Update 28: Learning, programming and health/safety updates
(01/15/2021) Thank you for your continued support of our schools as the district begins a phased, “rolling start” approach to returning to in-person learning over the weeks and months ahead.
This update includes:
- Elementary: In-person learning begins on Tuesday, more grades added on Feb. 1
- Middle and high school: Grade 6 to return in hybrid model on Feb. 2, no school for middle school on Jan. 29 and Feb. 1, work continues on other grades
- Mask up: student leaders need your help to stay in the game
- AHschools.us website has new look
Make sure to check out the frequently asked questions area of the COVID-19 website as an additional resource.
Elementary: In-person learning begins on Tuesday, more grades added on Feb. 1
School will welcome students to in-person learning in a rolling start, beginning with kindergarten-grade two (K-2) students on Jan. 19 and students in grades three-five (3-5) beginning on Feb. 1. As a reminder, this full-time in-person learning transition only applies to K-2 students that selected the hybrid learning format for trimester two. Elementary students that chose distance learning for trimester two will remain in that format for the second trimester, through Friday, March 12. Parents/guardians will have the option to select preferred learning models for the third trimester in mid-February. Please remain alert for details on that process in a future communication.
When elementary students return in-person, they may notice some changes from school in the hybrid format at 50 percent capacity in the fall.
Plastic face shields and plexiglass barriers will be available for all staff that want them for small group instruction as they are a recommended, but not required strategy.
Health and safety of students and staff will remain as a top priority. New air filters were installed in all buildings over the holiday break and a bipolar ionization system is now in place to provide significant air quality improvements, including the removal of 99.4% of COVID-19 should it be present in a school facility. Please review this document that outlines the key differences between school in the hybrid this fall and in-person learning model this winter/spring.
Health office staff in schools will be closely monitoring conditions and should COVID-19 cases rise in a school, Anoka-Hennepin will rely on a pre-established protocol for disease outbreaks, similar to the seasonal flu, along with input from the Minnesota Department of Health, to determine if a brief transition back to distance learning is needed. These staff will take a lead role in contact tracing, quarantine guidance and communication. The district has also created additional supports for building staff in the event there is a larger issue at any site.
Digital day calendar returns to regular rotation as students return to in-person learning. A modified calendar used during the hybrid and distance learning model to direct days that students have specials like art, music and physical education is no longer in effect. Please review the calendar to prepare.
Return materials, be prepared. Students should bring any items they brought home with them to participate in distance learning back to school as in-person learning begins. This includes classroom supplies, books, folders and other items that were picked up and brought home in November.
Special education. Students receiving special education services in a setting three or four model will begin to return to in-person learning with a gradual phase in plan. The first phase of students returning will begin Jan. 19, depending on grade level and intensity of need. This includes early childhood special education (ECSE) and transition (Bridges and Pathways). Additional details were shared with special education families late December.
Preschool and Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) students will be able to return to school Tuesday, Jan. 19, with students attending their traditionally scheduled class days. (The program will no longer follow a hybrid schedule.)
Updated bus schedules are now available on the My Student Information application via A-HConnect. Small changes are expected for some families with the change in bus capacity limits.
What learning format is assigned to your student? Parents and guardians can confirm their requests for learning formats for trimester two on the My Student Information application via A-HConnect. This feature allows for viewing of the learning format type, not the ability to request a change in learning formats.
Meals will continue to be served to students in distance learning. Please note that the process for picking up distance learning meals changed on Jan. 4. Refer to the COVID-19 website for details. All meals will continue to be free until federal funding is exhausted.
Before- and after-school child care is available at all elementary schools. Adventures Plus is now accepting registrations for the remainder of the school year. Space is available at all elementary schools. Learn more.
Middle and high schools: Sixth grade students to return in hybrid learning model on Feb. 2, work continues to return other grades
The Minnesota Safe Learning Plan allows students in kindergarten to grade six to return to in-person instruction. As a result, Anoka-Hennepin will be returning students in sixth grade to in-person learning using the hybrid learning model starting the week of Feb. 1. District middle school instructional and support staff will utilize Friday, Jan. 29 and Monday Feb. 1 for planning so there will be no school for all middle school students, including students who will continue with the distance learning model. Hybrid cohort A will begin in-person learning on Feb. 2. Be alert for additional information and details in communications provided from schools.
Anoka-Hennepin continues to work with the Minnesota departments of education and health on a phased approach to bringing middle and high school students back to in-person learning with the goal of returning students as soon as allowed. This means select grade levels would return to school with more and more returning over time. Likely, middle and high school students will restart in the hybrid learning model. Such a transition would only apply to students who selected the hybrid learning format for trimester two. Those that chose distance learning would remain in that format until the end of trimester two, Friday, March 12. Once the district has confirmed this plan it will be communicated widely via an email and website update.
Special education. Students receiving special education services in a setting three or four model will begin to return to in-person learning with a gradual phase in plan. The first phase of students returning will begin Jan. 19, depending on grade level and intensity of need. This includes early childhood special education (ECSE) and transition (Bridges and Pathways). Additional details were shared with special education families late December.
Compass Programs and TPP students will return to full in-person learning beginning on Tues., Jan. 19.
A few notes on the hybrid and distance learning models:
- On-site academic support may be available in school buildings. Parents/guardians or students can review available options and determine a plan for support by contacting their school counselor directly.
- Mental health and social-emotional support is available. Students benefit from a system of mental health and social-emotional support. School social workers, school counselors, mental health therapists and other caring adults are trained and available to provide support. Parents/guardians and students should contact their school social workers and/or school counselors to review options.
- Meals will continue to be served to students in distance learning. Please note that the process for picking up distance learning meals changed on Jan. 4. Refer to the COVID-19 website for details. All meals will continue to be free until federal funding is exhausted.
Mask up Anoka-Hennepin: Student-athletes seek support as activities resume
High school students involved in athletics and activities took the proactive step to send an important message to the student body and community to “keep them in the game” by limiting community spread of COVID-19. Please review their work in this Mask Up Anoka-Hennepin video message.
AHschools.us website has new look
District and school websites now have a new look and a goal to provide visitors with an improved experience, highlights include:
- An updated site map prioritizing key content, which was structured using a variety of data sources including staff, student and parent/guardian feedback.
- More simplified, purposeful information.
- Fewer pages to sift through with the use of a mobile-friendly menu style on subpages.
- Consistent experience across all devices with increased interactivity.
- Similar experiences by all visitors, including those who are disabled or non-English speaking.
- A new website dedicated to staff and retiree-only information.
Website work since December 2019 has included research, design and site map updating. Content is currently being consolidated and will continue into the new year.
The School Board prioritized making a plan for Anoka-Hennepin communications and branding through a 2019-20 strategic priority. 2014 was the last time the district debuted a new look to its websites.