Update 35: Key dates, COVID-19 testing, distance learning meals update, virtual school enrollment open
(03/05/2021) As the calendar changes to March, our schools too are shifting to even brighter days. It’s been a year since the pandemic started and at Anoka-Hennepin more and more students are entering our schools on a daily basis since the shift in learning last spring, with even more middle and high school students expected soon.
The following topics will be shared in this week’s update:
- Middle and high school asynchronous day switched from Monday, March 8, to Friday, March 12; no school March 23 for high school students; other calendar notes.
- Middle and high schools: in-person learning compared to hybrid learning.
- MDH suggests families get tested for COVID-19 regularly to keep schools open.
- Quarantine length shortened for school and activities.
- No distance learning meals available March 15 or 22; date and time change for next pickup.
- Registration open for Anoka-Hennepin’s virtual schools next school year.
Make sure to check out the frequently asked questions area of the COVID-19 website as an additional resource.
Middle and high school asynchronous day switched from Monday, March 8, to Friday, March 12; no school March 23 for high school students; other calendar notes
As Anoka-Hennepin continues to adjust to challenges related to the pandemic, changes for middle and high school students are necessary.
Middle and high school asynchronous day switched from Monday, March 8 to Friday, March 12. Anoka-Hennepin will switch Monday, March 8 and Tuesday, March 9 to Hybrid A days while Wednesday, March 10 and Thursday, March 11 will become Hybrid B days. Friday, March 12 will be an asynchronous day. No school for high school on Tuesday, March 23; Asynchronous learning day (Hybrid C) for high school only on Monday, March 29. The middle school and elementary schedules remain unchanged.
Key dates following spring break
The three Mondays following were previously scheduled staff planning or development days, including, Monday, March 22, 29 and April 5.
- Middle school students will start in-person learning on Tuesday, March 23 and high school students will start with full in-person learning on Wednesday, March 24. Please remain alert to additional changes to the school calendar as the school year continues.
- On Monday, March 29, elementary and middle schools will have staff development as planned and high schools will have an asynchronous day (Hybrid C).
- Refer to the print-friendly K-12 calendar for more information.
Middle and high schools: in-person learning compared to hybrid learning
A new resource is available for middle and high school families preparing for in-person learning to start trimester three. A chart now shows the differences between hybrid and in-person learning for day-to-day activities like transportation, movement between classes and lunch. Take a look.
MDH suggests families get tested for COVID-19 regularly to keep schools open
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) suggests students and parents/guardians get tested for COVID-19 every two weeks in order to limit virus spread and keep schools open. Visit the state’s testing locations website or reach out to a health care provider for details.
Quarantine length shortened for school and activities
The Illness and Quarantine Guidelines have been updated for person B2, a close contact of someone who is not living in the same household. Essentially, the quarantine length has shortened in some cases. Please take a look at the infographic for more information. Contact your school nurse for specific questions regarding quarantine length.
No distance learning meals available March 15 or 22; date and time change for next pickup
With spring break set for March 15-19, distance learning meals will not be offered on March 15 or 22. Meals for distance learning students for the week of March 22 will now be picked up on Friday, March 26 at a new time of 3:30-5:30 p.m. at district high schools. Visit ahschools.us/COVID-19meals for more information.
Registration open for Anoka-Hennepin’s virtual schools next school year
The enrollment window is open for families interested in continuing virtual learning for their student(s) next school year. Anoka-Hennepin is planning now for virtual schools for students in grades K-12, with classes to begin in fall 2021.
To register/enroll, parents/guardians should access the virtual school enrollment form. Registration will continue through Friday, April 16.
Anoka-Hennepin will conduct virtual open house events to provide an overview of the schools, answer questions and help parents/guardians and students determine if this option is the right fit for their educational needs. Virtual open houses will be 60 minutes in length or shorter and be held at the following dates and times, select the link to confirm a spot at the open house.
The virtual online 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. There is no additional cost to attend the virtual online schools in Anoka-Hennepin. For more information regarding online learning visit ahschools.us/virtualschool or email virtualschool@ahschools.us.