COVID-19 Response Plan [ARCHIVED AND HIDDEN]

These are some warning signs to look for in children, adolescents, teens who may be struggling with mental health (per Hennepin County Mental Health and Mayo Clinic websites):

• Problems getting along with peers and adults
• Inability to control anger or aggression
• Inability to manage worries, troubling thoughts or feelings
• Not being able to pay attention or focus
• Feeling sad or worthless
• Withdrawing from or avoiding social interactions
• Hurting oneself or talking about hurting oneself
• Outbursts / extreme irritability
• Talking about death or suicide
• Drastic changes in mood, behavior or personality
• Changes in eating habits
• Difficulty sleeping
• Frequent headaches or stomach aches

What should I do I suspect my child struggling with mental health?

1. If your child is in immediate danger/crisis, call 911 or crisis line
2. If your child is not in immediate danger/crisis, it might be beneficial to discuss with friends, relatives, teachers, or anyone else who sees your child to see if they are noticing similar changes in your child’s behavior. 
3. You can check out resources available on this website under Tools to Help Support Mental Wellbeing, which includes links to district Virtual Calming Rooms as well as outside resources.
4. You can also email the following staff if you would like to discuss concerns further in order to determine how to best support your child. If it is determined that therapy might be beneficial, a referral can be made to our Lee Carlson school-based mental health therapists. Staff can also provide families with other available community resources, which can also be found under Mental Health Helplines, Services and Clinics.

Wilshire Park staff:

• Carrie Nord, Behavior Interventionist: cnord@isd282.org
• Anna Nagle, Dean: anagle@isd282.org
• Caitlin Thiesen, Counselor: cthiesen@isd282.org

St. Anthony Middle School staff:

• Renee Nettleton, Counselor: rnettleton@isd282.org

St. Anthony Village High School staff:

• Kate Edwards, Counselor: kedwards@isd282.org
• Heather Berndt, Counselor: hberndt@isd282.org

District-wide staff:

• Katrina Peterson, School Psychologist: kpeterson@isd282.org
• Rebecca Zimmermann, School Psychologist: rzimmermann@isd282.org
• Lori Watzl-King, RN, Nurse: lwatzl-king@isd282.org

• SAVHS Calming Room (St. Anthony Village High School)
• SAMS Calming Room (St. Anthony Middle School)
• Ms. Nord’s Virtual Calming Room (Wilshire Park)
• Ms. Theisen’s WP School Counselor Page (Wilshire Park)
• Minnesota Department of Health: Supporting Mental-Wellbeing During COVID-19
• Managing Fear and Anxiety around COVID-19: Harvard Health Services 
• Staying Grounded 
• Health Powered Kids: A collection of activities to help young people make healthy eating, exercise and life choices; designed for ages 3-14
• Change to Chill: Mindfulness & stress relief for Teens
   

With immediate mental health emergencies

• Call 911 immediately

• If you or someone you know are having thoughts of self-harm, or you are aware that someone is in danger, contact your local 24/7 Crisis Hotlines:

Ramsey County Mental Health Crisis
Adult Crisis: 651-266-7900
Child Crisis: 651-266-7878

Hennepin County Mental Health Crisis
Adult Crisis: 612-596-1223
Child Crisis: 612-348-2233

Anoka County Mental Health Crisis
Adult Mental Health: 763-324-1420
Children’s Mental Health: 763-324-1430
General Crisis Number: 763-755-3801

If you live in another county, you can visit Metro Children’s Crisis Response Services to look up your county’s contact information.

National 24/7 Hotlines and App:

• Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• A Friend Asks (App for iPhone and Android)
• Domestic Violence: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)
• Runaway and Homeless Youth: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929)
   

Numbers to Call for Support (Non-Crisis):

• Minnesota Helpline: 651-645-2948, ext. 117 or 1-888-NAMI-HELPS or email namihelps@namimn.org
• Minnesota Warmline: 651-288-0400 or text “Support” to 85511 – if you need someone to talk to and receive peer support to address loneliness, isolation, increased feelings of anxiety and depression, or help living with mental health conditions before a crisis occurs
• Mental Health Minnesota The Voice of Recovery: This is a no-cost option for families to consult with a mental health provider and make a plan of action for safety and care. Call 1-800-862-1799. Mentalhealthmn.org
• Fraser Hope Line: Calling 612-446-HOPE (4673) or emailing fraserhopeline@fraser.org puts you in touch with a clinician who can help with autism, mental health or special needs.
• National Parent Helpline: 1-855-427-2736 to receive emotional support from a trained advocate. 
• SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline Toll-Free: 1-877-726-4727 (English and español) SMS: Text TalkWithUs to 66746 SMS (español): “Hablanos” al 66746 TTY: 1-800-846-8517 website (English) website (español).
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network
• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network’s guide Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) will help you think about how an infectious disease outbreak might affect your family—both physically and emotionally—and what you can do to help your family cope. View the helpful factsheet.

Mental Health Clinics/Services

• Mental Health Helpline: receive connections to care referrals across Minnesota. Call 800.862.1799 or email: helpline@mentalhealthmn.org
• Minnesota Association for Children's Mental Health (MACMH): Offering a new, free Caregiver Resources Library designed to help parents, caregivers and family members support both their children's mental health as well as their own. Create free login. 
• Cornerstone Youth Advocacy and Support: Free, confidential emotional support to youth ages 13-24 via Telehealth telehealth ages 13-21. Youth Advocacy website or email: sbs@cornerstonemn.org
• Open Path Psychotherapy Collective: Affordable therapy (find a therapist in your area).
• Minnesota Community Care: Provide affordable mental health care. You can make an appointment by calling 651-602-7500. 24-Hour Careline: 612-333-2229
• Lee Carlson Center (offers Telehealth option). 763-780-3036.
• Locate local mental health clinics by address, city, or zip code.

• Walk-In Counseling Center: Nonprofit that offers free and anonymous remote counseling for individuals and families. Services by phone or video. No insurance needed! Services for Spanish and Hmong speakers available.

• Mental Health Connect Navigator: Complete short online form to connect to a mental health navigator who can connect you to various supports and services.

• Trans Lifeline: Peer support service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers (Spanish option available). Also offers family and friends hotline that provides help in supporting a trans loved one. 877-565-8860

• MN Mental Health Providers of Color Database created by Larry Yang

• Wilder Foundation: therapy for children of all ages (birth to 17): 651-280-2310
   

Black Mental Health Resources:

• Therapy for Black Girls: (find a therapist in your area).
• Mary Ellen Strong Foundation: list of Black therapists in Minnesota.

Latinx Mental Health Resources:

• Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES): website available in English and Spanish   
• Therapy for Latinx (find a therapist in your area).

Indigenous Mental Health Resources:

• Native American Community Clinic

• American Indian Family Center

Asian American Pacific Islander Resource Mental Health Resources

• Asian Mental Health Collective APISAA Therapist Directory

MDH provides a variety of short, helpful videos covering topics such as health and safety while attending in-person school, masks and face coverings, testing, if you become sick, protecting yourself and others, and hand hygiene. These videos are available in multiple languages. View the MDH video resource page.

• Hennepin County Human Services Emergency Programs: services such as cash assistance, food assistance, health care assistance, child care assistance, energy assistance.
• Hennepin County Community Resources: Provides local resources for housing, financial assistance, food shelves, masks, hate crimes, domestic violence, etc.
• Ramsey County Emergency Assistance: services such as cash assistance, food assistance, health care assistance, child care assistance, energy assistance
• Anoka County Emergency Programs: services such as cash assistance, food assistance, health care assistance, child care assistance, energy assistance
• Minnesota Covid-19 Response Resources: Resources for unemployment, food assistance, child care, energy bills, utility bills, rent, mortgage, worker’s rights.
• Neighborhood House: Resources to access basic needs such as food housing, health insurance, information on unemployment, etc. Visit online or call 651-789-2500 or 651-793-7349.
• HACER and MDH Covid-19 English and Spanish Hotline: Covid support, provides resources such as food and housing, etc. Call 651-304-6145

• One Fair Way Emergency Fund: For service workers who are struggling amidst the coronavirus crisis. Apply to receive financial assistance.
• Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation: You can complete an application for financial assistance if you are employed by a restaurant or bar or a restaurant or bar supplier, or if you own a restaurant or bar. Only apply if insurance is not providing you with compensation for your emergency. View application in English and in Spanish.
• Restaurant Opportunities Center United: List of national direct financial assistance options.
• The Minnesota Immigrant Families Fund (available in English, Spanish and Somali): Emergency fund for immigrant families that live in Minnesota that do not qualify for any state or federal benefits and because COVID-19 are left with few resources available to meet their immediate needs.
• Springboard for the Arts Personal Emergency Relief Fund: Offers artists and creative workers in Minnesota emergency financial relief.

• Hennepin County Food Assistance
• Hunger Impact Partners: Download the Free Meals for Kids mobile app to find and access free meals across Minnesota.
• Give Me the Mike: List of restaurants offering free meals to Minnesota families.
• Minnesota Food Pantries: List of food pantries across the state of Minnesota.
• Second Harvest Heartland: Lists food shelves, meal programs, food distributions, discount grocery stores, and more in all counties in the state of Minnesota.
• Apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits 
• List of restaurants that offer free lunches for kids in the metro area
   

• Hennepin County Housing Assistance: Tenant Resource Center (Hennepin County) call 612-302-3180 for support. You can leave a message on the voicemail. Calls will be returned within 24 hours. Resources available on eviction and homelessness prevention, emergency assistance, mediation, workforce, and legal assistance.
• Ramsey County Housing Assistance:  Households that need assistance with rent or a notice of late rent should contact Financial Assistance Services at 651-266-4444 or a Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program.
• Anoka County Housing Assistance  
• Hennepin County Coordinated Entry (homeless assistance): Adults: Call 612-248-2350
• Families: Call 612-348-9410. On holidays, weekends, and evenings until 11 p.m., call 211 (mobile: 651-291-0211) and ask for the after-hours shelter team.
• Ramsey County Homeless Assistance: Families with at least one minor child in need of emergency shelter should call 211, the United Way's Helpline and Crisis Line, for a pre-screen. If a family is currently unsheltered, they can also call Ramsey County's Homeless Services Team directly during business hours at 651-266-7818.
• Households that need assistance with rent or a notice of late rent should contact Financial Assistance Services at 651-266-4444 or a Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program.
• Anoka County Homeless Shelters
• United Way First Call for Help:  Dial 211 (can provide suggestions for shelter, food, clothes, resources, etc).
• Home Line: Offers free legal help for renters (Spanish, Somali, and Hmong interpreters available).
   

Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program (available in multiple languages):
To apply for Minnesota unemployment benefits, file an application on the first day that you are unemployed or your work hours are substantially reduced by completing the application online on the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance website (click on "Applicants" and then on "Apply for Benefits")

Or call to apply by phone (on Fridays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.):

• Twin Cities area: 651-296-3644
• TTY-users: 866-814-1252

• Minnesota Medicaid Application Process (MNsure): You will need last year's tax return, income, and dependent information. MNsure Contact Center 651-539-2099 (open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday).
• Hennepin County Health Care Assistance
• Ramsey County Health Care Assistance
• Anoka County Health Care Assistance
• Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES): available in English and Spanish; Offers assistance with health insurance enrollment (MNsure) CLUES COVID-19 Hotline: 651-768-0000.
• Neighborhood House: Health insurance, information on unemployment, and other resources. Call 651-789-2500 or 651-793-7349.

• Law Help MN: offers information and resources on a variety of legal topics pertaining to housing rights, unemployment, immigrant rights, loan relief and financial help, disability rights, etc.
• Home Line: Offers free legal help for renters (available in multiple languages).
• Legal Aid Resources: Eviction, Court, Unemployment, Immigration information.
• Informed Immigrant: Resources for the undocumented immigrant community across the U.S.
• Protecting Immigrant Families Campaign: Legal information and resources.

• Internet Essentials from Comcast: affordable internet for low income households. 
• Everyone On: Low-cost internet and affordable computers- search by zip code.

Neighborhood Healthsource - Central Clinic: Affordable Clinic (Minneapolis) Contact: 612-588-9411 Services available include adult medicine, physical exams, well-woman exams, screening tests, pediatric medicine, well-child exams, immunizations, pregnancy testing, prenatal, post-partum care, mental health, substance abuse counseling, chronic disease prevention/management. Open year-round, 47 hours per week.
 

May 4, 2021

At this time, the Athletics and Activities Department is considering a shortened quarantine option for spring outdoor sports under certain circumstances for the 2020-21 school year. If you believe your student qualifies for a shortened quarantine after reading the description below, please complete this Google Form.

Important: This quarantine option is limited to outdoor spring sports due to the lower risk of transmission outdoors and the more socially distanced types of sports that are played in the spring. In-person learning quarantine will remain at 14 days since students are unable to stay 6 feet apart and avoid crowds in the current school model.  

A shortened quarantine period for spring outdoor sports may be considered if ALL of the following are true:  

• The person has NOT had symptoms of COVID-19 during the quarantine period.  
• The person does NOT live with someone who has COVID-19.  
• The person does NOT live or work in a high-risk setting, including a long-term care or assisted living facility, correctional facility, shelter, or other congregate living facility.  
• The person does NOT work in a healthcare facility.  
• The person had a defined exposure, meaning a known exposure with a beginning and an end. Examples could be someone who was exposed:
  • At school or a sporting activity.
  • During a shift at work or while on break.
  • At a social gathering or event, like a party or funeral. 

After stopping quarantine at 7 days:  
Wear a mask, stay 6 feet from others, wash hands, and avoid crowds or settings with people who are at risk of severe illness from COVID-19.  
Watch for symptoms until 14 days after exposure. If any symptoms occur, isolate from others right away and get tested. 

Other requirements that must be met:

• Wear a mask throughout the full 14 days of quarantine.
• Stay 6 feet from others and avoid crowds during the full 14 days of quarantine.  
• Provide your own transportation (cannot ride bus or carpool with others on the team) throughout the full 14 days of quarantine.
• If the athlete develops ANY symptoms they must stay home and get tested for COVID-19 with a PCR test.  

Important: carefully review the following procedure for a shortened quarantine (similar to the travel quarantine).

• Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) PDF for approved fall sports seasons.
• MSHSL PDF for approved fall training seasons.
• MSHSL COVID-19 Notice PDF.

Please watch this video and read through the following information carefully.

The St. Anthony Activities Office is working with school administration, the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), the Tri-Metro Conference (TMC), the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), and the National Federation of High School Sports (NFHS) to provide a safe and healthy return to play experience.

Safety plans:

• Each coach will develop a safety plan for their team approved by the district prior to the start of each season.

Schedules:

• The fall season has been shortened.
• The number of games was reduced by 30%.
• There will be a max of two competitions a week.
• Our conference voted to only play conference teams.

Fees:

• Due to the uncertainty of the season, we have reduced our registration fees by 50%.
• No refunds will be offered after the start of the season.

Sport seasons:

• The MSHSL has broken the sports seasons into four modified seasons.
  • Fall (August - October).
    • Cross country, soccer, girls swimming & diving, and girls tennis.
  • Winter (End of November - March).
    • Basketball, bowling, gymnastics, hockey, nordic skiing, boys swimming & diving, and wrestling.
  • Spring 1 (March - Early May).
    • Football, cheerleading, and volleyball.
  • Spring 2 (May - Early July).
    • Baseball, golf, lacrosse, softball, boys tennis, and track & field.
• Details about activities including a fall production are being worked on. We will follow up with more information when available.

Transportation

• We will follow MDE and MDH’s recommendations allowing for 50% capacity on busses.
• If parents wish to transport their children to and from activities, they are encouraged to do so.

Locker Rooms

• We are encouraging students not to use locker rooms.

Fans

• We are still determining if spectators will be allowed at events. We will keep you posted as we have more information.

Sign up for a fall sport

• You can register for an activity by going to letsgohuskies.com . Please follow the prompts under the registration tab.
• You must be registered before you can participate in an activity.
• This year any student whose sports physical was expected to expire anywhere between March 12th, 2020 through the end of the 2020-21 school year will have an extension. Those physicals will now be valid through the 2020-21 school year. All incoming students and students participating in athletics for the first time will need to submit a valid sports physical to the High School Activities Office.
• Consider participating in a new sport or activity if your sport or activity was moved to a different season.

Note: At this time, the district has not yet received guidance or information from the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) regarding MSHSL supported activities. Aug. 18, 2020

(View flowchart summarizing the following information)

These are some warning signs to look for in children, adolescents, teens who may be struggling with mental health (per Hennepin County Mental Health and Mayo Clinic websites):

• Problems getting along with peers and adults
• Inability to control anger or aggression
• Inability to manage worries, troubling thoughts or feelings
• Not being able to pay attention or focus
• Feeling sad or worthless
• Withdrawing from or avoiding social interactions
• Hurting oneself or talking about hurting oneself
• Outbursts / extreme irritability
• Talking about death or suicide
• Drastic changes in mood, behavior or personality
• Changes in eating habits
• Difficulty sleeping
• Frequent headaches or stomach aches

What should I do if I suspect a student is struggling with mental health?

1. If child is in immediate danger/crisis, call 911 or crisis line.
2. If the student is not in immediate danger/crisis, it might be beneficial to discuss the concerning behaviors with other teachers/staff who work with the student to determine if they are seeing similar behaviors. 
3. Discuss your concerns with the student’s guardian(s). 
4. Check out resources available on this website under Tools to Help Support Mental Wellbeing, which includes links to district Virtual Calming Rooms as well as outside resources.
5. Teachers can bring up concerns to the SAT teams in the middle school and high school, which meet weekly; OR Teachers have the option to complete the Mental Health Teacher Referral form in order to discuss these concerns with counselors/school psychologists to determine how to best support the student; OR Teachers can also email one of the staff members below if they would like to discuss concerns further in order to determine how to best support their student.
6. If it is determined that therapy might be beneficial, a referral can be made to our Lee Carlson school-based mental health therapists. Staff can also provide families with other available community resources, which can also be found under Mental Health Helplines, Services and Clinics.

Wilshire Park staff:

• Carrie Nord, Behavior Interventionist: cnord@isd282.org
• Anna Nagle, Dean: anagle@isd282.org
• Caitlin Thiesen, Counselor: cthiesen@isd282.org

St. Anthony Middle School staff:

• Renee Nettleton, Counselor: rnettleton@isd282.org

St. Anthony Village High School staff:

• Kate Edwards, Counselor: kedwards@isd282.org
• Heather Berndt, Counselor: hberndt@isd282.org

District-wide staff:

• Katrina Peterson, School Psychologist: kpeterson@isd282.org
• Rebecca Zimmermann, School Psychologist: rzimmermann@isd282.org
• Lori Watzl-King, RN, Nurse: lwatzl-king@isd282.org
   

• SAVHS Calming Room (St. Anthony Village High School)
• SAMS Calming Room (St. Anthony Middle School)
• Ms. Nord’s Virtual Calming Room (Wilshire Park)
• Ms. Theisen’s WP School Counselor Page (Wilshire Park)
• Minnesota Department of Health: Supporting Mental-Wellbeing During COVID-19
• Managing Fear and Anxiety around COVID-19: Harvard Health Services 
• Staying Grounded 
• Health Powered Kids: A collection of activities to help young people make healthy eating, exercise and life choices; designed for ages 3-14
• Change to Chill: Mindfulness & stress relief for Teens
   

With immediate mental health emergencies

• Call 911 immediately

• If you or someone you know are having thoughts of self-harm, or you are aware that someone is in danger, contact your local 24/7 Crisis Hotlines:

Ramsey County Mental Health Crisis
Adult Crisis: 651-266-7900
Child Crisis: 651-266-7878

Hennepin County Mental Health Crisis
Adult Crisis: 612-596-1223
Child Crisis: 612-348-2233

Anoka County Mental Health Crisis
Adult Mental Health: 763-324-1420
Children’s Mental Health: 763-324-1430
General Crisis Number: 763-755-3801

If you live in another county, you can visit Metro Children’s Crisis Response Services to look up your county’s contact information.

National 24/7 Hotlines and App:

• Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• A Friend Asks (App for iPhone and Android)
• Domestic Violence: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)
• Runaway and Homeless Youth: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929)
   

Numbers to Call for Support (Non-Crisis):

• Minnesota Helpline: 651-645-2948, ext. 117 or 1-888-NAMI-HELPS or email namihelps@namimn.org
• Minnesota Warmline: 651-288-0400 or text “Support” to 85511 – if you need someone to talk to and receive peer support to address loneliness, isolation, increased feelings of anxiety and depression, or help living with mental health conditions before a crisis occurs
• Mental Health Minnesota The Voice of Recovery: This is a no-cost option for families to consult with a mental health provider and make a plan of action for safety and care. Call 1-800-862-1799. Mentalhealthmn.org
• Fraser Hope Line: Calling 612-446-HOPE (4673) or emailing fraserhopeline@fraser.org puts you in touch with a clinician who can help with autism, mental health or special needs.
• National Parent Helpline: 1-855-427-2736 to receive emotional support from a trained advocate. 
• SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline Toll-Free: 1-877-726-4727 (English and español) SMS: Text TalkWithUs to 66746 SMS (español): “Hablanos” al 66746 TTY: 1-800-846-8517 website (English) website (español).
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network
• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network’s guide Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) will help you think about how an infectious disease outbreak might affect your family—both physically and emotionally—and what you can do to help your family cope. View the helpful factsheet.

Mental Health Clinics/Services

• Mental Health Helpline: receive connections to care referrals across Minnesota. Call 800.862.1799 or email: helpline@mentalhealthmn.org
• Minnesota Association for Children's Mental Health (MACMH): Offering a new, free Caregiver Resources Library designed to help parents, caregivers and family members support both their children's mental health as well as their own. Create free login. 
• Cornerstone Youth Advocacy and Support: Free, confidential emotional support to youth ages 13-24 via Telehealth telehealth ages 13-21. Youth Advocacy website or email: sbs@cornerstonemn.org
• Open Path Psychotherapy Collective: Affordable therapy (find a therapist in your area).
• Minnesota Community Care: Provide affordable mental health care. You can make an appointment by calling 651-602-7500. 24-Hour Careline: 612-333-2229
• Lee Carlson Center (offers Telehealth option). 763-780-3036.
• Locate local mental health clinics by address, city, or zip code.

Black Mental Health Resources:

• Therapy for Black Girls: (find a therapist in your area).
• Mary Ellen Strong Foundation: list of Black therapists in Minnesota.

Latinx Mental Health Resources:

• Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES): website available in English and Spanish   
• Therapy for Latinx (find a therapist in your area).

Indigenous Mental Health Resources:

• Native American Community Clinic

• American Indian Family Center

Asian Mental Health Resources

• Asian Mental Health Collective APISAA Therapist Directory

Agenda:

• Elementary plan (review data).
• Mitigation strategies if we move to less restrictive model.
• Transportation.
• Winter athletics/activities guidance (captains practice and use of indoor spaces).
• Saliva testing protocols/plan.
• Current numbers for Hennepin County.
• High school student virtual town hall and community engagement circle discussion.

Summary, action items:

Face masks, face shields
Discussion on district mandate of face mask and shield requirements. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) scaled back the requirement for staff members working directly with students to wear both a face covering [mask] and a face shield. Current language states that districts are strongly encouraged to require staff to wear both the face covering and the face shield. Currently looking at other school district examples that will help enact a district-level requirement that employees working in person use both the face covering [existing requirement] and the face shield [possible new requirement] when the district moves back to in-person learning.

Winter sports
The district will follow the Informed Decision-Making Guide for Learning Model Planning tool and the Informed Decision-Making Action Step Tracker that have been revised based on updated guidance from the MDE and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). They will be used to consider various relevant and nuanced metrics, data and various forms of input for assessing readiness and learning model decisions. This guide includes Health Best Practices; Instructional Preparedness; Family & Transportation Capacity; and Engagement & Communications. Also included are suggestions and resources to help to create awareness and keep track of the multiple considerations used to determine moving between more restrictive to less restrictive learning models throughout the school year. 

COVID-19 saliva testing for staff: Site-Level Coordinators
As we plan for on-site testing, our COVID-19 coordinator will be responsible for leading the district-wide effort. We will also need a site-level coordinator for each building where testing will occur to manage the planning and execution of the screening test program. Site-level coordinators will be selected as soon as possible for buildings where we will be hosting on-site COVID-19 saliva testing for staff. Site-level coordinators should try to attend a virtual training session that will cover all of the logistics and technology needs for conducting testing, including how we will receive the tests, how to ship them to the lab, how staff will self-administer the tests, and more.
  
COVID-19 vaccination for school staff:
A hopeful timeline is February or March; although there are limitations in vaccine supply. Most likely will be the Moderna vaccine. Currently only federally registered providers can give the vaccine (school nurses can’t vaccinate other school staff). It would take 1.5 days to vaccinate our staff (220 vaccines per day). Looking into the possibility of the district being a community vaccination site. It is still unclear who will give the vaccine to educators, but some direction may be coming next week from MDH that will help with planning.

St. Anthony Middle School WHPH (Work Hard Play Hard) Days set for last week of January
Completely optional and most events will be virtual with a wide range of offerings. The WHPH team would like to offer one in-person option. For one hour, each grade level would be invited to an outdoor event. Potential offerings include sledding, ice skating, snow shoeing, or walking/hiking. All three grade levels on the same day at different times. Aiming for different staff for each grade level. Locations could include all events taking place at Central Park, or two or more locations such as Silverwood, Silver Point Park, Emerald Park. Pods made up of 20-25 students. Students must wear a mask at all times and practice social distancing (no sled sharing or making a sled train down the hill). Rules would be reviewed at the beginning of the activity. Permission form will be required. Currently looking at transportation options for some who may not be able to get a ride to these locations.

Shortened quarantine option
MDH has left it up to school districts to decide if they will follow a shortened quarantine for students or staff.  14-day quarantine is still the safest option. 10-day quarantine if no symptoms of any kind through the full 14 days and child/adult can mask and social distance through the full 14 days. Seven-day option if negative test on or after day five and all of the above from the 10-day quarantine. Most schools are not allowing a shortened quarantine. We have already decided that shortened quarantine will not be used for sports as it is a higher risk activity and athletes cannot keep a six-feet distance between each other when participating in sports. Will revisit this prior to elementary students return to in-person school.

Agenda:

• High school virtual town hall details.
• High school prom and graduation discussion.
• Wilshire Park Elementary School (WP) planning/discussion.
• Ramsey and Hennepin county data.
• WP and St. Anthony Middle School special education.
• Patriots Marching Band.
• New variant of COVID-19 discussion.

Summary, action items:

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) came out today with national models based on vaccination, information on the new variant, and public adherence to mitigation strategies. The CDC models (national, not local) suggest that we could have a very chaotic April unless some changes happen that haven’t happened so far (e.g. improved adherence to mitigation strategies, vaccination at a much faster pace). Knowing that we already have this variant in our community, we will be keeping an eye on that time frame very carefully. 

These models are using levels of mitigation that appear overly optimistic; so we are taking that into account. We are aware that we have supply chain issues with vaccines, so while everyone is going as fast as they can, they can only distribute what they can get from the federal government. We will resize the CDC models into local projections. We don’t know the local impact yet as this is a model (best guesstimate)— yet a fairly significant guess that we will take into account when trying forecast what’s next.

WP return to in-person learning planning
Based on the LIT and district's deciding factors, students in grades K-2 will return initially to in-person learning four days/week starting Feb. 1, 2021. Grade 2 will move into a modified hybrid format the following week, along with grades 3-5. Grades 2-5 will be on a one-week rotation into the building, on a M/T and Thurs/F format. The district is committed to this plan for a timespan of nine weeks, which is the entire third quarter. 

Agenda:

• Wilshire Park Elementary plan and Town Hall meeting.
• High school prom, graduation, senior parade discussion.
• Vaccinations.
• Ramsey and Hennepin county data.
• Middle and high school plans discussion.
• Current COVID-19 numbers.

Summary, action items:

The WP Town Hall is set for 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan 27. We will include an FAQ on most common questions. There will not be a “live” portion of the Town Hall, but Principal Amy Kujawski will hold listening sessions to anyone who would like to join. We’re committing to this plan for the third quarter. Will also continue to evaluate. 

High school Prom
Indoor facility has been reserved for May 15, 2021. Final payment is due by March 15. Discussed the option of having an outdoor Prom and where it could potentially take place. Discussed using the baseball and softball fields, and Central Park for the Grand March. If needed, could section off groups of 50-75 students per area, with the DJ in the middle and a tent with dance floor in each area.

High school Graduation
Discussed various outside options and location ideas, such as Central Park or another outdoor venue (University of North Western, Mounds View, or others). The umber of guests would be determined by the venue and circumstances. Would like to include live music and have NineNorth provide live-streaming services.

Also discussed possibly having graduation held in the gymnasium. This would mean students only and no guests. Would offer live music from the bleachers (band on one side and choir on the other), and NineNorth providing live-streaming services.

Lastly, discussed the possibility of having a Virtual Graduation, the same plan as the spring of 2020. Music would be pre-recorded.

Senior Parade
Discussed idea of shortening the route (ideal is 30 minutes). Get St. Anthony Police Department input on the potential route, including their support for traffic lights. Discussed allowing one student or one household/vehicle. Day and time discussed.

Vaccinations
Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul is open for educators for a total of 15,000 vaccinations (this weekend). Looking at the option of having a St. Anthony pilot site (Hennepin site Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Resource referenced.

Middle and high school plans
Can make the move to modified hybrid easy for St. Anthony Middle School— just need to determine the date of transition. For St. Anthony Village High School, discussed the possibility of transitioning to modified hybrid on March 1.

Current COVID-19 numbers
From the state, Jan. 9 (Two-week rolling timespan) for Hennepin county (40.99) and for Ramsey County (40.98). The Shiny app daily estimate also from Jan. 9, 2021, data for Hennepin County (28) and for Ramsey County (30.2) and for St. Anthony-New Brighton School District (36.6).

Agenda:

• Vaccination site (permanent).
• Secondary building: consider hybrid model? 
• Data nugget: testing and the drop in COVID-19 cases. 
• Collaborative update (mental health).
• Vaccine.
• Upcoming travel plans.
• High school plan ideas.

Summary, action items:

Started the prep work to become a vaccine site back when we first heard about COVID-19 in February of 2020. How do we continue to offer the vaccine clinic and at the same time bring students back into our buildings? Discussed options of using a QR code and text people when they can come for to receive their vaccination. What about statewide testing? We could move the vaccine clinic to the gyms, but there would be a lot of set-up and take-down involved. Could use the gyms for student group testing. Will need to communicate to the public that SANB is just a site, and not in charge of organizing the vaccine clinic. Community Services can help get the message out to the greater community.

Secondary building: consider hybrid model?
Agreed that now is the time to start making plans—as quickly as possible. Need to prioritize grade nine and grade 12. Referenced article. Looking at the option of recommending a typical hybrid model instead of modified hybrid. Students will need time to organize their schedules. Look at offering a middle and high school Town Hall, same format as the recent Wilshire Park Elementary version.

Current COVID-19 numbers
From the state, Jan. 16 (Two-week rolling timespan) for Hennepin County (35) and for Ramsey County (35.55). The Shiny app daily estimate from Jan. 28, 2021, data for Hennepin County (26) and for Ramsey County (27.5) and for St. Anthony-New Brighton School District (30).

Collaborative update (mental health)
Keep it going through August 2021. Discussed ideas of creating study groups, grief/loss groups, Town Hall option. Interactive campaigns to keep checking in and focus on the importance of mental health.

Vaccine
Even after receiving the vaccine, one could still could contract COVID-19 and could still pass it along to others. Resource referenced.

Upcoming travel plans
Discussed the option of the district going to distance learning during the week after spring break.

High school plan ideas
Discussed the option for having each student have the opportunity for one day per week in the building. In order to provide for social time, we will need flexibility in grouping—pods is not going to do it. Some students have shared that the pods felt like detention.
 
Ava, the student representative on the LIT surveyed her fellow students last week (around 200 responded) and about 65% had some interest in coming in for support. If we were to do one grade level each day, that would be about 120 kids, including students in pods that are receiving special education support. Discussed what number of students the LIT would feel comfortable with, along with ideas and planning that doesn't revolve around pods.

Open-office hours concept was discussed. It provides students the flexibility to get what they want/need along with some social interaction. Although it takes planning and preparation, it does not require us to shift out of our distance learning instruction model: 

• When teachers are not in live sessions, they are open for students (12-15 max at a time). Would need to sign in and sign out.
• The Commons area (or Upper gym) is available as a flexible space with tables where students can collaborate and/or socialize.
• Art rooms and engineering rooms are accessible for hands on activity.
• Lunches would be eaten in classrooms (could be assigned).
• Grade-level meetings held in the auditorium or lower gym.
• Special education pods would continue, but students would be able to  go see other teachers too.
   

Agenda:

• Staff vaccinations.
• Reopening school.
• Saliva testing.
• Travel quarantine and spring break.
• Special Education update.
• St. Anthony Village High School (SAVHS) plan.
• St. Anthony Middle School (SAMS) plan.

Summary, action items:

Discussed communications with families about staff being vaccinated and reopening school. Need to communicate that this will not be a complete on-switch to ensure it is safe for our staff and students since transmission can still occur while at school. 

Saliva testing
Discussed the potential for a saliva clinic that would be housed at the secondary building (middle and high school). Also discussed the Minnesota Department of Health's recently-updated COVID-19 testing recommendations and how they focus primarily on young Minnesotans— especially those ages 12-25. The recommendations expand the category of people who should get tested to include students returning to school, youth sports, or extracurricular activities, among others.

Travel quarantine and spring break
Recommendation from the state of no unnecessary travel. If individuals choose to travel, they will need to quarantine upon their return.

Special Education update
Discussed the need for more social interactions. Also, how to incorporate a plan to share staff.

St. Anthony Village High School plan
Discussed and weighed different options for Phase 2 (seniors only Feb 19, 22, and 26) and Phase 3 (9-12 rotation starting March 1). 

• Best-case scenario one: 
  • Students are placed in cohorts by common courses. They will start the day in cohorts and eat lunch in cohorts. Students will move to teachers independently of their cohort. (Movements could be limited to a smaller number of cohorts at once). All rooms will have sign in and sign out with a limited number of students allowed at one time. Band and choir will have small group sessions at set times in larger spaces. Hands-on classrooms (art and engineering) will have a lower number of students allowed at one time. Here is an example of a potential schedule:
    • 10-10:30 a.m.: Homeroom
    • 10:30-12 p.m.: Flexible Office Hours
    • 12-1 p.m.: Homeroom for Lunch and Band or Choir
    • 1-2 p.m.: Homeroom
    • 2-3 p.m.: Flexible Office Hours
  • Commons (M/F) or Upper Gym could be used for collaborative spaces. Band/choir/some large classes will use the lower-gym balcony, auditorium, or another large space.
• Mid-range scenario two:
  • Students are placed in cohorts by common courses. They will start the day in cohorts and eat lunch in cohorts. Students will move to teachers independently of their cohort. (Movements could be limited to a smaller number of cohorts at once). All rooms will have sign in and sign out with a limited number of students allowed at one time. Band and choir will have small group sessions at set times in larger spaces. Hands-on classrooms (art and engineering) will have a lower number of students allowed at one time. Here is an example of a potential schedule:
    • 10-10:30 a.m.: Homeroom
    • 10:30-12 p.m.: Flexible Office Hours
    • 12-1 p.m.: Homeroom for Lunch and Band or Choir
    • 1-2 p.m.: Homeroom
    • 2-3 p.m.: Flexible Office Hours
  • Commons (M/F) or Upper Gym could be used for collaborative spaces. Band/choir/some large classes will use the lower-gym balcony, auditorium, or another large space.
• Scenario three:
  • Students are placed in cohorts by common courses and remain in the cohort room almost all day, with some scheduled/controlled opportunities for combinations (think band getting together in a large space where students are in their small group within the larger group). Teachers will rotate into the classrooms.
  • Lower-gym balcony/Commons area/upper-gym/auditorium could be used for controlled combinations. Art room access will be one cohort at a time. 

St. Anthony Middle School plan
Phase 1: Starting on Feb. 4, we welcomed back a small group of students into the building. These students were brought in to receive more individualized support with distance learning and prioritizing students who receive special education services. 

Phase 2:  Beginning Feb. 22, each grade level will come into the building on their Core days in a three-week rotation. This would begin with grade 8, then rotate to grade six, and then rotate to grade seven. In the fall, grade seven was our last level to be in person. Our plan to start with grade eight allows our sixth- and eighth-grade students to be in person two times prior to our district’s scheduled spring break. 

• Our Core schedule for Modified Hybrid In-Person is as follows:
  • Monday - Cohort A - would be in person
  • Tuesday - Cohort B - would be in person
  • Wednesday - NO CORE CLASSES - clubs and intervention
  • Thursday - Cohort A - would be in person
  • Friday - Cohort B - would be in person
• Reminder: For most students, Core days include humanities, math, science seminar, wellness, and reading.

Agenda:

• Discuss Feb. 17, 2021 update from MDE/Gov. Walz. 
• Prom, Graduation, celebratory events.
• Considering option for more in-person learning.
• Students who are choosing only distance learning.
• Vaccine clinic.
• Travel quarantine.
• MSHSL Quarantine Guidance.

Summary, action items:

Discussed recommendations, requirements and mitigation strategies that need to be in place to prioritize in-person learning. The district will still need to offer distance learning.

Discussed the modifications made to emergency executive order 21-01 and adjusting limitations on certain activities and events. Reviewed the information regarding planning for large gatherings and or events  via the 2020-21 Planning Guide for Schools) and the Gathering Requirements for Celebrations and Significant Life Events (Includes info about dancing (Prom) which applies to businesses, schools, etc.) Doesn’t apply to lectures, seminars, continuing ed, presentations, etc. For example, it would not apply to an ACT test (would use venue and entertainment guidance). We want to include more input from students regarding Prom and Graduation planning. We are also looking at how other schools districts are doing/planning these events.

Discussed recommendations, requirements and mitigation strategies that need to be in place to prioritize in-person learning. The district will still need to offer distance learning.

Students who are choosing only distance learning
Wilshire Park: 25% ; SAMS: 22% ; SAVHS: 29% 

Scheduled through the week of March 1. Still will honor second doses for St. Anthony. Looking into potentially offering weekends and how to staff additional clinic days. Hennepin HealthCare is offering the Pfizer vaccine. 

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has adopted the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidance for vaccinated persons who have a close contact with a COVID-19 positive case. MDH recommended to quarantine if you leave the state. CDC states that individuals don’t have to quarantine if they are vaccinated (no COVID-19 symptoms). We will ask people to quarantine if they were exposed.

New guidance from the MSHSL allows for seven-day quarantine if the player was wearing a mask AND the contact is not in their household AND they have no symptoms.  
 

Agenda:

• New learning models. 
• Prom and Graduation update.
• Communication.
• Assessments.

Summary, action items:

At Wilshire Park Elementary School, discussed what will happen if more kids switch learning models. Also discussed how students would eat lunch in their classrooms; each grade will have one specialist/week; special education and English Learners will begin to pull students for services; will continue to use mitigation strategies between staff.

At St. Anthony Middle School, discussed how the week of March 15, all students will have asynchronous learning on Monday, March 15 and Thursday, March 18. Then, Cohort B students (all three grade levels) will be in person on Tuesday, March 16 and Friday, March 19. Cohort A students (all three grade levels) will engage in their electives through distance learning on Tuesday, March 16 and Friday, March 19.  During the week of March 22, all students will have asynchronous learning on Tuesday, March 23.  Cohort A students (all three grades), will be in person on Monday, March 22 and Thursday, March 25. Cohort B students (all three grades) will engage in their electives through distance learning on Monday, March 22 and Thursday, March 25. Monday, April 5: All SAMS students will begin in-person learning.

At St. Anthony Village High School,  April 12 will be either Full Hybrid (A/B/DL/A/B) or All in-person for a five-period day. Students would be scheduled in study hall/support if they don’t have five classes. Asynchronous only on April 8 and April 9 for planning purposes

Senior parents are willing to help. Modular thinking - dance, grand march, food? Meeting will be held to discuss logistics before moving on to meeting with students for second meeting, and then with parents.
Discussed sending a message to get students tested (community testing) before prom/big events. Discussed idea of creating pods/zones - subgroups within subgroups (50-person zones). Indoor Prom date set for May 15.
New Prom date/need before graduation- May 22? 

Discussed idea of adding a homepage alert/pop-up message to the website during a model change. Also, add to the homepage banner images to direct people for more information.

Discussed the MCA/MTAS/ACCESS tests - must move forward. Families may choose to opt out of their students participating. Further discussion on whether or not to do the MAP test.

Agenda:

• Discussion of COVID-19 numbers and variant B117.
• School model updates.
• COVID-19 cases at SANB.
• Prom/Graduation updates.
• Vaccine clinics.

Summary, action items:

We are currently in the green at St. Anthony-New Brighton (SANB). Recent Carver County (in the orange within one week), outbreak was through athletics. Need to reinforce to parents/guardians to continue sharing info and communicate openly about COVID-19 symptoms with district. Local public health experts waiting for guidance for children and the community from Minnesota Department of Health with the B117 variant. The B117 variant is moving very quickly. Helpful that we are moving forward with vaccinations. The LIT will continue to monitor.

Nine, 10 and 11 in the building last week. Senior numbers remain low, but consistent groups of students entering the building. Commons area for lunches- based on logistical size will have grade six eat in the Commons, will need to be spread into the hallway of the auditorium. One week of grade six, then seven, and now eight. Great attendance at the middle school. High school for 4th Qtr, still determining what lunches will look like. Based on numbers, will probably need to split up lunches or eat in classrooms. Discussed option of students eating in the gymnasium. For middle school, teachers will be using the gym for classes. Also discussed auditorium - music classes wouldn't be in the chairs and band would start after lunch is over. Middle school- grades seven and eight will eat in their classrooms as of now. Seating chart for high school lunches- very difficult to enforce. Could potentially have students eat in their classroom during third hour class. More of a quarantine possible in the classroom (pod vs. whole classroom). Once the weather is warmer, will be able to go outside to eat. Looking at using QR codes like other districts for the high school (prom, lunch, etc) to help with contact tracing if there is a positive case.

A few positive cases; no staff at this time needed to quarantine (not within the distance or within 15 minutes of time, and fully vaccinated). Mitigation strategies are working and effective. At the elementary level, would quarantine an entire class due to how much contact young students have with each other. At the secondary level, will consider just the pod when making decisions with contact tracing.

Checked in with neighbors at SilverWood (outdoor spaces) - waiting to hear back. US Bank Stadium- have outdoor flooring for dancing, do have a price quote to rent their flooring. Would need tents for outdoor. Looking at costs associated with each option. Need to finalize the date- and then will enlist more help to make everything flow nicely together. Would probably only do a junior/senior prom for the numbers and safety.

For Graduation, still deciding on the direction (too far away to predict). Potential date is Friday, June 11. What would be allowed in the gymnasium (number of students and no guests). Looking at outdoor options (if rains day before, football field is out) that are accessible for everyone. Discussed Senior parade- promoting this to the community.

Right now for MDH outdoor events and entertainment: Open at 25% capacity, no more than 250 people. Social distancing is required. No food service after 11 p.m. Strong recommendation for masks, but not required.

Waiting to hear more on future dates. More than 6,000 vaccines administered.

Agenda:

• Discussion of COVID-19 numbers & B117 variant.
• Physical education classes at SAMS/SAVHS.
• Prom/Graduation updates.
• SAMS/SAVHS return models.
• Grade five and eight celebrations.
• Spring break and quarantine.

Summary, action items:

We are monitoring when the B117 variant becomes more of the dominant strain (still COVID-19, just more contagious). The same mitigation measures  with COVID-19 work with the B117 variant. Predicting numbers to go up due to opening things back up. In the not too distant future, tools are indicating that we will be in the yellow (currently in the green with numbers). Believe we still have the ability to continue as we are with the mitigation strategies we have in place.

At SAMS and SAVHS, discussed health and wellness classes, and limitations and restraints within these classes. Also discussed the locker rooms. SAVHS teachers would like to have students change, checking with SAMS. Looked at youth activities and sports guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health - not required to avoid locker rooms. Physical education classes can get up to 25/class with about 15 students/locker room at the same time, also utilizing the workout/weight lifting equipment. As intensity increases- so does COVID-19 risk. Will include masks, sanitizing/wiping equipment down between each use, and a physical distance as mitigation strategies in the workout area- along with proper ventilation. Also looking at assignments for lockers to spread out. 

Chose three local colleges to tour for outdoor venues for  Graduation. Hamline, no outside events until fall 2021; waiting for a response from Northwestern; Concordia St. Paul sent a quote on rental fee's (which includes sound and setup). Looking at how many guests could be allowed. Checking with MDH guidance. Right now, according to MDH guidance, we can have one guest/graduate- aiming for higher, if possible (depends on our plan and MDH guidance). So, right now looking at locking in a location, time, number of guests allowed, per Governor's orders.

For Prom, checked with Silverwood- cannot have amplified music (DJ is out, unless we do the rentals of headphones for every kid- set up three different stations and push a button to what song they would like to hear). Did not reserve the space at Silverwood due to the lack of amplified music. Would be too awkward for the kids. Outdoor Prom will need to be small, and most likely just limited to seniors. Discussed other options for outdoor venues such as Central Park, tennis courts, Village Fest space, local farms, the University of Minnesota, Long Lake (does allow for amplified music with additional permit), Theodore Wirth Regional Park, Farmers Market, Boom Island, local churches (camps, retreat spaces). Checking with the City on the possibility of using the tennis courts- would include food trucks and amplified music, look at providing tents (off court). Looking at Central Park as Plan B.

SAMS: B cohort T/F this week, A cohort M/Th, all students in after spring break. SAVHS: begin return on April 12. Extended the response from parents/guardians to let SAVHS know if students are choosing to come back in person or continue with distance learning. As of right now, 78% yes, 22% no. Depending on the final numbers, looking at the possibility of doing hybrid two days/week or all in person. Distance learning of course continues to be an option.

Going to place a hold on this right now- need to focus on Prom and Graduation first. Will revisit.

Need to provide CDC and MDH guidance with families- be very clear with scenarios and if you need to quarantine after spring break travel (in and outside of the state). Will be difficult to come up with every scenario- can reach out to District Nurse Lori Watzl-King with questions.

Agenda:

• SAVHS return plan/current COVID-19 numbers.
• Spring break travel.
• Grade five graduation party.
• At-home tests (non Vault).

Summary, action items:

Encourage families/students to test frequently. At this time, there is little evidence of transmission in the school, but yes in sports (spring sports are mostly outside which is helpful). Will look at setting up a COVID-19 team at each building. Will need to come up with a contingency plan in case hospitalizations increase due to increased COVID-19 cases. Keep pods in place. Look at QR code for contact tracing during lunch. Discussed locations for lunch for the high school. Discussed removing booths (don't allow for social distancing) and to replace with tables and chairs that will allow for social distancing.

58 families so far have completed the spring break travel Google Form (numbers may be low due to those who have not completed the form). Everyone on the list has received an email from District Nurse Lori Watzl-King with the date of when their student(s) can return to school to allow for quarantine. We are still under around 5% of our students that are traveling during spring break.

Discussed questions submitted from the parent group. Looking at number of attendees (students and teachers)- would need to determine if parents/guardians/families can be invited to attend an outdoor party. Will need to go through the MDH venue guidance. Instead of an ice cream truck, would need to provide pre-packaged treat and distribute from multiple points at the outdoor event. 

At-home tests (non Vault)
Hearing about new tests that will be available at stores- but, these will not be reported to the Minnesota Department of Health. Unsure if we will be able to accept these results—we do not have an official result to report to the state (as we do with Vault). MDH is still reviewing and no guidance for school districts at this time— told to encourage districts to push for MDH reported testing. Great reminder for families- even if a negative test, but student is symptomatic, needs to remain home until symptom free.

Agenda:

• Current COVID-19 numbers, B117 variant. 
• St. Anthony Village High School updates.
• Wilshire Park Elementary School questions to address.

Summary, action items:

Hennepin County numbers are estimated to be at 36.9 and the Ramsey County numbers are at 23.8. For the New-Brighton School District area, numbers are at 24.8. The B117 variant seems to be more impactful. Right now vaccine (Pfizer) is available to age 16 and up (Moderna 18 and up). Will message to students and families vaccine clinic information from the Minnesota Department of Health. 

In-person learning begins on April 12. Prom is set for May 15— permit for tennis courts has been applied for to use as venue. Still working on choosing a venue for Graduation (University of Northwestern for Friday night with Saturday as a backup; Concordia St. Paul- Saturday with no backup time).

News indicates that COVID-19 cases are rising for kids. To what extent is this true? Need to connect on what our message needs to be to families about current numbers due to some concern from staff. Fifth-grade celebration— parents would like to have students mingle outside with masks (outside of their own pods). District Nurse Lori Watzl-King is concerned about this request due to contact tracing and potential exposures.

Agenda:

• Current COVID-19 numbers & quarantines (entire district).
• Athletics.
• Updates from St. Anthony Village High School.
• Vaccination clinic for ages 18 and over for those facing barriers.

Summary, action items:

As of right now, the district has a total of 128 students in quarantine (does not include those home on quarantine for households of close contacts), with a current total of eight reported and confirmed positive COVID-19 cases. If exposure rates indicate that transmission is occurring within our school buildings exponentially, then we will need to revisit our current plan and mitigation strategies (transmission within the community is expected). The B117 variant has added an increase in positive COVID-19 rates. It is important for families to immediately notify the district/school at covidhealth@isd282.org or call 612-440-5012 when there is a positive case, and for those impacted as close contacts to quarantine.

Spring sports that take place outdoors— looking closely at transportation (how many kids on the bus, where are they sitting, wearing masks, open windows for ventilation), but also there is more social distancing opportunities for the athletes. Coaches are aware of what would incur a quarantine, so they are being careful and mindful of that. 

Nice job on wearing masks. Keeping students separate can be challenging (lunch, hallways). Consistent reminders of giving space— students understand and continue to try. Working on making improvements for lunch time due to challenges such as movements, getting food, taking masks down to eat). QR codes are being used during lunchtime in the Commons area. QR codes and seating assignments are being utilized in the Commons area for students attending study hall. 

Reaching out to individuals in the community to schedule vaccine appointments with those who are over the age of 18 (Moderna vaccine) that are facing barriers to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine— to make it available to them (April 29, from 3-8 p.m.). Helping work through various potential barriers, such as transportation, LGBTQ community members, non-English speaking individuals, those facing addiction, immigrants, those with disabilities, etc. Goal is to make sure people feel welcome and supported, such as helping them fill out paperwork, or just sitting with them while they receive their vaccine. Working on finding additional volunteers at this time.

Agenda:

• Shortened quarantine discussion.
• Outdoor sports

Summary, action items:

The district has received questions about the difference between the recommended 14-day quarantine vs. the shortened quarantine. We follow the Minnesota Department of Health for guidance while prioritizing learning.

Local health experts on the LIT recommend continuing with the 14-day quarantine for school model (pods). It's working. If we shorten the quarantine, we run the risk of a cascading event and potentially shutting down more pods, activities, planned events, and in-person learning. 

We are trying to avoid a widespread outbreak in our school buildings with pods and 14-day quarantines. This is how we work toward preventing a pause to school this year.

When a child's been exposed to COVID-19 (no symptoms)— wait until at least a week until the virus is able to show up on a test (seven-day mark) or start showing symptoms. If you get a negative test result at the half-way mark (seven days in) and don't show symptoms, the child can return at the 15-day mark. Yet, about one and five kids will develop COVID-19 in the second week of the quarantine. 

Potential message to families— what are things we can do? Vaccinate. If not comfortable vaccinating, then don't partake in family/social gatherings. Regardless of being vaccinated, continue to wear your mask, social distance, wash hands.

Outdoor sports
Discussed idea of utilizing a shortened quarantine for outdoor activities/sports. Parents/guardians are asking for this (for outdoor sports only— golf, tennis, softball, baseball, track...). Outdoor sports chance of transmission has less of a risk. If we were to update our policy for outdoor sports, would need additional staff assistance to switch to a shortened quarantine (seven-day quarantine for outdoor sports, but STILL 14-day quarantine for in-person school). Ideas offered: seven-day quarantine IF they do an administered PCR test—or a 10-day quarantine without any testing and would need to provide their own transportation, wear a mask, and socially distance— and do not have a close contact within their own household. Parents/guardians would need to contact District Nurse Lori Watzl-King to see if their child qualifies for a shortened quarantine. 

Agenda:

• Potential vaccine clinic for 12 and up.
• Prom update.
• Masks for kids in summer programs.
• Extend staff COVID-19 testing from over the summer.

Summary, action items:

Lori Watzl-King is going to apply for the district to become a vaccine clinic for ages 12-18.

The evening's festivities turned out great at the tennis courts. There was enough space who were not comfortable in a group, were able to have their own smaller group. No noise complaints. 

With new guidance, can go up to 12,000-14,000 for an outdoor event. Principal Sawyer isn't comfortable with packing the bleachers, or putting families in a situation if they are concerned. We will look at extending the amount of tickets to five/family. Could have people sit in groups in order to get contact information. Masks recommended; no hand shakes. If you have symptoms, stay home. If you are under quarantine, don't come to the Graduation Ceremony.

Masks for kids and staff in summer programs
Group will continue to discuss how we move forward. Should be receiving guidance soon from the MDE/MDH.

Extend staff COVID-19 testing from over the summer
Discussed if this would be possible (logistics, test kits, etc). Would need to hire a COVID-19 coordinator during summer programming at Wilshire Park. MDH continues to state to offer testing to school staff.