Tu, Director of Finance and Operations
- Wendy Webster, Community Services and Communications Director (SAMS/SAVHS parent)
- Nancy Terry, Wilshire Park Special Education Speech Language Pathologist (SAMS parent)
- Traci Adams, Middle School Administrative Assistant
- Janet Kimmel, Communication Coordinator
- Mark Gibbs, District Engineer
- Ava Kalenze, student
- Stefan Gingerich, Epidemiologist (Wilshire Park parent)
- Mageen Caines, Epidemiologist (Wilshire Park parent)
- Jackie Weber, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Expert (Wilshire Park parent)
- Linda Amundsen, Food Service Cook Manager
LIT purpose
The LIT evaluates local and state data to determine when/if the district could shift to another learning model.
When we meet
The LIT meets on a weekly basis and considers learning-model changes roughly every six weeks. Local experts recommend the use of a six-week trend line data analysis due to the delay in COVID-19 case counts.
Evaluating and monitoring local data
The LIT evaluates the following data points to determine model shifts. The district will only shift to a new learning model when safe to do so. Each one of these data points matter when making a decision to shift from one learning model to another:
- Building readiness: necessary space to execute the learning model proposed.
- Staffing: necessary and appropriate number of staff to safely execute the learning model proposed.
- Health and safety: ensure that all safety and health precautions can be implemented to execute the learning model proposed.
- Instructional preparedness: teaching staff have the time to develop rigorous and relevant instructional practices in the new learning model proposed.
- State guidance: COVID-19 rate outlined by the state allow for the change in learning model.
- County guidance: county COVD-19 data rate allow for the change in learning model.
- Local guidance: local COVID-19 data rate allow for the change in learning model.
- Virus activity: in addition to the COVID data, what is the trend line for virus activity, and does that allow for the change in learning model.
Additional factors
The LIT and the district will also be guided by the following assumptions when making a decision to move from one learning model to another:
- Staffing will be impacted by virus activity.
- Navigating district-wide decisions and/or school-based decisions.
- COVD-19 case counts fluctuate: monthly, weekly, daily.
- Data regarding COVID-19 cases is not perfect and is delayed.
- The goal is to be consistent - as much as possible when facing a global pandemic.
- We will make decisions based on the data, not peer or political pressure.
- We will implement best practices in teaching and learning.
Accordion
- Jan. 12, 2021 LIT meeting recap
- Jan. 20, 2021 LIT meeting recap
- Jan. 25, 2021 meeting recap
- Feb. 1, 2021 meeting recap
- Feb. 8, 2021 meeting recap
- Feb. 22, 2021 meeting recap
- March 1, 2021 meeting recap
- March 8, 2021 meeting recap
- March 15, 2021 meeting recap
- March 22, 2021 meeting recap
- April 6, 2021
- April 19, 2021
- May 3, 2021
- May 17, 2021
Jan. 12, 2021 LIT meeting recap
Agenda:
- Elementary plan (review data).
- Mitigation strategies if we move to less restrictive model.
- Transportation.
- Winter athletics/activities guidance (captains practice and use of indoor spaces).
- Saliva testing protocols/plan.
- Current numbers for Hennepin County.
- High school student virtual town hall and community engagement circle discussion.
Summary, action items:
Face masks, face shields
Discussion on district mandate of face mask and shield requirements. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) scaled back the requirement for staff members working directly with students to wear both a face covering [mask] and a face shield. Current language states that districts are strongly encouraged to require staff to wear both the face covering and the face shield. Currently looking at other school district examples that will help enact a district-level requirement that employees working in person use both the face covering [existing requirement] and the face shield [possible new requirement] when the district moves back to in-person learning.
Winter sports
The district will follow the Informed Decision-Making Guide for Learning Model Planning tool and the Informed Decision-Making Action Step Tracker that have been revised based on updated guidance from the MDE and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). They will be used to consider various relevant and nuanced metrics, data and various forms of input for assessing readiness and learning model decisions. This guide includes Health Best Practices; Instructional Preparedness; Family & Transportation Capacity; and Engagement & Communications. Also included are suggestions and resources to help to create awareness and keep track of the multiple considerations used to determine moving between more restrictive to less restrictive learning models throughout the school year.
COVID-19 saliva testing for staff: Site-Level Coordinators
As we plan for on-site testing, our COVID-19 coordinator will be responsible for leading the district-wide effort. We will also need a site-level coordinator for each building where testing will occur to manage the planning and execution of the screening test program. Site-level coordinators will be selected as soon as possible for buildings where we will be hosting on-site COVID-19 saliva testing for staff. Site-level coordinators should try to attend a virtual training session that will cover all of the logistics and technology needs for conducting testing, including how we will receive the tests, how to ship them to the lab, how staff will self-administer the tests, and more.
COVID-19 vaccination for school staff:
A hopeful timeline is February or March; although there are limitations in vaccine supply. Most likely will be the Moderna vaccine. Currently only federally registered providers can give the vaccine (school nurses can’t vaccinate other school staff). It would take 1.5 days to vaccinate our staff (220 vaccines per day). Looking into the possibility of the district being a community vaccination site. It is still unclear who will give the vaccine to educators, but some direction may be coming next week from MDH that will help with planning.
St. Anthony Middle School WHPH (Work Hard Play Hard) Days set for last week of January
Completely optional and most events will be virtual with a wide range of offerings. The WHPH team would like to offer one in-person option. For one hour, each grade level would be invited to an outdoor event. Potential offerings include sledding, ice skating, snow shoeing, or walking/hiking. All three grade levels on the same day at different times. Aiming for different staff for each grade level. Locations could include all events taking place at Central Park, or two or more locations such as Silverwood, Silver Point Park, Emerald Park. Pods made up of 20-25 students. Students must wear a mask at all times and practice social distancing (no sled sharing or making a sled train down the hill). Rules would be reviewed at the beginning of the activity. Permission form will be required. Currently looking at transportation options for some who may not be able to get a ride to these locations.
Shortened quarantine option
MDH has left it up to school districts to decide if they will follow a shortened quarantine for students or staff. 14-day quarantine is still the safest option. 10-day quarantine if no symptoms of any kind through the full 14 days and child/adult can mask and social distance through the full 14 days. Seven-day option if negative test on or after day five and all of the above from the 10-day quarantine. Most schools are not allowing a shortened quarantine. We have already decided that shortened quarantine will not be used for sports as it is a higher risk activity and athletes cannot keep a six-feet distance between each other when participating in sports. Will revisit this prior to elementary students return to in-person school.
Jan. 20, 2021 LIT meeting recap
Agenda:
-
High school virtual town hall details.
-
High school prom and graduation discussion.
- Wilshire Park Elementary School (WP) planning/discussion.
- Ramsey and Hennepin county data.
- WP and St. Anthony Middle School special education.
- Patriots Marching Band.
- New variant of COVID-19 discussion.
Summary, action items:
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) came out today with national models based on vaccination, information on the new variant, and public adherence to mitigation strategies. The CDC models (national, not local) suggest that we could have a very chaotic April unless some changes happen that haven’t happened so far (e.g. improved adherence to mitigation strategies, vaccination at a much faster pace). Knowing that we already have this variant in our community, we will be keeping an eye on that time frame very carefully.
These models are using levels of mitigation that appear overly optimistic; so we are taking that into account. We are aware that we have supply chain issues with vaccines, so while everyone is going as fast as they can, they can only distribute what they can get from the federal government. We will resize the CDC models into local projections. We don’t know the local impact yet as this is a model (best guesstimate)— yet a fairly significant guess that we will take into account when trying forecast what’s next.
WP return to in-person learning planning
Based on the LIT and district's deciding factors, students in grades K-2 will return initially to in-person learning four days/week starting Feb. 1, 2021. Grade 2 will move into a modified hybrid format the following week, along with grades 3-5. Grades 2-5 will be on a one-week rotation into the building, on a M/T and Thurs/F format. The district is committed to this plan for a timespan of nine weeks, which is the entire third quarter.
Jan. 25, 2021 meeting recap
Agenda:
-
Wilshire Park Elementary plan and Town Hall meeting.
-
High school prom, graduation, senior parade discussion.
- Vaccinations.
- Ramsey and Hennepin county data.
- Middle and high school plans discussion.
- Current COVID-19 numbers.
Summary, action items:
The WP Town Hall is set for 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan 27. We will include an FAQ on most common questions. There will not be a “live” portion of the Town Hall, but Principal Amy Kujawski will hold listening sessions to anyone who would like to join. We’re committing to this plan for the third quarter. Will also continue to evaluate.
High school Prom
Indoor facility has been reserved for May 15, 2021. Final payment is due by March 15. Discussed the option of having an outdoor Prom and where it could potentially take place. Discussed using the baseball and softball fields, and Central Park for the Grand March. If needed, could section off groups of 50-75 students per area, with the DJ in the middle and a tent with dance floor in each area.
High school Graduation
Discussed various outside options and location ideas, such as Central Park or another outdoor venue (University of North Western, Mounds View, or others). The umber of guests would be determined by the venue and circumstances. Would like to include live music and have NineNorth provide live-streaming services.
Also discussed possibly having graduation held in the gymnasium. This would mean students only and no guests. Would offer live music from the bleachers (band on one side and choir on the other), and NineNorth providing live-streaming services.
Lastly, discussed the possibility of having a Virtual Graduation, the same plan as the spring of 2020. Music would be pre-recorded.
Senior Parade
Discussed idea of shortening the route (ideal is 30 minutes). Get St. Anthony Police Department input on the potential route, including their support for traffic lights. Discussed allowing one student or one household/vehicle. Day and time discussed.
Vaccinations
Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul is open for educators for a total of 15,000 vaccinations (this weekend). Looking at the option of having a St. Anthony pilot site (Hennepin site Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Resource referenced.
Middle and high school plans
Can make the move to modified hybrid easy for St. Anthony Middle School— just need to determine the date of transition. For St. Anthony Village High School, discussed the possibility of transitioning to modified hybrid on March 1.
Current COVID-19 numbers
From the state, Jan. 9 (Two-week rolling timespan) for Hennepin county (40.99) and for Ramsey County (40.98). The Shiny app daily estimate also from Jan. 9, 2021, data for Hennepin County (28) and for Ramsey County (30.2) and for St. Anthony-New Brighton School District (36.6).
Feb. 1, 2021 meeting recap
Agenda:
-
Vaccination site (permanent).
-
Secondary building: consider hybrid model?
- Data nugget: testing and the drop in COVID-19 cases.
- Collaborative update (mental health).
- Vaccine.
- Upcoming travel plans.
- High school plan ideas.
Summary, action items:
Started the prep work to become a vaccine site back when we first heard about COVID-19 in February of 2020. How do we continue to offer the vaccine clinic and at the same time bring students back into our buildings? Discussed options of using a QR code and text people when they can come for to receive their vaccination. What about statewide testing? We could move the vaccine clinic to the gyms, but there would be a lot of set-up and take-down involved. Could use the gyms for student group testing. Will need to communicate to the public that SANB is just a site, and not in charge of organizing the vaccine clinic. Community Services can help get the message out to the greater community.
Secondary building: consider hybrid model?
Agreed that now is the time to start making plans—as quickly as possible. Need to prioritize grade nine and grade 12. Referenced article. Looking at the option of recommending a typical hybrid model instead of modified hybrid. Students will need time to organize their schedules. Look at offering a middle and high school Town Hall, same format as the recent Wilshire Park Elementary version.
Current COVID-19 numbers
From the state, Jan. 16 (Two-week rolling timespan) for Hennepin County (35) and for Ramsey County (35.55). The Shiny app daily estimate from Jan. 28, 2021, data for Hennepin County (26) and for Ramsey County (27.5) and for St. Anthony-New Brighton School District (30).
Collaborative update (mental health)
Keep it going through August 2021. Discussed ideas of creating study groups, grief/loss groups, Town Hall option. Interactive campaigns to keep checking in and focus on the importance of mental health.
Vaccine
Even after receiving the vaccine, one could still could contract COVID-19 and could still pass it along to others. Resource referenced.
Upcoming travel plans
Discussed the option of the district going to distance learning during the week after spring break.
High school plan ideas
Discussed the option for having each student have the opportunity for one day per week in the building. In order to provide for social time, we will need flexibility in grouping—pods is not going to do it. Some students have shared that the pods felt like detention.
Ava, the student representative on the LIT surveyed her fellow students last week (around 200 responded) and about 65% had some interest in coming in for support. If we were to do one grade level each day, that would be about 120 kids, including students in pods that are receiving special education support. Discussed what number of students the LIT would feel comfortable with, along with ideas and planning that doesn't revolve around pods.
Open-office hours concept was discussed. It provides students the flexibility to get what they want/need along with some social interaction. Although it takes planning and preparation, it does not require us to shift out of our distance learning instruction model:
- When teachers are not in live sessions, they are open for students (12-15 max at a time). Would need to sign in and sign out.
- The Commons area (or Upper gym) is available as a flexible space with tables where students can collaborate and/or socialize.
- Art rooms and engineering rooms are accessible for hands on activity.
- Lunches would be eaten in classrooms (could be assigned).
- Grade-level meetings held in the auditorium or lower gym.
- Special education pods would continue, but students would be able to go see other teachers too.
Feb. 8, 2021 meeting recap
Agenda:
-
Staff vaccinations.
-
Reopening school.
- Saliva testing.
- Travel quarantine and spring break.
- Special Education update.
- St. Anthony Village High School (SAVHS) plan.
- St. Anthony Middle School (SAMS) plan.
Summary, action items:
Discussed communications with families about staff being vaccinated and reopening school. Need to communicate that this will not be a complete on-switch to ensure it is safe for our staff and students since transmission can still occur while at school.
Saliva testing
Discussed the potential for a saliva clinic that would be housed at the secondary building (middle and high school). Also discussed the Minnesota Department of Health's recently-updated COVID-19 testing recommendations and how they focus primarily on young Minnesotans— especially those ages 12-25. The recommendations expand the category of people who should get tested to include students returning to school, youth sports, or extracurricular activities, among others.
Travel quarantine and spring break
Recommendation from the state of no unnecessary travel. If individuals choose to travel, they will need to quarantine upon their return.
Special Education update
Discussed the need for more social interactions. Also, how to incorporate a plan to share staff.
St. Anthony Village High School plan
Discussed and weighed different options for Phase 2 (seniors only Feb 19, 22, and 26) and Phase 3 (9-12 rotation starting March 1).
- Best-case scenario one:
- Students are placed in cohorts by common courses. They will start the day in cohorts and eat lunch in cohorts. Students will move to teachers independently of their cohort. (Movements could be limited to a smaller number of cohorts at once). All rooms will have sign in and sign out with a limited number of students allowed at one time. Band and choir will have small group sessions at set times in larger spaces. Hands-on classrooms (art and engineering) will have a lower number of students allowed at one time. Here is an example of a potential schedule:
- 10-10:30 a.m.: Homeroom
- 10:30-12 p.m.: Flexible Office Hours
- 12-1 p.m.: Homeroom for Lunch and Band or Choir
- 1-2 p.m.: Homeroom
- 2-3 p.m.: Flexible Office Hours
- Commons (M/F) or Upper Gym could be used for collaborative spaces. Band/choir/some large classes will use the lower-gym balcony, auditorium, or another large space.
- Students are placed in cohorts by common courses. They will start the day in cohorts and eat lunch in cohorts. Students will move to teachers independently of their cohort. (Movements could be limited to a smaller number of cohorts at once). All rooms will have sign in and sign out with a limited number of students allowed at one time. Band and choir will have small group sessions at set times in larger spaces. Hands-on classrooms (art and engineering) will have a lower number of students allowed at one time. Here is an example of a potential schedule:
- Mid-range scenario two:
- Students are placed in cohorts by common courses. They will start the day in cohorts and eat lunch in cohorts. Students will move to teachers independently of their cohort. (Movements could be limited to a smaller number of cohorts at once). All rooms will have sign in and sign out with a limited number of students allowed at one time. Band and choir will have small group sessions at set times in larger spaces. Hands-on classrooms (art and engineering) will have a lower number of students allowed at one time. Here is an example of a potential schedule:
- 10-10:30 a.m.: Homeroom
- 10:30-12 p.m.: Flexible Office Hours
- 12-1 p.m.: Homeroom for Lunch and Band or Choir
- 1-2 p.m.: Homeroom
- 2-3 p.m.: Flexible Office Hours
- Commons (M/F) or Upper Gym could be used for collaborative spaces. Band/choir/some large classes will use the lower-gym balcony, auditorium, or another large space.
- Students are placed in cohorts by common courses. They will start the day in cohorts and eat lunch in cohorts. Students will move to teachers independently of their cohort. (Movements could be limited to a smaller number of cohorts at once). All rooms will have sign in and sign out with a limited number of students allowed at one time. Band and choir will have small group sessions at set times in larger spaces. Hands-on classrooms (art and engineering) will have a lower number of students allowed at one time. Here is an example of a potential schedule:
- Scenario three:
- Students are placed in cohorts by common courses and remain in the cohort room almost all day, with some scheduled/controlled opportunities for combinations (think band getting together in a large space where students are in their small group within the larger group). Teachers will rotate into the classrooms.
- Lower-gym balcony/Commons area/upper-gym/auditorium could be used for controlled combinations. Art room access will be one cohort at a time.
St. Anthony Middle School plan
Phase 1: Starting on Feb. 4, we welcomed back a small group of students into the building. These students were brought in to receive more individualized support with distance learning and prioritizing students who receive special education services.
Phase 2: Beginning Feb. 22, each grade level will come into the building on their Core days in a three-week rotation. This would begin with grade 8, then rotate to grade six, and then rotate to grade seven. In the fall, grade seven was our last level to be in person. Our plan to start with grade eight allows our sixth- and eighth-grade students to be in person two times prior to our district’s scheduled spring break.
- Our Core schedule for Modified Hybrid In-Person is as follows:
- Monday - Cohort A - would be in person
- Tuesday - Cohort B - would be in person
- Wednesday - NO CORE CLASSES - clubs and intervention
- Thursday - Cohort A - would be in person
- Friday - Cohort B - would be in person
- Reminder: For most students, Core days include humanities, math, science seminar, wellness, and reading.
Feb. 22, 2021 meeting recap
Agenda:
-
Discuss Feb. 17, 2021 update from MDE/Gov. Walz.
-
Prom, Graduation, celebratory events.
-
Considering option for more in-person learning.
- Students who are choosing only distance learning.
- Vaccine clinic.
- Travel quarantine.
- MSHSL Quarantine Guidance.
Summary, action items:
Discussed recommendations, requirements and mitigation strategies that need to be in place to prioritize in-person learning. The district will still need to offer distance learning.
Discussed the modifications made to emergency executive order 21-01 and adjusting limitations on certain activities and events. Reviewed the information regarding planning for large gatherings and or events via the 2020-21 Planning Guide for Schools) and the Gathering Requirements for Celebrations and Significant Life Events (Includes info about dancing (Prom) which applies to businesses, schools, etc.) Doesn’t apply to lectures, seminars, continuing ed, presentations, etc. For example, it would not apply to an ACT test (would use venue and entertainment guidance). We want to include more input from students regarding Prom and Graduation planning. We are also looking at how other schools districts are doing/planning these events.
Discussed recommendations, requirements and mitigation strategies that need to be in place to prioritize in-person learning. The district will still need to offer distance learning.
Students who are choosing only distance learning
Wilshire Park: 25% ; SAMS: 22% ; SAVHS: 29%
Scheduled through the week of March 1. Still will honor second doses for St. Anthony. Looking into potentially offering weekends and how to staff additional clinic days. Hennepin HealthCare is offering the Pfizer vaccine.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has adopted the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidance for vaccinated persons who have a close contact with a COVID-19 positive case. MDH recommended to quarantine if you leave the state. CDC states that individuals don’t have to quarantine if they are vaccinated (no COVID-19 symptoms). We will ask people to quarantine if they were exposed.
New guidance from the MSHSL allows for seven-day quarantine if the player was wearing a mask AND the contact is not in their household AND they have no symptoms.
March 1, 2021 meeting recap
Agenda:
-
New learning models.
-
Prom and Graduation update.
-
Communication.
- Assessments.
Summary, action items:
At Wilshire Park Elementary School, discussed what will happen if more kids switch learning models. Also discussed how students would eat lunch in their classrooms; each grade will have one specialist/week; special education and English Learners will begin to pull students for services; will continue to use mitigation strategies between staff.
At St. Anthony Middle School, discussed how the week of March 15, all students will have asynchronous learning on Monday, March 15 and Thursday, March 18. Then, Cohort B students (all three grade levels) will be in person on Tuesday, March 16 and Friday, March 19. Cohort A students (all three grade levels) will engage in their electives through distance learning on Tuesday, March 16 and Friday, March 19. During the week of March 22, all students will have asynchronous learning on Tuesday, March 23. Cohort A students (all three grades), will be in person on Monday, March 22 and Thursday, March 25. Cohort B students (all three grades) will engage in their electives through distance learning on Monday, March 22 and Thursday, March 25. Monday, April 5: All SAMS students will begin in-person learning.
At St. Anthony Village High School, April 12 will be either Full Hybrid (A/B/DL/A/B) or All in-person for a five-period day. Students would be scheduled in study hall/support if they don’t have five classes. Asynchronous only on April 8 and April 9 for planning purposes
Senior parents are willing to help. Modular thinking - dance, grand march, food? Meeting will be held to discuss logistics before moving on to meeting with students for second meeting, and then with parents.
Discussed sending a message to get students tested (community testing) before prom/big events. Discussed idea of creating pods/zones - subgroups within subgroups (50-person zones). Indoor Prom date set for May 15.
New Prom date/need before graduation- May 22?
Discussed idea of adding a homepage alert/pop-up message to the website during a model change. Also, add to the homepage banner images to direct people for more information.
Discussed the MCA/MTAS/ACCESS tests - must move forward. Families may choose to opt out of their students participating. Further discussion on whether or not to do the MAP test.
March 8, 2021 meeting recap
Agenda:
-
Discussion of COVID-19 numbers and variant B117.
-
School model updates.
-
COVID-19 cases at SANB.
- Prom/Graduation updates.
- Vaccine clinics.
Summary, action items:
We are currently in the green at St. Anthony-New Brighton (SANB). Recent Carver County (in the orange within one week), outbreak was through athletics. Need to reinforce to parents/guardians to continue sharing info and communicate openly about COVID-19 symptoms with district. Local public health experts waiting for guidance for children and the community from Minnesota Department of Health with the B117 variant. The B117 variant is moving very quickly. Helpful that we are moving forward with vaccinations. The LIT will continue to monitor.
Nine, 10 and 11 in the building last week. Senior numbers remain low, but consistent groups of students entering the building. Commons area for lunches- based on logistical size will have grade six eat in the Commons, will need to be spread into the hallway of the auditorium. One week of grade six, then seven, and now eight. Great attendance at the middle school. High school for 4th Qtr, still determining what lunches will look like. Based on numbers, will probably need to split up lunches or eat in classrooms. Discussed option of students eating in the gymnasium. For middle school, teachers will be using the gym for classes. Also discussed auditorium - music classes wouldn't be in the chairs and band would start after lunch is over. Middle school- grades seven and eight will eat in their classrooms as of now. Seating chart for high school lunches- very difficult to enforce. Could potentially have students eat in their classroom during third hour class. More of a quarantine possible in the classroom (pod vs. whole classroom). Once the weather is warmer, will be able to go outside to eat. Looking at using QR codes like other districts for the high school (prom, lunch, etc) to help with contact tracing if there is a positive case.
A few positive cases; no staff at this time needed to quarantine (not within the distance or within 15 minutes of time, and fully vaccinated). Mitigation strategies are working and effective. At the elementary level, would quarantine an entire class due to how much contact young students have with each other. At the secondary level, will consider just the pod when making decisions with contact tracing.
Checked in with neighbors at SilverWood (outdoor spaces) - waiting to hear back. US Bank Stadium- have outdoor flooring for dancing, do have a price quote to rent their flooring. Would need tents for outdoor. Looking at costs associated with each option. Need to finalize the date- and then will enlist more help to make everything flow nicely together. Would probably only do a junior/senior prom for the numbers and safety.
For Graduation, still deciding on the direction (too far away to predict). Potential date is Friday, June 11. What would be allowed in the gymnasium (number of students and no guests). Looking at outdoor options (if rains day before, football field is out) that are accessible for everyone. Discussed Senior parade- promoting this to the community.
Right now for MDH outdoor events and entertainment: Open at 25% capacity, no more than 250 people. Social distancing is required. No food service after 11 p.m. Strong recommendation for masks, but not required.
Waiting to hear more on future dates. More than 6,000 vaccines administered.
March 15, 2021 meeting recap
Agenda:
-
Discussion of COVID-19 numbers & B117 variant.
-
Physical education classes at SAMS/SAVHS.
-
Prom/Graduation updates.
-
SAMS/SAVHS return models.
- Grade five and eight celebrations.
- Spring break and quarantine.
Summary, action items:
We are monitoring when the B117 variant becomes more of the dominant strain (still COVID-19, just more contagious). The same mitigation measures with COVID-19 work with the B117 variant. Predicting numbers to go up due to opening things back up. In the not too distant future, tools are indicating that we will be in the yellow (currently in the green with numbers). Believe we still have the ability to continue as we are with the mitigation strategies we have in place.
At SAMS and SAVHS, discussed health and wellness classes, and limitations and restraints within these classes. Also discussed the locker rooms. SAVHS teachers would like to have students change, checking with SAMS. Looked at youth activities and sports guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health - not required to avoid locker rooms. Physical education classes can get up to 25/class with about 15 students/locker room at the same time, also utilizing the workout/weight lifting equipment. As intensity increases- so does COVID-19 risk. Will include masks, sanitizing/wiping equipment down between each use, and a physical distance as mitigation strategies in the workout area- along with proper ventilation. Also looking at assignments for lockers to spread out.
Chose three local colleges to tour for outdoor venues for Graduation. Hamline, no outside events until fall 2021; waiting for a response from Northwestern; Concordia St. Paul sent a quote on rental fee's (which includes sound and setup). Looking at how many guests could be allowed. Checking with MDH guidance. Right now, according to MDH guidance, we can have one guest/graduate- aiming for higher, if possible (depends on our plan and MDH guidance). So, right now looking at locking in a location, time, number of guests allowed, per Governor's orders.
For Prom, checked with Silverwood- cannot have amplified music (DJ is out, unless we do the rentals of headphones for every kid- set up three different stations and push a button to what song they would like to hear). Did not reserve the space at Silverwood due to the lack of amplified music. Would be too awkward for the kids. Outdoor Prom will need to be small, and most likely just limited to seniors. Discussed other options for outdoor venues such as Central Park, tennis courts, Village Fest space, local farms, the University of Minnesota, Long Lake (does allow for amplified music with additional permit), Theodore Wirth Regional Park, Farmers Market, Boom Island, local churches (camps, retreat spaces). Checking with the City on the possibility of using the tennis courts- would include food trucks and amplified music, look at providing tents (off court). Looking at Central Park as Plan B.
SAMS: B cohort T/F this week, A cohort M/Th, all students in after spring break. SAVHS: begin return on April 12. Extended the response from parents/guardians to let SAVHS know if students are choosing to come back in person or continue with distance learning. As of right now, 78% yes, 22% no. Depending on the final numbers, looking at the possibility of doing hybrid two days/week or all in person. Distance learning of course continues to be an option.
Going to place a hold on this right now- need to focus on Prom and Graduation first. Will revisit.
Need to provide CDC and MDH guidance with families- be very clear with scenarios and if you need to quarantine after spring break travel (in and outside of the state). Will be difficult to come up with every scenario- can reach out to District Nurse Lori Watzl-King with questions.
March 22, 2021 meeting recap
Agenda:
-
SAVHS return plan/current COVID-19 numbers.
-
Spring break travel.
-
Grade five graduation party.
- At-home tests (non Vault).
Summary, action items:
Encourage families/students to test frequently. At this time, there is little evidence of transmission in the school, but yes in sports (spring sports are mostly outside which is helpful). Will look at setting up a COVID-19 team at each building. Will need to come up with a contingency plan in case hospitalizations increase due to increased COVID-19 cases. Keep pods in place. Look at QR code for contact tracing during lunch. Discussed locations for lunch for the high school. Discussed removing booths (don't allow for social distancing) and to replace with tables and chairs that will allow for social distancing.
58 families so far have completed the spring break travel Google Form (numbers may be low due to those who have not completed the form). Everyone on the list has received an email from District Nurse Lori Watzl-King with the date of when their student(s) can return to school to allow for quarantine. We are still under around 5% of our students that are traveling during spring break.
Discussed questions submitted from the parent group. Looking at number of attendees (students and teachers)- would need to determine if parents/guardians/families can be invited to attend an outdoor party. Will need to go through the MDH venue guidance. Instead of an ice cream truck, would need to provide pre-packaged treat and distribute from multiple points at the outdoor event.
At-home tests (non Vault)
Hearing about new tests that will be available at stores- but, these will not be reported to the Minnesota Department of Health. Unsure if we will be able to accept these results—we do not have an official result to report to the state (as we do with Vault). MDH is still reviewing and no guidance for school districts at this time— told to encourage districts to push for MDH reported testing. Great reminder for families- even if a negative test, but student is symptomatic, needs to remain home until symptom free.
April 6, 2021
Agenda:
-
Current COVID-19 numbers, B117 variant.
- St. Anthony Village High School updates.
-
Wilshire Park Elementary School questions to address.
Summary, action items:
Hennepin County numbers are estimated to be at 36.9 and the Ramsey County numbers are at 23.8. For the New-Brighton School District area, numbers are at 24.8. The B117 variant seems to be more impactful. Right now vaccine (Pfizer) is available to age 16 and up (Moderna 18 and up). Will message to students and families vaccine clinic information from the Minnesota Department of Health.
In-person learning begins on April 12. Prom is set for May 15— permit for tennis courts has been applied for to use as venue. Still working on choosing a venue for Graduation (University of Northwestern for Friday night with Saturday as a backup; Concordia St. Paul- Saturday with no backup time).
News indicates that COVID-19 cases are rising for kids. To what extent is this true? Need to connect on what our message needs to be to families about current numbers due to some concern from staff. Fifth-grade celebration— parents would like to have students mingle outside with masks (outside of their own pods). District Nurse Lori Watzl-King is concerned about this request due to contact tracing and potential exposures.
April 19, 2021
Agenda:
-
Current COVID-19 numbers & quarantines (entire district).
-
Athletics.
-
Updates from St. Anthony Village High School.
-
Vaccination clinic for ages 18 and over for those facing barriers.
Summary, action items:
As of right now, the district has a total of 128 students in quarantine (does not include those home on quarantine for households of close contacts), with a current total of eight reported and confirmed positive COVID-19 cases. If exposure rates indicate that transmission is occurring within our school buildings exponentially, then we will need to revisit our current plan and mitigation strategies (transmission within the community is expected). The B117 variant has added an increase in positive COVID-19 rates. It is important for families to immediately notify the district/school at covidhealth@isd282.org or call 612-440-5012 when there is a positive case, and for those impacted as close contacts to quarantine.
Spring sports that take place outdoors— looking closely at transportation (how many kids on the bus, where are they sitting, wearing masks, open windows for ventilation), but also there is more social distancing opportunities for the athletes. Coaches are aware of what would incur a quarantine, so they are being careful and mindful of that.
Nice job on wearing masks. Keeping students separate can be challenging (lunch, hallways). Consistent reminders of giving space— students understand and continue to try. Working on making improvements for lunch time due to challenges such as movements, getting food, taking masks down to eat). QR codes are being used during lunchtime in the Commons area. QR codes and seating assignments are being utilized in the Commons area for students attending study hall.
Reaching out to individuals in the community to schedule vaccine appointments with those who are over the age of 18 (Moderna vaccine) that are facing barriers to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine— to make it available to them (April 29, from 3-8 p.m.). Helping work through various potential barriers, such as transportation, LGBTQ community members, non-English speaking individuals, those facing addiction, immigrants, those with disabilities, etc. Goal is to make sure people feel welcome and supported, such as helping them fill out paperwork, or just sitting with them while they receive their vaccine. Working on finding additional volunteers at this time.
May 3, 2021
Agenda:
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Shortened quarantine discussion.
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Outdoor sports
Summary, action items:
The district has received questions about the difference between the recommended 14-day quarantine vs. the shortened quarantine. We follow the Minnesota Department of Health for guidance while prioritizing learning.
Local health experts on the LIT recommend continuing with the 14-day quarantine for school model (pods). It's working. If we shorten the quarantine, we run the risk of a cascading event and potentially shutting down more pods, activities, planned events, and in-person learning.
We are trying to avoid a widespread outbreak in our school buildings with pods and 14-day quarantines. This is how we work toward preventing a pause to school this year.
When a child's been exposed to COVID-19 (no symptoms)— wait until at least a week until the virus is able to show up on a test (seven-day mark) or start showing symptoms. If you get a negative test result at the half-way mark (seven days in) and don't show symptoms, the child can return at the 15-day mark. Yet, about one and five kids will develop COVID-19 in the second week of the quarantine.
Potential message to families— what are things we can do? Vaccinate. If not comfortable vaccinating, then don't partake in family/social gatherings. Regardless of being vaccinated, continue to wear your mask, social distance, wash hands.
Outdoor sports
Discussed idea of utilizing a shortened quarantine for outdoor activities/sports. Parents/guardians are asking for this (for outdoor sports only— golf, tennis, softball, baseball, track...). Outdoor sports chance of transmission has less of a risk. If we were to update our policy for outdoor sports, would need additional staff assistance to switch to a shortened quarantine (seven-day quarantine for outdoor sports, but STILL 14-day quarantine for in-person school). Ideas offered: seven-day quarantine IF they do an administered PCR test—or a 10-day quarantine without any testing and would need to provide their own transportation, wear a mask, and socially distance— and do not have a close contact within their own household. Parents/guardians would need to contact District Nurse Lori Watzl-King to see if their child qualifies for a shortened quarantine.
May 17, 2021
Agenda:
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Potential vaccine clinic for 12 and up.
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Prom update.
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Masks for kids in summer programs.
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Extend staff COVID-19 testing from over the summer.
Summary, action items:
Lori Watzl-King is going to apply for the district to become a vaccine clinic for ages 12-18.
The evening's festivities turned out great at the tennis courts. There was enough space who were not comfortable in a group, were able to have their own smaller group. No noise complaints.
With new guidance, can go up to 12,000-14,000 for an outdoor event. Principal Sawyer isn't comfortable with packing the bleachers, or putting families in a situation if they are concerned. We will look at extending the amount of tickets to five/family. Could have people sit in groups in order to get contact information. Masks recommended; no hand shakes. If you have symptoms, stay home. If you are under quarantine, don't come to the Graduation Ceremony.
Masks for kids and staff in summer programs
Group will continue to discuss how we move forward. Should be receiving guidance soon from the MDE/MDH.
Extend staff COVID-19 testing from over the summer
Discussed if this would be possible (logistics, test kits, etc). Would need to hire a COVID-19 coordinator during summer programming at Wilshire Park. MDH continues to state to offer testing to school staff.