We, as a District, want to thank everyone for making our Distance Learning Plan work during the last few months of this school year. It was truly a team effort.

We are receiving requests from parents and families to share what our school plan will be for the fall of 2020.  Our lives and our schools have been structured around what Public Health Guidance allows and no doubt, schools will open with guidance that we are told by the Minnesota Dept. of Education will not come until as late as July 31st.  Presently, we are creating frameworks for differing school scenarios from “Regular” school, to Distance Learning and “Hybrid” models that are something in-between.  Rest assured, we will be working hard to create a safe environment for our students and staff to thrive in.  It’s the Wildcat Way

June 19, 2020

Dear Chisago Lakes Families,

As I shared in May, we have awaited guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) related to what school will look like in this fall.  On Thursday, 6/18, that guidance was shared.  What was shared by MDE and MDH isn’t the “final answer” for how things will go, but it does provide frameworks for three scenarios we could find ourselves operating within for the 2020-21 School Year.  Thank you for your patience as we’ve all waited.  As we review the guidance and create detail to the scenarios, know that we will always prioritize the safety of our students, families, staff, and communities as we do so.  

How are we planning for fall 2020?

In their press release, MDE rolled out three back-to-school scenarios to plan for: 

1. Scenario 1: In-person learning for all students. 
• This scenario will be implemented if State COVID metrics stabilize or improve.
2. Scenario 2: A hybrid model with strict social distancing and capacity limits. A partial return of students to our schools, with students attending school on designated days and distance learning, from home, the other days.
• This scenario will be implemented if state COVID metrics worsen at the local, regional, or state level.
3. Scenario 3: Distance Learning only.
• This scenario will be implemented if state COVID metrics worsen significantly.

As a District, we have been anticipating these scenarios and have created this infographic to help explain how we will organize our planning: Fall 2020 Planning Process.  MDE and MDH have clearly stated that they believe all three of these scenarios may be used at various points during the coming school year as public health guidance changes to deal with COVID-19.  This is certainly challenging, but with careful planning, we’ll meet that challenge.

Final guidance regarding our starting scenario will not come from MDE and MDH until the week of July 27th.  While we wait, we will continue planning.  Once we have that final guidance, we will convene a group of educators, students, parents, and community members to create the detail of the scenarios provided by MDE.  After final plans have been completed, the District will communicate our plans to all stakeholders. 

As successful as our spring Distance Learning experience was, we know we can improve the experiences of our students and families.  We need your help to do so.

We surveyed our Chisago Lakes parents/guardians in the spring. Thank you for your feedback. It made a difference at the end of the school year and your guidance will be incorporated into plans for the 2020-2021 school year. We are asking parents/guardians to take an additional survey as we continue to plan for the fall and the three scenarios. Please click here for the parent survey. 

We also need your help with a student survey. We are asking students who have completed grades 4-11 to take a survey on their Distance Learning experience. Students will be receiving the survey directly in their school email but it can also be accessed by clicking here. Additionally, MDE is looking for input from families across the State, click here to access their survey. 

School Calendar

Though the exact type of schooling hasn’t been decided, we do not anticipate changes to our school calendar. Tuesday, September 8, 2020, is our first day of school. However, as we experienced with Distance Learning in the spring, MDE does have the authority to change school calendars to provide for professional development for school staff as they deem necessary.  Please refer to our calendars here and we will update you if things change. 

We’ll be in touch!

As shared above, the information will be posted on our website and sent via email in early August to prepare students and families for the start of the school year. If you have questions at that time or anytime in the weeks ahead, please contact the District by email at communications@isd2144.org  

As challenging as it is to react to an ever-changing situation, it is an absolute privilege to be partnering with you to create success for our students.  Here’s to a great summer and fall that we’ll make the most of!

Dean A. Jennissen, Superintendent