Update 23: Special education programs will transition to distance learning Nov. 30
(11/18/2020) Anoka-Hennepin Schools will transition special education programs to the distance learning model starting Monday, Nov. 30. The action follows a significant and growing community spread of COVID-19 cases above the state-recommended guidelines and a growing number of school employees, students and programs being directly impacted by COVID-19 isolation and quarantine.
It’s understood that distance learning creates new challenges for students and families. Know that health and safety for students, staff and the community remain at the forefront of decision making.
This action is taken in consultation with district health officials and will continue until further notice. Students and programs included in this transition to distance learning include:
- Early childhood special education (ECSE) and elementary school hybrid students who receive special education services attending River Trail Learning Centers, or receiving services in DHH, DCD, LAUNCH and EBD center-based programs.
- Middle and high school hybrid students who receive special education services attending River Trail Learning Centers, Bridges and Pathways or receive services in DCD, LAUNCH, and EBD setting III programs.
- All students who receive special education support on Day C.
- All special education evaluations will be completed virtually during this time.
The MN Safe Learning Plan directs schools to consider distance learning at the elementary level when the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases exceeds 50 per 10,000 within the county (or counties) and 30 per 10,000 at the middle and high school level. Although the district was prioritizing its most vulnerable students beyond these benchmarks, community spread is quickly soaring quite far from these levels. Review both county and school information on the Anoka-Hennepin COVID-19 Data Tracker.
Schools need your help. Please continue to follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommendations as an effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and get students back to school in person:
- Wear a face covering following CDC and MDH recommendations.
- Practice social distancing guidelines, and stay home when you are sick.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you cannot wash your hands, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol content.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough into the inside of the elbow. Dispose of tissues immediately. Wash hands afterwards.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces.
Every effort will be made to make this change go as smoothly as possible. Thank you for your understanding and support as schools take the steps necessary to protect the health and safety of students, employees and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.