Click Here for the Family Update 10/2/2020.

Click here for the family update 9/25/2020.

Good afternoon DC families, September 18, 2020

We have successfully completed almost two full weeks of school for the 2020-2021 school year. Students are getting settled into new schedules and classes, teachers are diving into curriculum and staff are excited to have students in the buildings again.  This school year is unique in many ways: wearing masks, social distancing, students in the classroom, students in virtual learning, shortened seasons for activities and the list goes on.  However different it may be there is still a sense of familiarity and normalcy.  Alarms clocks get set, school busses are out and about, the playgrounds are being used, and the schools have students and staff walking the halls once again.

COVID-19 UPDATES                     

As we settle into new routines it seems to be a good time to discuss the current COVID-19 activity levels in our counties and what those numbers mean for the school district.  Part of the Safe Learning Plan, introduced by the Walz-Flanagan administration as a guide for school districts (for more information, Reopening Plans for DC), includes monitoring the bi-weekly case rates of both Wright and Meeker Counties.   On September 17th the number recorded for Wrighty County was 19.74 COVID-19 cases per 10,000 people, down from 20.19.  Meeker County is at  14.3 COVID-19 cases per 10,000 people, up from 9.10. 

What do these numbers signify?  MDH created an equation that takes into account the total number of cases in a 14-day period and divides it by the county population per 10,000.

Example 1:  a county of 400,000 people reported 200 cases in a 14-day period.  The bi-weekly case rate number for that county would be: 200 / (400,000/10,000) = 5.  According to the Learning Mode Parameters, in-person learning would be recommended for all students in a county with the number 5. 

Example 2: a county of 400,000 people reported 1,500 cases in a 14-day period.  The bi-weekly case rate number for that county would be 1,500 / (400,000/10,000) = 37.5.  According to the Learning Model Parameters, hybrid learning would be recommended for elementary students and distance learning for middle/high school students in a county with the number 37.5. 

Both Meeker and Wright Counties cross the threshold into hybrid learning, according to Learning Model Parameters, see the chart above.  Although bi-weekly numbers indicate viral activity within a county, it does not necessarily indicate the viral activity within our communities and is not the sole factor for determining a shift in the learning model.  According to the Safe Learning Plan, the decision to shift between learning models will be based on the school-level impact of COVID-19, while maintaining awareness of county-level data. 

School district administrators are in constant communication with both Meeker and Wright County Public Health departments and according to each the case numbers in Dassel and Cokato have not significantly shifted.  Since April 2020, Cokato has had a total of 16 cases and Dassel has had a total of 32. (Please keep in mind these numbers are cumulative based on zip codes 55321/55325, the numbers do not correlate to the Learning Model Parameters.)  At this time, the cases locally have not created a need to dial-back our in-person learning and there have been no confirmed COVID-19 student cases within our buildings.

SHIFTING LEARNING MODELS

Shifting learning models has a significant impact on the entire school district.  Students and teachers switch schedules, school buses are limited to 50% capacity, food services plan meals for students in school and send home meals for days learning from home, our health and safety protocols are increased even more to create strict social distancing, and school-age care will be implemented for families of Tier 1 workers who need emergency childcare.  The health and safety of our students and staff always come first and should the impact within our schools create the need to dial back our learning model, we will be ready.   A shift into hybrid could be district wide or affect specific grades or classrooms.  We won’t know until if and when we begin seeing an increase in COVID-19 positive cases.

We also want families to understand the school district’s ability to control our learning model does have limits.  The Safe Learning Model is very clear: Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 12.21, subdivision 3(11), the education commissioner is authorized to order a school district or charter school to dial back to a more restrictive learning model if the commissioner, in consultation with MDH and the school district or charter school, determines the learning model being used by the district or charter school is no longer safe.  The school district will continue working closely with our Regional Resource team to make decisions best for our students and staff but public officials are able to dial-back a school district’s learning model should they feel there is a need to do so.

DASSEL-COKATO SCHOOLS WILL CONTINUE IN-PERSON LEARNING

At this time we will continue with in-person learning for grades PreK-12 and will continue closely monitoring all factors that could create a need for shifting the learning model.  Included in this communication are two documents recently created by the MN Department of Health and will help you know what symptoms to look for and when to keep your ill student and/or siblings home from school.  (For more details, please contact the School Nurse, Jenny Heicker 286-4100 ext. 1804).  Please continue to self-monitor your health and the health of all those in your family on a daily basis.  Stay home if you are sick and work with us as much as possible to keep other students and staff healthy by contacting Jenny Heidecker with positive COVID-19 cases.  This virus is contagious and if you become ill we will do our best to help you through it and will look forward to your healthy return!

Best Wishes,

Jeff Powers

Superintendent

RESOURCES

Dassel-Cokato Schools’ COVID-19 UPDATES website page

HOME SCREENING TOOL FOR COVID-19 SYMPTOMS

COVID-19 ATTENDANCE GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES

Dear DC Families,

 
This morning we had a meeting with the Minnesota Department of Health to discuss the local COVID-19 numbers in our communities.  After consulting with an MDH Epidemiologist, they are in agreement our numbers are low enough to support in-person learning for all grades.  

We are confident in our ability to safely return students to the classroom and so all students in grades PreK-12 will be returning to school in-person on September 8th!  Please give us a few days to process the details but our website will soon reflect our fall planning details.  

Virtual Learning is still an option for students unable or unwilling to return in-person and can be registered for until August 14th.  Details are online at www.isd466.org/domain/96.

Just over a month until school starts! Go Chargers!

Dear DC Families,

Thank you for your patience over the past few days, we would like to provide an update about returning to school this fall.  According to the Safe Learning Plan 2020-2021 and based on the current COVID numbers within Meeker and Wright Counties, all students in grades K-6 will return to in-person learning starting September 8th.  Currently, our students in grades 7-12 qualify for the Hybrid learning model. 

Mn Department of Health Consultation
On Thursday, August 6th an appointment has been scheduled with the Mn Department of Health to discuss grades 7-12.  Being a school district in two counties, the Governor’s plans direct us to use the more conservative learning model recommended of the two.  Meeker County’s numbers allow for students in grades 7-12 to return in person but Wright County would have them in the Hybrid model.  We have conversed with Wright County Public Health and know our COVID numbers in Cokato are lower than the rest of the county.  Our meeting with the Mn Department of Health will be to discuss bringing back all students, K-12, for in-person learning based on our local community numbers.  We will communicate the result of this meeting as soon as we have a determination.  Detailed information regarding fall planning will be available on the district website’s COVID-19 page within a couple of days of receiving our determination for grades 7-12 for fall. 

Virtual Learning: The Charger Way
However we come back to school, we know there are families who are either unable or unwilling to return to school for in-person learning this fall and we plan to offer them Virtual Learning: The Charger Way.  This online option will allow students to keep pace with the curriculum being taught in the classroom and will allow for a smooth transition back when the students are able and ready to return.  We will be asking families who are interested in this option to sign-up by Friday, August 14th.  Click here for more information.

Fall Athletics
The Mn State High School met today and made decisions about Cross Country, Girls Swim, Football, and Volleyball. The information below pertains only to 10th-12th grade sports. Decisions have yet to be made regarding 7th-9th grade fall sports and we will communicate them as soon as we know.  

Cross Country was approved for the fall with no more than 1-2 events per week and no more than 3 teams competing in events.  Girls swim was approved for the fall with no more than 1-2 events per week. There will be more information to follow regarding fan attendance. 

Football and Volleyball have been moved to the spring starting mid-March and going through mid-May.  Those seasons will be shortened and there will be fewer contests than what is normally scheduled.  Spring sports are anticipated to be held from mid-May to July.  We will be communicating updates as soon as new information comes in.  

The Minnesota State High School League determines student eligibility based on the school the student is currently attending or was previously enrolled in.  If your family is considering alternative schooling options this fall please call 286-4100 (ext 1810) or email Activity Director Perry Thinesen to help determine any potential (current or future) eligibility issues

Next Steps
To be clear, our current COVID numbers for Meeker and Wright County qualify all students in grades K-6 to return to school with in-person learning this fall.  Our meeting with the Mn Department of Health is Thursday, August 6th and as soon as we have a determination for grades 7-12 we will communicate it with families.   Detailed information regarding these final determinations will be posted on our website within a few days.  

Families, we are going to be asking for your help regardless of how we return to school.  If you are able and willing to drive your student to and from school, please plan to do so and help us reduce crowding on buses.  Students, staff, and visitors will be required to adhere to the statewide mask mandate.  Families who are not in support of their student(s) complying with this mandate should choose Virtual Learning or contact their student’s Special Education Case Manager.  

As a school district, we'll be continually monitored in our ability to adhere to the required health practices and that will directly affect our ability to keep students in the classrooms as long as possible.  Students will be required to wear masks while riding transportation and in the school buildings except when: eating or drinking, participating in singing or playing a band instrument, while outdoors, or when participating in physical activities where the level of exertion would make it difficult to do so.  

Ultimately we feel the best place for our students is in the classroom and we are confident in our abilities to safely offer classes this fall.  From everyone at Dassel-Cokato Schools, thank you for your support and patience.  Nothing about this is easy but having the support of our community means everything.

Please take a moment to notice the COVID-19 page located at the top of the page, in the menu bar.  Although it is in its initial stage, this page will be the central location for COVID-19 information and updates. More to come soon, stay tuned.

Sincerely,

 
Jeff Powers

Dear DC Families,

Earlier this summer MN school districts were instructed to plan for three potential scenarios (In-person, Hybrid, and Distance Learning).  We expected the Governor to make a decision about which to use and announce it on July 30th.  We were prepared to receive that decision and communicate with families about returning to school.  During yesterday's news conference, Governor Walz announced that the opening of schools will depend on the spread of the COVID-19 virus at the county and school levels.  In Executive Order 20-82 and the Safe Learning Plan 2020-21 additional parameters were provided for each of the three scenarios (In-person, Hybrid, and Distance Learning).  

What does this mean?  

As a district, we are partnering with Mn Department of Education, Mn Department of Health and local public health officials to determine the learning scenario best suited for our communities. Being split between two counties that have vastly different COVID-19 levels, we need some time to work with these partners, evaluate localized data, and determine the best course of action.  In addition, it will take some time for us to incorporate the additional requirements, provided by the state, into our current plans and procedures.

We understand your need for answers and frustration, we feel it too.  We are working as quickly as we can to coordinate with our partners, update our plans accordingly, and provide families with much-needed information.  We are committed to providing answers to the many questions you must have.  Please email communications@dc.k12.mn.us and we will do our best with the information we have.  We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding.  Together, we will succeed.  Stay tuned for more.

Sincerely,

Jeff Powers
Superintendent