Update 32: Students all in next week; school health and safety measures; virtual online school interest survey for fall 2021
(02/12/2021) Next week our district will be welcoming back additional middle and high school students.
Barring significant changes, update 33 will be shared early March, at the end of trimester two. However, new information is expected to be shared in the days ahead. The district will share any such updates as soon as it becomes available. Please continue to reach out to your student’s school if you have any questions or concerns.
The following topics will be shared in this week’s update:
- Students all in: Remaining middle and high school grades return in person Feb. 16 in hybrid model.
- COVID-19: Needlepoint bipolar ionization clears the air for safety.
- With no school on Presidents Day, distance learning meal pick up will instead take place on Tuesday, Feb. 16.
- District virtual online schools starting up in the 2021-22 school year; take interest survey for more info later.
Make sure to check out the frequently asked questions area of the COVID-19 website as an additional resource.
REMINDER: Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 15: no school for students or staff.
Students all in: Remaining middle and high school grades return in person Feb. 16 in hybrid model
Students in grades 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12 will return to in-person learning in the hybrid model starting Tuesday, Feb. 16 with Cohort A. This does not include those who selected distance learning for trimester two. Students assigned to A days will come to school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Students assigned to B days will come to school on Thursdays and Fridays.
Updated bus schedules are now available to all middle and high school families in the My Student Information application via A-HConnect. Please note, a minimal amount of changes were made.
COVID-19: Needlepoint bipolar ionization system provides new safety layer
As students return to school facilities they’ll have visible reminders of social distancing, face covering wearing, hand hygiene and systems in place to protect their health and maximize safety. Since leaving for distance learning in November, Anoka-Hennepin has installed needlepoint bipolar ionization systems at all district owned buildings. Should COVID-19 be present in a school facility, the system will eliminate 99.4% of the virus within 30 minutes (92.6% within 15 minutes and 84.2% within 10 minutes). Learn more on how the bipolar ionization system works (three minute video).
Anoka-Hennepin has met or exceeded all health and safety measures recommended and required in the MN Safe Learning Plan and involved employees, union leadership and community members in COVID-19 planning and mitigation since May 2020.
Follow COVID-19 laboratory confirmed person(s) in Anoka-Hennepin at ahschools.us/COVID-19tracker.
With no school on Presidents Day, distance learning meal pick up will instead take place on Tuesday, Feb. 16
During a five-day school week, families picking up distance learning meals typically do so on Mondays at district high schools. With school being out on Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 15, families are asked to instead pick up distance learning meals on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at district high schools. Go to ahschools.us/COVID-19meals for more information.
District virtual online schools starting up in the 2021-22 school year; take interest survey for more info later
For students and families who want to continue virtual learning next school year, Anoka-Hennepin will offer formal elementary, middle and high school virtual online programs. A high school program, StepAhead Online, has existed since 2014.
Program details, information sessions and applications for the school will be available this spring as plans are finalized. Families that are interested in learning more at that time are asked to fill out the interest form by Friday, Feb. 26.
The schools will offer the Anoka-Hennepin curriculum, provide student support services and follow district policies for in-district transfers, open enrollment and student performance standards. Computers will be provided to students who need them and learning will be supported by an enhanced technology platform.