Saint Paul Public Schools issued the following announcement on Nov. 2.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to plan the transition to hybrid learning in stages. We appreciate your continued support during these difficult times.
Last Friday, we told you that we could not move forward with hybrid learning for Stage 2 students due to a national pending order for MERV 11 air filters, which catch 10 times more particles the size of COVID during air circulation. The remaining filters arrived earlier this week and are ready to be installed in the buildings that still need them.
While this is good news, other prep goals prevent SPPS from starting hybrid learning for Stage 2 right now:
The 14-day COVID-19 case rate for Ramsey County has risen to 31.03 cases per 10,000 people. With rising positivity rates, this trend may continue to affect both Ramsey County and the city of Saint Paul.
Because of this, we have decided that Stage 2 as well as Stages 3 and 4 will remain distance learning until at least Tuesday, January 19th.
Our SPPS preparation goals establish that the county case rate must be less than 30 to begin a new phase of hybrid learning. While the state allows hybrid learning for primary schools with case rates of up to 50, we have opted for a more conservative approach to deciding to start a new phase.
We regularly consult with Ramsey County and Minnesota Departments of Health and Education to help guide our decision making on programs that are already open in person, as well as decisions on how to begin hybrid learning for any other stage.
Stage 1 and other in-person programs will continue to work right now. Measures to retreat from hybrid learning to distance learning or close a site are different from preparation goals to start a new phase of hybrid learning. Possible reasons for temporarily switching to distance learning include:
- Quarantine of a class (s), grade (s) or full school (14 days)
- Infection control measures such as prolonged deep cleaning (24 hours)
- Inability to maintain employee levels
If any of the above situations arise, those affected are notified and should follow the instructions of the program leader and the Office of Health and Wellness. Other people in the building will receive a low risk notification.
We understand and apologize for the extra stress this process has created on our students, families and employees. While we continue to work towards hybrid learning for our other stages, know that our teachers and support employees are doing their best to make distance learning as best as possible.
We hope you are taking advantage of the in-person services we have available now, including Academic Support Center, Extended Day Programs for Learning, Health Start Clinics, and free food pickup and delivery. Regardless of our current or future learning model, your student's education and well-being remain our top priorities.
Thank you for supporting your students and Saint Paul Public Schools Continue checking your email and visit this website for the latest information.
Original source can be found here.
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