Dear Parents and Guardians,
The Cleveland School District is committed to having all PK-12 students return to in-person learning for the 2021-22 school year. We will prioritize two things for the upcoming school year: 1. Return to In-Person Learning five days a week with a regular 8:00 a.m. to 2:56 p.m. schedule, with a regular four (half) days a week for our preschoolers and 2. Continue the efforts to maintain the health and safety of students and staff by following guidelines for cleaning and disinfection protocols. We assure our parents and families that we will continue to monitor the data and consider adjustments to keep our students and staff safe during the year.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have released the updated COVID-19 guidance and recommendations for K-12 schools that prioritize the health of students, teachers and staff as well as in-person learning.
The 2021-2022 school year will start without any mandates from the state. In the absence of any mandates from the State, School Boards have been given the authority to evaluate MDH, and CDC guidelines and decide the best course of action for their districts.
The School Board approved the mask resolution and the Return to In-Person Learning Plan at their August 16, 2021 board meeting. You can find both documents on our web page in the Covid-19 updates section. (https://www.isd391.org/covid-19)
Here are some highlights:
Face Masks/Face Coverings
Masks/Face Coverings are encouraged, but not required in school buildings.
A Federal order, not a state or school district requirement, does require masks/face coverings to be worn on all public transportation including school buses and vans.
Learning Models
Students will return to in-person learning five (5) days a week.
Due to restrictions by MDE, we are not able to provide virtual learning at this time. Families wanting information on virtual learning options for 21-22, should contact a school counselor.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not required, but are highly recommended.
Social distancing
At least three to six (3-6) feet of social distancing is encouraged and recommended, but not required in school. Cleveland School will distance to the extent possible.
Isolation/Quarantine
- Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 must stay home for 10 days from the start of symptoms.
- Fully vaccinated students and staff and those who have had Covid-19 within the past 90 days are not required to quarantine when exposed, unless symptomatic.
- Unvaccinated students or staff who are quarantined will have the option of returning after 7 days with a negative PCR test taken at least five days after exposure, or 10 days if they choose not to test, as long as they do not have a household contact who has Covid-19, and you are symptom free.
- An important exception for K-12 students: Per MDH and CDC guidelines, students in an indoor classroom setting who are both wearing masks will not be considered close contacts and thus not required to quarantine unless you are showing symptoms.
Contact Tracing
Families will be notified if their child has been exposed to a positive COVID-19 case.
Household Contacts
Any person who lives in the same household as an individual that tested positive to COVID-19 will be required to quarantine for at least 7 days, with a negative test result on day five or later before returning to Cleveland Public School programming.
Self-Screening
Individuals entering the school are encouraged to perform a self-screening process prior to entering. Parents
are encouraged to verify for younger children. Families are to report a positive case of COVID-19 to the health office. If you are sick, stay home.
Communication
Families are asked to report a positive case of COVID-19 to the nurse.
Mitigation Strategies
The Cleveland School will utilize hand washing, cleaning and disinfecting, and indoor air ventilation as additional mitigation strategies. Please stay home when ill.
Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have regarding the Return to In-Person Learning Plan or the Mask Resolution. More information will be coming out soon from the health office. We look forward to an exciting 21-22 school year and welcoming all of our families “In-Person”!
Sincerely,
Brian J. Phillips, Superintendent
Cleveland Public School