Our mission is to educate all learners to reach their full potential as contributing and productive members of our ever-changing global community.
Call your child’s school - even when in Distance Learning - if your student is diagnosed with COVID-19
At Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools (PLSAS), our goal is to provide as much in-person learning time as possible. We need our school community to work together toward this goal and help us stop the spread of COVID-19 so students can get back to the classroom.
Call your school if your child contracts COVID-19
PLSAS continues to track lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 amongst students and staff. It is important to call your child’s school - even while in Distance Learning - if your student is diagnosed with COVID-19. Doing this will allow us to continue to look at our local district data and not have to rely solely on Scott County COVID-19 case rates when determining learning models. As cases in our county and school district decrease, the sooner we will be able to get back to in-person learning.
PLSAS family communication
Please note that while PLSAS is in Distance Learning, we will only be notifying families if a positive case has been reported to us while a staff member or student has been present in one of our buildings. We will continue to update our district dashboard on a weekly basis with cases that are reported to us. For privacy reasons, we will not share details about individual cases. https://www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us/about-us/coronavirus/dashboard
No-cost, at-home COVID-19 testing information
The MN Department of Health is promoting at-home COVID-19 saliva testing for any person who wants to be tested, with or without symptoms, at no cost. This saliva test is just as accurate as the nasal swab test and is available at no cost for every Minnesotan, whether or not you have insurance. More information is available on the Minnesota Department of Health’s website, including information on how to order a test.
Remain vigilant to reduce spread of COVID-19
Please remember to wear your mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands, cover coughs/sneezes and keep your contacts limited to those closest to you and your family. Routine healthcare visits, immunizations and well-child visits continue to be essential during this time. Contact your child’s health office with any questions or concerns.
Thank you for your cooperation.
School Attendance Lines
PLHS (952) 226-8601
Bridges (952) 226-0840
Hidden Oaks (952) 226-0701
Twin Oaks (952) 226-0501
Circle of Friends Preschool (952) 226-0958
Early Childhood Family Education (952) 226-0958
Five Hawks (952)-226-0101
Glendale (952) 226-0201
Hamilton Ridge (952) 461-7801
Jeffers Pond (952) 226-0601
La ola del lago at Grainwood (952) 226-0301
Redtail Ridge (952) 226-8001
WestWood/SAGE (952) 226-0401
Sincerely,
Joe Kuboushek, District COVID-19 Coordinator
Kate Keil, Health Services Coordinator
Dear PLSAS Staff and Families,
This week we are again seeing a significant number of new cases of COVID-19 in Scott County and our school district, and Scott County Public Health officials are projecting a continued increase in cases over the coming weeks. As a result, K-5 elementary students will transition to a full-time Distance Learning from home model beginning Monday, November 30. Secondary students in grades 6-12 are currently in the Distance Learning model.
This school year’s Distance Learning program reflects improvements over last spring based on staff, parent and student feedback. Distance Learning 2.0 is a structured and comprehensive learning experience. Elementary families will receive more specific information about Distance Learning from their school.
While we do not yet know how long students will remain in Distance Learning, according to the MN Safe Learning Plan, implementation of a Distance Learning model should occur for a minimum of one incubation period (two weeks). Please know that we continue to track data daily and if we see a substantial increase in case rates, we may need to speed-up the following elementary timeline.
Timeline
Nov. 13: K-5 Hybrid Learning, (6-12 Distance Learning)
Nov. 16-17: K-5 Hybrid Learning, Transition planning for secondary staff (no school for grades 6-12)
Nov: 18: Planned grading day for teachers - no school for grades K-12
Nov. 19-20: K-5 Hybrid Learning (Distance Learning resumes for grades 6-12)
Nov. 23-24: Transition planning for elementary staff - no school for grades K-5, (Distance Learning grades 6-12)
Nov. 30: Begin elementary Distance Learning
This is not a decision that was made lightly. I know it will cause challenges for our community as we navigate work, school and child care. Please know that our top priority remains the health and safety of our students and staff. Our PLSAS Incident Command Team continues to follow the requirements of the MN Safe Learning Plan, regularly monitors several data points and works closely with Scott County Public Health to help inform the best decision making possible under these extreme circumstances.
The latest data
The Scott County COVID-19 cases per 10,000 reported last week increased from 37.32 to 60.75. Scott County Public Health estimates we will see another significant increase in case rates next week. The state’s requirement for case rates exceeding 50 is to consider moving all K-12 students to Distance Learning.
COVID-19 case rates continue to follow an upward trend in our school district as well.
Additional information
Our guiding principles remain to ensure learning environments are safe, provide flexibility and additional time to support student learning needs, and to provide as much time learning in-person as possible. We need our entire community to work together toward the in-person learning goal and help us stop the spread of COVID-19 so students can get back to the classroom. Please wear your mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands and keep your contacts limited to those closest to you and your family.
Thank you for your ongoing cooperation as we continue to adjust to the evolving public health situation. I hope that you all remain well in the days and weeks ahead.
Be well,
Teri Staloch, Ed. D.
Superintendent
Staff and Families,
With significant new cases of COVID-19 in Scott County and our school district, we are moving up our timeline to Distance Learning for students in grades 6-12. PLSAS middle and high school students will transition to Distance Learning beginning Nov. 12. At this time, elementary students will remain in the Hybrid Learning model but may shift to Distance Learning in the near future.
As you know, the PLSAS Incident Command Team has been monitoring several data points, including COVID-19 case rates in our county, cities and school district. Scott County case rates continue to grow rapidly with community wide spread. Scott County Public Health projects case rates per 10,000 for this Thursday’s report could reach 60 and case rates for the next week are projected to continue to increase. PLSAS cases are meeting, and in some cases exceeding, county trend data. As a result, we are revising our timeline as follows:
Revised Timeline:
Nov. 10: Hybrid B
Nov. 11: Flex Day
Nov. 12: Distance Learning for grades 6-12 to finish quarter one
Nov. 13: Distance Learning for grades 6-12 to finish quarter one
Nov. 16: Transition planning for secondary staff (no school for grades 6-12)
Nov. 17: Transition planning for secondary staff (no school for grades 6-12)
Nov. 18: Planned grading day for teachers (no school for grades K-12)
Nov. 19: Quarter two begins. Distance Learning resumes for grades 6-12.
Families will receive specific information about Distance Learning from their school.
Reminders:
Elementary, Grades K-5
The state’s guidance for case rates exceeding 50 is to consider moving all K-12 students to Distance Learning. We will be meeting with Scott County Public Health officials again this Thursday to review the latest county, city and district data. At that time, the Incident Command Team will look at the data to see if our district case rates reflect county data. We will then make a determination regarding a possible shift to Distance Learning for elementary students.
I will send an email to families again this Thursday and communicate next steps for elementary families, including a Distance Learning timeline, as needed. Families should prepare now and make plans should we need to shift elementary students to Distance Learning.
As a reminder, while official county case rates are a key indicator that informs our learning model, this is not the only metric that determines a shift in model, nor is it the only metric the district is monitoring closely. We continue to track availability of substitute staff, overall case and quarantine counts in our schools and other operational data.
I know this is not the news we wanted to hear. Please know that the health and safety of our students, staff and families remains our top priority. We remain committed to educating our students to the best of our ability given this public health crisis and the community spread we are all experiencing. I am confident we will get through this together.
Be well,
Teri Staloch, Ed. D.
Superintendent
PLSAS Families,
I am reaching out to you all a little earlier than scheduled so that I can share with you the latest COVID-19 case-rate data, along with the decision to shift learning models from Hybrid to Distance Learning for grades 6-12, in order to give secondary staff, students and parents as much planning time as possible.
After reviewing our process and data points, the following decisions have been made:
According to the MN Safe Learning Plan school districts that are moving some grades to Distance Learning because county or community data indicates a need to do so may continue to prioritize in-person instruction for:
As a result, students in grades 6-12 who require center-based special education services and who have previously been identified to receive additional in-person days in the Hybrid model, will continue to receive those in-person instruction days. Grades 6-12 English learners, students experiencing homelessness, students in foster care and students who are struggling academically may also be considered to receive on-site services during Distance Learning.
Timeline
Nov. 13: End of First Quarter
Nov. 16: First day of second quarter-Hybrid A in person (grades K-12)
Nov. 17: Second day of second quarter-Hybrid B in person (grades K-12)
Nov. 18: Planned grading day for teachers (no school for grades K-12)
Nov. 19: Transition planning for secondary staff (no school for grades 6-12)
Nov. 20: Transition planning for secondary staff (no school for grades 6-12)
Nov. 23: Begin Distance Learning for students grades 6-12
The latest data
The Scott County COVID-19 cases per 10,000 reported last week increased from 29.29 to 37.32. Scott County Public Health estimates preliminary case rates for next week will continue to increase.
COVID-19 case rates continue to follow an upward trend in our school district as well.
You can visit our COVID-19 dashboard web page for more information: https://www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us/about-us/coronavirus/dashboard
While we do not yet know how long secondary students will remain in Distance Learning, according to the MN Safe Learning Plan, implementation of a Distance Learning model should occur for a minimum of one incubation period (two weeks).
As communicated last week, more details will be provided at the Monday, Nov. 9 School Board meeting. This meeting will be live streamed for the public to view, here: https://www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us/about-us/school-board/watch As a reminder, tomorrow schools will send an email to families who have requested a learning model change beginning quarter two to confirm group/waiting list placements.
Our priority continues to be the health and safety of our students, staff and families as we work to provide the best educational experience we can to help our students grow academically and socially through the challenges of a public health crisis. We appreciate your partnership and flexibility as we navigate this pandemic together. Thank you!
Be well,
Teri Staloch, Ed. D.
Superintendent
Dear PLSAS Staff and Families,
Since the beginning of this pandemic, our commitment to the health and safety of our students, staff and families has remained our top priority as we work to provide the best educational experience we can to help our students grow academically and socially through the challenges of a public health crisis. To help us accomplish this, we continue to monitor several data points to inform our district’s safe learning model and, at this time, PLSAS will remain in the Hybrid Learning model.
Scott County Public Health data
Based on the data we are monitoring, we continue to see an increase of confirmed COVID-19 cases at the county level. The Scott County COVID-19 cases per 10,000 reported last week increased from 22.6 to 29.15. Scott County Public Health estimates preliminary case rates for next week could be above 30 for the first time. When county case rates are within the threshold of 30-49, we must consider shifting secondary schools to full-time Distance Learning. Elementary students would remain in Hybrid Learning. In accordance with the Minnesota Safe Learning Plan, any decision to change learning models will be made in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).
PLSAS data and COVID-19 dashboard
County case numbers are just the starting point for determining which learning model to use. The PLSAS Incident Command Response Team also reviews the status of several key district data points, such as staff leave and accommodation requests, staff absences, substitute staff fill rates, student absences, and PLSAS district COVID-19 case rates, exposures and quarantine rates to name a few.
In our school district, COVID-19 case rates are following an upward trend. Since September 1, the cumulative number of confirmed staff and student COVID-19 cases total 32, 14 of which have been reported in the last week. The number of staff and students currently in quarantine totals 230. We have created a district COVID-19 dashboard that will be updated weekly so that our community can also track our local data: https://www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us/about-us/coronavirus/dashboard
Next steps
As I visit schools, departments and classrooms across the district, I am so proud of the many ways our staff and students continue to innovate as they build relationships and learn together. Thank you for your continued support as we all adjust to the uncertainties and complexities of this very different school year.
Be well,
Teri Staloch, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Dear PLSAS Staff and Families,
As we end this snowy week, I would like to provide you with an update from the weekly meeting with Scott County Public Health officials regarding the latest COVID-19 case-rate data.
Scott County COVID-19 cases per 10,000 for the week ending 10/10/2020 is 22.60. This number is in line with the previous week’s case number of 22.25. However, preliminary data for the week ending 10/17/2020 indicates we may see a significant increase in cases, as is the trend throughout counties in the metro area. As a reminder, the county provides case numbers for two weeks previous so there is always a lag with the data.
According to the Learning Model Parameters under the MN Safe Learning Plan, when viral case rates per 10,000 residents fall between 30-49, school districts must work with the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Health to consider a learning model shift to Hybrid Learning for elementary students; Distance Learning for secondary students. Beyond the county COVID-19 infection rates, there are multiple factors reviewed each week by the Incident Command Response Team to determine if a learning model should change, including staff absences, staffing availability and the ability to cover absences, PLSAS district case rates and exposures, as well as department and school briefings including, transportation, Child Nutrition Services and child care.
At this time, we remain in the Hybrid Learning model parameter range for all students in grades K-12 and Scott County Public Health does not recommend a learning model change; however, we will continue to monitor the viral case rate data, work with health officials and solidify our plans for a possible learning model transition at the secondary (grades 6-12) level should case rates continue to increase in our county.
To learn more about PLSAS’ “turn the dial” process to a different learning model, click here.
So far, our school communities have been doing an outstanding job wearing masks, washing hands, social distancing and sanitizing surfaces. Staff, students and families play an important role in helping our schools stay open as long and as safely as possible. It is important for all of us to continue to closely follow health and safety protocols.
Please know that we will keep you up-to-date if case rates change and will notify you as soon as possible if we plan to make a learning model change. Our priority continues to be the health and safety of our students, staff and families. Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we navigate this public health crisis together.
Be well,
Teri Staloch, Ed. D.
Superintendent
Dear PLSAS Staff and Families,
I would like to provide you with an update on the weekly meeting with Scott County Public Health officials today regarding the latest COVID-19 case-rate data.
District COVID-19 Coordinator, Joe Kubouskek and I meet with Scott County Public Health and county superintendents every Thursday. The PLSAS Incident Command team then meets to review viral activity data, and today Scott County announced that COVID-19 cases per 10,000 is 18.83. This number is an increase over the previous week’s case number of 15.14. As a reminder, the county provides case numbers for two weeks previous so there is always a lag with the data. This latest information includes data for the week of Sept. 14, the first full week students were back to school in PLSAS.
At this time, Scott County Public Health does not recommend a change in learning model for the following reasons:
Case rates in our county have not stabilized long enough in the mid-range of the Learning Model Parameters (between 10 and 19) since school started to warrant a learning model change.
The most recent data shows an increase in case rates over last week’s report.
Preliminary data projections from Scott County Public Health for the week ending 9/26/2020 indicates case rates will be at least 24.83 cases per 10,000 residents.
Had we seen case-rates stabilize and projections for the upcoming week at 20 or below, we would have considered a transition to K-5 in-person learning after the MEA break. Unfortunately that is not the case at this time and we will continue to partner with Scott County Public Health to monitor case-rate data.
While we will not be making a learning model change at this time, 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.
To learn more about PLSAS’ process for determining if/when we “turn the dial” to a different learning model, click here.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we navigate this global pandemic together.
Be well,
Teri Staloch, Ed. D.
Superintendent
Dear PLSAS families,
As communicated last Thursday, K-12 families have an opportunity to request a learning model change which would take effect at the beginning second quarter and would continue through the remainder of the school year.
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. All requested changes that we are able to fulfill would take place at the beginning of the second quarter, November 16.
Please fill out one form per child.
If you do not want to make a learning model change, no action is required.
The change request window closes Friday, October 9 at 10 pm.
English: https://forms.gle/J4S9pjLXyT3fBVW57
Chinese: https://forms.gle/aguiMxPPc1WL1LwcA
Russian: https://forms.gle/tdnvoDttGR8d3oB37
Somali: https://forms.gle/HdHQivJHXYYXTULB6
Spanish: https://forms.gle/5Z3reKvLwsoQ8Wbk8
Vietnamese: https://forms.gle/9uWpH4WDF1eTSMAg7
The September 24 email is archived below.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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).
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.
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:
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 14th, 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:
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.
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 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.
An updated district calendar can be found here: https://www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us/about-us/district-calendars
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
Details about our Ready to Learn plan can be found on our website: https://www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us/about-us/coronavirus
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.
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.
Each student will be issued a district device and will have access to all district-provided online resources.
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.
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 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 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
Due to a significant number of new cases of COVID-19 in Scott County and our school district, elementary students will transition to a full-time Distance Learning model beginning Monday, November 30. Secondary students in grades 6-12 are currently in the Distance Learning model.