COVID-19 - Minnewaska Area School District

COVID-19 District Updates

Communication Updates

August 11, 2020: Return to School Plan 2020-21

August 7, 2020: Letter to Parents

July 30, 2020: MAS plans following Governor’s data-driven guidance

July 23, 2020: MAS Working Through Plan for Fall 2020

Learning Plans updated 8/11/20

Our staff has been busy planning three educational scenarios, On-site Learning, Distance Learning, and Hybrid Learning (a combination of the first two). Also, please know that regardless of the learning model we decide upon, school districts are required to offer “Distance Learning Choice” to families who may be medically vulnerable or otherwise unable or uncomfortable about returning to school throughout the year.

Minnewaska Area Schools plans to begin the 2020-21 school year on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, as follows:

K-6 elementary students will be attending school in person, unless you have informed us your child will be participating in our “Distance Learning Choice” plan.
7-12th grade secondary students will begin school in the hybrid learning plan, unless you have informed us your child will be participating in our “Distance Learning Choice” plan.
Details related to each of these plans are found on our Quick Reference Guide and in this Detailed Plan Information Guide.
Back to school supply lists may be found on the district’s website in the news or in the resources section of each school page or here for K-3, 4-6, and 7-8th grade.
The school board also emphasized the importance of advising you that decisions on how to begin the school year, and how to continue the school year may change weekly and you should be ready to adapt to those changes if/as they occur.

Middle School

Daily Attendance Form →

Minnewaska Elementary will be taking attendance within each classroom each day.

Junior High and High School

Daily Attendance Form →

Health Services

The well-being and safety of your child(ren) is a priority. Please use this Self Health Checklist before your child(ren) arrive at school and utilize the following COVID-19 resources as needed.

What To Do If You Have COVID-19

What To Do If You're Waiting for COVID-19 Test Results

What To Do If You Have Close Contact with a Person with COVID-19

Exclusion Decision Tree

Masking Requirements for Child Care

Daily Self Health Checks

Support Contacts

Classroom

Contact individual teachers for classroom questions.

Staff Directory →

Technical Issues

massupport@isd2149.org

320-239-4820

High School, Option 1
Tech Support, Option 5

Student Support

Britt Rose
School Counselor
320-239-4820 x1216
brose@isd2149.org

Jon Weaver
School Counselor
320-634-4567 x1210
jweaver@isd2149.org

Mary Walsh
School Social Worker
320-239-1317
mwalsh@isd2149.org

Technology

If you experience technical issues with your device our contact information is listed below. Provide your name, contact information, student’s name and student’s teacher in your voicemail or email and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

massupport@isd2149.org

320-239-4820

High School, Option 1
Tech Support, Option 5

Technology Guidelines

Below are some guidelines that you can use with your children in use and caring for their device. As a responsible student using technology, I understand the following is
expected of me when using my assigned Device during the school year.

I will take care of my Device.
I will know where my Device is at all times.
I will keep my charger with my Device.
Only I am permitted to use my Device.
I will always carry my Device with two hands.
I will always use my Device in a safe place: desk or table.
I will keep food and beverages away from my Device, as they can cause
damage to the device.
I will use my Device in ways that are educationally appropriate and meet
school usage requirements.
I will use my Device to complete assignments as expected. This means I will
not use websites, games, and Google programs not approved by my teacher.
I will practice digital responsibility on the internet.
I will not place any decorations on my Device.
I will only touch MY Chromebook.
I will report any damage to my Device immediately.

Internet Access

Access

If your student does not have access to the internet, we encourage you to let your child’s teacher know so that alternative arrangements can be made.

Providers

Click here to find internet providers in your area by entering your zip code.

We have been informed several providers are offering free internet to
students' families during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) school closures. Please contact the providers to see if they cover your location and if they are offering free internet to students.

Food & Nutrition Services

The following meal plans are applicable based on what learning plan your child(ren) is participating in for the 2020-21 school year.

Questions can be directed to Deb Nelson at dnelson@isd2149.org or (320) 239-4800 ext 1478

In-Person Learning Model Meal Plan

Distance Learning Model Meal Plan

Hybrid Learning Model Meal Plan

Safe Food Handling Instructions

Please note these safe food handling guidelines for bagged meals during the school shutdown.

Safe Food Handling Instructions for Perishable Items

Meat and Cheese Sandwiches are to be consumed or refrigerated within 2 hours. Shelf life refrigerated is 2 days.
Pre-Packaged Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches are to be consumed or refrigerated within 2 hours. Shelf Life refrigerated 5 days
Yogurt and Cheese Sticks- are to be consumed or refrigerated within 2 hours. Check the packaging for expiration date.
Portioned items (items that are not factory wrapped) of cheese, pizza sauce, bread, pretzels, fruits are to be consumed or refrigerated within 2 hours. Shelf life 5 days.
Citrus Systems Fruit Juices are to be consumed or refrigerated within 2 hours. Shelf life refrigerated 10 days.

The following items can be kept at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 5 days

Ultimate Breakfast Round
Pre-Packaged Sliced Breakfast Breads
Pre-Packaged Mini Loaf Breakfast Breads
BeneFit Bars
Muffin Top

Carb Counts for Bread Options

Care for Children of Families of Emergency Workers

Minnewaska Area Schools will only be open to support students of Healthcare, Emergency Personnel and Educator Families (View Full List) during the COVID-19 shut down. Childcare will operate between 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. each day with our school personnel staffing it. Breakfast, lunch & snack provided. Bring outdoor gear to play outside.

If transportation is needed, please call Palmer Bus Garage (634-3272) for pick up and drop off locations.

Click here for instructions on how to register →

Click here to register →

Activities

MAHS Activities Update - August 2020

The Minnesota State High School League issued their decision on Tuesday, August 4th regarding the 2020-21 high school activities seasons. The fall sports of boys' & girls' cross country, girls' tennis, girls' swimming and boys' soccer will be take place at Minnewaska Area High School with their seasons beginning on Monday, August 17th. Football and volleyball have been moved to a separate season next spring that will run from approximately March 15th to May 15th. Although there will be no competition for football and volleyball this fall, they will be able to practice with their coaches. More information will be forthcoming from the CE/Activities office as well as coaches of fall activities as we receive additional information from the MSHSL. Online registration will begin on Monday, Wednesday, August 12th. Please return to this site as well as the Community Education/Activities Facebook page for further information as it becomes available.

Minnewaska Area Schools Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet Postponed

The Minnewaska Area Schools Athletic Hall of Fame Committee has announced due to the uncertainties surrounding the ongoing COVID-19 virus, the 2020 Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremony scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd has been postponed to Saturday, October 2nd, 2021.

Community Education

All on-campus programming at Minnewaska Area Schools facilities will be following strict CDC, Minnesota Department of Health, and Minnesota Community Education Association guidelines and protocols regarding COVID-19.

Summer Community Education

We are up and running! Registration for different programs will slowly start to appear on our website over the next few weeks. Be sure to check back often! Another great way to stay updated is to follow us on Facebook. Our page is “Minnewaska Area Community Education, Recreation & Activities.”

We are also currently offering a few online courses. If you are interested, please register on our website so we are able to send you instructions on how to join the class.

There will be no Minnewaska Messenger mailed out covering Mid-May through Mid-August. We are planning to send out the fall Messenger in August to cover Mid-August through Mid-November.

Office Hours

Although the doors to the high school remained closed, the MAS Community Education/Activities Office will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day Monday through Thursday through July 31 to take phone calls or emails. For questions concerning MAS Community Education, please email Heidi Weller at hweller@isd2149.org or call 320-248-0605.

Early Childhood Screenings

At this time, we are unable to provide face-to-face Early Childhood Screenings, as directed by the Minnesota Department of Education and Minnesota Department of Health. Registration remains open; however, decisions regarding each screening day will be made as the date nears in conjunction with the most recent guidance.

When we are able to resume screenings, we will contact families with updated information and work to get all previously scheduled appointments completed as quickly as possible. At that time, screening staff will work with MDE and MDH and the provided guidance to ensure a safe screening experience.