Update 29: Elementary students return to in-person learning; plans for middle and high school learning
(01/22/2021) 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 ahead.
The following topics will be shared in this week’s update:
- Elementary in-person learning begins with more students to return Feb. 1.
- Middle and high schools: Sixth grade students to return in hybrid learning model on Feb. 2, other grades mid-February.
- Middle and high schools: Current plan is to return Grades 7-12 starting Feb. 16.
- Quarantine/isolation: Process looks different with more students in person.
- School Zone flashing signs are undergoing maintenance.
Make sure to check out the frequently asked questions area of the COVID-19 website as an additional resource.
Elementary in-person learning begins with more students to return Feb. 1
Anoka-Hennepin schools will build on the “rolling start” return of elementary students to in-person learning with the return of students in grades three-five (3-5) beginning on Feb. 1. As a reminder, this full-time in-person learning transition only applies to 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. View this document that demonstrates some of the differences. Additional details will be shared in Update 30, shared Friday, Jan 29.
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.
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, other grades mid-February
The MN 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.
Students at Anoka-Hennepin Regional High School and Anoka-Hennepin Technical High School will transition from hybrid to in-person learning, four-days a week starting Feb. 2. Details have been provided to those students directly by the school in another message.
Middle and high schools: Current plan is to return grades 7-12 in hybrid learning model on Feb. 16
Anoka-Hennepin continues to monitor public health data and work with the Minnesota departments of education and health on a plan to return middle and high school students back to in-person learning. As the data is trending currently, Anoka-Hennepin plans to begin in-person learning in the hybrid learning format for all remaining students in grades 7-12 starting Tuesday, Feb. 16. This does not include those who selected distance learning for trimester two. Additional information will be included in Update 31, which will be shared Friday, Feb. 5.
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.
Guidance in the MN Safe Learning Plan continues to be revised. Please remain alert to updates and continue to check the frequently asked questions area of the COVID-19 website for more information.
Quarantine/isolation: Process looks different with more students in person
Anoka-Hennepin health staff works with the Minnesota Department of Health to recommend quarantine or isolation for staff and students to protect public health. As students return to in-person learning with full classrooms schools should prepare for more classroom or program level decisions on quarantine.
When a student exhibits COVID-19 symptoms that would warrant isolation and potentially testing or a student tests positive for COVID-19, the school district will begin contact tracing for that student.
Since elementary students are organized in classrooms or pods that are socially distanced at a minimum of three feet, in many cases contact tracing will not be possible and decisions about quarantine will impact the entire class. Communication will be with the impacted staff and students and their parents/guardians and will not likely escalate to the school or district level. Should you hear of a student or staff member having COVID-19 and you haven’t been contacted through contact tracing, you’re considered at no higher risk than any other person and you should continue with your regular routine.
The district continues to get questions from staff and families about travel related quarantine. We are waiting for additional guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). The district does not have a recommendation currently but expects to provide an update as new information is available. Those who travel should monitor their health conditions carefully and get tested if they suspect they are infected.
School Zone flashing signs undergoing maintenance in Anoka County, temporarily not in use
Reducing speeds when students are present around schools helps keep it safe for all involved. A system of advance warning yellow flashing signs and end school zone signs work in cooperation with radar speed feedback displays to ensure motorists slow down and maximize safety. Anoka County is currently upgrading the yellow flashing signs with improved capability, and they will be out of use until the project is programmed to be completed in February. Law enforcement has been made aware of the situation.
All other elements of the student school safety program remain in effect including trained crossing guards and traffic controllers and the advance warning and end school zone signs. This signage issue only impacts Anoka County locations, systems in Hennepin County will continue to operate as expected.
Anoka-Hennepin Schools operates a system of safety to protect students that includes school zone signage, crossing guards, traffic controllers, bus tracker app, and bus safety information shared with students. Visit ahschools.us/transportation.