Dear Parents,
This evening the Central Public Schools board of education adopted “Hybrid Learning” as Central’s base model for the 2020-21 school year. This decision was decided after rigorous planning with Central staff and consultation with Carver County Public Health. This means:
Elementary
The state will allow our schools to operate at 50% classroom capacity with physical distancing. Because of our low class size and larger room size, our plan will allow all students in preschool through fifth grade to attend school in person on Monday through Friday.
Middle school and high school
In a hybrid learning scenario half of the middle school and high school students will attend school in person on Mondays and Wednesdays and will participate in online synchronous learning from home on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The other half of the students will attend school in person on Tuesdays and Thursdays and will participate in online synchronous learning from home on Mondays and Wednesdays. One way to describe this is an “ABAB” schedule. In this scenario, each group would alternate coming to school every-other Friday. When students are engaged in online synchronous learning at home, they will log-in to class and follow their typical schedule from home. The district has invested in a device for all students so they have live interaction with their teachers and peers. An everyday option is not possible for students in 6-12 grade because of the health requirements by the state. It was considered.
It’s important to note the three commitments that were made when developing our plans:
SAFETY: The health and safety of our students and staff is a top priority. Plans will reflect guidance from the CDC, Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Education.
FLEXIBILITY: We want to get back to doing what we do best – teaching and learning with students in person. However, plans will be developed to allow for a fluid response when moving between in-person and distance learning scenarios is necessary.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: Plans will consider what is fiscally responsible to our community considering the financial resources of the District.
Please click on this link: Fall 2020 Guide to learn more.
Additional and specific communication will be coming from the school principals soon. With the board adopting “Hybrid Learning” as Central’s base learning model, it allows families and staff to plan. Moreover, the transportation department will be reaching out to families of specific bus routes to identify those willing to use family transportation for the year.
Though 99% of you have already indicated that you plan to return to Central for the 2020-21 school year, if this has changed based on the adoption of the hybrid model, or if you want full-time distance learning, please reach out directly to your school principal.
Sincerely,
Tim Schochenmaier
Superintendent