8/10/2020

Dear Families, 

Last Friday, we released our Return to School Plan. Chisago Lakes School District will begin school on Tuesday, September 8th in a Hybrid Learning model.  A reminder, please complete the following form for all of your students by Thursday, August 13: Fall 2020 School Reopening Form.

We have fielded many questions since Friday.  Our goal with this communication is to address some of the key themes we gleaned from parent input.  There were other themes we are not addressing today, but know that will address them, likely via building level communications, the first of which will be sent Friday, 8/14.  All emails sent have been reviewed, but you may not have received an individual reply yet.

Child care: 

We are currently finalizing our plan for child care and will communicate with district families soon. Child care for Tier 1 workers will be provided at no cost during the school day (9:00 AM - 3:30 PM) on your child’s Distance Learning day (at home). Kids Club will be available before and after school for a fee. Space will be limited.

Gold and Green Groups (Hybrid Model):

Families in the district will be assigned to either a Gold or Green group.  Here is the 2020-21 hybrid calendar. Households will be divided (in general) by last name.  We say, “general” because we are still gathering parent choice for those enrolling in Wildcat Academy (at-home option), which once known, will impact placements for our Hybrid model.  Those with last names starting with A-K will be the Gold Group (Monday, Wednesday and every other Friday). Those with last names starting with L-Z will be the Green Group (Tuesday, Thursday and every other Friday). Principals are still making some alterations to this plan to accommodate households with multiple last names. If you need a specific schedule due to childcare, transportation or to match with a student in the same household, please let us know in the form below and include specific student names that need the schedule change. Gold or Green Request Form. Requests will be timestamped, reviewed by Administration and the outcome communicated to parents.  Know that we may not be able to accommodate all requests. You will be notified of the final placement by August 28th.

Wildcat Academy:

Wildcat Academy is the name of our distance learning option for families who would like at-home learning during the school year. 

• There is no additional enrollment required to choose this option beyond completing the form that was emailed out on August 7 and linked above in this email (Fall 2020 School Reopening Form).

• For elementary students, the Wildcat Academy means a Chisago Lakes teacher will be creating lessons and activities for the students based on our core Reading (Reading Wonders) and Math (Go Math) curriculum. The pace of the instruction will match the hybrid model. Teachers will be available during the day for help and support.

• For middle and high school students, the Wildcat Academy means students will be taking online courses through Edgenuity. A Chisago Lakes teacher will be monitoring progress and checking-in with students. Not all elective classes that we typically offer in-house are available with Edgenuity. When term 1 ends (November 6) families can decide to continue with the Wildcat Academy or switch to the hybrid model. 

Thank you for your continued patience as we work through many details over the coming days and weeks.  Please continue to use this connection for additional questions that may come to mind: Fall 2020 Reopening Questions.

Sincerely,
Dean Jennissen

Dear Wildcat Families,

Today we release our Return to School Plan.  This is the culmination of many hours of work and much input from our stakeholders.

The Chisago Lakes Schools will begin school on Tuesday, September 8th in a Hybrid Learning model.  This is a more restrictive model than the current Chisago County COVID Case Counts require.   We want you to know we didn’t make this decision without an incredible amount of consideration.  We know the majority of families want their students back to school in a safe school environment and so do we. With County Case Counts steadily increasing, we felt the Hybrid Model best supports families and staff with varying degrees of comfortability relating to their return to school. 

We feel the Hybrid model best supports our school family in the following ways:

• Balances safety and academic needs of students and staff

• Provides a smaller, more predictable environment

• Provides stability and consistency for families 
• Parallels the gradual restarts that are happening in our communities

Our District is committed to the Hybrid Model until November 6th unless COVID Case numbers dictate a move to the more restrictive, Distance Learning model for all.  Prior to November 6th we will review Public Health data and make a determination about a change in models, hopefully to an In-Person Model. 

Families, we do need your help in the form of choices and supports needed for each of your students. Please complete the following form by Thursday, August 13: Fall 2020 School Reopening Form. This form includes the option to enroll your student into our improved Distance Learning option, Wildcat Academy. Families have the option for at-home learning in our Wildcat Academy, regardless of which instructional model we will be in during the year.  We do need the form completed for each of your students.

Specific building-level information will be provided by our principals in the weeks to come.  We ask for your patience as we build our student groups, transportation routes, meal plans, etc.  No doubt, there will be questions.  Please use this connection to share your needs and we will respond as soon as possible: Fall 2020 Reopening Questions  

On behalf of our entire staff, I wish to thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,
Dean A. Jennissen, Supt.

We received guidance from Governor Walz regarding Fall 2020. Here are items we’d like you to know based upon his guidance and our next steps:

1. Local COVID-19 data will drive the instructional model we are in. 
2. The District will use the week of August 3-7 to create a plan for our students, staff, and families.  Know that the safety of our students and staff will be our top priority.
3. As we detail our plans, please know there will be an option for at-home learning for students that cannot or would prefer not to attend school in-person. 
4. The District will share our plan with all stakeholders on Friday, August 7th.

Thank you for your continued patience and support.  We ask that you hang in there one more week.  We have been working throughout the summer on our planning, but absent the State’s final guidance, our work was based upon what may be decided. Now that we have much more specific information, we will work hard to anticipate questions you may have and incorporate what parents and students need to know in our final plan.  

We have an incredible community... incredible students, families, and staff.  We are looking forward to working hard and providing great opportunities on behalf of all. 

July 23, 2020

Dear Chisago Lakes Families,

Yesterday, Governor Walz issued Executive Order 20-81, requiring all Minnesotans to wear a face mask or face covering in all public indoor spaces effective Saturday, July 25. We are sharing this information with our CL families, as this mandate applies to all Chisago Lake School District buildings and the Wildcat Community Center. All staff and children age five and older, participating in indoor in-person programming will be required to wear a face mask or face covering. 

As we’ve continued to plan for what the first day of school will look like, the wearing of masks was a key consideration.  We know there have been varying opinions on this and research continues.  However, with this mandate, we now incorporate the directives of the Executive Order 20-81 into our plans.  As families prepare for school, please consider the purchase of masks and helping your students understand how to fit and wear them properly. 

As shared in previous communications, the District continues to plan the three scenarios outlined by the State for Fall 2020: In-person, Hybrid or Distance Learning.  The Governor is expected to communicate the State’s expectations next week.  A planning group composed of school staff, parents, and students will convene on August 5th and 6th. Our District’s plans will be communicated at the conclusion of these planning sessions. Please know that we are preparing a Distance Learning option for any parent who wishes to enroll their child in that program for any reason this Fall through Chisago Lakes. Additional information on enrolling in this option will be released with our overall plan for the start of school. 

Families who are currently enrolled in our Summer Kids Club program, participating in summer sports camps or utilizing the Wildcat Community Center will all be required to wear a face mask or face covering starting on Monday, July 27. Families and WCC members should watch for additional communication from Community Education.  

Sincerely, 
Dean A. Jennissen, Superintendent 
Chisago Lakes School District 

July 9, 2020

Dear Wildcat Families,
I hope your summer is going well.  I wanted to give you a quick update from the District related to our fall planning.  

First of all, thank you so much for participating in previous surveys related to our spring Distance Learning experience.  Your input was very helpful.  Top themes we heard in parent responses: Summary of Survey Results. 

The Minnesota Department of Education also sent a previous survey many of you completed and here are those results from across the state: MDE Distance Learning Survey Results.  

As we consider all the feedback we’ve received, know that we continue to work on our fall plans and, we are currently exploring and implementing measures to support the return of students and staff if allowed by the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).  

Finally, your feedback will continue to help guide what we do.  Please complete the following Fall 2020 Scenario Parent Survey by July 17 related to your comfortability with the instructional models proposed by MDE.  Fall 2020 Scenario Parent Survey (link).   

The survey in itself does not indicate a particular plan our schools will implement.  It is meant to guide our preparation for the scenario in which we will begin the year.  It will also guide our work should other scenarios that need to be implemented during the course of the school year.

Please note, MDE and Governor Walz are asking all Minnesota schools to prepare for the three instructional models, but they do not plan to release their decision on how schools will be allowed to open for the fall until the week of July 27th.  The Chisago Lakes Schools will convene a working group comprised of students, parents, staff, and community members shortly thereafter to create our final plans based upon requirements and guidance from the State.  Once the group’s work is completed, details will be shared with all stakeholders.  

I continue to empathize with our parents and communities for the lack of specific answers we are able to provide at this time.  I appreciate your continued patience, input, and support. If you have general input or questions related to our schools, you may also use this email: communications@isd2144.org. 

I wish you the very best as you capture moments and memories that summer can provide.   

Sincerely, 
Dean A. Jennissen, Superintendent
Chisago Lakes School District 

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 

May 29, 2020

Dear Wildcat Families,

None of us could have predicted the journey we’d embark on when school was closed on March 16th to plan for something called “COVID-19”.  Possibly weeks from now we’ll look back and it’ll have felt like a strange dream.  The health dangers are still very real and the journey isn’t over, but from a school standpoint summer is nearly here and I wish you great health and well-being in the days ahead.

On behalf of the Chisago Lakes Schools, our Teachers, Support Staff, and School Board, I want to thank you for your amazing support and your amazing work!  Sadly, this Pandemic has claimed many casualties, but as a community and school, we did not become one.  We grabbed the situation by the horns and made the very best of it.  This is because of who you are and who we have in our schools.  Incredible, resilient, students, supportive families, determined, committed educators, and communities that never give up… we couldn’t be defeated.  Who are we?  We are Wildcats!

Class of 2020 - it’s nearly your big day!  We are so honored to be involved in this moment with you.  Unfortunately, we won’t be able to have a community event as usual, but we will provide the recording of this virtual event on our website after June 1st.  In preparation for Commencement on Monday, June 1st at 5:00 p.m. we are encouraging families, community members, and businesses to help “Paint the Town Green and Gold” to celebrate the Class of 2020!  There will be many things these students will remember about their thirteen years in our schools and I’m excited that one of their last memories will be of a community that showed their love and support in Green and  Gold.  Forever Wildcats.  Let’s turn those tassels!

Naturally, 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! 

A few reminders:

• The last day of school for students is Wednesday, June 3rd.

• Each of our schools has scheduled no-contact drop-off times to collect books, Chromebooks, equipment, and other materials on June 2nd and 3rd from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Click here for directions on drop-offs.

• The final day for Emergency Child Care is Wednesday, June 3. We will be offering Summer Kids Club at Lakeside Elementary and Primary School. For additional information, please contact Michelle Kleist at mkleist@isd2144.org 

• The Chisago Lakes School District has been able to provide meals to students during the Distance Learning period and we wish to thank all of the families we were privileged to serve.  We also want to thank our dedicated Food Service Workers and Transportation Dept. for their work with the program.  With the end of our school year, however, the final day for families to pick up student meals will be Monday, June 8th.  Families in need may be able to access meals through other community organizations over the summer months. Family Pathways (651.674.8040), with locations in Chisago City, Forest Lake, North Branch, and Cambridge, is one such organization. In addition, the Hunger Impact Partners organization has developed a mobile app to access meals.  Please be aware that there is a “drive-through” graduation ceremony at the High School on Monday, June 1st beginning at 5:00 pm. For those families picking up at this school location, meals will be distributed from the main entrance of the school at Door #1. The Lakes Area Police Department is asking families to try and come for meal pick-up between 5:00 and 5:45 p.m., if at all possible. Thank you for your help and cooperation!

As the school year closes, I hope you are able to look back and think of some amazing moments for your students and family.  The first day of school, dress-up days, sporting events and activities, milestones, and memories that are likely recorded on a digital device.  I encourage you to take some time to go through your camera roll as a family reflecting and rejoicing in the good things, the great times, and the incredible people who enjoyed the journey with you.

Sincerely,
Dean A. Jennissen, Superintendent
Chisago Lakes School District

4/30/2020

Dear Families,
We hope this update finds your families healthy and well.  On behalf of the District, we continue to be thankful for our partnership.  645 surveys were completed last week to help guide our efforts… we appreciate the feedback!  For those that requested follow-up communication from schools, that has started. Thanks so much for reaching out!

Regarding our meal service, I wish to provide additional information based on the questions we've been receiving.  There are no income requirements related to this service.  Government provision allows us to provide meals for all children 18 and under.  These are not just for those “in need” as we all have differing needs.  As shared in our April 17th communication, meals are another means as to which the School can provide support to families during these challenging times.  We know that needs are changing as well, so if you have not accessed our meal service and would like to, we will not run out of food or take food from someone else to meet your request.  Please click the link below to access our Meal Program.

As reported last week, our staff will be using Friday, May 1st, and Monday, May 4th for planning learning for the remainder of the school year.  Students are not expected to be in session.  To provide clarity for the rest of the school year schedule, here are some important dates to remember:

• Friday, May 22nd was planned as a Staff Development Day and will remain as such.  There will not be instruction provided to students on this day and there will be no Child Care provided.

• The last day teachers will provide new assignments for your student will be Wednesday, May 27th.  The remaining five days of school will be focused on work completion, reteaching, intervention, enrichment activities, and the collection of materials and school-owned devices.  Attendance for students and interaction with teachers will be expected daily from May 28th until our student’s last day of school, Wednesday, June 3rd.

Continued Reminders:

• Childcare Link: isd2144.org/Page/1728
• Meal Program Form: forms.gle/CqHfNqgAxAnvXrkZ8
• Technology Support: support.isd2144.org 
• Feedback Form: isd2144.org/Domain/23 

Thank you so much for your continued support and hopefully, we’ll see you next week!

Sincerely,
Dean A. Jennissen, Supt.
Chisago Lakes School District ​​​​​​​ 

4/23/2020

Good Afternoon, 
Today, Governor Walz announced that all schools in Minnesota will continue Distance Learning through the end of the school year.  This includes no spring extra and co-curricular activities. Though extremely sad news, especially with all of the important end-of-the-year activities we have planned, at least we no longer wait for an answer as to how the school year will end.  With all of us just hearing this news, there are bound to be many questions and concerns from students, families, and staff.  Know that we have been considering this possibility, so we have been planning.  Now that we have this definite timeline, we will solidify our plans and communicate all that we are able to, as soon as possible.  We thank you in advance for your patience as we create plans for events as critical as Commencement for example. 

The Governor's message included changing May 1 and May 4 to professional learning days for staff so they can plan for distance learning to continue until the end of the school year. There will not be school work planned for these two days.  We will keep our Child Care and Meal Service in place on these days even though there is no “school”.  We realize how critical these serves are for our families and are honored to help.

Our next connection with the Minnesota Dept. of Education won’t be until Tuesday afternoon.  We do not anticipate any additional school guidance until then.  It is possible, we may not have more specific academic and school event-related information for you until Wednesday, April 29th.  Again, as soon as we have details, we will send them to you, and thank you in advance for your patience.

Parents, we need your assistance to help further our plans with Distance Learning.  Please complete this brief survey (one per family) regarding your perspective on Distance Learning: https://forms.gle/n6muti5pHAmzZtzM6 . 

Please complete the survey by Monday, April 27th at 8:00 p.m.

As we have shared in the past, as needs change, please let us know if we can help with Childcare, Meals or anything else by using these links:

Childcare Link: isd2144.org/Page/1728
Meals Link: forms.gle/CqHfNqgAxAnvXrkZ8
Technology Support: support.isd2144.org 
Feedback form: isd2144.org/Domain/23 

Overall, we are so thankful that Distance Learning has been going well, but today’s news is challenging as we miss our students so much and we grieve with all for what has been and what will be lost in terms of connections and experiences!  However, because we have been a strong student-family-school team with great support and communication all along, we will continue to meet and conquer this challenge.  As a District, we continue to be committed to making our students' experiences as engaging and as meaningful as possible.

Please reach out if I can be of assistance in any way.

Sincerely,
Dean A. Jennissen, Supt.
Chisago Lakes School District 

4/17/2020

Dear Families,
Week three of Distance Learning has come to a close and again, I want to say thank you all for making it happen!  Our student, staff, parent team keeps getting stronger and we are blessed. Communication is driving our success. Teachers, Admin, and other staff are providing information and when things are unclear or support is needed, students and parents are reaching out.  As the days continue, let’s continue to keep our focus on communication so we can provide support to one another. Please continue to make your first call to your primary contacts, but you may also use this form.  Technology support can be reached at support.isd2144.org, helpdesk@isd2144.org or 651-213-2016. 

Additionally, we have many resources for students and parents on our website.  Please visit: www.isd2144.org/crisis

As needs change, we wish to continue to remind our communities that we do offer child care to both Tier 1 and Tier 2 Workers (Tier 1 & Tier 2 list).  Service is M-F from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. If you work in these areas and need child care support, please register online through Eleyo: https://isd2144.ce.eleyo.com/ for 2020 COVID-19 Emergency Child Care. If you have questions on how to register online, please visit https://www.isd2144.org/Page/1728 or contact Michelle Kleist at mkleist@isd2144.org or 651-213-2601.

Chisago Lakes School District is also providing meal service for any child 18 and under.  Currently, we provide meals for approximately 300 students per day, but we have the capacity to serve many more!  You may have not accessed meals up to this point and possibly your needs have changed. We want to help. Please click this link to sign up for free meals: Meals for all children 18 and under.

On behalf of our staff, I want to again thank you for your support.  We’re leaning in and we’re leaning on and together, we are getting through this.

Sincerely,
Dean A. Jennissen, Supt.
Chisago Lakes School District

4/6/2020

Dear Families,
I hope this email finds you safe and healthy during these challenging times.  I wanted to share a brief update from the District to start the week.

Overall, Distance Learning Week One was a success.  We realize there were glitches and challenges, but everyone worked together to resolve these challenges and it is our goal to continue to get better and better.  Please continue to work with your student’s Teachers and Principals as needs arise.  

Child Care and school meals continue throughout the Governor’s Distance Learning period.  However, on days where we were scheduled to not have school, there will not be Child Care or Meals available.  Friday, April 10th is Good Friday and Child Care and Meals will not be available. 

As previously announced, we have extended our child care to both Tier 1 and Tier 2 Workers (Tier 1 & Tier 2 list). If you work in these areas and need child care support, please register online through Eleyo: https://isd2144.ce.eleyo.com/ for 2020 COVID-19 Emergency Child Care. If you have questions on how to register online, please visit https://www.isd2144.org/Page/1728 or contact Michelle Kleist at mkleist@isd2144.org or 651-213-2601. All registrations must be completed online. Child care will be offered through Monday, May 4th (Monday - Friday) from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.

We will continue to provide meals to any student in need. If you are in need of meal support, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/CqHfNqgAxAnvXrkZ8

Distance Learning has been a new adventure for all of us and while we miss seeing our students in classrooms, just seeing their faces and hearing their voices in our online classrooms was a treat!  Parents and families, thank you so much for all you are doing to support the learning process at home!

Sincerely,
Dean A. Jennissen, Superintendent
Chisago Lakes School District 

3/26/2020

Dear Families,
I am hoping you will enjoy a much shorter message this evening!  

Linked to this email is access to our Distance Learning Plan for all students at Chisago Lakes.   It is a lengthy document, but an important one to guide students, families, and staff. As expressed previously, to plan for Distance Learning in less than 10 days was a huge undertaking.  I wish to publicly express my gratitude to our Teachers, Support Staff, and Admin for your contributions! Also, to parents that have been asking questions, you have helped guide our preparation as well… thanks to all! 

Chisago Lakes Distance Learning Plan: https://www.isd2144.org/domain/447

There is no way we have thought of everything in this document.  This will be our guiding document and as we roll things out on Monday, 3/30, and throughout the Distance Learning period, new guidance will emerge. Specific information on your child's individual lessons and assignments will be given by each teacher. Students and parents, thank you in advance for sharing your questions and needs as they will help us refine our delivery.  I will also thank you in advance for your patience and support as we work with you to provide a great learning experience for your students.

Monday couldn’t get here soon enough.  We cannot wait to connect with our students! 

Have a great weekend!
Dean A. Jennissen, Supt.

Wednesday, 3/25/2020 4:00 PM
RE: Distance Learning to be in place until at least May 4th.

Dear Families, Students, and Staff,
You may have already heard of Governor Walz’s announcements that were made this afternoon at 2:00 PM.  As shared in previous communications, this situation is indeed fluid. So what has changed? In terms of school, we now have clearer timelines. In terms of how education will be delivered, we’ve been preparing for Distance Learning to begin on Monday, March 30th and that won’t change. For our elementary and CLEC families, please continue to follow directions from Principals regarding pick-up times for materials from schools through this Friday. Keep in mind, the Governor’s Stay Home order begins Friday, March 27th at 11:59 p.m.

The Distance Learning model will be in place until Tuesday, May 4th, 2020. Based on current State guidance, this would mean that students will return to school on Tuesday, May 5th, 2020. Please keep in mind, this is subject to change as our educational response to COVID-19 continues to be fluid.

From a family standpoint, knowing that we will begin Distance Learning Monday, March 30th and it will continue until at least May 4th will impact your household. As your needs change, we want to reach out with the following resources: 

• Meals: We will continue to provide meals to students in need. If you are in need of meal support, please complete this survey. This survey will stay open as individual situations change. If you had filled out the previous survey, you are in our system and do not need to complete the survey again. Meal Support Form: https://forms.gle/CqHfNqgAxAnvXrkZ8
• Child Care: We are extending our childcare to both Tier 1 and Tier 2 Workers, ( Tier 1 & Tier 2 list). If you work in these areas and need childcare support please register online through Eleyo: https://isd2144.ce.eleyo.com/ for 2020 COVID-19 Emergency Child Care. If you have questions on how to register online, please visit https://www.isd2144.org/Page/1728 or contact Michelle Kleist at mkleist@isd2144.org or 651-213-2601. All registrations must be completed online. Childcare will be offered from Monday, March 30th - Monday, May 4th (Monday - Friday) from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.
• Distance Learning: Distance Learning will start March 30th and continue through Monday, May 4th, 2020. Please look for communication via email and on our website with additional details on Distance Learning tomorrow. 
• Food Drives: Boxes will be located inside the main entrance of each building to make for easy drop off at the following sites, dates and times. Non-perishable food items and/or monetary donations preferred:
  • Primary School, 11009 284th St. Chisago City:  Thursday, March 26th, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm.
  • Taylors Falls Elementary, 648 West Street Taylors Falls:  Friday, March 27th, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

I apologize for another long email, but there is so much to convey as we attempt to do our best for our students and families.  Thank you so much for your patience, flexibility and continued support in this endeavor. 

Dean A. Jennissen, Superintendent
Chisago Lakes School District 

RE: 3/24/2020 Update - Chisago Lakes School District 

Dear Chisago Lakes Families,
I hope this email finds your family well.  Know that we are thinking of you and what your family may be experiencing.  These are incredibly challenging times on so many levels. As a school team, we are doing our best to put ourselves in your shoes.  We are attempting to have realistic expectations for students, parents, families and for ourselves. Further, as we have been living this fluid situation daily, we realize the status of your family may change on a daily basis.  Please continue to communicate with school staff as needs arise.

There are items in this communication that are intended to be a reminder.  The first of which is what “school” will look like beginning Monday, March 30th.  School will be delivered in a Distance Learning model. In other words, school will be held in your homes.  On Thursday, March 26th the District will provide guidance on how Distance Learning will be delivered specifically to your student. 

We are currently providing and will continue to provide meals to students in need. If you are in need of meal support, please complete this survey.  If you had filled out the previous survey, you are in our system and do not need to complete the survey again. Meal Support Form: https://forms.gle/CqHfNqgAxAnvXrkZ8

Many updates and resources continue to be posted on our COVID-19 webpage, including resources for Internet services at home isd2144.org/crisis. 

As you would expect, our local Food Shelf has needs at this time.  First and foremost, our Food Shelf is in need of volunteers. If you can help staff our Food Shelf, please contact: Brooke Zank at 612-322-8137 or BrookeZ@familypathways.org at familypathways.org/volunteer 

Additionally, join us in helping to stock our local Food Shelf. We will be hosting Parking Lot Food Drives at the following sites, dates, and times. There will be a vehicle parked in the fire lane near the main entrance of each building to make for easy drop-off. Non-perishable food items and/or monetary donations preferred:

• Lakeside/District Office 29678 Karmel Ave. Chisago City:  Wednesday, March 25th, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
• Primary School 11009 284th St. Chisago City:  Thursday, March 26th, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
• Taylors Falls 648 West Street Taylors Falls:  Friday, March 27th, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

As we continue to staff our childcare centers and prepare meals for families we are finding ourselves in need of supplies.   Specifically, if you have hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, or protective face masks, we would gladly accept them. They may be dropped off at the District Office at 29678 Karmel Ave. in Chisago City.  

In closing, I wish to share a video with you that really struck a chord with me on a personal, family level.  I wish to take my efforts to “flatten the curve” on the spread of COVID-19 to the next level. This video helped me to see how I could personally make a difference: Dr. Emily Landon from NBC Chicago on 3/21/2020

One again, on behalf of our hard-working staff, I wish to thank our families for your incredible patience, flexibility, and understanding as we have been preparing for Distance Learning.  We miss your students terribly and cannot wait to begin connecting with them on Monday, March 30th. We have an excellent plan, but there will be kinks that will need to be worked out. I wish to thank you in advance for the input and ideas you will provide as we begin this new way of delivering instruction to our students. 

Best wishes to you and please reach out if we can be of assistance.

Sincerely,
Dean A. Jennissen, Supt.
Chisago Lakes School District 

Date: 3/19/2020 12:30 PM
RE: 3/19/2020 District Update (COVID-19 School Closure Information)
The following information is available on our website at www.isd2144.org/crisis

Dear Chisago Lakes Families, 
We appreciate your continued flexibility and patience as we learn and adapt to our current realities. Our schools continue to operate in the Closure Period established by the Governor.  Schools are closed through Friday, March 27th. Our staff continues to plan for distance learning to begin on March 30th. A reminder that “distance learning” means learning will not be done at school, but at home.   

Beginning March 30th, like all schools in Minnesota, we will begin distance learning for students for an extended period of time.  I have been asked by many if we know a timeline for how long student learning will be done at home. We have no guidance from the State at this time.  We are anticipating and planning as if this will last for “an extended period of time.” I wish I could tell you exactly what that means. On a daily basis, please continue to monitor communications from the District, your Building Principals, Teachers, and School staff. 

We are receiving many questions specific to grade levels, buildings, programs, and activities.  Daily, we are receiving guidance from all governing entities and guidance can change, literally, daily.  Our administration and staff are processing this information and will respond as soon as possible, and as soon as we can do so thoughtfully and confidently.  As you have specific questions, please continue to contact your student(s) principals and directors of programs. Or, you may use this forum to provide your input and questions:  isd2144.org/contact  We monitor this communication tool daily.  Know that you may not receive an immediate response.  We appreciate your patience.

We need your continued help as we attempt to best meet the needs of our families.  Correct contact information for all families is critical to our mission. Please review and update your information in Synergy. Directions to update your contact information is located here.  

Meals for Students: We previously surveyed families who qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch to see who needed support.  This is to be extended to any family who has a student enrolled in our schools who need meal support. If you need meal support, please complete this survey.  If you had filled out the previous survey, you are in our system and do not need to complete the survey again. Meal Support Form: https://forms.gle/CqHfNqgAxAnvXrkZ8 

Child Care: We continue to provide support for Emergency Personnel, Health Care Personnel and School Staff (Tier 1 Emergency Personnel).  If you work in these areas, need support and have not previously reached out for support, please contact us here: https://forms.gle/XcRTVMVXWZ77J6MD6 

A March 18th updated guideline from the Governor directs schools to make every effort to extend Child Care to other essential community workers (Tier 2).  At this time, we are evaluating our ability to do so based upon current requests for support for Tier 1 workers. As we have a firm understanding of our capacity to support Tier 1 workers, we will communicate an opportunity to provide support for Tier 2 workers.

Technology: Technology will play a critical role in our delivery of instruction starting on 3/30.  If you have not completed our Technology Survey, please do so ASAP: https://forms.gle/Y8XRogjap6GNF9ku5

On behalf of the School Board and our Staff, I wish to again thank our families and communities for your continued patience, support, questions, and ideas.  I have replied to many offers of support and the best I way I can describe it, our communities truly have a “servant's heart.” We continue to be humbled and privileged to partner with you on behalf of our children in these extraordinary times.

Sincerely,
Dean A. Jennissen, Supt.
Chisago Lakes School District 

3/16/2020
RE: School Closure Period and Information Gathering

Dear Parents, Guardians and Staff Members,
The purpose of this email is to provide and gather information.  More information will be provided as the Governor’s Mandatory Closure Period continues.

Key Information:

• The Closure Period mandated by the Governor is March 18th - 27th.  Chisago Lakes chose to not have school on March 16th and 17th. We are not required to make up these student contact days. 
• There will be NO school attendance or instruction for students from March 18th-27th.  School Staff will use this time to plan how to deliver Distance Learning (students not in school, but learning at home).
• We have been directed to plan for Distance Learning to start on Monday, March 30th, and continue for an extended period of time.  Therefore, this is what we are planning and preparing for - an extended period of time in which students will receive their learning at home. In this scenario, teachers would be providing instruction and assignments for students starting on this date to continue until directed differently by the State.  Student’s remote (at home) Attendance would begin to be tracked on March 30th. Students would be expected to perform the assigned work and will have access to their teachers from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday-Friday starting March 30th. 
• Materials and Personal Items Left at School - The Middle School, High School, and CLEC will provide opportunities Wednesday, March 18th to Friday, March 20th for students and families to pick up textbooks and academic materials, personal belongings, band instruments, etc.  More specific information on pick-up times will be sent by the schools. For Primary School, Lakeside, and Taylors Falls, if your students have important items that need to be picked up from school, please contact your Principal.

With so much to plan for, we need various points of information from parents and staff.  Please review and complete the following applicable surveys as soon as possible, at latest by 4:00 PM on Wednesday, March 18th:

1. Please complete this Survey if you are employed full-time in the fields of Emergency Services or Health Care, or work for the School District and are in need of child care to continue your role: https://forms.gle/XcRTVMVXWZ77J6MD6 
2. Please complete this Survey if your student(s) qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch and you would like Lunch and Breakfast provided for your student(s) while schools are closed: https://forms.gle/CqHfNqgAxAnvXrkZ8
3. All Parents/Guardians Grades K-12 are asked to complete this Survey related to your student(s) ability(ies) to access technology for instruction. Please fill out this survey for each of your children separately (more than once): https://forms.gle/Y8XRogjap6GNF9ku5

If you require paper copies of any of the surveys above, please contact the District Office at 651-213-2000. 
Thank you so much for helping us plan for our needs by providing this information!

A reminder to families, please utilize our Website to access information on COVID-19 and School Closures located at bit.ly/CLSD-COVID-19 

With so many questions and needs we cannot anticipate, please use this form to submit questions or provide information on how we can best meet the needs of your family.  You may also utilize this email: communications@isd2144.org   

The times we are living in have been deemed, “Unprecedented, extraordinary, uncharted, etc.”  No doubt, they may seem scary, challenging, and frustrating. I see these times as opportunities we are already realizing.  Time to step back, pause, reflect, and focus on what is important to us. Time to collaborate, to plan, to organize. Time to get to know our neighbors, pitch-in, serve, and go beyond.  This is Chisago Lakes. This is who we are. This is what we do. We stay optimistic in the face of adversity. We adapt and we overcome… together.

Sincerely,
Dean A. Jennissen, Supt.
Chisago Lakes School District

3/15/2020, 11:00 AM
Chisago Lakes COVID-19 Information: bit.ly/CLSD-COVID-19
RE: Gov Walz Announces State-wide School Closure in MN

Good Morning, 
At 10:00 AM this morning, Governor Walz announced state-wide school closures from March 18 through March 27 as a part of Minnesota’s COVID-19 community mitigation strategies. 

With this announcement, all schools and programming will be canceled at Chisago Lakes School District beginning tomorrow, Monday, March 16th, through Friday, March 27th. 

This is a change in our previously communicated plans and we will no longer have a two-hour late start on Tuesday with students. 

On Monday, a team of Administration, Teachers and Support Staff will be making plans to address this extended and unprecedented school closure. We will provide an update by Monday evening related to:

• Locations providing meals for students.

• The state expectations for students to continue learning remotely. Distance learning opportunities and support for students will be communicated to families. 

• Plans to support all of our students and their individual needs. 

• Plans to support students for those with families working in healthcare and first responders. 

• Instructions for staff involvement.

• Methods to inventory our students, their families, and staff regarding spring break travel, pre-existing medical conditions, and other individual accommodations needed.

The Chisago Lakes community is an incredible one. We have already received many inquiries on how people can help assist. Thank you so much! As we plan, we will keep our incredible community resources in mind.  It will take some time to sort through all that needs to happen. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we navigate these uncharted waters in the days to come.

Please note: Response to individual inquiries may be limited or delayed. Know that your questions and input will be read and considered in our planning.  

Sincerely, 
Dean Jennissen, Superintendent
Chisago Lakes School District 

3/13/2020 1:30 PM
RE: Schools will be closed on 3/16 and a two-hour late start 3/17

Chisago Lakes Families and Staff, 
The Minnesota Department of Education in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Health and the CDC have recently advised that schools do not close, but instead, hold school with certain guidelines to be considered.  

Even with this information, the District feels it is prudent to develop our local response before having students and staff enter schools after Spring Break. 

School will be closed on Monday, 3/16/20 to allow for information gathering and creating a plan to be as prepared as we can be for students and staff to return. This closing includes Kids Club, the Wildcat Community Center, Little Wildcats Preschool classes and all other programmings. 

Schools will start two-hours late on Tuesday, 3/17/20 to allow for communication of our planning with staff so that they can share with students. This planning time will also help us prepare for students and staff that may be returning from trips, those seeking medical attention, and those who have preexisting conditions that may necessitate additional planning and support. Morning Kids Club is canceled. Also canceled are the Morning Little Wildcats Preschool and morning ECFE classes. The Wildcat Community Center will open at 10 AM on 3/17. 

A Monday follow-up communication will also be sent to parents to include what we know, what we have done, and what we plan to do to ensure we are doing our best to keep students and staff safe.

To best prepare for school to resume, we are asking for your help. Students/families and staff, please contact us at communications@isd2144.org (preferred) or leave a voicemail for your child’s Principal: 

• If you traveled to high-risk Countries (CDC Level 3), or have had direct contact with someone who has traveled to those areas. 
• If you are currently seeking medical attention related to COVID-19-like symptoms.
• If you are a student or a staff member with a chronic medical condition that may make you more susceptible to a virus.

We will begin returning messages Monday. Please reference the CDCs website for the most up-to-date information regarding travel and 14-day self-quarantine guidelines. 

CDC website for those traveling back into the US

The CDC is recommending those who have traveled to the following areas to impose a 14-day quarantine and practice social distancing. At the time of this message on 3/13/2020, the following countries are listed as Level 3 by the CDC:  

• China
• Iran
• South Korea
• Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City

We have been getting questions regarding how we plan to clean. A high-level overview of our current COVID-19 cleaning procedures:  

• All schools and classrooms have been thoroughly cleaned over Spring Break. 
• Daily cleaning procedures at our facilities are being augmented and all team members have been educated on best practices recommended by the CDC.
• Daily cleaning procedures expanded include disinfecting “touchpoints” that many people may come in contact with, such as light switches, door handles, door push points, paper towels, and toilet paper dispensers, toilets, urinals, desks, tables, and chairs.

We understand that any school closings have an impact on all families in Chisago Lakes and are not making this decision lightly. The extra time will ensure we implement a measured response to this continually evolving situation. 

We also understand that people may want to keep their children home from school. Please know that as a parent you have the right to make this decision and absences will be excused. All absences need to be reported to your school for any days missed. 

Thank you for your flexibility and understanding,
Chisago Lakes School District 

3/10/2020
RE: We are monitoring the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation

Good Morning, 
During spring break this week, we want to let families know that we are monitoring COVID-19 (coronavirus) developments nationally and most recently in Western Wisconsin. 

We continue to monitor the situation through the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The immediate health risk for Minnesota residents from COVID-19 is reported to be extremely low. 

The primary recommendations encourage people to stay home when sick, cover their cough, and practice good handwashing. We recommend those traveling to visit the CDCs website for any additional guidance. cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

As a school district, we plan and prepare for many different types of events. A disease outbreak is a part of that planning. We will continue to communicate with families as we receive any additional information and guidance on this event locally. 

Thank You, 
Chisago Lakes School District

3/2/2020
RE: Chisago Lakes communication regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) planning

Dear Families and Staff, 
We understand staff, parents, and students may have questions and concerns about the novel (new) coronavirus disease, now called COVID-19. 

For Minnesotans, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is extremely low. As always, we recommend that people stay home when sick, cover their cough and practice good handwashing. These recommendations are especially important during the cold and flu season. 

Chisago Lakes School District's response is guided by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Please know that we are monitoring the situation and staying in contact with agencies who lead responses during a health event, including MDH and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 

The MDH and CDC websites are helpful resources for families looking for relevant information regarding COVID-19 and can be found at health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html and cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. 

Chisago Lakes School District