2/18/2021

Dear Wildcat Families,

Yesterday, the Governor announced and MDE provided new guidance for public schools.  The biggest takeaway was that schools that were in Distance Learning in Grades 6-12 could transition to in-person learning, either Hybrid or full, In-Person learning starting on Monday, February 22nd. The good news for our Wildcats is that we were already there, having our K-5 full, In-Person on February 9th and our 6-12 in In-Person Hybrid Learning on January 26th.  

Naturally, we have received many questions about when our 6-12 program could transition to full, In-Person learning.  In the past three weeks, we have seen our County numbers consistently drop, but not to the point where full, In-Person learning is allowed by the guidelines.  As I have shared before, when we feel we have a case to petition to a less-restrictive model, we will do so.  However, currently within our schools, we are being challenged by large numbers of students needing to Quarantine due to being a Close Contact with positive COVID cases (6’ or less for 15 minutes or more over a 24 hour period).  Each of our sites is exceeding or nearly exceeding the 5% Quarantine Guideline mandated by MDE (p.10).  We have remained open because we’ve been able to Contact Trace cases in order to contain the spread and we’ve been able to maintain our staffing. 

Additionally, with Spring Break coming soon and families and students potentially all over the globe, we are concerned about what could come from that.  Finally, though we have many of our staff vaccinated, most won’t receive their second vaccination until early to mid-March.  It will continue to be our goal to create safe environments we can sustain for students and staff.

It is for these reasons that we are looking to late-March and early April for our Grades 6-12 return to full, In-Person learning should COVID numbers allow.  Prior to Spring Break, we will communicate a more definitive plan with an associated calendar.

Until then, if you need information regarding our school plans, please visit our website.  If you have any questions, please connect with us via email: communications@isd2144.org 

If you are looking for resources for COVID testing for your family, please use this link.

We continue to be very thankful to have our students in school and do not take for granted the privilege it is to serve them.  

Sincerely,
Dean A. Jennissen, Superintendent

2/4/2021

Dear Wildcat Families,

I hope you had a great day, a snowy start and now we brace for the cold. Minnesota - we love it!

My day began at 4:15 a.m. driving the District and checking road conditions.  Please know that we look at every weather event and do our best to prioritize safety.  A few weeks ago, I shared this document related to Weather Calls, but with some messy roads this morning, I thought I’d share it again.

On Tuesday, our School Board made the hard decision to direct our Administration to prepare $1,425,000 in Budget reductions to create a balanced budget for the coming school year.  With an enrollment decline primarily due to the pandemic and continued increases in the costs of running schools, we need to allocate our resources differently.  Here is the slideshow shared at the Board Meeting.  Please note, there are timelines for the process and upcoming opportunities for public input.  We encourage you to tune-in to any of our School Board meetings, which are streamed live and available on our School Board’s Page. Additionally, I will share again an opportunity for a Virtual Cup of Coffee to engage with our Board.  Finally, as always, feel free to use this email to connect with questions or input: communications@isd2144.org 

Certainly, the most positive thing happening in our schools has been the return of students to Hybrid Learning and soon, for our K-5 to be full, in-person for their learning.  I have had opportunities to be in buildings and see first-hand the special connection between our students and staff.  It is truly uplifting.  We still have challenges with COVID and the guidelines we must follow, but with positive case counts continuing to subside and more vaccinations for those that want them, hopefully, the downward COVID trends will continue. As I have mentioned previously, we will continue to monitor all factors and look forward to an opportunity to bring back our Grade 6-12 students.  

Finally, on behalf of our staff, I want to thank our families and communities for your support.  We have had many reach out to offer to help fill our substitute staffing rosters, send donations for food service, PPE and cleaning supplies, and other supports needed for COVID.  Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated.  We want you to know, it is truly an honor and privilege to serve you.

Dean A. Jennissen, Superintendent

1/21/2021

Dear Wildcat Families,

I wasn’t expecting to send out another communication this week, but we received some good news today.  I had communicated in early January that our K-2 students would return to full, in-person learning on February 9th and our Grades 3-5 on February 22nd.  At that time, we had appealed to MDE to start all of our K-5 students on February 9th and this proposal was rejected as they were only allowing three grade levels to return fully, in-person at one time.  However, District Administration appealed that decision as we continued to analyze local, in-district COVID data and also viewed examples from around the State where schools were starting fully, in-person more quickly than we were initially allowed to.  Today, MDE accepted our proposal to begin our Grades 3-5 fully, in-person on February 9th.  We are excited about the opportunity to start these students two weeks earlier and have all students Grades K-5 fully, in-person on Tuesday, February 9th!

Now, I must caution, all of this continues to hinge on our ability to stay healthy and maintain our staffing.  COVID is still a threat and the numbers of positive cases and quarantined students and adults do have an impact.  Thank you in advance for the steps you take each and every day to support the basics: handwashing, covering coughs, social distancing, staying home when you are sick, and wearing a mask.  If you would like COVID tests at home, follow this link.  It may be good to have these on hand for your students and others in your home. Possibly, catching things at home will be another help to keeping us all in school.

Our Little Wildcats Preschool program will continue to operate on their same Hybrid (Gold/Green days) schedule for the remainder of the school year due to space and staffing.  

Our next steps will be to revise the calendar we sent in January as it pertains to Grades 3-5. Principals will send this out soon.  The calendar for Grades K-2 and 6-12 will stay the same. 

We continue to keep an eye on our in-district COVID data and our County Data and if there is an opportunity to return our Grades 6-12 fully, in-person, we will pursue it through the structures that are in place to approve our Learning Model.  Grades 6-12 are still governed by this chart and COVID numbers would have to drop significantly to get us there, but if we can make a case for a return, we will.

On a different note, if you tuned into our Board Meeting tonight, we did have an initial discussion about our school’s Budget.  The pandemic has impacted our enrollment and will likely impact school funding for next year as the financial impact is being felt statewide.  COVID relief funds have been accessed, but with various strings attached to how the funds can be spent, it doesn’t necessarily match rising operational costs or make up for our drop-in enrollment.  In the next two months, we will work to create a plan to ensure our finances support our budget for the coming school year. A recording of the board meeting will be available from our School Board’s page later this evening. 

A piece of good news, not so great news communication, but as with everything we’ve been dealing with since March, we have to keep moving forward with hopeful determination on behalf of our students and each other.

As always don’t hesitate to reach out to your Principals or Admin or use this email and we’ll connect you to answers: communications@isd2144.org

Sincerely,
Dean A. Jennissen, Superintendent

1/19/2021

Wildcat Families,
Tomorrow is a big day for us as a community… we are excited to welcome students in Grades PK-5 back to school!  

I have some items of information to share with you this evening:

1. We have had many questions about Quarantine procedures and travel during Spring Break.  No doubt, a key for our schools to stay open will be staying home when you are sick or when you are exposed to someone who is.   This slideshow should help explain things and will be posted on our website should you need to refer back to it. 

2. As we restart bus routes and students driving to school in winter weather, please review District guidance for Winter Weather Calls

3. Please review this flyer and feel free to forward to your networks.  We’d love to have a long list of community members ready to help in keeping our schools open!  

4. Please refer to this flyer to learn how you can enjoy a Virtual Cup of Coffee with the Board and Superintendent  There is an opportunity for dialogue tomorrow afternoon.

I hope this communication finds you well and as excited as we are to see movement in the right direction.  Please continue to connect with your student’s Principal(s) as needs arise or use this District email and we’ll get you connected to an answer: communications@isd2144.org 

Dean A. Jennissen, Superintendent

1/7/2021 Calendar Transition Update

Dear Families, 

As we communicated earlier this week, Chisago Lakes School District will be transitioning to a hybrid and in-person model in the coming weeks. Click here for the detailed calendar.

We apologize for the complexity of the calendar, but there are many moving pieces for each building. Per the Governor's order, we are required by the State’s Safe School plan to take at least two days off of school for preparation anytime we switch from Distance Learning to Hybrid or to completely In-Person. We are also required by the Governor to provide additional preparation time for staff which will be provided on Fridays when in Distance or Hybrid Learning.  

Term 3 Instructional Model Request:  

Your child can request a change to switch your child from Wildcat Academy to the Instructional Model that our schools follow due to COVID, or out of the Instructional Models that our schools follow into Wildcat Academy. For families requesting a change in the learning model for their child, please use this link and complete the form before the end of day Sunday, January 10. If no change in the educational model is requested, you do not need to complete this form.

Since we haven’t been in-person since November, we have received requests to clarify Quarantine Guidelines: 

• Quarantining at the individual, class, and bus level can still happen in both hybrid and in-person models.
• Families are encouraged to have a plan for their children in the event your child needs to quarantine.
• If anyone in your family is experiencing symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19, please call your child’s school. 

We know there is much information to digest.  As always, continue to reach out to your students’ administration and staff or feel free to send questions here or call your child’s school: communications@isd2144.org 

County numbers as reported via MDH criteria continue to drop, but we are told by our County Public Health Team they may rise a bit in the next two reporting periods.  Let’s continue to do what we can to bring those numbers down: washing hands, covering coughs, staying home when you are sick, and wearing a mask.  All will help us return to school safely and remain there.

Have a great evening!
Dean A. Jennissen, Superintendent

1/4/2021

Dear Families, 

I hope you had a great holiday break.  At tonight’s Board meeting, we discussed the latest guidance provided by the State and current COVID Data and are excited to share our plans for a return to in-person learning. Though it is a slower start, we are thrilled to return students in-person soon.

Here is a summary of our transition to in-person learning: 

• January 20th: Grades K-5 will transition to a Hybrid Model (Gold/Green Day schedule) as a step to in-person learning. Pre-K will resume the previous Hybrid Model for the remainder of the school year. 
• January 26th: Grades 6-12 will transition to a Hybrid Model (Gold/Green Day schedule).  
• Week of February 8th: Grades K-2 will transition to a full, In-Person Model. 
• Week of February 22nd: Grades 3-5 will transition to a full, In-Person Model. 

Access the slides from tonight’s Board Meeting on our website (link). 

Look for District communication this week regarding:

• Updated school calendar. 
• Survey for changing instructional models. 

Items of note: 

• Elementary Conferences will move to March and will be reflected in the calendar we send later this week.
• The 6-12 Learning model is still governed by the original guidelines using County COVID case numbers (two-week rolling average) and was not impacted by the Governor’s latest Executive Order updating the School’s Safe Learning Plan. Full in-person learning for 6-12 is allowable if and when we have in-school and local numbers to support this less restrictive model.
• All Learning Models are impacted by current COVID data and the ability to staff our programs.

• Students in our Wildcat Academy are not impacted by these updates. 

The School Board and Administration would love the opportunity to dialogue with you regarding questions or input you may have regarding our Learning Models or anything else that comes up this year.  Please see the monthly schedule and how you may share a Virtual Cup of Coffee with us. 

Once again, thank you for your continued input, flexibility, and support.  We are excited about a return to school and it will be even better when we can be back fully, in-person.

Sincerely,
Dean A. Jennissen, Supt.

isd2144.org

 

12/22/2020

Dear Wildcat Families,

As you may be aware, on Wednesday, December 16th, Governor Walz released information that would guide schools’ return to in-person learning.  As of December 21st, the Guidance provided by the Governor and MDE has been revised.

As we continue to participate in guidance meetings provided by MDE and MDH, we anticipate additional changes and clarifications in the coming weeks, therefore, we do not have a specific recommendation for our Learning Model at this time.  The District will provide a Learning Model Update for our families during a Special Board Meeting on Monday, January 4th at 6:00 p.m.

You can access the virtual meeting and information to speak during the Open Forum section of the January 4th Special Board Meeting here: Directions for Joining Virtual School Board Meetings.

What has been decided to date:

• In-person special need Small Group instruction will begin the week of January 4, 2021.  If your student will be involved in this activity, our school staff will be in contact with you. 

• MSHSL Activities will begin practices on January 4th.

• The Wildcat Community Center (WCC) has opened per the current fitness center guidance. 

• Students enrolled in Wildcat Academy are not impacted by these updates. 

Families and staff, I sure wish we had a specific plan heading into the break.  The last thing we need is more uncertainty.  By January 4th we should have a much more clear path for the return of our students.  Until then, we thank you for your continued patience and please, reach out as needed: communications@isd2144.org.

On behalf of our entire team at the Chisago Lakes School District, we wish you and yours a safe and joyous holiday season.

Dean A. Jennissen, Superintendent

12/16/2020

Dear Wildcat Families,

Governor Walz provided an update on schools today that prioritizes a return to in-person learning for our students. The new guidance targets elementary school students. We have listened to the message and received the official guidance documents this afternoon.  We will be reviewing the guidance as it relates to our instructional models and provide an update on our plans to the extent possible to our communities by the end of the day, Tuesday, December 22nd. 

The Governor’s Executive Order extends the “pause” on activities until at least January 4, 2021. More information to come as we analyze guidance. 

This is exciting news and we are looking forward to a plan that returns as many students to in-person opportunities as soon as possible.  Keep in mind, this guidance doesn’t allow for a “fully-open” opportunity for all, at least not initially.  We need time to sort through the new guidance and are fully-aware, we need to communicate to you, our students, parents, families, and staff as soon as possible.  We will be working hard in the coming days and appreciate your patience as we do so.

Sincerely,
Dean A. Jennissen, Superintendent

Monday, 11/30/2020

RE: Learning Model and District Update 11/30

Dear Wildcat Families,
At tonight’s Special Board meeting, the Board accepted our Incident Command Team and Administrative recommendation to continue in Distance Learning through Friday, January 22nd.  

Here is the full list of accepted recommendations.  For additional information, please review the Board Presentation (link). 

1. Distance Learning will continue through at least the end of Term 2 (Friday, January 22nd).  
2. The District will communicate with families on Thursday, January 14th with a situation update.
3. Activities - MSHSL Activities are still on hold per the Governor’s Order through Friday, 12/18.
4. In-Person Small Student Learning Groups while in Distance Learning - on hold until at least 1/15/21.
5. Wildcat Community Center, Rentals and Community Education Classes - on hold per the Governor’s Order through Friday, 12/18. 
6. When we return to Hybrid Learning, students will not go to school every other Friday as they did in our previous Gold/Green Day schedule. Fridays will be a day of Distance Learning, like our current Friday schedule in Distance Learning.  This will meet the 

Governor’s mandate to increase teacher preparation time. 

As COVID continues to disrupt, we realize the profound impact this has on students, families, and staff.  It is the intention of the Incident Command Team, Administration, and Board to return students and staff to in-person learning as soon as possible.  Until then, we appreciate your continued engagement with our staff as you support our students at home.  Together, we can overcome obstacles and continue to put one foot in front of the other until this COVID cloud lifts.

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

11/24/2020

Dear Wildcat Families,
On Monday, 11/30 @ 6:00 p.m. the School Board will host a virtual meeting to discuss the following:

• The status of our Learning Model - currently, Distance Learning and the potential for in-person learning in the future

• The potential for in-person small group learning while in the Distance Learning Model

• The potential for reopening the Wildcat Community Center for members, rentals, and classes

• The status of MSHSL sponsored winter Activities

• How the District recommends addressing the Governor’s mandate to increase Teacher Preparation time 2.5 hours weekly

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 13D.021, we are holding this meeting virtually as attendance is not feasible due to the pandemic.

You may access all board meeting live stream information here: isd2144.org/Page/429.

If you would like to speak during the open forum section of the meeting, we will call you on your phone to speak in order at the beginning of the meeting. Please send an email or call at least five minutes before the board meeting start time to Jodi Davis at jdavis@isd2144.org or 651-213-2011 with your name, a phone number, and the city you reside in to let us know that you would like to speak. 

Just a couple of days from Thanksgiving we find ourselves continually thankful for our partnership with our staff, students, families, and communities.  We wish you the very best however you are able to celebrate this time of family and reflection.

Sincerely,
Dean A. Jennissen, Superintendent

11/3/2020

Dear Families,
Last week we said we would hang in at the PK-5 level as long as possible.  With continued community spread over the weekend and to start the week and large numbers of students and staff in quarantine, we won’t be able to sustain our programming.  Therefore our PK-5 programs will transition to Distance Learning starting Tuesday, November 10th.  More specific information will come from your elementary building principal today.  

As was the case with CLMS and CLHS, we do not have a specific date when we will return to in-person Hybrid learning as overall, Chisago County COVID numbers are expected to rise - predicted to be over 60 per 10,000 on Thursday, Nov 5th reporting date.  For now, we will set a check-in date with our families for Wednesday, December 2nd.  This allows for a minimum of a 3 week Distance Learning period as we monitor COVID data.  State guidance calls for 2-3 weeks in Distance Learning, however, our experience with the CLHS shutdown in October proved that 2 weeks was not enough to curb the spread. 

Also today, we are taking an extraordinary measure at CLHS and moving to Distance Learning immediately.  Community spread from random points has overwhelmed our high school program and the ability to safely maintain our learning environment.  As of this afternoon, CLHS had an excess of 100 students required to Quarantine, 7 additional positive COVID cases, 10 staff Quarantined, and 20 students opt-out of covid testing, which MDH considers equivalent to a positive test result.  Activities at Chisago Lakes High School will be suspended through Thursday, November 5th.  Additional information will be provided to students and families on the morning of November 6th. Please see the information below regarding our Board Meeting on Thursday, November 5th where Activities will be discussed. 

To close CLHS in this abrupt manner is sad and disappointing and we are sorry that it has come to this.  We love working with our students and watching them excel in the classroom and beyond.  We hoped to get them off to a solid start for Term 2, but we just couldn’t hang onto it even two more days.  Public Health experts are telling us hospitals are being overrun and the capacity to handle additional community spread is just not there.  Current County data continues to demonstrate the ever-growing COVID spike that is happening in our community.

The School Board is holding a Virtual Community Meeting on Thursday, Nov 5th at 6:00 p.m.  The agenda will focus on the District’s processes that guide our decisions related to changing Learning Models and closing schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.  A decision regarding whether or not to continue the school’s Extra-Curricular Activities while in Distance Learning will also be discussed and decided by the Board.  Physical attendance at the District Office Board Room is not available due to COVID restrictions.  You may access the meeting virtually from the link on our School Board page: isd2144.org/Page/429  The Board is very well aware of the desire by the community to continue Activities and many community members have emailed the Board to provide input.  Thank you so much for this.  At the meeting, time for public comment will be limited, but if you would like to be considered to speak, please email Jodi Davis at jdavis@isd2144.org or call 651-213-2011. To ensure your input is received by the Board, please send an email to board members - all email addresses posted publicly at the bottom of the School Board page: isd2144.org/Page/429.

If you would like to check out a Chromebook for your student(s) to participate in Distance Learning, please fill out the CLSD Device Agreement (link) for a school-issued Chromebook. If you are having issues with a home internet connection, please email helpdesk@isd2144.org or call 651-213-2016. 

“We’re all in this together” is a phrase that’s been used widely in what feels like the longest calendar year in recorded history.  What COVID has done to our schools in recent weeks really accentuates this point.  We will not have students back at school until our community spread lessens.  Having students at school is the best academic and the best mental health strategy we have.  As a District, we will do our level best to make our Distance Learning program the best it can be, pursue programming that is allowed while on Distance Learning and work to return to in-person learning as soon as possible. Keep in mind, we are educators not health care workers or public health officials.  We work daily with those in the field to guide our decisions as they are our best resource.  We also monitor whatever local data we have available looking for ways to keep programs and sites open.  We will continue to fight to provide the best for our students within the guidelines that govern us.  We cannot do this alone and we thank you in advance for focusing on what you can control as we fight against this pandemic and for our children, together.

Dean A. Jennissen, Supt.
Chisago Lakes School District 

10/28/200
RE: CLMS moves to Distance Learning; CLHS Transitioning; District Update

Dear Wildcat Families,

In true Wildcat fashion, we have hung tough for the past eight weeks in a Hybrid Learning Model for our schools.  However, you have likely experienced receiving many notices regarding positive COVID-19 cases among students and staff.  This gives some indication of how challenging it has been to maintain safe and sustainable environments for our students and staff. It has been a daily struggle to staff our programs and support a large number of students and staff requiring quarantine to maintain a safe environment. While challenging, I do wish to acknowledge the incredible work of our teachers, support staff, administration, and particularly our nurses as they have stepped up day after day to cover for absent staff, create learning for quarantined students, clean, supervise and work long past the school day to support our students.  I also want to thank our students and families for your help too.  Doing wellness checks, dealing with quarantining, adjusting schedules, etc.  None of it has been easy.

We are truly grateful for the team effort, but we are now encountering the impact of COVID-19 in ways we cannot sustain across the District.  At the present time, we are experiencing growing staff shortages which, coupled with the very limited numbers of substitute teachers, paras, bus drivers, and other staff available, have resulted in operational challenges. 

Just last Thursday, Chisago County’s two-week average COVID case numbers started a large spike. A two-week rolling positive case average, updated weekly by MDH, is one of the data points we use in our 2020-21 School Year Plan. Local public health officials make it clear that there is a community spread within Chisago Lakes and it is impacting our schools. 

We have four recommendations regarding our current learning models impacting grades 6-12 and CLEC using local school data at individual sites which are outlined in detail on the slides available here: isd2144.org/Page/1723

While it was challenging to start the year in a Hybrid model, I do believe it is what has kept us in-person at school to date.  We hope to hang on to our PK-5 Hybrid and see decreases in the spread outside of our schools.  We wish desperately to be with our students because they are our passion.  In-person classrooms are where the best learning happens, both academically and relationally.  However, this is what we need to do for now and we will make the most of it.  Thanks for your continued understanding and support.

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

Past Press Releases 

10/22/2020

Dear Wildcat Families,

 

The fluid nature of COVID continues and we are continuing to do our best to respond.  Today’s case numbers are available here.  As you will notice our County numbers today exceed the 30 positive cases per 10,000 people mark.  However, in consultation with local public health we are intending to continue in our Hybrid Learning Model for the Chisago Lakes Schools.  We review County Data, but more specifically focus on the data within our schools. Click here for an October 2020 COVID update and a dashboard of our current COVID data in ISD 2144 (link). Many factors are considered when determining if we can maintain a safe and sustainable learning environment: Virus spread in concentrated areas, ability to provide staffing, and analyzing trend data are key in this conversation with school and public health officials.

 

A great example of the collaboration we have with public health officials was our reset at Chisago Lakes High School.  Certainly, this was challenging, but it did have the intended impact - slowing the spread of COVID.  Therefore, CLHS will be returning to a Hybrid Model on Monday, October 26th. Monday will be a Gold Day as planned. Activities will resume as well.

 

We will continue to monitor our local and county COVID-19 data on a daily basis.  We are concerned with the trend we are seeing. As rates and virus spread within our communities continue to rise, Distance Learning may be unavoidable.  Accordingly, we are continuing to build our Distance Learning Plan should it be needed. We want all to know Distance Learning is not the model any of us would want, but it’s going to take a team effort to avoid it.  Please, please help in this effort by maintaining mask wearing, social distancing, handwashing, covering coughs and staying home when you are sick.  It has certainly been a long haul since March and we’re all tired of it.  Let’s keep hanging in there…having our students in school is worth it.

 

Sincerely, 

 

Dean Jennissen, Superintendent

Chisago Lakes School District  

Dear Wildcat Families,

Today is a day we hoped to avoid.  Unfortunately, due to increased positive, confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Chisago Lakes High School and the need for other students in that particular school to isolate due to close contact or having COVID-like symptoms, Chisago Lakes High School will be closed on Friday, October 9th.  High School students will move to Distance Learning beginning Monday, October, 12th through Friday, October 23rd. All other students in grades PreK through 8 will stay in a Hybrid Learning model. Additional details on CLHS Distance Learning have been shared with high school families. 

All MSHSL activities at Chisago Lakes High School will be suspended during this time. Online event schedules will be updated on our webpage.  Rescheduling of events will occur where and when possible while working within the MSHSL guidelines.  Activities will resume on Monday, October 26th, if we are able to return to the hybrid model.

To be clear, this change in learning model is ONLY for Chisago Lakes High School.  Our PreK-8 and Chisago Lakes Education Center (CLEC) programs will continue in our Hybrid, in-person models.  Our Wildcat Academy students will also continue as planned. 

The Wildcat Community Center will remain open to members only during this period (10/9-10/25).  All Community Education classes and rentals at the Wildcat Community Center and Chisago Lakes High School will be canceled.

We recognize this is a hard message to receive.  We are challenged by it as well, however,  we will continue to prioritize student, staff, and community safety. By creating  a “reset” period at CLHS now, we hope to prevent prolonged absences from school and return to in-person hybrid learning as soon as possible. We will continue to communicate with families as we navigate this unique school year.  Thanks for your continued patience, flexibility and support!

Dean A. Jennissen, Superintendent

Chisago Lakes School District 

Dear Families,

On August 7th we released our Return to School Plan and in it, we said we’d  communicate with families regarding potential changes to our learning model for Term 2 which begins on Tuesday, November 10th.  In consultation with local public health officials and district leadership, we intend to continue Hybrid Learning in Grades PK-12 for the following reasons:

• County COVID Case counts are consistently above 15 cases per 10,000 people by the MDH Guidelines. 
• The typical cold and flu season is upon us which mimics COVID-type symptoms and will make health determinations for parents and staff more difficult.
• We continue to feel the Hybrid Model provides the most safe, sustainable in-person learning model for students and staff.

While continuing in the Hybrid Model, in August, we also said we’d allow for students to move from Hybrid to our Wildcat Academy (Distance Learning Model) or the opposite, to move from the Wildcat Academy to our in-person, Hybrid Model.  We are needing an early and tight turn-around on parent decisions so we can plan for changes that could potentially impact staffing. 

For families requesting a change in the learning for their child, please use this link and complete the form before Wednesday, October 7. Please be aware, new placements will likely not be communicated until October 30th.

If no change in educational model is needed, you do not need to complete this form.

To respond to the fluid nature of the pandemic, please know we will continue to monitor Public Health data daily and weekly to guide any future changes to in-person or distance learning models. Our response will always be in consultation with Public Health officials using county and local COVID-19 data. 

I want to thank you in advance for your patience, understanding and support as we continue to work together to ensure we can keep students and staff safely together at school.

Sincerely,

Dean A. Jennissen, Supt.

isd2144.org  

Den Jennissen - New School Year Adaptions (Video 12:20)

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