Local Schools Prepare for Prolonged Distance Learning

A new executive order from Gov. Tim Walz will extend distance learning until May 4, 2020.

On Wednesday, the Governor issued a two-week, stay-at-home order followed by an additional three weeks of social distancing.

Here’s how schools are planning their prolonged distance learning:

Osseo Area Schools

Teachers prepared materials for students to pick-up on Thursday. Photo Courtesy: Patrick Smith

Distance learning for Osseo School District begins March 30, 2020

Each student grades 4-12 will be provided a Chromebook or iPad. Students in grades K-3, who do not have a sibling in grades 4-12, will be provided one iPad per household for use during extended flex learning.

Instructional materials will be provided in a variety of ways including email, Schoology and Seesaw. For students with limited digital access, there will be alternative printed methods such as mail, pickup, or delivery.

School officials say parents or guardians can help students by setting a routine for the child, creating a designated school work place, monitoring the child’s work and communicating regularly with the child’s teacher(s).

In a statement, the district said:

“Finally, thank you most sincerely for your patience and understanding as we navigate this new reality in very challenging times. Students and staff are learning new lessons in creativity, problem solving, perseverance, and resilience, and we are extremely grateful for your partnership as parents/guardians.”

Robbinsdale Area Schools

Distance learning for Robbinsdale School District begins March 30 as well.

The district anticipates posting their distance learning plan to the website sometime Thursday, March 26.

In a statement the district said:

“While our physical doors may be closed to students due to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, we must continue to support each other through small acts of kindness and modeling human decency. As such, our Robbinsdale Area Schools community will continue to lift each other up because “We are Robbinsdale!”

Wayzata Public Schools

Distance learning for Wayzata School District begins April 6.

Students grades 4-12 will be provided iPads. Students grades K-3 will be given an iPad if they don’t have an older sibling in grades 4-12 or a family computer that can be used. Teachers are communicating directly with student and families and will be sharing instructional materials with students using the following platforms: Grades K-3 use Seesaw and grades 4-12 use Canvas.

Anoka-Hennepin School District

Distance learning Anoka-Hennepin School District begins March 30.

Students in grades 4- 12 will use computers and the Google classroom online learning management platform.

Students K-3, special education students and some 4th and 5th graders will use both online and paper format.

Those who do not have access to technology at home to complete assignments can pick up Chromebook devices. Schools will remain open until Friday, March 27 for students to pickup packets and personal belongings. Call your school by Friday afternoon if you need to make alternate plans.

Brooklyn Center School District

Distance learning for Brooklyn Center School District begins April 6, 2020.

All students in grades 11-12 will receive a Chromebook for distance learning. The school will not be able to distribute Chromebooks to students in grades Pre-K – 10 at this time.