COVID-19 Response Plan

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:

• Washing hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, and use your arm or paper towel to turn off the faucet.

• Cough into your arm/elbow or facial tissue rather than using your hand.

• Staying home when sick.

• Avoiding touching their face with unwashed hands.

• Hand-shakes and touching of each other should be discouraged.

• Touching uncleaned objects (like door handles and faucet handles) with clean hands should become an issue of awareness.

• Accessing sanitizers and wipes available in classrooms should be encouraged.

• Staff are encouraged to wear face masks while in the buildings.

• 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:

• 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.

• We encourage teachers to use disinfecting wipes in their classrooms to frequently clean common surfaces.

• All students have watched videos that demonstrate good hand washing techniques and hand washing is being encouraged by teachers and other staff.

• An employee daily health screen is required for each staff member in the building.

• Student symptom screening is completed daily at Village Kids (screening for fevers, coughs, and other COVID symptoms)

• Minnesota Department of Health Coronavirus Disease 2020

Monitoring the health condition of students, employees and family members

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• Again, the MDH will assume primary responsibility in the event of anyone in Minnesota becoming infected, and the district will cooperate fully with the MDH in the steps to be taken.

Identification of COVID-19 presence in a student, employee or family member

• The MDH will have primary responsibility for managing the existence of COVID-19 in any student, employee or family member; and the district will cooperate fully.

• 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.

• The district has protocols in place for immediate isolation of the person involved, communication to families with students in the district and our employees infected or exposed students if such an event occurs.

Travel out of the area or travel out of the country

• Refer to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for travel guidelines.

The decision to reopen/close would involve both the MDE and MDH, and the district would be responsible for implementing the closure.   District teams are meeting throughout the summer to develop plans for possible scenarios.

Providing Education During a School Closure

If the situation ever occurs that a school or all schools need to be closed due to the threat of COVID-19, the district intends to provide instruction to students in all affected grades.

This will require the full cooperation of students, teachers and parents to make this instruction meaningful and in compliance with the full expectations of Minnesota statutes.

Access to Meals During a School Closure

If the situation ever occurs that a school or all schools need to be closed due to the threat of COVID-19, the district will provide meals to children under 18 years old.

From June 8th to June 30th, meals will be available for pickups at the following two locations from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Monday through Friday:

1. Wilshire Park Elementary School - 3600 Highcrest Rd NE, St. Anthony, MN 55418

2. Windsor Greens - 270 Windsor Lane, New Brighton, MN 55112

Please complete this meal request form to pick your location and to ensure we have enough meals accounted for at both locations.

Please note: if a family that is eligible for free/reduced meals is unable to arrange for pick up, contact Mikita Grissom at mgrissom@isd282.org or (612)706-1000.

Complete the Educational Benefits Application

Families that would previously not have been eligible for free/reduced meals can now apply due to recent financial hardship and loss of employment. To see if your family qualifies, please complete the Educational Benefits Application. SANB will continue to provide meals to all children, ages 18 and under, regardless of eligibility.

Thank you for your continued patience during this time as we make adjustments.

All Students

Student Distance Learning Plan

In order to access instruction through the use of technology and digital learning platforms, students will need to log in according to specific directions by their teachers.

Grading:

• Grading and assessments may be modified for the students, but it will be intended that this model of delivery (online distance learning) will be equivalent to what students would have in school.

• Individual teachers will be responsible for grading the work of their students and recording those grades.

Attendance:

• It will be important to the State of Minnesota that schools keep accurate attendance records. Attendance will be measured by daily checks by monitoring the entry of students into digital learning platforms for instruction and schoolwork.

• If a student is sick during a school closure and instruction is still happening, families should notify the attendance line as normal.

• The students’ access to their assigned digital learning platform will indicate attendance at the instructional setting established by the district.

Instruction when the teacher is unavailable:

• There will be cases when teachers are unable to teach on a given day, and instruction will need to be provided by another teacher.

• The instructional plan will continue to be in place even when the teacher assigned to the students is unavailable.

Meeting state requirements:

In the event that the technology used to deliver instruction does not adequately meet the requirements of Minnesota statutes, alternative solutions will be implemented.

• In the event that the district’s plan for using technology and digital learning platforms does not sufficiently meet district expectations or Minnesota statutory requirements, the district would need to extend the school year beyond the scheduled last day of school long enough to meet state requirements.

• There is a small difference in the number of the district’s scheduled days in session and the statutory requirement for time in session, and that would enable the District to meet some of the time away from school without making up time.

• It is not possible to estimate before a closure event how much time would be required to make up days required by law.

Technology:

Support

Beginning Monday, March 30, technical support will be available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Email: helpdesk@isd282.org

• Call the Technology Help Line: 612-706-1014

• Please include the student's first and last name, grade, and a detailed description of the problem.

• Frequently Asked Questions

A survey was sent to families asking about access to technology (Chromebook, computer, tablet, etc.) and access to the internet. The district will provide technology to families during a potential school closure that would allow students to access school-based education. 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.

If families still need access to the internet or a device during the event of a school closure, please fill out this form.

Comcast is offering free (during the next 2 months due to Coronavirus) and significantly discounted internet plans are available for households receiving assistance.

No contract, no credit check, no installation fee.

Free WiFi Router - 25Mbps Speed

Website - https://internetessentials.com/

Or call:

1-855-846-8376 for English

1-855-765-6995 for Spanish

**ISD282 does not endorse, partner with, nor is it affiliated with Comcast in any way. This offer is extended by Comcast and has no tie to the school district whatsoever. Due to the districts geographical location Comcast is merely one of the most common and available internet providers in our area, making this relevant information to provide to families who may qualify.

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 for the duration of any school closing. The focus will be engaging, collaborative, and personalized learning opportunities as we try to make the best out of this unpredictable situation.

• Students should plan to spend roughly the same amount of time on lessons, assignments, and class activities as if they were at school.

• Assignments, resources, and videos from teachers will be posted by 9 am (K-12) on Google Classroom, Seesaw, or via email each school day.

• Teachers will be available by email during normal school hours.

• Any modifications and support students have at school will continue to be provided.

Students in Pre-school, ECFE and ECSE

• In the event of a school closure, preschool and ECFE will be closed.

• 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.

• 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.

• There are other tools that will be implemented for all students to enable them to receive instruction in the best form possible.

• 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

• Village Kids will operate during the summer 2020.

• District teams will continue to make plans for Village Kids for Fall 2020.

• If school is closed, Village Kids will be closed, with the exception of Emergency Childcare.

EL services during distance learning

Distance Learning Plan - Teachers

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.

• The requirements for employees will vary depending upon the nature of school closure.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• Times for students to contact their teachers with assignment questions will be established by each principal of any schools closed.

• 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.

• Special Education teachers will need to work with their students through assistance from the students’ families.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• If you accept and work your modified assignments, you will be paid your normal scheduled hours and pay rate.

• If you are unable or unwilling to accept your new assignments, you may use your accumulated time off or take unpaid leave. Contact Human Resources for more information.

• 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

• 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

• Food service employees are expected to perform their regular assignments due to state mandated continuation of meals for students during school closures. Employees will continue to be paid at their normally scheduled hours and rate.

• 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

• Custodians are expected to perform their normal assignments. Employees will continue to be paid at their normally scheduled hours and rate.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

Athletic Events, Musical Events, Dramatic Events and Other Major Functions

• 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.

• 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

• Some Community Services programs will be offered this summer. Call 612-706-1001 for more information.

• Community Services programs will continue to operate while school is in session.

• In the event of a school closure, all Community Services programs will be canceled.

• Community Services classes will be canceled and instructors will be paid on a prorated basis for the time they taught.

• The District is committed to regular communications with parents and the community during these events.

• A clear and detailed communications plan for the various scenarios related to possible school closings or disruptions has been developed and will be implemented.

• 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.

• The district will provide timely information at that site, as well as any updates via email, text and phone as needed.

• Parents are encouraged to contact the district with educational questions or rumors about the illness possibly being in St. Anthony-New Brighton.

• Parents who are concerned about the virus itself should contact the MDH hotline at 651-201-3920.

• Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• Minnesota Department of Health.

• Minnesota Department of Health Coronavirus Disease 2020

• MDH COVID-19 Hotline: 651-201-3920.

• Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource.

• CDC - Managing Stress and Anxiety

• Resources for Families

• Back to School Decision Tool - CDC