Robbinsdale Area Schools

Preparing for a potential shift on Oct. 19

Preparing for a potential shift on Oct. 19

Dear Robbinsdale Area Schools Families,

The new school year is off to a great start! By now, we hope you and your family are confidently navigating this new reality and that you’ve had an opportunity to make new connections. 

We miss seeing all of our learners in school and our goal remains to have students return to in-person learning. The August and September health data shows a downward trend in reported COVID-19 numbers. This means we are preparing for a potential shift in our learning model for early childhood, elementary, middle and high school students, beginning Monday, Oct. 19

Since this summer, we have been preparing to bring students back to in-person learning safely. Those plans have evolved as we’ve continued to receive updated information from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and our regional team of health experts. The health and safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.

Please know we will continue to communicate with families frequently as we receive the latest information. As we move to in-person learning, there will be health and safety protocols in place, including social distancing, face coverings and frequent hand hygiene. There are many details under consideration -- including transportation and student schedules. More information will be shared in the coming days and weeks.

Learning Model for early childhood and elementary students

According to the data, early childhood (preschool) and elementary students could potentially move to 100 percent in-person learning on Monday, Oct. 19. This means elementary students would attend school in-person five days a week

Learning Model for middle and high school students

The same data also indicates that middle and high school students could potentially move to hybrid learning on Monday, Oct. 19. In hybrid learning, students rotate attendance so that some students learn in-person and others engage in distance learning. Specific student hybrid schedules will be shared in the next couple of weeks.

Learning Model Q&A sessions

Learning model virtual question and answer sessions for families will be scheduled for the week of Oct. 5. These sessions will include information on hybrid and in-person learning, and our 281 Distance Learning School. More information on how to access these sessions will be shared with families soon; sessions will also be recorded and posted to the district website for families who cannot attend during the scheduled meetings. 

For those families who would prefer their student(s) continue their education at home, you still have the option to enroll in 281 Distance Learning School. The first registration period ends Oct. 9; families can register for 281 Distance Learning School by completing this form.

No School Thursday, Oct. 8 through Friday, Oct. 16

Based on the regular school year calendar, students are scheduled to be off on Friday, Oct. 9, for a staff professional development day. And then again for MEA on Thursday, Oct. 15 and Friday, Oct. 16.

If we make a shift in learning models, please note school staff will have up to five additional planning days to move into the next phase based on Governor Tim Walz’s Executive Order. We plan to use four days for transition, which means there would be no school for students on Thursday, Oct. 8; Monday, Oct. 12; Tuesday, Oct, 13; and Wednesday, Oct. 14. 

Students currently enrolled in Adventure Club and the Basement program (Tier I critical care and fee-based) will continue to receive childcare on the four planning days, with no additional registration required. If you are in need of childcare during the transition, please contact Adventure Club to check availability by calling 763-504-5320. Please note, there is only fee-based care available on the non-school days of Oct. 9, 15 and 16.

We know these are unprecedented times, and we will do this together. Our wonderful team of administrators, teachers and staff care deeply about our students. We are working non-stop to ensure the best year possible for all learners while navigating these uncertain times. We appreciate your continued partnership, flexibility and grace.

 

Sincerely,

 

Dr. Stephanie Burrage

Interim Superintendent

Robbinsdale Area Schools