Hybrid Model

Scenario 2: Hybrid Model

• Fifty percent (50%) of all students will attend school on campus in a safety-enhanced traditional manner every other week with added safety precautions as noted. During the weeks when students are not attending school on campus, they will receive digital synchronous (online)
• Students, during In-Person Learning weeks, will be socially distanced where feasible using guidelines provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Center for Disease Control (CDC), and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
• Movement within buildings, during In-Person Learning weeks, will be limited to the greatest extent possible by keeping students and staff in small cohort groups that stay together as much as possible throughout the day and from day to
• Mixing between cohort groups, during In-Person Learning weeks, will be limited to the greatest extent possible (i.e. during lunch, bathroom breaks, arrival and dismissal, recess, etc.).
• Student attendance will be taken daily during both In-Person Learning and Distance Learning weeks.
• Students who are diagnosed with infectious or communicable illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza, strep throat, etc., must remain home for a specified period of time as determined by the Licensed School Nurse in consultation with the building
• In the event of a temporary closure, all students will receive instruction under a Distance Learning model.
• For families who are uncomfortable with the In-person Learning portion of the Hybrid Model, the District will offer enrolled students a digital synchronous (online) learning experience. It is important to note that internet access must be available during the school day for this option. Students attending online will be on the same bell schedule as if they were attending school in the physical setting. Students will be expected to log on and attend each class as if they were onsite. Note: parents/guardians wishing to exercise this option must notify the district by completing a Distance Learning Election Option Form which can be found on the front page of the district’s website or by clicking on the link.
• Grade Level Specific Schedules coming soon.

Distance Learning

Scenario 3: Distance Learning

• All students will attend school virtually and participate in classes daily via digital synchronous learning through Google Classroom. Students will participate in their classes with their peers in real time and will be responsible for completing all assignments. Schools will provide a schedule for each student. Note: Daily instruction will include a mixture of online and independent student work.
• Families who do not have a device with Google Classroom capabilities, during the scheduled instructional time, will be provided with alternative delivery methods. Alternative delivery methods may include paper packets or online video lessons.
• Student attendance will be counted by students logging into Google Classroom.  Students who are absent will be marked excused or unexcused based on the guidelines found in the applicable student handbook.

Elementary School (K-5): Bemidji Area Schools will offer a K-5 digital distance learning option, which will parallel the district’s current curriculum. A balance of on-screen and off-screen lessons and activities will be provided by a Bemidji Area School teacher(s) that are designed to engage students in their grade level curriculum. Students enrolled in this model will have daily live interactions and connections with their teacher and an on-demand access to learning opportunities through Google Meet.

  K-5 Sample Schedule (this is only an example)

  Middle School: Coming Soon

  High School: Coming Soon

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS We have been working with staff and surveying parents/guardians, students, and the community to identify questions and concerns regarding the reopening of our schools. The following is a list of responses to the most frequently identified questions. The District will update these periodically on our website as we receive more questions and information related to COVID-19 changes. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do to help us prepare for a successful 2020-2021 school year.

Safety

Q.  What steps will staff take to prevent the spread of germs in each classroom?

A.    The District will provide increased custodial services to sanitize throughout the day in high touch areas. As part of our procedures, we will teach students proper handwashing techniques, require students and staff to wash hands often, and require social distancing when feasible. Each night our custodial and maintenance staff will clean the building employing CDC and MDH recommended sanitizing methods.

Q.   How will we teach students to understand the CDC recommendations for hygiene?

A. The District’s Licensed School Nurse and Health Paraprofessionals will provide in-person and video- based training to students, staff, and parents/guardians in classrooms, through the District website and District social media.

Q.   Is there enough personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies?

A.    Yes.  The District will provide necessary PPE to appropriate staff.  Every student and staff member will be provided with one cloth face covering. Students and staff may use an appropriate cloth face covering that they have purchased as long as it fits snugly and covers the nose and mouth. The District will have extra face coverings available in the event a student leaves his/her face covering at home. Parents/guardians will need to verify that their children have their face coverings with them for school every day. Face coverings must be laundered/washed frequently as recommended by the CDC and MDH.

Q.   What type of additional supplies are needed for students?

A.    Students will be allowed to bring water to school in a reusable water bottle that can be refilled at touchless water filling stations. Parents may also provide additional personal protective equipment, such as extra cloth face coverings and hand sanitizer in personal use bottles no larger than two (2) ounces.

Q.   At what times throughout the day will students be required to wear a face covering?

A.      Students, staff and any other individuals in a school must wear a face covering when on a bus, and while in school buildings and district offices. Face coverings may be temporarily removed in the following situations:

• When engaging in indoor physical activities and during classes or activities held outdoors
• Pre-kindergarten students age five (5) years and younger participating in programming in a school building or district office.
• While eating or drinking.
• When entering a building during the school day or for a school event and directed by school staff to briefly remove the face covering for the purpose of checking identification.
• Staff working alone in their offices, classrooms, vehicles or other job locations where there is no person-to-person interaction and staff working at desks/cubicles that have barriers, such as cubicle walls, between employees.
• When communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing or has a disability, medical condition, or mental health condition that makes communication with a face covering difficult, provided that social distancing is maintained to the extent possible.

Teaching & Learning

Q.   What will the classroom look like?

A.    Since each class is its own unique space, there will not be a common configuration. We will configure each class based on the size, function, and grade level. The CDC and MDH guidelines are guiding principles and our goal is to practice social distancing in each classroom and to be creative about using all opportunities to increase the physical space between students and staff.

Q.   What will school look like for the most vulnerable students who need individualized services?

A.    As always, we will follow the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and/or 504 Plan for each student. School may look different for each student depending on his/her needs.

Q.   Are the teachers going to move to different classes to teach different subjects or are the students going to move to the teachers?

A.    As part of a typical school schedule, students transition to different parts of the building throughout the day (i.e. library, music, art, PE, speech, office, computer lab, etc.). In an effort to keep all students and staff safe, and schedules will be adjusted to allow students to remain in their homerooms as much as possible throughout the day.

Q.   In Scenario 3: Distance Learning, how will attendance be tracked?

A.    Students are compulsory school age until age 17.  It will be required that students participate in their Google Classroom online classes using provided class schedules.

Q.   Will my child receive grades if he/she is quarantined?

A.    Yes.  Students in quarantine will be held to the same standards as students who are present in the school. They will be required to participate in online classes using Google Classroom to communicate with teachers and complete assignments. We ask parents to keep an open line of communication with teachers and ensure all contact information is accurate and up to date.

Q.   If a parent chooses to keep their child at home, will this be considered truant?

A.    Enrolled students whose parents choose the Distance Learning option, will be required to log in daily to be considered in attendance for that day. Failure to log in will count as an absence and will be marked as excused or unexcused.

Q.   If I choose to keep my child(ren) home, will the school provide the technology needed for all kids to continue learning?

A.    Yes, the district will provide each family with a Google Classroom compatible device if one is not already available in their household. Due to limitations in the number of devices available, the District may only be able to provide one device per family.

Q.   Will my child be sharing supplies with other students at school?

A.    No, each child will have his/her own school supplies.

Q.   Will students have break times to get fresh air outside?

A.    Yes, students will be able to have break times with their class. Students will not be in their classrooms all day. Outdoor activities will be dependent on weather conditions.

Q.   Will the students have recess/specialist/elective classes during the school day (PE, music, art)?

A.   Yes, we value the inclusion of play and the arts in our schools.  Students will have opportunities for recess and instruction from specialists. However, entire grade levels or multiple classrooms will not congregate on the same playground or location.

Q.   What is the difference between homeschooling and Distance Learning?

A.    Distance Learning is a district program that allows students to receive instruction from home under the guidance of Bemidji Area Schools teachers.  This is a recommended option for families who do not feel comfortable sending their children to the physical building due to concerns related to COVID-19. Families using this option will need access to reliable Wi-Fi services.  Homeschooling is not associated with Bemidji Area Schools, however home schooled students who are compulsory school age must be registered with the Bemidji Area Schools Registration Office and follow state guidelines.

Q.   Will students be able to participate in vocal music and/or band?

A.    Vocal music and band have been identified as high risk activities. We are waiting for additional guidance from MDE, MDH and public health agencies.

Support Services

 

Cafeteria

Q.   Will the cafeteria be serving hot meals for breakfast and lunch?

A.      Yes, both hot and cold meals will be served.

• Breakfast will be Grab and Go for specified sites and/or grade levels.
• Some students will have lunches brought to their classrooms and some students will go to the cafeteria to receive their meals, which will be consumed in their classrooms or in other designated areas that provide for social distancing.
• As conditions improve, small groups of students may be allowed to eat in the cafeteria using physical distancing.

Q.   Can parents and families come to eat lunch with students?

A.    No, we are limiting visitors in our schools as part of our safety protocols.

Transportation

Q.   How will students be transported safely on school buses?

A.    Parents who can provide transportation are strongly encouraged to do so. All other students will be transported to school. Due to the number of students per bus, students will be required to wear face coverings while riding, will be screened for symptoms, and will sit in family groups to be eligible to ride.

Health Services

Q.   If my child has a fever, will I have to get him/her tested for COVID-19?

A.    The decision to test a student for COVID-19 is one that will be made by parents and health care providers.   Appropriate exclusion period(s) will apply before the student may return to school.

Q.   How long will a student have to stay out of school, if he/she has a fever?

A.    Students with fevers will be sent home and may not return until they have completed the appropriate exclusion period based on the most current MDH guidance.

Q.   Will the school nurse/health paraprofessional be able to test for COVID-19?

A.    No, COVID-19 testing is conducted through non-school health officials/providers.

Q.   What will be the triggers for closing schools again after reopening?

A.    Local short-term closures may be required with confirmed outbreak in a class or school. Bemidji Area Schools will work with the State’s Regional Rapid Response Team to determine when a change in learning model or a temporary closure is necessary.

Q.   How will I be notified if my child is exposed to COVID-19?

A.    Official communications (by letter and/or telephone) will come from the school. We will not use social media to communicate exposure information. All communications will be done in coordination with local public health officials while maintaining confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and all other state and federal laws.

Q.   What happens if a student in my child’s class tests positive for COVID?

A.    With an identified diagnosis of COVID-19 in a class (a teacher, staff or a student), we will notify parents via official school communication (by letter and/or telephone) and require the impacted student(s) in that class participate in distance learning for a period of time as indicated by current CDC and MDH guidance. We will ask parents of other children to monitor them for symptoms and notify the school of any changes in health conditions.

Q.   In Scenario 1 and Scenario 2, how will we address students and staff who are medically vulnerable and underlying health issues?

A.    Staff members should communicate with their administrators to seek guidance. Parents are asked to all the principal to speak personally about your child’s diagnosis. Medical documentation may be required for both. We will work with parents of students with underlying health issues to develop a medical plan under the advice of a physician. The school nurse will ensure the action plan is followed and that all staff who work with the student are aware of the medical plan.

Parent Support & Partnerships

Q.   Will the Boys and Girls Club be open?

A.    Please contact the Boys and Girls Club for information regarding their operations.

Q.   What can I do to help support the school?

A.    Continue to keep us informed of your child’s changing health.  Help us slow rumors by not reposting unsubstantiated information on social media. Please contact appropriate staff to address any concerns.

To Our ISD 31 Families and Staff,

Last spring, we all witnessed unprecedented changes to our school system and to how we all live our lives and interact with others in public. On July 30th, 2020, school districts in Minnesota received direction and guidance from Governor Walz regarding the reopening of schools this fall. As we in ISD 31 prepare for the 2020-21 school year, we are developing three separate plans, as directed by Governor Walz and the Minnesota Department of Education, and we post them on this webpage in the near future.

In developing each of our plans, we are working in compliance with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidance. As such, our focus is to create an educational delivery system to keep our students, families and staff healthy and safe, while also working on a rigorous and equitable education for each and every student.

In this section of our web site, you will soon find the Bemidji Area School System’s 2020-2021 School Reopening Plan which will detail the learning scenario under which ISD 31 schools will be opening on September 8th. Also included will be shorter versions of each of the three scenarios we have prepared for the eventuality of switching from one scenario to another during the year. In addition, you will soon find an FAQ link where you can find answers to many of your questions.

I want to thank our school district leaders who have put so much work into creating our plans and continually updating them as needed. When the COVID-19 situation unfolded earlier this year, our educators began the difficult work of anticipating what this school year might look like so we would be prepared to offer options to our families. The situation we are facing is extremely challenging, and there are no perfect solutions for our schools or easy decisions for our families.

As you will see in our plan, we will honor the wishes of parents who opt to keep their children home for distance learning regardless of the scenario we use to start the year. Family choice and parent voice are important and we will recognize the wishes of parents if they choose distance learning as the best option for their children. We will be designing a “Family Choice Distance Learning Election Option” form soon that parents may use to notify the district of their intent to provide distance learning for their children.

As we have learned, the COVID-19 situation changes daily. We will respond to those changes by making any necessary adjustments to our plan based upon the data in Beltrami County. If the need arises for changes, we will communicate directly with you. We ask for your patience as we continue to navigate an unknown situation, together. We also ask you to keep a close watch on all the ways you receive official communication from ISD 31 and from your individual school.

This school year, we may be expected to move from one model of operating school to the next with very short turn-around time. It is very likely that we will experience all scenarios: full distance learning, blended/hybrid learning, and full in-school learning. Because we have developed plans for each, we will be ready to make the switch if and when necessary. Our teachers will receive additional professional development on providing a safe and healthy delivery of high-quality and equitable education beginning in August and continuing through the school year.

We cannot eliminate all of the risks associated with COVID-19, especially in a school setting. Our plan is aimed at emphasizing the health and safety of students and staff as much as possible by following guidance from the MDH and the CDC. I ask you to help us do the best we can by doing your part to fight the COVID-19 pandemic – practice social distancing, practice good hygiene, wear a mask, and by teaching and encouraging your children to do the same.

Despite the many challenges we face, I am very optimistic that, by working together and supporting each other, this school year will be a success for all of us. Although it will look different than what we have known before, it is more important than ever to meet the needs of our students and provide them an outstanding education. I look forward to working with you, as parents, with school district staff, and with our students in making this year a safe, healthy, and excellent one for all.

Sincerely,

Tim Lutz

Superintendent