onecommunity comms/austin... · 2020. 8. 21. · onecommunity welcome back! as we start this school...

oneCOMMUNITY

Welcome Back! As we start this school year, the feeling of excitement and hope is even greater than it is in a

normal school year. Nothing since March has been normal and I am sure that, like me, you are

looking for a little bit of normalcy.

The Austin School District has been working hard to develop plans to first make sure all our stu-

dents and staff are safe. To accomplish this, we will be following the guidelines stated in the

Fall School Opening Executive Order. Even with these guidelines, there are a lot of questions

that remain. However, in partnership with our local Mower County Community Health Depart-

ment, Minnesota Department of Health, and the Minnesota Department of Education, we will

find the answers for our questions and the procedures needed to address them.

This document is intended to provide you with information on how we will return to school to-

gether in Austin. I am proud of the work our teams have completed to prepare for numerous

opening scenarios. I appreciate the feedback we have received from families and students

who completed our surveys and taken our phone calls as this feedback has been invaluable in

working to address concerns.

The following plan is both detailed and flexible. Flexibility is key as we implement our plans, as

we know how quickly things can change. I want to remind everyone that even as we use this

document as our current guide, the situation may change quickly. We have learned a lot over

the last months, from our move to Distance Learning in the spring, the opening of Sumner and

Woodson in late July, and from our survey feedback. We are using all that we have learned

(and will learn) to guide us over the next several months, to strengthen and adjust our plans to

better serve our students and families.

We will do everything we can to make sure the year ahead is safe, academically engaging

and a positive experience for everyone.

Sincerely,

Superintendent David M. Krenz

http://austin.k12.mn.us

At A Glance

http://austin.k12.mn.us oneCOMMUNITY | 2

• We have been reviewing the MDE Safe Learn-

ing Plan for 2020-2021 since July 30, 2020. At

this time, the Austin Public Schools base learn-

ing model will be in-person learning for grades

Pre-K through 6 and Hybrid Learning for grades

7 through 12. Learn more about how this deci-

sion was made on page 4.

• Students who are not ready or able to physi-

cally return to school in person or using the Hy-

brid learning model may register for the Elect-

ed Distance Learning model (see page 9). The

Elected Distance Learning model is a one

quarter, online-only commitment.

• Transportation will be available for all eligible

students, as in previous years, in both the In-

Person and Hybrid Learning models. Palmer

Bus will communicate directly with families the

details of bus stops and pickup/drop-off times.

• Meals will be available throughout the school

year, regardless of learning model.

• Parents/guardians will be required to conduct a

daily health screening before sending their child

to school. See page 15 for more information.

• We are committed to numerous virus mitigation

tactics inside our facilities. Learn more on page

12.

• COVID-19 and the resulting global health crisis

remains a fluid situation. The district will re-

evaluate contingency plans for how each of

the three learning models works and make any

significant changes every two weeks when the

updated case numbers are released.

• High school Girls Tennis; Boys and Girls Cross

Country; Boys and Girls Soccer; and Girls Swim-

ming and Diving began on August 17. Football

and Girls Volleyball will be delayed until a spring

season. There will be changes to competitive

schedules and detailed protocols shared by

coaches. Information regarding the status of

middle school fall sports and activities will begin

August 24, 2020.

Guiding Priorities


Safety of students and staff is our top priority

Austin Public Schools’ COVID-19 Task Force has

worked to develop a COVID-19 Preparedness

Plan. This documents the health and safety re-

quirements all schools will follow. The full plan will

be posted on our website.

• All K-12 students and all staff must wear a mask

or a face shield

• Frequent handwashing

• Cleaning and disinfecting protocol

• Monitoring personal health - anyone with

symptoms needs to stay home

• Social Distancing as per MDE guidelines for

each scenario

Learning priorities Used to Develop Model

In response to the state’s charge, a team of district,

school, and teacher leaders used feedback from

stakeholder surveys conducted this summer to de-

velop a learning model that can flex to provide

more or less time in school, depending on the sce-

nario. The draft model incorporates the following

priorities:

• Provide as much time in school as possible

• Pre-K through 6th grade students should be in

school every school day, if possible

• Students receiving EL services and those with

the most significant special education needs

should be provided with opportunities to attend

at the school site more frequently in a hybrid

model

• Students in grades 7 through high school should

be in school at least two days each week

• Limit disruption to the smallest number of stu-

dents and families possible

• Improve distance learning and prepare all stu-

dents to learn remotely, if necessary

• Provide a full-time distance learning option for

students at all grades

As we embark on the 2020–21 school year, we strive to create a seamless system of instruction and services

that meets the needs of every learner, regardless of the scenario.

The guiding priorities below are intended to provide a vision for the instructional framework developed by

schools. These are used to inform decisions that will be made when the inevitable unanticipated situations

arise.

THE austin PUBLIC SCHOOLS GUIDING Priorities ARE:

learning Models


Earlier this summer, the Minnesota Department of

Education (MDE) and Minnesota Department of

Health (MDH) provided guidance to school dis-

tricts to prepare for three potential learning mod-

els during the 2020–21 school year. The learning

models are:

In-Person Hybrid Distance Learning

Since that time, MDE has released the Safe Learn-

ing Plan for 2020–21 which provides additional

guidance. The Safe Learning Plan outlines an ap-

proach to determine a recommended learning

model based on new COVID-19 cases per 10,000

over 14 days by county of residence. In addition to

the number of cases, other factors are considered

such as the district’s ability to follow MDE and MDH

safety guidelines and having enough staff to oper-

ate the school.

Ultimately, the learning model for each school is

determined by the school district, in consultation

with the Mower County Public Health Department

and driven by the state’s Safe Learning Plan.

After determining the base model for starting the

school year, the district will review bi-weekly data

with the Mower County Public Health Department.

If the data indicates a change in the learning

model is warranted, a regional support committee

composed of MDE, MDH, and the Southeast Ser-

vice Cooperative will advise the district on the

next steps. While the primary driver will be the

number of cases per 10,000 over 14 days at the

county level, other factors will also be considered,

such as specific locations of virus outbreaks associ-

ated with the increase/decrease in cases.

Number of Cases Per 10,000 Over 14 Days By County Of Residence

Recommended Learning Model

0-9 In-Person Learning for all students

10-19 In-Person Learning for elementary students, Hybrid Learning for secondary students

20-29 Hybrid Learning for all students

30-49 Hybrid Learning for elementary students, Distance Learning for secondary students

50+ Distance Learning for all students

learning Models


DESCRIPTION

The In-Person learning model means all students at

the site will be in school for a traditional school

day. Students will follow a traditional schedule.

Attendance will be taken daily.

SAFETY PROCEDURES

Parents/guardians are required and responsible

for daily screening of COVID-19 symptoms and

agree to keep their child home if they are ill (see

page 15). Parents/guardians will be expected to

report COVID-19 symptoms or exposure to the

school. Late students must report to the main of-

fice in accordance with building procedures.

All staff are required and responsible for daily self-

screening of COVID-19 symptoms and agree to

stay home if they are ill.

Face coverings are required in accordance with

Executive Order 20-81 (see link for exemptions).

The school district will provide one face mask for

each student and one face shield for K–8 students

who request them. Families are expected to en-

sure their child has a clean face covering daily.

School staff will create as much physical spacing

as feasible. Frequent hand-washing and/or hand

sanitization will be encouraged.

If COVID-19 symptoms are reported during the

school day, an isolation process will be implement-

ed.

SCHOOL-AGED CHILD CARE

A fee-based program will be available before and

after school.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation will be available for all eligible stu-

dents, as in previous years. Palmer Bus will com-

municate directly with families the details of bus

stops and pickup/drop-off times.

Face masks or face shields are required to be

worn by the bus driver and all riders. Face shields

are provided for all riders as they enter the bus if

they are not wearing a mask. Attendance will be

taken on each route. Each rider will have as-

signed seating. The bus will be loaded from the

back to the front. A para or aide will be on each

bus route to ensure that riders stay seated and are

wearing their mask or shield. The bus and face

shields will be disinfected after each route.

MEALS

Students will spread out to eat, including limited

physically distanced options within the cafeteria

and/or classrooms. Meals will be prepared on-site.

Meals and beverages served at school will be indi-

vidually packaged, wherever possible. Where indi-

vidual packaging is not possible, food and bever-

ages will be served directly to students.

VISITORS

Nonessential visitors, volunteers and activities in-

volving external groups or organizations will be

restricted, and, in most cases, non-staff are not

allowed in the buildings. Parents will be able to

drop off essential items for their students due to

forgetting them at home (computer, lunch, back-

pack, medication, etc.) in accordance with build-

ing procedures.

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

High school Girls Tennis, Boys and Girls Cross Country, Boys

and Girls Soccer, and Girls Swimming and Diving began

on August 17. Football and Girls Volleyball will be delayed

until the spring.. There will be changes to competitive

schedules and detailed protocols shared by coaches.

Middle School fall sports and activities will begin August

24, 2020.

In-Person Learning Model

https://www.leg.state.mn.us/archive/execorders/20-81.pdf

learning Models


DESCRIPTION

The Hybrid learning model uses both Distance

Learning and In-Person learning. Students will re-

port to school on a rotating schedule, and attend-

ance will be taken daily. Students are divided into

two cohorts. Students from the same family will be

assigned to the same cohort, attending their

school(s) on the same days. Cohorts will be final-

ized by August 26, 2020.

The Austin cohort will meet in person Mondays and

Tuesdays and work via Distance Learning Wednes-

day–Friday. The Packers cohort will work via Dis-

tance Learning Monday-Wednesday and meet in

person on Thursdays and Fridays. Buildings will be

disinfected daily and deep-cleaned on Wednes-

days.

SAFETY PROCEDURES

Parents/guardians are required and responsible for

daily screening of COVID-19 symptoms and agree

to keep their child home if they are ill (see page

15). Parents/guardians will be expected to report

COVID-19 symptoms or exposure to the school.

Late students must report to the main office in ac-

cordance with building procedures.

All staff are required and responsible for daily self-

screening of COVID-19 symptoms and agree to

stay home if they are ill.

Face coverings are required in accordance with

Executive Order 20-81 (see link for exemptions). The

school district will provide one face mask for each

student and one face shield for K–8 students who

request them. Families are expected to ensure their

child has a clean face covering daily.

School staff will create six feet of physical distanc-

ing for all interactions among students and with

staff. Frequent hand-washing and/or hand sanitiza-

tion will be encouraged.

The site will maintain less than 50% of each build-

ing’s fire marshal occupancy limit.

If COVID-19 symptoms are reported during the

school day, an isolation process will be implement-

ed.

TECHNOLOGY

Students in grades 7-12 will use district provided lap-

tops.

In the event that grades Pre-K-6 move to Hybrid

Learning:

• Students in grades 5-6 will use their district pro-

vided laptop and

• Students in grades Pre-K-4 who need a device

may request one from the district.

Thanks to a grant from The Hormel Foundation, a

limited number of hotspots are available for families

in need of connectivity.

continued on page 7

Hybrid Learning Model


learning Models


TRANSPORTATION

Transportation will be available for all eligible stu-

dents, as in previous years. Palmer Bus will com-

municate directly with families the details of bus

stops and pickup/drop-off times.

Face masks or face shields are required to be

worn by the bus driver and all riders. Face shields

are provided for all riders as they enter the bus if

they are not wearing a mask. Attendance will be

taken on each route. Each rider will have as-

signed seating. The bus will be loaded from the

back to the front. A para or aide will be on each

bus route to ensure that riders stay seated and are

wearing their mask or shield. The bus and face

shields will be disinfected after each route.

MEALS

Students will spread out to eat, including limited

physically distanced options within the cafeteria

and/or classrooms. Meals will be prepared on-site.

Meals and beverages served at school will be indi-

vidually packaged, wherever possible. Where indi-

vidual packaging is not possible, food and bever-

ages will be served directly to students.

Meals for all Hybrid students on their Distance

Learning days will be distributed at Austin High

School and Ellis Middle School from 11:30 am-12:30

pm. It is important to note that, beginning August

31st, these sack lunches are available only to Austin

Public School students and will be charged to stu-

dent lunch accounts. We will require a student

name or account number for each meal that is

picked up. We encourage families to apply for

free or reduced priced lunch benefits if applicable.

In the event that Pre-K-6 students move to Hybrid

Learning, meal distribution information will be pro-

vided.


A fee-based program will be available before and after

school. Limited all-day care will be available at no charge

for Tier I critical care workers on Distance Learning days.

VISITORS

Nonessential visitors, volunteers and activities involving ex-

ternal groups or organizations will be restricted, and, in

most cases, non-staff are not allowed in the buildings. Par-

ents will be able to drop off essential items for their students

due to forgetting them at home (laptop, lunch, back-

pack, medication, etc.) in accordance with building pro-

cedures.


High school Girls Tennis, Boys and Girls Cross Country, Boys

and Girls Soccer, and Girls Swimming and Diving began

on August 17. Football and Girls Volleyball will be delayed

until the spring.. There will be changes to competitive

schedules and detailed protocols shared by coaches.

Middle School fall sports and activities will begin August 24,

2020.

Hybrid Learning Model

learning Models


DESCRIPTION

The Distance Learning model allows all students to

learn remotely. Attendance will be taken, and

school buildings will not be open for any student

activities. Teachers will deliver instruction online via

Seesaw (K–3) and Schoology (4–12). Videoconfer-

encing will be held via Microsoft Teams.

SAFETY PROCEDURES

Students will remain at home. All school buildings

will be closed to the public.

TECHNOLOGY

Students in grades 5-12 will use district provided

laptops.

Students in grades Pre-K-4 who need a device

may request one from the district.


limited number of hotspots are available for fami-

lies in need of connectivity.

TRANSPORTATION

Buses will not transport students.

MEALS

In the event APS moves to an entirely Distance

Learning model, meals will be distributed via

curbside pickup or delivery with busses from 11:30

am-12:30 pm. It is important to note that, begin-

ning August 31st, these sack lunches are available

only to Austin Public School students and will be

charged to student lunch accounts. We will re-

quire a student name or account number for each

meal that is picked up. We encourage families to

apply for free or reduced priced lunch benefits if

applicable.


Limited all-day care will be available for Tier I criti-

cal care workers. VISITORS

All facilities are closed to the public.


All after-school activities will be cancelled.

Distance Learning Model

learning Models


DESCRIPTION

The Elected Distance Learning Model is an option

for students who are not ready or able to physical-

ly return to school. Families will be committing to a

full quarter of Distance Learning.

Students in grades Pre-K-3 will use SeeSaw and stu-

dents in grades 4-12 will use Schoology.

Daily attendance will be taken.

SAFETY PROCEDURES

Students will remain at home.

TECHNOLOGY

Students in grades 5-12 will use district provided lap-

tops.

Students in grades Pre-K-4 who need a device may

request one from the district.


limited number of hotspots are available for families

in need of connectivity.

TRANSPORTATION

As students will be learning from home in the Elect-

ed Distance Learning Model, transportation will not

be provided.

MEALS

Meals for all Elected Distance Learning students will

be distributed at Austin High School and Ellis Middle

School from 11:30 am-12:30 pm. It is important to

note that, beginning August 31st, these sack lunch-

es are available only to Austin Public School stu-

dents and will be charged to student lunch ac-

counts. We will require a student name or account

number for each meal that is picked up. We en-

courage families to apply for free or reduced

priced lunch benefits if applicable.


Students enrolled in the Elected Distance Learning

Model will be eligible to participate in after-school

activities.

ELECTED DISTANCE Learning Model

serving Every Student


SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES Schools must make every effort to provide special

education and related services to the child in ac-

cordance with the child’s individualized education

program (IEP) or, for students entitled to FAPE un-

der Section 504, consistent with a plan developed

to meet the requirements of Section 504. The MN

Department of Education understands there may

be exceptional circumstances that could affect

how a particular service is provided via any of the

three learning models. Regardless of the learning

model, students in specialized programs will have

access to the support they need in order to work

on their individualized goals. An IEP team is respon-

sible to make necessary accommodations and

modifications. The child's case manager will be in

contact with the parent regarding the child's

schedule of specialized services.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE (EL) STUDENTS Students receiving EL services will be given access

to academically rigorous, grade-level appropriate,

standards-aligned instruction that simultaneously

builds their background knowledge, conceptual

understanding and language competence. Sup-

ports and teacher guidance consistent with re-

search need to be provided to EL students to sup-

plement core instruction and ultimately foster stu-

dent independence.

Collaboration between content and EL teachers

will be prioritized and planned for from the start.

The EL team will discuss how English language de-

velopment services will be provided to English

learners during all three learning scenarios, in ac-

cordance with MDE guidelines. The Austin Public

Schools Language Instruction Education Plan will

be updated to reflect the delivery of EL services in

the Hybrid and Distance Learning scenarios.

For more information or specific Questions about special education

services, please call (507) 460-1916.

EL teachers will provide support options to students

for development instruction that is additional to

mainstream instruction. Students at a beginning

proficiency level in English will receive more con-

tact time and have more options for support from

their EL teacher than students at intermediate and

advanced levels.

In Distance Learning, Austin Public Schools will con-

tinue to screen students for EL services using MDE

guidelines.

For more information or specific Questions about EL Services, please call (507) 460-1923.

Instructional Practices


Attendance and engagement

Attendance and participation (engagement) are

critical components to student growth and suc-

cess.

Austin Public Schools will work with families to help

ensure that students are able to access and en-

gage in learning regardless of the learning model.

In all learning models, attendance will be taken

and reported daily.

Building and district teams will closely monitor at-

tendance and provide support to students and

families facing barriers.

Students are expected to show engagement by

completing and submitting required work for the

day.

Assessments and grading

Students will be graded on work and courses in ac-

cordance with district and building grading prac-

tices.

The Austin Public Schools assessment plan outlines

the assessments that are given to provide feed-

back on student achievement and ability as well as

meet state and federal requirements.

Austin Public Schools students will participate in the

following district-wide assessments in the 2020–21

school year:

• FASTBridge (Grades PK–4, In-Person and Hybrid

scenarios only)

• Scantron Performance Series (Grades 2–8, all

learning scenarios)

• Cognitive Abilities Test [CogAt] (Grades 1, 3, 5,

In-Person and Hybrid scenarios only)

• ACT (Grade 11, In-Person and Hybrid scenarios

only)

school Buildings


Virus Prevention and Mitigation Efforts

Critical safety protocols will be in place to limit ex-

posure and transmission of COVID-19 for the In-

Person and Hybrid learning models.

VIRUS MITIGATION AT SCHOOL

The district will take steps to reduce virus transmis-

sion while students are on campus. These steps

include:

• Physical distancing will be practiced as feasi-

ble.

Six feet of physical distancing will be required

in the Hybrid model.

• Face coverings are required in accordance

with Executive Order 20-81 (see link for exemp-

tions). The school district will provide one face

mask for each student and one face shield for

K–8 students who request them. Families are

expected to ensure their child has a clean

face covering daily.

• Regular hand-washing and/or sanitization will

be encouraged as part of daily routines.

• Reduced sharing of items will be encouraged.

• Building ventilation and fresh air mixture will be

increased to the greatest extent practicable.

• Enhanced cleaning and decontamination of

buildings and buses will be implemented.

PHYSICAL DISTANCE MARKINGS

Floor markings will provide reminders about the

need for physical distancing throughout schools.

This will help direct traffic patterns and flow. School-

level teams will determine the best way to mark

and label spaces, including:

• Hallways

• Offices

• Classrooms

• Common areas


case Protocols


Staff and families are strongly encouraged to self-

report if they or their student(s) have symptoms of

COVID-19, a positive test for COVID-19, or had

close exposure to someone with COVID-19 within

the last 14 days. Reporting data will be handled in

a manner consistent with the Health Insurance

Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Specific protocols are in place should someone

display symptoms during the school day. The dis-

trict will use the Minnesota Department of Health’s

(MDH) Decision Tree for People with COVID-19

Symptoms in Youth, Student and Child Care Pro-

grams to determine eligibility. The district COVID-

19 coordinator is the primary point of contact with

MDH.

COVID-19 COORDINATORS/TEAMS

The district’s COVID-19 coordinator is Executive

Director of Human Resources Mark Raymond (507-

460-1910 or [email protected]).

The Principal at each site will act as the building

coordinator. Building coordinators are responsible

for reporting confirmed cases to the district COVID

-19 coordinator, who will coordinate communica-

tion with MDH, lead contact tracing and audit

building-level virus mitigation practices.

ISOLATION PROCESS

Each building will have a designated isolation

room. If a student is displaying symptoms during

the school day, the student will be sent to the isola-

tion room. Students with non-COVID-19 health is-

sues will report to the school’s nurse’s office. If more

than one individual is symptomatic, six-feet distanc-

ing is required in the isolation space. If a staff mem-

ber is displaying symptoms during the school day,

they will leave the building. If the staff member is

too ill to leave on their own, they will be assigned to

an alternate isolation space until they can be safely

transported by a family member.

CONTACT TRACING

Contact tracing will be conducted under the direc-

tion of MDH. Families and staff will be notified about

any exposure in accordance with MDH. Staff and

students will be required to quarantine based on

the MDH Decision Tree for People with COVID-19

Symptoms in Youth, Student and Child Care Pro-

grams to determine eligibility.

How to Get Help


Austin Public Schools is committed to making sure that every family has the support they need to assist their children as they

participate in any of the learning scenarios. If you need help, please reach out to the contacts below:

Topic Contact Information

I need Help with my student’s District Issued device Call Technology Services at 507-460-1930..

I Need help with software (Seesaw, Office 365, schoology, ETC.) Contact your school.

I need help from one of my students teachers Access the staff directory on our website. This provides

email and direct dial information.

I need emotional help for my student Access the staff directory on our website to find contact

information for your child’s principal, school social worker or

guidance counselor.

I need to speak to someone at my student’s building

Oakland Education Center: 507-460-1850

CLC: 507-460-1700

Woodson Kindergarten Center: 507-460-1400

Banfield Elementary School: 507-460-1200

Neveln Elementary School: 507-460-1600

Southgate Elementary School: 507-460-1300

Sumner Elementary School: 507-460-1100

IJ Holton Intermediate School: 507-460-1525

Ellis Middle School:507-460-1500

Austin High School: 507-460-1800

Austin Public Schools: 507-460-1900

I have questions about bussing Please email Heather Felten at

[email protected].

I need more information about COVID-19 Contact your physician or

Mower County Public Health at 507-437-9701

I need information on Austin Public Schools’ COVID-19 response Please visit our COVID-19 site at https://

www.austin.k12.mn.us/pages/covid-19.aspx

https://www.austin.k12.mn.us/pages/covid-19.aspx

https://www.austin.k12.mn.us/pages/covid-19.aspx

Partnering With Families


onecommunity comms/austin... · 2020. 8. 21. · onecommunity welcome back! as we start this school...

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