ISD 728 has prepared for the three different learning scenarios for the 2020-21 school year (i.e. distance learning, hybrid; face-to-face;).  Regardless of which learning model is in place, it is important to plan ahead for inclement weather days. More information is provided below.

Learning Models
Distance Learning

Students participating in a distance learning model will continue to learn virtually even when school buildings may be closed due to inclement weather.

Hybrid Learning

Students participating in a hybrid learning model will learn virtually through distance learning if buildings are closed due to inclement weather.  Instruction will be similar to that which is currently provided each Friday in the hybrid learning model.

Face-to-Face Learning (i.e. in person)

Students that are currently participating in a face-to-face learning model will learn virtually through distance learning if buildings are closed due to inclement weather. 

Providing Meals
If students are required to participate in distance learning due to inclement weather, meal service is not provided.

School-Age Care
ISD 728 does not generally provide school-aged care for children, including those of critical workers, if a school is closed due to inclement weather.

However, school-aged care is provided for children in Grades K-5 who are enrolled in the preregistration Inclement Weather Care program. The program is offered from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Hassan, Parker and Zimmerman Elementary Schools. Pre-registration is required.

To enroll or get more information, please visit www.isd728.org/Inclement-Weather.

Note:  Regular EdVenture Club is not open on days school is cancelled.

ISD 728 Families: Please evaluate your child daily for the following symptoms before sending to school. You can view the Google Doc version of the checklist here.

Staying home when you are sick is one of our best ways to fight COVID-19. Keeping sick children and children who are exposed to COVID-19 away from others helps stop the spread of the virus to other children, staff, and the surrounding community. Parents and guardians can use this guide to understand when their child can attend school, youth programs, and child care during COVID-19.

COVID-19 Attendance Guide for Parents and Families »

FREE Student Meals/Grab-n-Go Pick-Up

ISD 728 has qualified for an extension of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Minnesota Department of Education’s free meal program for all currently enrolled ISD 728 students. This free meal service, which offers breakfast and lunch daily, starts Wednesday, September 16, 2020.

In other words - Grab-n-Go is BACK! 

The USDA has extended this waiver to assist school districts and households in feeding kids. This USDA sponsored free meal program is for all currently enrolled ISD 728 students regardless of whether they are participating in face-to-face, hybrid or distance learning models. 

For more info on the Grab-n-Go meal program visit www.isd728.org/Grab-N-Go.

Apply Online for Free and Reduced Meals
Online applications for Free and Reduced Meals are now available for the 2020-2021 school year directly through Infinite Campus Parent Portal. A new form needs to be completed each school year, and you can apply anytime throughout the year if your circumstances change.

To determine eligibility, please login and apply through Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Select “More” and then “Meal Benefits” to begin. The parent/guardian will need to establish an e-signature before submitting the application. This can be accomplished through the step-by-step directions when completing the application. Applications can not be processed until all required information is complete. Student accounts do not have the capability to submit Meal Program Applications.

If you have other questions about Free and Reduced Meals or need assistance, please contact Patti Naugle at patricia.naugle@isd728.org or call (763) 241-3515.

Special Dietary Needs
If your child requires specific dietary needs or you have additional questions, please contact Judi Smith, Food Service Manager, via email judi.smith@isd728.org. or by phone at (763) 241-3409.

Use the information below to assist your child with accessing their digital classroom tools during 2020-21 school year.

Student Account Information
In order for students to access their digital learning resources for school, students should first login to the My ISD 728 Rapid Portal at https://my.isd728.org and then use the available buttons to access apps.  The My ISD 728 Portal is set up to allow students to gain access to many of our classroom digital resources tools by using a single username and password, eliminating the need to remember multiple logins or navigate personal bookmarks. 

Help: How to look up child’s login: username and password in Parent Portal

Student Devices 
Need a chromebook, power adapter or replacement device?  Devices and replacments are available when students are onsite at their school. To make other arrangements for pickup, please use the contact info below.

• Students in Grades K-2 receive an iPad for use at school and home. In some situations a Chromebook may be issued until iPads arrive. 
• Students in Grade 3-12 receive a Chromebook for use at school and home.

Student Device Plan Sign-Up (same process for iPads or Chromebooks) Parents use Campus Portal to indicate each student’s device needs (example video available). 

1. Signing into Campus Parent Portal
2. Using the Portal menu’s School Store option. 
3. Choosing the student’s school store. 
4. Choosing Student Device, and adding the desired plan for the student (repeating these steps for each student). Choose Needs Device if not already issued one from the prior school year, as well as optionally add a $15 protection plan.

Getting Started Help
Directions & Resources for common apps like SeeSaw and Schoology:

Visit: Tech directions for students and families

If you are new to caring for a school issued device, review the Quick Start Guides

• Chromebook: www.isd728.org/QuickChromebook  (or Chromebook User Guide)
• iPad: How to use the iPad
• Setting up your home learning space? Review these Ergonomic Tips

More at: www.isd728.org/DigitalLearning

Support, repair, and replacement options

Need help using class materials or websites?

Please contact your class teacher for help by sending an email or leaving a voicemail. Contact information is available here.  They will contact you during school days, it may take a day to hear back.

Wifi issue? Unable to sign in? Other issues?

Call (763) 241-3490 or visit www.isd728.org/LetsChat for assistance.

Support is available 8:00am-4:00pm M-F during the school days. 

Need a chromebook, power adapter or replacement device?
Replacement devices are available when students are onsite at their school. To make other arrangements for pickup, please use the contact info above.

Support For Using a Home Device
Only isd728.org gmail accounts are configured for Rapid Portal access. Families should make sure students are signed using the student’s account instead of other personal accounts to ensure access is allowed. If students are using a personally owned device at home, Chrome browser is recommended for accessing student links and school resources. Students can be added to Chrome as a separate person and Signed into Chrome to simplify access. For shared devices, this also separates access to school resources from family use to avoid sign-in issues between all accounts using the device. The user guides listed below can assist you with this process. 

• How to Switch Between Multiple Accounts in Chrome
  or view Video Tutorial
• How to sign into Chrome on a computer/laptop
• How to sign into Chrome on an Android device
• How to sign into Chrome on an Apple device (phone or iPad)

If you do not have the Chrome browser on your device, download and install using the resources below

• FOR COMPUTERS
• FOR ANDROID DEVICES
• FOR APPLE DEVICES

• Parents are expected to complete a daily health screen for their child(ren) using guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). The Minnesota Department of Health is expected to have the self assessment document available within the next week, and once finished, it will be posted to the District website.
  
• Children need to stay home if they have symptoms, have tested positive for COVID-19, or if they have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 within the previous 14 days.
• Call your child’s school attendance line to report the absence, describe symptoms, relay positive COVID-19 diagnosis, or report that they are in close contact of someone with COVID-19.
• Children that arrive ill at school will be evaluated by Health Services staff and parents will be called to pick them up from school if their child is exhibiting symptoms. 
• If a child meets the MDH exclusion criteria, the child will wait in the isolation room and parents will be called to pick up their child.
• If contacted to pick up your child, please do so within 30 minutes.
• Upon arrival, call the main office line and a staff member will walk your child out to you.
• It is recommended that parents contact the child’s healthcare provider if exhibiting symptoms.
• Children sent home with COVID-19 symptoms will need to remain home per the MDH exclusion guidelines (currently at least 10 days since symptom(s) first appeared AND until no fever for at least 24 hours without medication AND improvement of other symptoms) OR until they have a note from a healthcare provider documenting an alternative diagnosis, other than COVID-19.
• Siblings will need to remain home for 14 days.
• In addition to this, if a child is in close contact of a person diagnosed with COVID-19, he/she will need to remain home for 14 days.

Symptomatic Students
ISD 728 will have their existing Health Offices and an isolation room in each school. The existing Health Office will be utilized for medications, blood sugar checks and all other non-COVID-19 concerns. There will be a separate area for those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Parents are asked to respond as quickly as possible to picking up students who may be experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms. Symptomatic students will leave directly from the isolation room to be released to parents. Should a student be placed in quarantine, county and public health guidelines must be met prior to returning to school.

Transportation Details in Parent Portal 
Bus routes, bus stop locations, and pick-up and drop-off addresses are available in Parent Portal starting, August 26, 2020. Please ensure that the information for your pick-up and drop-off location address is correct. Split households or those with pre-arranged transportation circumstances may not be shown in Parent Portal. If you require a change from what is listed, please complete an Online Transportation Form and submit it immediately.

Students will continue to be routed up until the first day of school, so please check Parent Portal after 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2020 to confirm your information for the first day of school. 

Transportation Survey Request
As we approach the start of the 2020-2021 school year, ISD 728 is planning transportation routes for the three (3) models of instruction (face-to-face, hybrid, distance learning) that may be implemented. We anticipate that we may need to move between these educational models throughout the year and across the District based on the number of COVID-19 cases, and anticipate it may be a challenge to remain compliant with bus capacity recommendations provided by the Department of Health at certain times.  

Therefore, we are asking parents/guardians for their help. While we are prepared to provide transportation for all of our children, we are asking parents to consider transporting their own children to school instead of having them take the bus if they have the ability to do so, forgoing District provided transportation services this year.

If you are able to help and to transport your own child(ren), please complete the Parent/Student Self-Transportation Form indicating that you will provide transportation, and we will notify Vision Transportation of the change.  

With greater flexibility of space on our buses, we hope that we will be able to provide more social distancing, lessen time on buses, and continue to keep our children healthy.  

Note: If you are eligible and opt out of district-provided transportation, but need it later in the year for your child, it will still be provided and available.

Thank you for your help, continued support of our schools, and for being part of ISD 728.

Will parents/guardians be able to choose Virtual / Distance Learning even if the Governor says all schools will reopen for the 2020-21 school year?
Yes, parents will be able to select a virtual or distance learning model for their child, even if face-to-face learning is the guidance offered by the state and/or District. 

Will there be increased cleaning protocols implemented throughout our schools?
Yes, increased cleaning protocols will be implemented in each of our schools.

Will students and staff be expected to complete any type of “wellness assessment” prior to entering our schools?
Yes, students and staff will be required to complete a “wellness assessment” prior to entering school district property.

Will staff be wearing face coverings?
Yes, per the Governor’s Executive Order, Minnesotans must wear a face covering in indoor businesses and indoor public settings, which includes schools and on school district transportation.   

Will Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) be provided for students and staff who are unable to provide it themselves?
Yes, PPE will be made available for students and staff who are unable to provide it themselves.  Because supplies are somewhat limited and may not always be available, individuals are asked to provide it themselves if able.

Will schools have isolation rooms identified if a student or students fall sick during the day?
Yes, each school will have an isolation room identified for individuals not feeling well.

What can you tell us about requirements related to students, masks, and/or face coverings?
Governor's Executive Order 20-81 requires all Minnesotans to wear a face covering in all indoor businesses and public indoor spaces, unless alone. This includes times on a school bus and/or van. According to the Order:

Face coverings include a paper or disposable face mask, a cloth face mask, a scarf, a bandana, a neck gaiter, or a religious face covering

• Individuals with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that makes it unreasonable for the individual to maintain a face covering are exempt
• Children 5 years old and under who are not in Kindergarten yet are not required to wear a face shield or face covering, and children under two should never wear a face covering due to the risk of suffocation 
• Kindergarten through grade 12 schools must comply with face covering and face shield guidance 
• Face coverings may be removed:
• When participating in organized sports in an indoor business or indoor public space while the level of exertion makes it difficult to wear a face covering. 
• When exercising, while the level of exertion makes it difficult to wear a face covering, provided that social distancing is always maintained. 
• During practices or performances in an indoor business or indoor public space when a face covering cannot be used while playing a musical instrument, provided that social distancing is always maintained. 
• During activities, such as swimming or showering, where the face covering will get wet. 
• When eating or drinking in an indoor business or indoor public space, provided that at least 6 feet of physical distance is maintained between persons who are not members of the same party. 
• When asked to remove a face covering to verify an identity for lawful purposes. 
• While communicating with an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing or has a disability, medical condition, or mental health condition that makes communication with that individual while wearing a face covering difficult, provided that social distancing is maintained to the extent possible between persons who are not members of the same household. 
• While receiving a service—including a dental examination or procedure, medical examination or procedure, or personal care service.
• When an individual is alone, including when alone in an office, a room, a cubicle with walls that are higher than face level when social distancing is maintained.

Can I shift between Distance Learning and the other models as I see what my building is doing?
Distance learning will remain an option for families throughout the year and families will be provided opportunities at designated times to have their child enroll and/or transition from to a different model if offered.  However, because parent choice impacts things such as transportation, food service, staffing, etc… options will be limited.  

How will transportation run in face-to-face?
In a Face-to-Face Model, transportation would happen the same way it did prior to COVID-19, and would allow for up to 77 children on a bus.

If I choose Distance learning can I stay with that option for the whole year?
Yes.

If the state guidance is considered “recommendations” can our District still make its own decisions?
School districts must follow the recommendations or get prior approval from the Department of Health and the Department of Education.  School districts may also choose a more restrictive model than identified by the data / parameters.  ISD 728 has asked for permission to use more localized data and to not use data from prisons located within the District’s boundary. 

Can I get my tax dollars/referendum dollars back if we do not have in-person learning this year? 
No.  School districts are required to provide instruction and to cover the costs associated with instruction regardless of whether instruction occurs onsite or off.  In addition, the expenditures required to meet the COVID 19 mandates (i.e. provide childcare for free) exceed the amount of money received from taxpayers.

Is it possible that schools within ISD 728 will have different instructional models throughout the year or will ISD 728 make instructional model decisions for the entire school district?
Yes, it is possible and likely that schools within ISD 728 will have different instructional models throughout the year.  

ISD 728 may, but will not necessarily, make instructional model decisions for the entire school district.  More specifically, the Superintendent, District Leadership, and the entire Health Services Team will work with public health officials from all five counties, as well as representatives from the Minnesota Department of Health and Department of Education to make decisions.  For example, if the number of positive COVID 19 cases are high in one area, but not in another, the District may have one school in a more restrictive instructional model (Hybrid or Distance Learning) and another school in a face-to-face model.

Has the district received any of the CARES money allocated from the state?  If so how much and what are you spending it on? 
Yes, the School District did receive notification that it qualified for $818,846.00 in CARES funding.  We are planning to use the funds to help us through the additional costs being brought about by the Pandemic situation we are experiencing.  

Some of the things we are currently planning for are:  hiring additional health services staff, purchasing appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for students and staff, providing additional technology devices for students, anticipated transportation cost increases to meet social distancing requirements and other supports for students, as we are navigating the start of school in a few weeks.

Are staff allowed to test our children for the virus?  Also, is the state overseeing schools and taking kids to quarantine them (away from their families) if the test is positive.  
Staff will not be testing students and the state cannot take kids away to quarantine or test.

If I choose to have my child participate in the distance learning model, is my child eligible for school aged care?
No, if a family chooses to have their child participate in distance learning, their child and/or children are not eligible for school aged care.

If I homeschool my child, do I have access to the District curriculum?
No. The District does not provide curriculum material for homeschool students.

Will students be required to be at their computer and available during school hours on the days that they have distance learning.
No, in Distance Learning, the guidelines will be posted but the flexibility of when they complete their work is up to them.  For attendance reasons, we must "engage" with students daily.  Engagement can be to respond to an online article & questions, show progress on a project based learning assignment, etc.  

If I choose distance learning, do I need to be at my computer and available during school hours on the days that I have distance learning? 
No, in Distance Learning, the guidelines will be posted but the flexibility of when you complete your work is up to you.  For attendance reasons, we must "engage" with students daily.  Engagement can be responding to an online article, answering questions, showing progress on a project based learning assignment, etc. 

Can I continue to work my job and participate in distance learning?
Yes.  While distance learning will be more rigorous than last year and include daily engagement and deadlines, students will have flexibility as to when they will complete the work.  

Will my child still be able to participate in honors type classes such as Advanced Placement?
Yes, ISD 728 plans to continue to offer these classes regardless of whether a student is participating at school or at home.

Can I choose to send my child to school now, but later change to distance learning?
Yes.

What happens if a child or staff member tests positive for COVID-19?
ISD 728 Health staff will work directly with the individual and the Minnesota Department of Health.  Typically, individuals who test positive will be required to stay home at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared AND until no fever for at least 24 hours without medication AND improvement of other symptoms. Siblings and household members also stay home for 14 days.

Will custodians be using the same products they always have used to clean, just at a higher frequency or will they be using new products/chemicals for cleaning? Has a third party been hired to handle the cleaning or will it be left up to the custodians? What are the cleaning protocols (throughout the day, at the end of the day, over the weekend)? 
Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting for COVID-19 will be done by custodial staff with assistance from all other staff as needed throughout the day. Custodial management is currently finalizing a plan which identifies high-touch surfaces in various areas of the building, who is responsible for cleaning those surfaces, how often, and with which product. 

The products we will be using at the start of the school-year to disinfect from COVID-19 are Ecolab SmartPower S&S, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, CleanCide Wipes, Sani-Cloth Disinfecting Wipes, and Lysol Disinfecting Wipes.  Custodial staff will use SmartPower while other staff will use wipes.  We may eventually allow non-custodians to use SmartPower if we are unable to maintain an adequate supply of wipes.  These products were chosen specifically because they are effective against COVID-19 yet are fairly low hazard compared to many other disinfectants.  Staff will receive training before school starts on how to use these products safely and effectively which includes not using them around children.

You've got questions, we've got answers.

Visit www.isd728.org/contact to submit a question, comment or concern.

• Student Face Covering Guide
• Face Covering Exemption Form

Click here to view the ISD 728 COVID-19 Preparedness Plan

ISD 728 will be offering child care to early childhood and elementary students before and after school, and on days that a child is not in attendance through the EdVenture Club program. Before and after school care is open and available now to register. Hybrid and distance learning care will be available to all, but ISD 728 will prioritize care, per the Governor’s order, to families who qualify as Tier 1 emergency care workers.

Families interested to hold a spot in the hybrid or distance learning child care program (should the District move to one of those models) will need to register and pay a deposit. This process will ensure space, staffing and schedules will be ready if the District needs to transition to one of the two models. The deposit fee will be applied to the first week that the District would shift to the hybrid or distance learning model. If the hybrid or distance learning child care program is not implemented or a family withdraws before the care is offered, the deposit will be refunded.

ISD 728 families needing care are encouraged to register as soon as possible as space, and staffing may limit the number of students able to be served in the childcare program. Registration for the hybrid and distance learning childcare program is due August 24, 2020. Registrations submitted after that date will be placed on a waitlist for approval.

For more information and to register please visit our EdVenture Club website at: www.isd728.org/EdVentureClub.

For frequently asked questions about the hybrid/distance learning childcare please click here.

View the Minnesota Safe Learning Plan developed for the 2020-2021 School Year

View the most recent 14-day COVID-19 Case Rate by County.

COVID-19 Resources

• Talking with your children about COVID-19
• Tips to keep children healthy while school's out
• Community Resources
• MDH Recommendations for Schools and Child Care
• MDH Latest COVID-19 Updates  
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19

Please Note: ISD 728 does not endorse any of these websites below, our goal is to provide users with resources that may be helpful to them and their families

Food Shelves

• Food Shelf and Pantry Options
• CROSS Food Shelf - Rogers
• CAER Food Shelf - Elk River
• Food shelf will be available by appointments only, effective March 18, 2020 through at least March 27, 2020. Please call 763-441-1020 to schedule. Additional food for families with school age youth will be available during this time with an appointment.
• St. Paul's Food Shelf - Hanover
• Catholic Charities: call 320-229-4584 for delivered frozen meals
• Clearwater/Clear Lake Emergency Food Shelf: 320-558-2954
• Becker Food Shelf: 763-261-4612
• Big Lake food Shelf: call 763-263-2432
• Princeton Pantry Food Shelf: call 763-631-3578
• Salvation Army St. Cloud: call 320-252-4552
• MN Food Helpline: 1-888-711-1151, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Multilingual assistance. They assess your situation and provide solutions to help meet your family’s food needs.

Other Food Opportunities

• List of Restaurants Offering Free Lunches - KSTP

Mental Health

• Minnesota Mental Health Emergency Resources
• Youth Suicide Warning Signs
• SAVE- Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
• Teen Line Online
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

If you are in crisis, you may want to contact a crisis line to speak to a mental health professional immediately. Please see below for crisis resources:

• Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line: text "HOME" to 741741
• Four County Crisis Response Team: 1-800-635-8008
• The Trevor Lifeline (for LGBTQ youth): 1-866-488-7386
• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860

If this is an emergency, please call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room.

If you are concerned about the safety of another individual, please call 9-1-1 immediately to arrange for help and support.

County/State/Support Options

• Community Resources
• MNSure: Medical Assistance and Minnesota Care
• DHS ApplyMN: Cash Assistance, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Child Care, Emergency Assistance
• MDE Covid-19 and Unemployment Benefits

How to Talk with Children about the Pandemic

• Coronavirus Questions for Kids
• Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus - NPR
• Talking to Children about Covid-19 - Parent Resource from NASP
• Talking To Kids About the CoronaVirus - ChildMind
• Talking to Teens and Tweens about the CoronaVirus - NYTimes 
• Manage CoronaVirus Anxiety: Expert Videos for Kids and Grown-Ups - GoZen
• How to Talk to your Kids about Coronavirus - PBS Kids
• Coronavirus: Multilingual Resources for Schools 

Cell & Internet Information

• Free WiFi/Internet Options
• Comcast
• Charter
• AT&T
• Sprint
• Verizon
• T- Mobile

Mindfulness Resources & Activities

• Mindfulness for Distance Learning
• Yoga with Adrienne
• Calm App

Food Shelves

• CROSS Food Shelf - Rogers
• CAER Food Shelf - Elk River
• Food shelf will be available by appointments only, effective March 18, 2020 through at least March 27, 2020. Please call 763-441-1020 to schedule. Additional food for families with school age youth will be available during this time with an appointment.
• St. Paul's Food Shelf - Hanover

Other Food Opportunities

• List of Restaurants Offering Free Lunches - KSTP
• Free Kid Meals in Twin Cities Metro Area - Compiled by Washburn Center

Parent Resources (includes tools, apps, games, self-care)

• 17 Apps to Help Kids Stay Focused (via CommonSense Media)
• Best Documentaries (via CommonSense Media)
• Best Family Movies (via CommonSense Media)
• Best Music Apps and Games for Kids (via CommonSense Media)
• BrainPop on Coronavirus
• Dance Games (via CommonSense Media)
• Device-Free Dinner Guidelines (via CommonSense Media)
• Free Educational Apps, Games, and Websites (via CommonSense Media)
• Free SEL Activities and Practices (via Greater Good in Education)
• How to Talk to Kids About Coronavirus (via Open Circle)
• How To Talk To Your Kids About Coronavirus (via PBS)
• Designing Learning From Home Experiences with UDL (via Novak Education)
• Meditation Apps for Kids
• My Kid’s School is Closed, So Now What? (via Confident Parents, Confident Kids)
• Sibling Watch-Together TV (via CommonSense Media)
• Talking to Children About COVID-19 (via NASP)
• Teaching Kids Media Smarts During Breaking News (via CommonSense Media)
• Virus Anxiety Resources

Please Note: ISD 728 does not endorse any of these websites, our goal is to provide users with resources that may be helpful to them and their families

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We know that prom is a memorable occasion for many of our students, and we are working tirelessly to ensure we can have an event that is safe and compliant with Department of Health regulations. The Department of Health has specific requirements for schools and athletics/activities, and additional requirements for hosting gatherings such as prom. School districts are required to follow guidance related to entertainment (see Entertainment and Meeting Venues / StaySafeMN) for events such as prom. These requirements include guidance related to social distancing, capacity, and access. 

While there are many details to work out, we wanted to communicate what we know today as a result of the number of questions we have received from families.

We are excited to be able to provide a formal event for our students, even though it may look different than those in previous years. ISD 728 will be able to host prom in a modified fashion and remain compliant with Minnesota Department of Health guidance.  More specifically, ISD 728 will be able to offer a scheduled, masked Grand March for students as well a dinner experience. The Grand March will be live streamed for parents and guests. Unfortunately, we are not able to allow parents and guests to participate in the Grand March as capacity restrictions will not allow it.  After the Grand March, students will also be able to attend dinner at their building’s designated venue.

At this time, ISD 728 would not be able to comply with health guidelines if hosting an actual dance, and thus will not be able to include a dance experience this year. If Department of Health regulations change between now and the date of the event, we will adjust accordingly.

Additional information will be communicated from your respective high school administrators in the near future and as more information becomes available.  

Sincerely,
Dr. Daniel Bittman
ISD 728 Superintendent

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This form is intended for parents and guardians of Middle and High School students who would like to change the learning model that their children will be participating in starting on April 5.

Specifically, this survey is for parents who would like their children to change from either:

1. The 100% Distance Learning Model to our current Face-to-Face Learning Model
   — or —
   
2. The current Face-to-Face Learning Model to the 100% Distance Learning Model.

You do NOT need to complete this form if your children's learning model will remain the same. This includes:

1. Students who are currently designated for Face-to-Face Learning and will remain in the Face-to-Face Learning Model
   — or —
   
2. Students who currently participate in the 100% Distance Learning Model who will remain in that model.

In order to continue our planning, this form will close on March 21, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.

ISD 728 will continue to follow the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidance for isolation and quarantine recommendations as stated in the MDH Decision Tree.  MDH and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to recommend a 14 day quarantine for people exposed to someone who tests positive to COVID-19 for the greatest protection; 

However, effective March 1, 2021, ISD 728 will allow students to return to school and activities after seven (7) days and/or 10 days in accordance with guidance from the CDC under certain circumstances.  

To qualify for a seven (7) Day Quarantine, you must:

• Get tested for COVID-19 (PCR test, not an antigen test or antibody/blood test) at least five full days after you had close contact with someone with COVID-19.
• Test negative for COVID-19.
• Submit documentation of the negative PCR test to the school’s Health Office.
• Not have experienced COVID-19 symptoms during the seven (7) day period following the date of exposure.
• Not have anyone else in your household currently with COVID-19.

To qualify for a ten (10) Day Quarantine, you must:

• Not have experienced COVID-19 symptoms during the 10 day period following the date of exposure.
• Not have tested positive for COVID-19 during the 10 day period following exposure. You are not required to be tested in this scenario.
• Not have anyone else in your household currently with COVID-19.

Notes:

• Practices related to quarantine may become more restrictive if guidelines change and/or if data suggests a longer quarantine period is needed within ISD 728.
• If you are experiencing symptoms, have been identified as a close contact, or are living with someone who has COVID-19 and are awaiting results from a test, DO NOT come to school.  Instead, wait for results.  
• If you are not experiencing symptoms, have not been identified as a close contact, and are not living with someone who has COVID-19 and have tested as a precautionary measure, you may still come to school.
• In order to qualify for a seven (7) day quarantine, negative results of a COVID-19 test must be provided to the school’s Health Office.
• Learn more about the differences in COVID-19 tests at Types of COVID-19 Tests.
• All tests offered at the state's community testing sites are PCR tests. Visit COVID-19 Community Testing Sites to make an appointment.

Minnesota Department of Health Quarantine Guidelines for Athletics / Activities

In addition to requirements and information noted throughout this communication, the Minnesota Department of Health has provided additional clarifications.

While the quarantine for a close contact continues to be recommended for 14 days, additional options are provided.

If the athlete was WEARING A MASK at the time of exposure AND if BOTH 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 quarantine may be shortened to:

• 7-day quarantine (Return to sports on day 8.)
  The athlete must have a negative PCR test (not an antigen test or antibody/blood test) with the specimen taken days 5-7 after exposure. A copy of the negative PCR test must be submitted to the school’s Health Office.
  
  
• 10-day quarantine (Return to sports on day 11.)
  The athlete is not required to have a negative test; however, testing by PCR days 8-10 is still strongly recommended to reduce risk of spread to other athletes.

If any of the above criteria are not met, the athlete would need to complete a 14-day quarantine and may not return to play early.

Athletes who were exposed in sports activities WHEN NOT WEARING A MASK must complete a 14-day quarantine prior to returning to sports (Return on day 15).

Important additional requirements and guidance may be found in the Department of Health's document MDE Sports Quarantine Clarification.

This document can also be found on the Sports Guidance and Information-COVID Related Resources 2020-2021 page on AD dashboards, under the blue sport-specific accordion for coaches and ADs, and on the Activity Pages on the public website.

*It is expected that there will be revisions to these documents. You will receive a notification when these documents are updated.

This Learning Model Change Form is intended for parents and guardians of elementary school students who would like to change the learning model that their children will be participating in from March 8 through the end of the school year.

Specifically, this survey is for parents who would like their children to change from either:

1. The 100% Distance Learning Model to the Face-to-Face Learning Model.
   — or —
2. The Face-to-Face Learning Model to the 100% Distance Learning Model.

You DO NOT need to complete this form if your children's learning model will remain the same. This includes:

1. Students who currently attend school in the Face-to-Face Learning Model and will remain in that model.
   — or —
2. Students who currently participate in the 100% Distance Learning Model who will remain in that model.

Please be aware that your selection will be valid for the timeframe from March 8 through the end of the school year.

In order to continue our planning, this survey will close on February 28, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.

Once again, if you would like to keep your child’s current learning model, no further action is required.

Joseph Stangler
ISD 728 Director of Research and Assessment

Today, February 17, 2021, Governor Tim Walz announced new guidance related to bringing middle and high school students back to schools. As part of that guidance, he announced that the two week rolling start that was previously mandated is no longer required. Therefore, ISD 728 has made the decision that 10th grade students participating in the face-to-face model will return early, on Monday, February 22, rather than coming back on the previously scheduled date of Monday, March 1.

The Governor also announced school districts that already have an approved plan to return to a face-to-face (in-person) learning model — such as ISD 728 — could continue following their original plan as it relates to mitigation strategies (i.e. face coverings, social distancing, quarantining, etc.).

Transportation
As we prepare to have additional students return to our campuses, we are asking you to review your student’s Transportation information in Infinite Campus Parent Portal to ensure accuracy. 

Current bus routes, bus stop locations, and pick-up and drop-off addresses will be available in Parent Portal beginning at noon (12:00 p.m.) on February 18, 2021. Please ensure that the information for your pick-up and drop-off location address is correct. Route information will continue to be added and updated, so please check back before Monday, February 22, 2021 if information is not displayed. Early Childhood students, students with split households, or those with pre-arranged transportation circumstances may not be shown in Parent Portal. 

If you require a change from what is listed, please complete an Online Transportation Form and submit it immediately. It may take 5 to 7 business days for your student to be placed onto a bus route. 

Food Service
ISD 728 continues to serve a FREE breakfast and lunch meal to all students each day on campus in our cafeterias, as well as for those students who are currently enrolled in the Distance Learning Model.

When students are attending on campus, please have your student bring their barcoded ISD 728 student identification card, as we have moved to a contactless system. This will keep our food service lines moving quickly and efficiently. If a replacement card is needed, please contact the building office where your student attends. 

We are grateful to be able to bring our 10th grade students back to school a week earlier, and to continue to provide a distance learning option for those who prefer it.

Thank you for being part of ISD 728, we appreciate your partnership and continued support.

Sincerely, 

Dr. Dan Bittman

ISD 728 Superintendent

Parents/Guardians,

Earlier today, District Officials met with representatives from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), county public health officials, and our Regional Support Team (RST) to request approval to bring students in Grades 6 - 12 back to school in a face-to-face learning model. I am happy to inform you that our plan was approved.

Below you will find additional information.

When Will Middle and High School Students Return?
The Minnesota Department of Education allows three grade levels to return to a building at a time. As a result:

• Students in Grades 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12 will return to school February 16, 2021 (i.e. all grades except Grade 10). 
• Students in Grade 10 will return to school on March 1, 2021. 
  

The decision for students in Grade 10 to return on March 1 instead of students in other grades was based on factors such as student achievement, credits needed for graduation, the number of students in each grade, and time spent in or remaining in school.

The Minnesota Department of Education gave permission for Zimmerman Middle/High School students in Grades 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12 to return on February 16, 2021 despite their grade band requirement. However, additional mitigation strategies may need to be implemented.

Planning Days - No School February 11 or 12, 2021
There will be no school for all students in Grades 6-12 on February 11 and 12, 2021 to comply with the Governor’s Executive Order related to planning. Students in all other grade levels (E-5) will have school either in-person or at home (for those who are 100% Distance Learning).

Middle and High School Schedule for Students in the Face-to-Face Learning Model
Middle and high school students who choose to return to school and are in the face-to-face learning model will come to school daily, Monday through Thursday, each week. Friday will remain a Distance Learning day for all middle and high school students.

Distance Learning Model
Students who choose to remain in the 100% Distance Learning Model instead of returning to school will not be attending Google Meets on their daily class schedule as they did during distance learning previously. Instead, much of the learning will be self-paced with independent, online lessons through Schoology. Students will have opportunities to check in with their teachers via Google Meet at least twice per week. Instruction may also include, but not be limited to such things as a live, 15-minute session with the teacher at the time of each course; pre recorded teacher lessons (i.e. flipped classroom); options to get additional support by meeting with each teacher at designated office meeting times, and onsite options for intervention groups or hands on courses. For further information related to the 100% Distance Learning Model, visit our website.

Learning Model Selection
Now that we know the plan has been approved, we are providing you with a final opportunity to change your child’s learning model prior to his/her return to school. If you would like to change the learning model for your middle or high school student, you must submit your request by 11:59 p.m. on January 31, 2021 by completing this Learning Model Change Form.

If you have already submitted your choice, there is no need to submit another survey. However, if you submitted a survey and have now changed your mind, please submit a new survey as we will use the one you submitted last.

Note: If you are planning on changing your child to the Face-to-Face Learning Model and are requesting transportation, you will need to complete the transportation form that is provided at the conclusion of the Learning Model Change Form. If you do not need or want transportation, no further action is required.

Middle and High School Intervention Camps
The two week intervention camp that is currently happening for middle school students only will continue for these students through February 10, 2021. Due to course and schedule changes, the high school intervention camp will conclude on January 28, 2021 as previously communicated. If you have any questions about your child’s intervention camp, please contact your child’s principal.

Safety Precautions for Face-to-Face Learning
ISD 728 will be taking the following safety precautions:

• Continue to require face coverings for staff and students.
  
• Require frequent and thorough handwashing; provide access to hand sanitizers.
• Provide bi-weekly saliva testing for staff.
• Continue to require individual self-health screenings daily for students and staff.
• Follow social distancing requirements as we are able
• Maintain cleaning protocols.

Quarantine Guidelines
ISD 728 will continue to follow the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidance for isolation and quarantine recommendations as stated in the MDH Decision Tree. MDH and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) continue to recommend a 14 day quarantine for people exposed to someone who tests positive to COVID-19 for the greatest protection; However, ISD 728 will allow students to return to school and activities after 10 days if NO symptoms have been reported during daily monitoring and there has been no household exposure. Parents must notify the school if their child will be returning after 10 days.

Please Note: 14 days will still be the quarantine period if someone in the household has tested positive for COVID-19.

In order for your child to be exempt from quarantine because they have tested positive to COVID-19 in the past 90 days, documentation of the positive test result must be on file in your child’s school Health Office. This exemption only applies as long as your child self monitors and remains totally symptom free. If your child develops any symptoms, he/she would then need to revert back to the protocol on the MDH Decision Tree and isolate until receiving a negative COVID-19 test or an alternate diagnosis from a medical provider.

Important Dates

• February 1 - 10: Middle School Intervention Camp
• February 1: Students in Grades 3-5 Return Face-to-Face
• February 11 & 12: No school for students in Grades 6-12 (Secondary Staff Planning Days) 
• February 15: Presidents Day - No School for all ISD 728 Students
• February 16: Students in Grades 3-5, 6-8, 9,11 & 12 return to school
• March 1: Students in Grade 10 return to school

Assistance Requested
We have worked tirelessly to return to an in-person learning model and want our students to remain in school. However, the health and safety of our students and staff remain our highest priority. Please help us keep our students in school by following state guidelines and implementing the recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health:

• Wear a face covering when outside your home.
• Maintain at least 6 feet of distance from persons not in your household if possible.
• Protect yourself and others by washing your hands often with soap and water, cover your cough, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Frequently clean all commonly touched surfaces (i.e. doorknobs, countertops).
• If you are sick, stay home.

We will continue to closely monitor case rate numbers as well as other data. If data suggests it is not safe to remain in an in-person learning model, or if we are unable to maintain appropriate staffing levels, we will shift to and/or maintain a more restrictive learning model. It will take ALL of us, working together, to keep our students in school.

We are grateful to be able to bring students back to school who are interested in the face-to-face model, and to offer distance learning opportunities for those who would prefer that model. Thank you for your continued support of ISD 728. Take care and be safe.

Sincerely,
Dr. Daniel Bittman
ISD 728 Superintendent

Parents/Guardians,

Yesterday you received information regarding ISD 728’s plan to bring secondary students back to school in mid-February. While we will not be meeting with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), our five (5) county public health officials, and our Regional Support Team (RST) until next Wednesday, we would like to give you an opportunity to change your child’s learning model if we are allowed to bring students back and if it is what you prefer.

As you know, we started the year in a hybrid model for secondary students where they attended school two (2) days per week. The recommendation and plan we are submitting, if approved, will result in middle and high school students attending school four (4) days a week (Monday through Thursday) with Friday being a distance learning day. Students who remain in the 100% Distance Learning Model will follow the same structure that they experienced at the beginning of the year - more information on that structure can be found at www.isd728.org/20-21-Learning-Models.

If you would like to change the learning model for your middle or high school student, we are asking you to submit your request by 11:59 pm on January 31, 2021.

This includes parents/guardians who would like their children to change from either the 100% Distance Learning Model to the proposed In-Person Learning Model or to change from the proposed In-Person Learning Model to the 100% Distance Learning Model. If you are planning on changing your child to the In-Person Learning Model, you will need to complete the transportation form which can be accessed on the last page of the survey.

In terms of safety precautions and mitigation strategies, ISD 728 will:

• Continue to require face coverings for staff and students (requiring face mask, strongly encouraging the additional shield, which is provided for ALL staff).
• Require frequent and thorough handwashing.
• Provide bi-weekly saliva testing for staff between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
• Continue to require individual self health screenings daily for students.
• Follow social distancing requirements as we are able.

You do NOT need to complete the survey if your children's learning model will remain the same. This includes, students who are currently designated for In-Person Learning and will remain in the In-Person Learning Model or students who currently participate in the 100% Distance Learning Model who will remain in that model.

If you would like to change the learning model for your middle or high school student, please complete the following survey by 11:59 pm on January 31, 2021.

ISD 728 is excited to begin welcoming back some students next week! To best prepare and ensure success, we have provided some additional information below. Thank you for your engagement and for sharing your children with us.

Attendance Update (Elementary Only)
When elementary students return to face-to-face learning, we will be modifying attendance tracking procedures to best support our students and families.  If a parent/guardian notifies school that his/her child is ill, they will not automatically receive a phone call from staff.  However, they will receive an email confirming the absence along with a health screening checklist, which includes guidelines for the child to return to school. The information in the letter will provide specific information for the parent to determine whether additional steps and/or precautions need to be taken.   Parents/Guardians will receive the email before 12:00 p.m. (noon) each day.

Reminders and Resources
Below you will find information related to face coverings, as well as the daily self-screening checklist.  The resources and information below are consistent with Minnesota Department of Health guidelines and requirements.

Please continue to be vigilant and to help us keep our students healthy and in school.

• Student Face Covering Guide
• School Self-Screening Checklist
  
  

Quarantine Exemptions
The Minnesota Department of Health has identified situations in which students do not need to quarantine if/when they are in close contact with another person who has tested positive. More specifically, if a child has previously tested positive for COVID-19 and has completed their quarantine, they are considered to be exempt for 90 days and will not need to quarantine further.  However, in order to be exempt, they must provide medical documentation of their positive test to their school Health Office. If you have further questions about the exemption, please contact your child’s Health Office.

https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/health/covid19/