The end of the first quarter of 2020-2021 will be happening next week! The time has flown by. Everyone, including me, is happy to be back in the building. This was the best start to a school year that we could have hoped for considering all the changes students and staff had to endure.
The parents have been supportive and understanding to the changes which included all enrollment forms done online, not entering the building, the need for face coverings and social distancing, last minute changes to fall sports, and the need for students to be sent home or to stay home if they are exhibiting COVID symptoms.
School Nurse Sarah and I collaborate weekly with St. Louis County Public Health to determine the following week’s learning plan, whether it can be in-person or not. We have been very fortunate to not have had any COVID cases within the school, so we have continued with in-person learning. Even though the number of COVID cases increased in Greater St. Louis County, it makes sense for us to stay in-person as we are not experiencing it within the building.
I want to give a shout out to all of our hard working staff for their willingness and flexibility with all of the new responsibilities that we have due to the pandemic. The custodians are doing an amazing job of cleaning and disinfecting. They are an important part of keeping everyone healthy. The teachers have had to do dual teaching (in-person and online) among enforcing all of the other safety requirements. Siobain has been flexible with the long serving time and continues to serve delicious and healthy meals. Paras and drivers have had extra duties. Nurse Sarah has been so helpful in numerous ways. Along with everyone from the coaches to the office staff, we are a great team trying our best to keep everyone safe.
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be virtual. They are scheduled for November 17th and 19th. Parents will be sent a time to visit with teachers through Zoom. A link will be sent home. Another virtual activity will be our winter concert. Parents should watch the school’s social media and website for updates regarding the concert.
The school is looking for a reading tutor and math tutor through MN Reading and Math Corp. We recently learned these positions could be done virtually. If someone is interested in working in this capacity, they should contact me or Lois for more information.
The district’s website has been revamped and information should be easier to find. Jaimen Davis, Communication Coordinator, has done a great job of designing and implementing the recent changes. If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please contact him at jdavis@isd698.org. He can point you in the right direction or can find the information and put it on the website.
The Class of 2021 took their group picture for the yearbook at the beginning of October. With the need for social distancing, the group took pictures in town rather than taking the bus out of town. We are very appreciative of Larry and Kathleen Lindquist for letting the group take pictures on their property. The students walked the half mile north of town and took a picture in front of their barn. The students also went to the bridge in town for a picture by the river. We took advantage of the beautiful trees next to the school building for a third picture. To celebrate the success of the day, the seniors watched a movie in the gym and had lunch at the Savanna Portage. Since a class trip is unlikely due to COVID19, the seniors decided they might take advantage of movie days and lunch together as a way to celebrate their accomplishments. This group of seniors is well aware of the fact they might not have an in person graduation and are doing their best to spend time together and plan get togethers that allow for them to spend time together safely as a group.
Help us keep our school open. Please remember to wear your mask over your mouth and nose, wash hands often for at least 20 seconds, social distance keeping at least 6 feet apart, stay home when sick and contact your provider for further guidance, clean and disinfect common surfaces regularly, cover your coughs and sneezes, and avoid social gatherings.
Have a fun and safe Halloween weekend!
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at rvillebrun@isd698.org or 701-278-1599.