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Dear Wayzata High School Community,
As a result of the COVID-19 virus, we were forced to suddenly and radically shift to a new way of learning called distance learning. This new model of learning has evolved over time to include learning experiences now commonly termed as synchronous, asynchronous and hybrid. After 11 months, 2 weeks and 5 days, I am pleased to announce that Wayzata High School will return to "full" in-person instruction 4-days per week beginning the week of Monday, March 8, while still allowing our families the choice to remain in distance learning through the end of the school year.
- Students in grades 9-12 who elected in-person instruction will attend school each week Monday-Thursday. Students who chose distance learning will attend their classes remotely each week Monday-Thursday. We will continue to provide distance (asynchronous) learning and individual student support for all students on Fridays.
- Approximately 40% of our students selected distance learning to finish out the 3rd term, while 25% of our students selected distance choice learning for 4th term. In order for staff to plan accordingly and maintain effective health and safety protocols, it is important for students to abide by their choices.
- Students receiving Special Education and English Learner services will continue to attend school five days a week.
- Wayzata Transition students will move from half-day hybrid instruction to full-day programming. Case managers will be in contact with families about the details of their schedule.
The following dates are important for a successful transition for all students.
Monday, March 1 & Friday, March 5
Staff Planning Days
There will be no school for students in grades 9-12, including Wayzata Transition students, on Monday, March 1 and Friday, March 5 to provide staff time to prepare for students' full return to school.
Tuesday, March 2
ACT Day
All 11th grade students should report to school for their in-person ACT test offered at no cost. The ACT exam is a powerful predictor of college readiness and used primarily as an entrance criteria by most colleges and universities. Students in grades 9 and 10 will take a virtual Practice ACT (specific information to follow later this week). Seniors should use this day for post-secondary planning.
Wednesday, March 3 & Thursday, March 4
Modified Hybrid Learning Schedule
Students will continue to attend courses under our current modified hybrid learning model and schedule.
Monday, March 8
9th Grade Transition Day
Monday, March 8 will serve as a 9th grade transition day. The only students in the building receiving in-person instruction will be 9th grade students. All other students will be expected to attend their classes remotely as designed by their teacher.
We will operate on the following daily schedule for all students effective on March 8:
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Daily / Weekly Learning Schedule M-TH (Friday Asynchronous Learning)
Block 1: 8:15- 9:40 (85 minutes) Note: School is starting 5 minutes earlier
Block 2: 9:46 - 11:10 (84 minutes)
Block 3: 11:16 - 1:40 (approximately 85 minutes classes / 30-minute study hall / 25-minute lunch)
1st Lunch 11:15 - 11:40
2nd Lunch 11:45 - 12:10
3rd Lunch 12:15 - 12:40
4th Lunch 12:45 - 1:10
5th Lunch 1:15 - 1:40
Note: 5 minutes between each lunch for cleaning
Block 4: 1:46 - 3:10 (84 minutes)
*Distance choice students will receive live/synchronous instruction for a minimum of the first 20 minutes of class or as designed by their teacher.
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Tuesday, March 9
Grades 9-12 Return to In-Person Learning
All students electing for a full in-person experience will return to the above schedule. Distance learners will be expected to follow the same schedule and will log into their classes daily per the direction of their teacher.
In-Person Learning Model Safety Protocols
Our in-person learning model will only remain in effect with your continued cooperation and support. High school students attending in-person MUST:
- Complete at-home health checks and make the responsible decision to stay home when experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Wear a mask throughout the entire school day.
- Maintain MDH/MDE social distancing requirements in effect for in-person learning.
- Practice frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer at one of many designated locations throughout the school.
- MDE strongly recommends that students and families that are learning in-person be tested for COVID-19 every two weeks. There are many locations providing free COVID-19 testing.
Culinary Express
Culinary Express will look a little different. Our goal is to get students through the line as safely and quickly as possible. Breakfast and lunch will remain free for all students through the end of the school year. Meals will be served grab and go style. One free breakfast and lunch per student. Ala carte and additional purchases will not be available on the main serving lines.
A small amount of ala carte will be available for purchase from the concessions area. Students must have their Student ID or barcode before getting to the register. In order to purchase ala carte, students must have funds available in their account. Funds can be deposited via Family Titan Portal.
We're Here for All of Our Students
We greatly appreciate your patience over the past year as we have been working hard to provide the best possible learning experience for your student. Although we are extremely excited to return more students to in-person learning, we are not completely out of the woods and still need your cooperation and support to successfully get us through the finish line. And, we remain committed to our students and families who chose to remain in the distance choice learning model. Again, thank you for your trust and understanding as we continue to navigate the challenges of a global pandemic.
Sincerely,
Scott Gengler
Principal
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