Learning Model Transition Update – October 5, 2020 Dear WPS Families,
I hope this message finds you well. As you know, we started the school year in hybrid models and full-time distance choice for those families who selected the online option. This year is like no other, and I'm grateful for all the hard work our staff has done to create high-quality learning experiences for each and every one of our students regardless of the learning model.
We have heard from several of you wondering about the possibility of switching learning models as we continue to navigate the pandemic. I truly appreciate your support and want you to know we have spent countless hours determining the best course of action to take.
Our leadership team has been continuously monitoring the status of COVID-19 in the state, county and in our school community and is currently considering details around the possibility of returning our K-5 students to in-person learning at some point in the future. However, NO decision has been made to change the learning model at this time.
According to the State's Safe Learning Plan, 10 to 19 cases per 10,000 county residents over a 14-day period is the measurement needed to consider in-person learning for elementary students. The State plan also recommends 0 to 9 cases per 10,000 county residents over a 14-day period to consider in-person learning for middle and high school students. The county case rate number is one of many factors that must be considered prior to making any shifts in learning models.
The 14-day COVID-19 Case Rate for Hennepin County has fluctuated from being on a downward trend over the past few weeks, with a turn upward to 16.99 cases per 10,000 county residents in the most recent data reported from 9/6 - 9/19. In addition, the daily number of COVID-19 positive cases has continued to rise since the last 14-day reporting period. For this reason, we are going to continue to monitor the situation and have not selected a specific date to switch our elementary learning model at this time.
In addition to the COVID-19 county case data, there are many other variables that need to be considered, including the following:
We want to continue to be methodical and measured in our approach. At the same time, we need to be ready and responsive to the current conditions and provide a learning model that best meets our students' developmentally-appropriate needs. At the current time, this planning is centered on elementary students only and would not affect the current learning models for our middle school or high school students.
Our three middle schools will remain in the hybrid model and Wayzata High School will remain in its modified hybrid model until it is possible to move to full in-person learning or if it were to become necessary to go to full distance learning due to a significant increase in COVID-19 case data. With its current learning model, the high school administration and staff remain committed to identifying more classes to bring additional high school students into the building for in-person learning experiences.
Our highest priority remains on keeping staff and students safe, while at the same time ensuring the consistent delivery of the best possible high quality learning experiences for our students given the many challenges presented during this pandemic. Before any transition would occur, staff and families would receive approximately two weeks advance notice, which would include appropriate staff planning time.
To summarize, no decision has been made at this time and we will continue to keep you updated as our planning progresses. Thank you for your partnership as we continue to navigate this challenging new reality. As always your feedback is extremely important, and I welcome you to share your thoughts and concerns.
Sincerely,
Chace B. Anderson Superintendent |