Safe Learning Plan, 2022-2023
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Anoka-Hennepin remains committed to providing safe and open schools, welcoming students back to school for in-person learning throughout the school year.
Mitigating the transmission of COVID-19 in our schools and communities is achieved through a layered approach following guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The district maintains a comprehensive system of health and safety and enhanced that program over the past two years with the COVID-19 pandemic.
View the 2022-23 Safe Learning Plan
View the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Situation Update, subscribe for updates.
Safe learning plan - Frequently Asked Questions
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Learning formats
- All students will attend school in-person learning five days a week with the exception of those who have enrolled in the Anoka-Hennepin Virtual Academy. Learn more at ahschools.us/virtualacademy.
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Face coverings/masks
- Face coverings/masks are optional, not required, for students and staff in the school setting.
- Face coverings/masks are optional, not required, on student transportation.
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Health and safety protocols
- The district will maintain the enhanced air quality standards and use of the Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization system, offer hand sanitizer stations, encourage hand washing, and continue enhanced cleaning methods as strategies to protect students and staff.
- The enhanced air quality standards include the exchange of fresh air seven to eight times per hour, the use of MERV-11 filters and replacement of filter systems at the start of each trimester.
- HEPA filtering protects students and staff in school health offices.
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Vaccinations and testing
- COVID-19 vaccinations and testing for COVID-19 are not required by the school district.
- Anoka-Hennepin will continue to work with county and state public health partners regarding voluntary vaccination and testing programs.
- Order four free at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen tests per family at www.covidtests.gov.
- Locate and make an appointment at a no-cost community testing location online at mn.gov/covid19/get-tested. Walk-in service may also be available.
- Use the vaccines.gov website to find locations and set appointments.
- Walk-in or make an appointment at one of Minnesota’s COVID-19 Community Vaccination sites.
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Reporting positive cases, quarantine and isolation
In order to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and other illness, our schools rely on the personal responsibility of families and staff to adhere to the following guidelines and expectations:
- Report positive COVID-19 cases to the health office at school or work site and follow the traditional absence reporting process.
- Anoka-Hennepin requires students to stay home if they have a fever, are vomiting or have diarrhea until 24 hours after symptoms have been resolved. Consider contacting a health provider for evaluation and care. Learn more by viewing the Is My Child Well Enough document.
- It is recommended by the CDC, but not required by Anoka-Hennepin, for a positive COVID test that the student isolates at home for 5 days and wears a face cover for a total of 10 days.
- Quarantine is not required for persons with close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
- Students who are absent will follow traditional methods to make-up coursework unless instructed otherwise by their teacher. Virtual or online learning should not be expected. Parents/guardians are encouraged to work directly with their child’s teacher to make arrangements. All students must complete required coursework Anoka-Hennepin Schools will maintain increased support for student mental health and social emotional learning for the 2022-23 school year.
- Review information from the Anoka-Hennepin Student Services Department for detailed information and contact information for supports and programs.
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Communication and notification
- Communication regarding COVID-19 cases will happen individually with parents/guardians regarding matters related to their student.
- The district will maintain the ahschools.us/covid-19 website.
- Anoka-Hennepin maintains a robust system of parent/guardian communication using email, text, phone calls, along with district and school e-newsletters to communicate regarding health and safety matters.
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Mental Health and Social Emotional Student Support
- Anoka-Hennepin Schools will maintain increased support for student mental health and social emotional learning for the 2022-23 school year.
- Review information from the Anoka-Hennepin Student Services Department for detailed information and contact information for supports and programs.
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Other frequently asked questions
- The federal government subsidy for student meals will be discontinued for the 2022-23 school year after two years of no-cost meals. The payment system and the free and reduced cost system for meals will be restored, similar to prior to the pandemic.
- Volunteers, visitors and field trips will be coordinated without restrictions.