Email archive

Dear PLSAS Families, 

Thank you for your partnership as we launched the start of an unprecedented school year. We will all be called upon to continue to plan, to respond and to live with uncertainty, as we do things we have never been asked to do before. Please know that at PLSAS we are committed to monitoring and adjusting our plans throughout the year to best educate students during a global pandemic.

With the school year now underway, I would like to update families on two important topics: 1) the upcoming learning model change request window, and 2) the process and factors involved in how we will determine if/when we “turn the dial” to a different district learning model for elementary, secondary or both. 

1. Learning model change request information

Earlier this month we communicated that K-12 families will have an opportunity to request a learning model change which would take effect at the beginning of the second quarter and would continue through the remainder of the school year. As explained in a previous communication, parents will not be able to make change requests at the end of each quarter. This change request window opens Monday, September 28 through Friday, October 9. If you do not want to make a learning model change, no action is required.

The following are some factors to consider:

• State guidance of maintaining our buildings at 50% capacity and social distancing in a Hybrid model remains in effect. The continuance of these restrictions limits our ability to fulfill change requests that would cause us to exceed these building capacity limits. We will make every effort to accommodate your request; however, due to these restrictions, we may not be able to fulfill every request. Change request placements will be selected randomly and fulfilled until capacity is reached. Any remaining students will be placed on a waitlist and contacted once space is available.
• At the elementary level, class sections and staffing may shift for K-5 Hybrid and K-5 Distance Learning Academy (DLA) students due to change requests. Therefore, we may not be able to provide Hybrid or DLA elementary students with the same teacher beginning quarter two as we balance class sizes, number of grade-level sections needed, and staffing to meet those needs. We will make every effort to minimize change for students. 
• At the secondary level, there is often a shift in student schedules and teachers each quarter, even during normal years. That will remain the case beginning quarter two as we also consider building capacity restrictions and social distancing when scheduling. We will make every effort to minimize change for secondary students. 
• At some point during the school year, if the district is allowed to safely transition to In-Person learning as part of the district “dial,” students who are enrolled in the DLA will stay in the DLA. This is to allow for proper staffing ratios as we transition out of a more restrictive learning model, and also allows for greater consistency for students if case rates indicate we need to move back into a more restrictive model again.
• If the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Education communicate that the MN Safe Learning Plan is no longer needed and public health officials determine we are able to return to normal at some point this school year, we will work with public health officials on a plan to transition students back to school for in-person learning when we are able to safely and logistically do so.  
• The DLA at the elementary and secondary levels are structured differently to meet the needs of all students.

Grades K-5 Distance Learning Academy
The elementary DLA is a separate, online school with an enrollment of more than 600 students, and teachers who are only assigned to classrooms of DLA students. The elementary DLA model is structured this way to provide students with as much teacher and schedule continuity as possible. 

Grades 6-12 Distance Learning Academy
The secondary DLA is different from the elementary DLA. It is not a separate online school but is structured so that we can maintain full class offerings with a 6-period schedule and course-specific PLSAS teachers. During the school day, secondary teachers maintain their schedule and class roster of students and provide instruction to in-person students, home hybrid students and work with DLA students remotely.

Next steps for those who want to make a learning model change
On Monday, September 28th, we will be emailing an online Google form to all parents. You will ONLY fill out the form if you want to make a change to your student’s current learning model. For example:

• If your student is currently enrolled in the DLA and you want to make a change, you would be agreeing to have your student enroll in the learning model district “dial,” which is currently Hybrid, but could change throughout the school year between all three learning models, or a combination of them. 
  • Students moving from DLA to Hybrid would be placed in a Hybrid A/B group based on space availability. While we will make every effort to keep siblings on the same A/B schedule, we must also maintain social distancing requirements and capacity restrictions. 
• If your student is currently enrolled in the learning model district “dial,” which is currently Hybrid, and you want to make a change, you would be agreeing to have your student enroll in the Distance Learning Academy where your student would learn entirely from home for the remainder of the school year. 

Timeline to make a learning model change
We will do our best to accommodate requests; however, given the capacity restrictions of a Hybrid model, families may need to be on a waiting list as we work through the logistics of the change. Students will stay in their current learning model until they receive confirmation of a change. The following is a timeline for families. All requested changes that we are able to fulfill would take place at the beginning of the second quarter.

• September 28-October 9: Window open to collect change requests from parents. Window closes on October 9 at 10 pm. All requests will be reviewed and considered at the same time, regardless of when they are submitted in this window.
• October 12-16: The district will review and process change requests. 
• October 19 – 30: The district will make adjustments to student groups, rebalance class sections, and complete staffing changes. Placements will be fulfilled until capacity is reached. Any remaining students will be placed on a waitlist and contacted once space is available.
• November 6: The district will confirm group/waiting list placements and communicate with parents.
• November 16: Start of 2nd quarter
• If your family situation changes during the school year due to COVID-19, please contact your building principal. 
   

2. Process and factors involved in how we will determine if/when we “turn the dial” to a different district learning model for elementary, secondary or both. 

PLSAS partners with Scott County Public Health and we meet with health officials on a weekly basis. At this time, Scott County Public Health does not recommend a change in learning model and has encouraged us to continue to collaborate with them and monitor case-rate data.  

While Scott County COVID-19 cases per 10,000 have been trending downward, it is important to note that the county data provides case numbers for two weeks previous so there is always a lag with the data. County data shared today does not include case rates since our K-12 students returned to school on Sept. 14th. At this time, case rates in Scott County have not stabilized long enough in the mid-range of the Learning Model Parameters (between 10 and 19), while students have been in session, to warrant a learning model change. 

Click here to learn more about PLSAS’ process and how we will determine if/when we “turn the dial” to a different district learning model.

Switching learning models involves many moving parts. Please know that it is our desire to transition to in-person learning when it can be done safely, according to state guidelines, and we have all logistics in place to adequately educate students. 

I hope the information in this email will assist you in your decision making. Please visit our FAQ page for more information and continue to work with your building principal to answer questions and assist you on an individual basis. 

We understand this is a challenging time for our families, our staff and our community. We are committed to safely providing the best education possible for students and we appreciate all you are doing to partner with us and support student learning. We are truly all in this together and appreciate your partnership and understanding.

Be well, 
Teri Staloch, Ed. D. 
Superintendent

Parents and Guardians,

Last week we announced that LakerMarketplace will continue to offer  FREE “Meals To Go” curbside pick-up, breakfast and lunch meals for your students.

After our first week of curbside service for the 2020-2021 school year, we are making some changes to curbside pick-up locations and times so we can serve meals efficiently to our students.

Curbside pick-up is ONLY available on Wednesdays from 10am–12pm.  These meals are for Wednesday through the following Tuesday.   

Please note, we will be changing the pick-up locations for this week.  

Distance Learning Academy (DLA) Families
Meal bags will be available for students enrolled in Distance Learning Academy at Prior Lake High School, Hidden Oaks and Twin Oaks only. Distance Learning Academy (DLA) students' pick-up locations are determined by the first letter of the oldest student's last name and are as follows:

• Prior Lake High School    A - K

• Hidden Oaks                     L - P

• Twin Oaks                         Q - Z

Hybrid Learning Families
Meal bags will be available for students enrolled in the Hybrid learning model at Five Hawks, LODL at Grainwood, Hamilton Ridge, Glendale, Redtail Ridge, Jeffers Pond and Westwood.  All Hybrid-enrolled students (Pre-K - 12th grade) will pick-up at their neighborhood elementary school.

Please look for signage at your desired location. 

Meals To Go order form
There are now separate forms for students enrolled in DLA and students enrolled in the Hybrid model. Please click the corresponding link below to complete the order form for meals from Wednesday, September 23 through Tuesday, September 29 (pick up on Weds. September 23 ONLY). If you have a student in each of the models, please fill out a separate, corresponding order form for each student.

• Order form- Hybrid students only: https://forms.gle/SPtgcCmTwSq8qzML7 

• Order form- DLA students only:  https://forms.gle/Nq8wyCcVmYEU8Xjk8 

Curbside pick-up is on Wednesday, September 23, from 10am-12pm. Future curbside pick-ups will be every Wednesday between 10am and 12pm.

Meal bags are available to all children, ages 18 and under.  Children are eligible to receive 1 free breakfast and lunch on each day they are learning from home via the Home Hybrid model (up to 3 days) or Distance Learning Academy (up to 5 days).  Click here for the most up-to-date information regarding the 2020-2021 school meal program, including frequently asked questions.

NOTE: If parents/guardians pick up meals with no children present, they may only pick up meals for the children in their household. Children picking up DO NOT need to have a parent/guardian present.

Meals to Go menus will be posted to SchoolCafé each week.

We look forward to continuing to serve school meals to our students. 

Child Nutrition Services
Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools

Click here for the Sept. 17 email to staff and families.

PLSAS Parents and Guardians,

The United States Department of Agriculture recently extended a school meal program that provides free meals to students 18 and under, regardless of need. On September 4, Minnesota schools received specific guidance from the MN Department of Education about this program. 

As a result, we are pleased to announce that free school meals will be available to all families, similar to last spring. These meals will be offered free while students are in our schools and also when they are learning from home during Hybrid learning or the Distance Learning Academy (DLA). 

• Free meals began Thursday, September 10 for students in grades 6 and 9 who attended school in-person. For students in all other grade levels attending school in-person, free meals will begin on Monday, September 14.
• Meals will be available for curbside pick-up on Wednesdays, beginning Sept. 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at all PLSAS elementary schools, Twin Oaks, Hidden Oaks and Prior Lake High School. 
• Similar to last spring, each Friday the district will email a form to families where they can indicate the number of meals needed and the pick-up location. This will assist us with our meal planning. 
• While families will be asked to indicate their pick-up location preference, parents and students will be allowed to pick-up school meals from any of the school sites listed on the form.

Similar to the free food program that PLSAS operated last spring, ALL families, regardless of need, are invited to participate in this FREE program and students do not need to be enrolled in PLSAS. Families can pick up one breakfast and one lunch, per child, per day for each day they are learning from home. Each meal will contain fresh produce, whole grains and familiar school favorites. 

While students are in school or attending Kids’ Company, they will receive their free meals on site. Curbside pickup will be offered when students are learning at home, whether they are in Hybrid learning or the Distance Learning Academy.

At this time, this free program is set to expire Dec. 31, 2020, or until allotted funding is depleted. When this program expires, PLSAS will continue to serve food to PLSAS students, and we will keep you informed of all changes that will take effect at that time. Click here for the most up-to-date information regarding the 2020-2021 school meal program, including frequently asked questions.

Meals To Go order form
Click here to complete the order form for meals from Wednesday, September 16 through Tuesday, September 22. Curbside pick-up is on Wednesday, September 16, from 11am-1pm. Future curbside pick-ups will be every Wednesday between 11am and 1pm.

Meals to Go menus will be posted to SchoolCafé each week.

We look forward to continuing to serve school meals to our students. 

Child Nutrition Services
Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools

Parents and Guardians,
We are ready for the 2020-21 school year and are looking forward to welcoming students back to school. As you know, school planning directives and guidance at the state and federal levels have continued to evolve throughout the summer during this global pandemic. Our school district continues to respond to these changes by adjusting our plans accordingly. The following are the latest changes we have responded to in order to be ready for school. 

School Safety 
Last week the MN Department of Health (MDH) updated its decision making tree for confirmed and possible cases of COVID-19 for people in schools, youth and child care programs. MDH has also updated its COVID-19 symptoms which are now reflected in our COVID-19 Student Daily Return to School Checklist. Please review this updated checklist and if you have not done so already, please fill out the COVID-19 Student Daily Return to School Checklist Form

Part of our Ready to Learn Plan includes ensuring staff, students and parents receive up-to-date safety information. To that end, the following link contains important information and training for parents.

This audio document will walk parents through the latest changes mentioned above and other important health and safety information: https://bit.ly/32boQUZ We will also be sharing a similar informational training with K-12 students. 

School Meals
The United States Department of Agriculture recently extended a school meal program that provides free meals to students 18 and under, regardless of need. On September 4th, Minnesota schools received specific guidance from the MN Department of Education about this program. 

As a result, we are pleased to announce that free school meals will be available to all families, similar to last spring. These meals will be offered free while students are in our schools and also when they are learning from home during Hybrid learning or the Distance Learning Academy. 

• Free meals will be available beginning Thursday, September 10th for students in grades 6 and 9 who are attending school in-person. For students in all other grade levels attending school in-person, free meals will begin on September 14th.
• Free meals will be available for students who are learning at home each Wednesday, beginning September 16th. There will be a curbside pick-up from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at all PLSAS schools. 
• Similar to last spring, the district will email a form to families where they can indicate the number of curbside meals needed and the pick-up location. This will assist us with our meal planning. 

Another email with more detailed school meal information will be sent later this week, along with a curbside meal pick-up form.

Kids’ Company Care
Registration is currently closed. Child care will start on Monday, September 14. Kids’ Company will offer care to support the Hybrid Learning model. There are significant changes to our care program because of COVID-19 and they are in place so that we can follow the required health and safety guidelines. Please visit our Kids’ Company website for details. https://www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us/community/kids-company/school-year

Helpful reminders:

• Bus schedules, including pick-up and drop-off times and locations, are posted in Infinite Campus. Please check it again as schedules are often adjusted before the start of school. Thank you to all families who indicated their plans to drive their child to/from school. Please know that while you will see your student has been assigned a bus stop, we have recorded your preference and you can continue with your plans to drive your student(s) to/from school on in-person Hybrid school days. 
• Please remember that face coverings are required for all students, staff and other persons present in any PLSAS building or vehicle. If your child qualifies for a mask exemption, please contact your student’s principal. Staff, students and parents/guardians are welcomed and encouraged to supply and wear their own face coverings. Masks will be provided to those who do not have their own.
• Please be sure to check our school calendar page often for updates: https://www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us/about-us/district-calendars
• We have created a Back-to-School What to Expect summary flyer that we hope you will find helpful. https://bit.ly/35lj7Oi

I know you have received a lot of information from the district and your child’s school(s). It is important to us that we keep you informed every step of the way. Despite the rapidly evolving situation we all find ourselves in, please know that we are ready to welcome and support our students, and we are looking forward to the start of the 2020-21 school year. 

Teri Staloch, Ed. D.
Superintendent
Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools

Dear PLSAS Families, 

As you know, over the past several months and weeks the district has been in a continual process of planning for the start of the school year. One area of particular focus and challenge is determining the planning and logistics associated with accommodating family requests for Hybrid Learning and Distance Learning.

In July and August, the district solicited parent feedback on the option they preferred for learning in the 2020-21 school year to start the year. Initial indications from July surveys identified approximately 9% of families requesting Distance Learning Academy (DLA) for their student(s). Given this relatively low planning percentage, early communications at the end of July articulated to families that it was the intent of the district to allow opportunities at the end of each quarter to enter into the Hybrid learning model or DLA for the subsequent academic quarter.  

However, by the deadline for families to commit to the DLA by August 14^th, our DLA enrollment numbers more than doubled to approximately 22% of families opting into the DLA for their children. Given the jump in families requesting DLA for their students, the district has had to adjust planning steps accordingly. Recent communications in August have articulated that families will need to confirm their commitment to DLA by the end of September so that planning can be completed to determine interest for the remainder of the school year. This adjustment was necessary given the complexities that affect DLA and Hybrid learning models such as staffing assignments, student transportation, building capacity and complying with the Governor’s Executive Order on implementing COVID-19 requirements. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 data through Scott County as originally communicated.

As you are aware, the district is planning to start the school year in a Hybrid learning model and DLA for students. Given the complexities of student scheduling, staffing assignments, managing building capacities, and student enrollment, the district is not able to accommodate family change requests on a quarterly basis as originally communicated. However, we do plan to extend the window to opt into or out of the DLA by one week to Oct. 9 so parents have a little more time to experience the DLA this fall before making a decision for the remainder of the school year. Please know that while we will do what we can to honor family requests to opt into or out of the DLA in late September/early October, families may need to be on a waiting list as we work through the logistics of the change. The district will be implementing the following timeline for families in September/October to express their interest in remaining in the DLA for the remainder of the school year:

• September 28-October 9: Window open to collect change requests from parents. Window closes on October 9.
• October 12-16: Review and Process Change Requests
• October 19 – 30: Make adjustments to student groups, rebalance class sections, complete staffing changes, create waiting lists for families whose change request was not granted.
• November 6: Confirm Group/Waiting List Placements with Parent Communication
• November 16: Start of 2^nd Quarter

We continue to appreciate your support and understanding as we navigate this truly complex and unprecedented process. We hope you and your families have a great start to the 2020-21 school year and continue to remain healthy in the coming days and weeks ahead.

Teri Staloch, Ed. D.
Superintendent
Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools

Dear PLSAS Parents and Guardians, 

Bus schedules

Bus schedules, including pick-up and drop-off times and locations, are now posted in Infinite Campus. Please check back frequently as schedules are often adjusted before the start of school.

Parents and guardians can access transportation information by logging into Infinite Campus and clicking on the Transportation tab.

For assistance accessing Infinite Campus, please contact Lynn Wieczorek at (952) 226-0062 or lwieczorek@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us

Bus safety
The safety of our students is our top priority. Please watch this short video that explains our bus procedures for Fall: https://youtu.be/23FtNVnQGUA You can also visit our transportation page for more information: https://www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us/about-us/coronavirus/transportation

For families providing their own transportation
Thank you to all families who indicated their plans to drive their child to/from school. Please know that while you will see your student has been assigned a bus stop, we have recorded your preference and you can continue with your plans to drive your student(s) to/from school on in-person Hybrid school days.  

We look forward to welcoming students back to school!

Sincerely,
PLSAS Transportation

Dear PLSAS Families, 

Earlier this month we shared the PLSAS Ready to Learn plan announcing that we will start the school year in the Hybrid Learning model - a combination of learning at-home and in-person learning at school. We also announced our Distance Learning Academy option that parents had the opportunity to opt-into for the first quarter. 

Since these announcements, we have been preparing to implement these models and are ready to share some additional details with you. Please read the following information carefully as it contains important details for the start of school, including an adjusted start to the school year. 

Adjusted Start of School Year

While the start of school this year will be unlike any other, one priority remains unchanged - the health and safety of our students. That’s why we are adjusting our school start to give our staff additional time to implement and practice new safety procedures, and build relationships and connections with students. It also offers staff time to collaborate and plan to implement new learning models, support students transitioning to grades 6 and 9 and adjust to new staffing assignments.

The adjusted school start schedule is as follows: 

Early Childhood

Early Learning Programs (Circle of Friends Preschool and Early Childhood Family Education) begin in the week of September 14th, as originally planned. Specific start date information per section will be shared directly from the Early Learning Programs office.

Kindergarten - 5th Grade

• Sept. 8 & 9: No School (Teacher collaboration, planning and professional development)
• Sept. 10 & 11: No School - Welcome and Assessment Days (individual meetings with every elementary student and family).
• Beginning Monday, Sept. 14, all students will begin their Hybrid A/B schedule or Distance Learning Academy schedule.

Grades 6-8

• Sept. 8 & 9: No School (Teacher collaboration, planning and professional development)
• Sept. 10: 6th Grade A group will attend school in person. All 7-8th grade teachers will welcome and connect with students via Distance Learning on Sept. 10 or 11.
• Sept. 11: 6th Grade B group will attend school in person. All 7-8th grade teachers will welcome and connect with students via Distance Learning on Sept. 10 or 11. 

Grades 9-12

• Sept. 8 & 9: No School (Teacher collaboration, planning and professional development)
• Sept. 10: 9th Grade A group will attend school in person. All 10-12 teachers will welcome and connect with students via Distance Learning on Sept. 10 or 11.
• Sept. 11: 9th Grade B group will attend school in person. All 10-12 teachers will welcome and connect with students via Distance Learning on Sept 10 or 11.
• If your student attends Bridges Area Learning Center, look for important messages regarding the student schedule from the school. 

An updated district calendar can be found here: https://www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us/about-us/district-calendars

A/B Hybrid group and Distance Learning Academy assignments

Parents/Guardians can expect an email that will confirm their K-12 child(ren)'s group (A, B, or Distance Learning Academy) on August 27th, from their school. This information will also be posted in the inbox message center of Infinite Campus. You will notice siblings will be assigned to the same group to keep families/households on the same schedule. Unfortunately we will not be able to accommodate requests to change groups. 

Note: Group A/B schedules do not apply to Early Learning programs. Circle of Friends preschoolers and ECFE families attend class on the days for which they are originally registered.

For assistance accessing Infinite Campus, please contact Lynn Wieczorek at (952) 226-0062 or lwieczorek@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us

School Class Schedules/Teacher Assignments

• Class schedules for grades 9-12 are now available in Infinite Campus. 
• If your student attends Bridges Area Learning Center or MNCAPS, look for important updates and details from your school in the coming days. 
• Middle School class schedules will be available in Infinite Campus August 31st. 
• For grades K-5, teacher assignments can be found in Infinite Campus after 5:00 p.m. on August 28th. K-5 teachers will be communicating with families next week. 

Details about our Ready to Learn plan can be found on our website: https://www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us/about-us/coronavirus

Distance Learning Academy

In late September, we will provide an opportunity to opt-into the Distance Learning Academy for the rest of the school year, for families who do not want their student to attend in-person or hybrid learning due to medical risks or other safety concerns. 

Transportation 

Student transportation information will be available in Infinite Campus August 27 (this is a change to the original date). We will be sending additional information, including a video, that details seat assignments and health and safety details before the start of school. 

Access to Technology

Each student will be issued a district device and will have access to all district-provided online resources.

• Grades K-2: iPad
• Grades 3-5: Chromebook
• Grades 6-12: iPad
• Grades 7-12: will retain their iPads

All students participating in Hybrid Learning will receive a device the first week of school. Distribution information will be coming from your student’s school. 

Device distribution for elementary students enrolled in the Distance Learning Academy (DLA) will take place next week. All devices for elementary DLA students will be distributed from the District Services Center. Look for an email from our Elementary DLA Coordinator with distribution details. 

All 6th grade DLA students will receive their iPads on Sept. 10 and 11. More information will be coming from your child’s school.

School Safety

To help us keep our schools safe, we are asking all families to review our COVID-19 Student Daily Return to School Checklist:.https://bit.ly/2YiX4U8 After you review the Checklist, please fill out the following form for each one of your students. Form: https://bit.ly/34ldPSl

Child Nutrition Services 

Child Nutrition Services will be offering healthy breakfast and lunch bundled meals for students who are learning from home. Prior Lake High School will be the only pick-up location for all curbside meals while we operate in the Hybrid and Distance Learning models. Curbside pickup will be available from approximately 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, beginning Sept. 16. Families can pre-order 1 meal bag (with a breakfast and lunch) for as many days their students are participating in learning from home (3 days for Hybrid Learning students, 5 days for Distance Learning Academy students). A form will be sent to families in the coming days. 

Kids’ Company

Kids’ Company will offer care to support the Hybrid Learning model that is being implemented by Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools to start the school year. There are significant changes to our care program because of COVID-19 and they are in place so that we can follow the required Health and Safety guidelines. For details, please visit our website: https://www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us/community/kids-company/school-year 

Thank you for your partnership as we continue to finalize our plans and work toward a successful start to the school year. More details can be found on our FAQ website: https://www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us/about-us/coronavirus/faq

Be well, 

Teri Staloch, Ed. D. 
Superintendent 

Thank you for your patience as we have been preparing our back-to-school plans. Today I am prepared to announce the PLSAS Ready to Learn plan that will start our school year in the Hybrid Learning model, a system that uses a combination of learning at-home and in-person learning at school. 

It is important to know that this decision could change before the start of school, based on directives and updated COVID-19 data from the MN Department Health and Scott County. If this were to happen, I will be sure to communicate the change as soon as possible. 

A localized, data-driven approach
Our decision process to implement a Hybrid model follows guidance provided by state leaders under the MN Safe Learning Plan. This plan provides direction on the data and process to be used for local decision making for the 2020-21 school year. The MN Safe Learning Plan allows schools to open in one of three formats depending on public health data, specifically COVID-19 cases by county over 14 days: In-Person, Hybrid or Distance Learning. 

The Hybrid model
In reviewing the most recent data and the trends in the number of cases in Scott County, PLSAS is planning to open schools in the Hybrid model for all kindergarten through 12th grade students. Please review the following overview of the Hybrid Model plan for the start of the school year: Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools: Hybrid Model Overview. https://bit.ly/3fSdyIF

Health & Safety
At PLSAS, our top priority is the health and safety of our students and staff. I believe the Hybrid model is the safest option, given our current data, and will provide students and families the most stability as we continue to monitor COVID-19 case rates. Please review the following summary of safety precautions that will be implemented for the 2020-21 school year. https://bit.ly/3gJ8U10

Other models we could shift to during the school year
Our Ready to Learn plans have been developed thanks to survey and focus group input and months of work by our PLSAS planning teams. These plans are designed to be flexible because we must be prepared throughout the school year for a fluid response when moving between the three learning models. We will continue to use a localized, data-driven approach to guide decision making on any learning model changes. When a learning model change is warranted, we will communicate to staff and families via email, phone, text and our website. The following link highlights other models we could shift to during the school year. https://bit.ly/3fHBLS8

Under the governor’s executive order, all districts must offer an equitable distance learning model to all families who choose not to attend in-person or hybrid learning due to medical risks or other safety concerns. As we have shared, PLSAS is offering the Distance Learning Academy as an option to families where students can learn entirely from home. The following link highlights our Distance Learning Academy: https://bit.ly/2DyzKuD.

PLSAS Ready to Learn Plan
For a more comprehensive view of our PLSAS Ready to Learn plan, please access the following document that contains the links above, along with other important information to help staff and families understand what they can expect for the 2020-21 school year such as child care, transportation, school meals and more. PLSAS Ready to Learn Plan link: https://bit.ly/3fLn14M

Next Steps
If you have questions, I encourage families to contact their principal or specific department. For staff, principals will be hosting staff meetings this week to help inform implementation planning. 

We will communicate student A/B schedules during the week of August 24 in the Infinite Campus Portal and will continue to post information on our website. Until then, remember that we are in this together. Thank you so much for your patience, understanding and partnership as we work together to have a successful school year for all our students. 

Teri Staloch, Ed. D.
Superintendent

Dear PLSAS Families,
On June 22, Governor Walz announced an Executive Order outlining new requirements that you need to be aware of when present in any of our PLSAS buildings.

Starting July 25, all Minnesotans will be required to wear a face covering in all public indoor spaces, that completely covers the nose and mouth. Face coverings will be generally required for all students, staff and other persons present in any kindergarten through grade 12 school buildings or district offices or riding on school transportation vehicles. To provide a consistent, safe environment for students and staff, this requirement applies equally to kindergartners. Preschoolers under the age of 5 are not required to wear face coverings.

Staff, students and others present in our buildings are welcomed and encouraged to supply and wear their own face coverings. Masks will be provided to those who do not have their own. 

More details about the Executive Order and face covering guidance can be found here: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/facecover.html

Thank you for your cooperation in helping to keep our learning areas as safe as possible. 

Be well, 
Teri Staloch, Ed. D. 
Superintendent