CMS Parents and Guardians,
This communication is intended to answer a few frequently asked questions about the transition back into Hybrid. Central Middle School Hybrid students will return to in-person classes next week. Group A will attend in-person on Monday, with Group B in-person on Tuesday.
Teachers have been having conversations with their students this week about what to expect next week. If your student is in the Wayzata Distance Choice option, you will notice little or no change in your programming. Whether in Hybrid or Distance Choice, your student will want to be sure to check Skyward for schedule adjustments at some point over the weekend. Most students will have a new Encore class on their schedule for Quarter 3.
Friday, January 29 there is no school. It is a teacher work day for Hybrid, Distance Choice and Special Education staff.
Here are a few important need-to-know items associated with the return to Hybrid:
- School Day: School starts at 9:10 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m.
- Busing: You will receive a separate communication from the Transportation Department. Need more or different information? Contact the Transportation Department at 763-745-5195.
- Pick-Up and Drop-Off: Neither of these activities go as quickly as we'd like them to. The more patient we are in the lot, the safer it is for everyone. Do not drop-off or pick-up students on Vicksburg or in the narrow driveway by the baseball field. It is dangerous, especially with snow and ice present. Tip: the lot is almost completely empty by 4:15 p.m.
- Student Schedules: Students should check and print a new Semester 2 schedule from Skyward. Sometimes new classes or adjustments appear. Students must follow their Group A or Group B assignment.
- Advisory Check-In: On at-home days, Hybrid students are expected to check in with their Advisory/Flex class via Zoom. This activity will provide a great opportunity for students to connect with their teachers live and replaces the attendance question you may remember from Quarter 1. In-person students will work quietly while this meeting takes place. Teachers have shared the details around how this will work with their students.
- Face Coverings: With the exception of lunchtime, masks are required at all times when on campus. This includes Phy Ed/Health class even when outdoors or engaged in physical activity. After-school activities and sports also require masking.
- Classrooms and Cafeteria: Spaces inside the building have been staged for social distancing. In classrooms, seating positions have been marked by red and green dots. In the cafeteria, green dots on the floor mark the seating locations. In addition, we are experimenting with plastic dividers in the middle of each table as a way to add an extra measure of protection.
- Student Spacing: It is really natural and totally appropriate for students to want to be close together and socialize. Even when we space out the infrastructure appropriately, we need students to help staff by monitoring their own behavior. Remember, a safe hybrid experience improves the chances of a more timely return to regular in-person learning. Reinforcement of that message at home is helpful to us at school.
- Backpacks and Lockers: To avoid congestion and congregation in the hallways, we will continue to carry backpacks and not use lockers. Winter gear can be placed in a student's Advisory classroom for safe keeping.
- Sick?: If your student is feeling ill, have them stay home. The responsibility for all of us to make sure we are keeping others safe comes with the return of students to campus
- Quarantine Illness/Close Exposure & Travel:
- Illness/Exposure: As previously mentioned, students should stay home if they are ill. If they are experiencing COVID-like symptoms or have been exposed to someone with symptoms, contact the CMS Health office at 763-745-6015. They will be able to answer your questions about quarantine based on guidance from the MDH and the CDC.
- Travel: A 14-day quarantine is recommended after travel to other states. A 14-day quarantine is required after travel outside of the country.
- Sports/Activities: Registration for Winter II sports will begin on February 1. As we move into the spring we hope to add more sports and activities.
Thanks for your help in getting your student ready to go for next Monday and Tuesday. With any luck, we are heading safely toward a return to a more traditional school schedule in the months ahead. We will continue to monitor the situation and will be ready to adapt our model no matter which direction the COVID-19 numbers go.
Stay well,
Clark Doten, Principal