Local Schools Adjust Schedules Due to COVID-19
With COVID-19 cases reaching record-levels, some schools across the northwest metro are dialing back to distance-learning.
Osseo Area School District
On Monday, Nov. 9, the Osseo Area School District shifted all secondary students, grades 6-12, from the hybrid model into full distance learning. This means there will be no in-person learning days for secondary students. However students with most significant needs can still get in-person support.
“This change is being made because both county and local virus case rates have risen to a level where a more restrictive learning model is needed,” said Supt. Cory McIntyre, in a message to parents. “According to the parameters outlined in the Minnesota Safe Learning Plan, the increased virus activity places our district in the Elementary-Hybrid/Secondary-Distance Learning model.”
This change does not affect students below 6th grade. Early childhood, pre-kindergarten and elementary students will remain in the hybrid model. McIntrye also said for now, activities and sports will not be affected. As for the free meals program, secondary students and families can pick up daily meals at designated locations.
“Our goal every day is to help reduce virus transmission, so we will continue our rigorous health and safety precautions while we closely monitor cases among our students and staff,” said McIntyre.
Robbinsdale Area School District
Students attending the Robbinsdale School District will not begin hybrid learning model on Nov. 16, as originally planned. Instead students will continue distance learning.
At Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion School, about 122 students are in the building doing distance learning. See that story here.
“As we continue to review our county and local data, we will be monitoring for a consistent decline in cases before looking at transitioning into a hybrid or in-person learning model,” said Interim Supt. stephanie Burrage.
The start date for the 281 Distance Learning School has also been postponed. Students registered for 281 will remain with their current distance learning teachers.
Beginning Monday, Nov. 16, Robbinsdale School District will have a Tier 1 critical care site at FAIR School in Crystal. Families who have registered for hybrid care and meet the Tier 1 critical care requirement will transition to this care model and do not need to re-register.
Brooklyn Center Community Schools
Brooklyn Center Community Schools will shift from the limited campus hybrid model to distance learning for all students in Early childhood to 12th grade staring Monday, Nov. 16.
Students in special education and English language development services will also receive all services remotely beginning Nov. 16.
Students will only be able to schedule virtual appointments with teachers in the distance learning model.
BCCS weekly schedule beginning Monday, Nov. 16.
“I want to acknowledge how this decision may be difficult for many families,” said Supt. Dr. Carly Baker. “The hardships placed on our community at the hands of this pandemic have been staggering. These are unprecedented times. And we believe these tough decisions are necessary in order to protect the health and safety of our students, families, staff and the BC community.”
According to the BCCS website, as of Nov. 5, cases in Brooklyn Center were 61.2 cases per 10,000 people; and 37.6 cases per 10,000 in Hennepin County.
Private Schools
Private schools are also grappling with whether to have students in-class.
Fourth Baptist Christian School in Plymouth was forced to temporarily close, after completing nine weeks of in-person learning. The school hopes to resume in-person Nov. 16.
