Email archive

PLSAS Families, 

We would like to provide you with an update on two important COVID-19 safety topics regarding Spring Break travel and social distancing requirements in elementary lunchrooms.

Travel guidelines
As families begin to make plans for Spring Break, please keep in mind that PLSAS will be following the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) guidelines for travel.  

• The CDC recommends postponing any nonessential travel. 

• Those who travel domestically are encouraged to obtain a viral test 3-5 days after travel and to reduce non-essential activities for 7 days, even if a COVID-19 test is negative. 

• Those who choose not to test are encouraged to reduce non-essential activities for 10 days. 

• Those who travel internationally on a cruise or to a level-4 risk country will be required to quarantine. If a student obtains a viral test 3-5 days after travel and the test is negative, the student will quarantine 7 days. If the student is not tested, the student will quarantine 10 days. 

• We ask that you visit the CDC website for the most up-to-date travel guidelines.

Elementary lunchroom update

The MN Department of Education and MN Department of Health guidelines regarding physical distancing in elementary lunch areas have changed and PLSAS will be making an adjustment. During mealtimes, individual K-5 students must maintain three-foot physical distancing, as they do in the classroom. Entire classrooms of students must be six-feet apart from one another, when eating. Based on this change, principals will continue working to determine which classes and grades will eat in the cafeteria or in the classroom. We will continue to use seating charts in the cafeterias. When eating, because students are closer than six feet apart, masks must be put back on as soon as students are finished eating.   

Thank you for your continued understanding as we closely monitor evolving safety protocols. We look forward to welcoming students in grades 3-5 back to our buildings on Monday. As a reminder, our learning model transition timeline can be found on our website. 

Sincerely, 

Joe Kuboushek
PLSAS COVID-19 Coordinator

Kate Keil
Health Services Coordinator

Dear PLSAS Staff and Families,

Tuesday was an exciting day for staff and students as we welcomed kindergarten through grade 2 students back into our buildings for In-Person Learning. Next, we look forward to welcoming grades 3-5 students in-person starting February 1. For grade 6-12 students, there has been a slight change to the Hybrid Learning dates as we get ready to help ensure a smooth transition for our secondary students and staff.

Upon further review of the secondary transition timeline, and based on input from staff, the Incident Command Team made the decision to begin the first two days of the third quarter in Distance Learning for all students in grades 6-12. In this way, secondary students and staff will be able to start the quarter all in the same learning model and will have a chance to review course expectations, our additional COVID-19 safety measures and establish classroom procedures. As a result, grades 6-12 will continue in Distance Learning on February 4-5, and then transition to Hybrid Learning beginning February 8. The new timeline is listed below with the bold areas indicating the changes to the secondary schedule.  

Secondary grades 6-12 timeline (every Wednesday will be a Flex Day)*

• February 1-2: No school gr. 6-12, Transition Planning Days for 6-12 staff
• February 3: No School K-12 (Grading Day)
• February 4-5: First days of quarter three - Distance Learning for students grades 6-12 
  • Grades 6-12 center-based Special Education will remain in-person. 
• February 8: Group A students in grades 6-8 and grades 9-10 return to Hybrid Learning 
  • (grades 11-12 continue Distance Learning)
• February 9: Group B students in grades 6-8 and grades 9-10 return to Hybrid Learning 
  • (grades 11-12 continue Distance Learning)
• February 15: Group A students in grades 11-12 return to Hybrid Learning 
• February 16: Group B students in grades 11-12 return to Hybrid Learning

*Distance Learning (DL) will continue for students who chose DL at the beginning of the school year or during quarter 2.

Hybrid Learning 2.0
As mentioned previously, we are working to make improvements to Hybrid Learning, much like we did with the Distance Learning model. Thank you to everyone who completed our recent survey, as the results are helping us to make improvements. One of the changes you will notice is more consistency in the daily schedule for classes to meet online together for live, synchronous (online at the same time) interaction with the teacher. More details will be coming from your building principal. Please contact them if you have any questions. 

We are thrilled to begin to see students once again in our buildings. Thank you for your continued partnership and patience as we prepare for a smooth and safe transition into our In-Person and Hybrid Learning models. 

Be well, 

Teri Staloch, Ed. D. 
Superintendent

Dear PLSAS families,

Today we welcomed students in grades K-2 back to In-Person Learning! Staff were overjoyed to see their students' faces all together and in-person.

Please see the video message below from Superintendent, Dr. Teri Staloch. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMdZlgRohho&feature=youtu.be

Have a great evening!

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The health and safety of students, staff and families remains our top priority. As Superintendent Dr. Teri Staloch communicated last week, at PLSAS we continue to practice our existing safety protocols and we are implementing additional mitigation strategies to help ensure safe learning environments as we bring elementary students back to In-Person Learning and secondary students back to Hybrid Learning. The following audio document will walk parents through the latest safety changes, in accordance with the  MN Safe Learning Plan:  https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/102pADV3I-nzJ6zu65WdNmRBoO-KSh-y8DXDPwtKEMws/edit?usp=sharing Students will receive safety training upon their return to school.

As a reminder, please review the following COVID-19 Student Daily Return to School Checklist: click here. To review the learning model transition timeline, click here.

Have a good weekend and thank you for your continued partnership.

Sincerely,

Joe Kuboushek
PLSAS COVID-19 Coordinator

Dear PLSAS staff and families, 

I hope you all had a safe and relaxing winter break. As we step into the new year, I know the recent events in our nation’s capital are on the minds of many and the challenges of COVID-19 are still very much present. While we face difficulties in our country and close to home, we are also starting to see positive changes that will bring students back into our classrooms. 

The health and safety of students, staff and families continues to be our top priority. We have been diligently focused on planning to safely bring our K-5 students back to In-Person Learning and our 6-12 students into the Hybrid Learning model. In order to do this, we will continue to practice our existing safety protocols and we will be implementing additional mitigation strategies to help ensure safe learning environments throughout our district. The new mitigation strategies will be implemented in accordance with the MN Safe Learning Plan. A detailed training presentation will be shared with staff on January 13 and with parents by January 15. Students will receive safety training upon their return to school (elementary and secondary timelines are listed below).

Prior to Winter Break, I mentioned that we were planning for the possibility of transitioning secondary students to Hybrid Learning in February. I am pleased to announce that yesterday the Regional Support Team approved our rolling-start timeline, pending any significant changes to county or local COVID-19 case rates, or district operational constraints. Students in grades 6-12 will remain in Distance Learning and gradually be brought back into our buildings for Hybrid Learning as follows:

Secondary grades 6-12 timeline (every Wednesday will be a Flex Day)

• January 18: No School E-12 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
  • Kids’ Company closed
• January 19: Grades 6-12 center-based Special Education will move to 4, full days (M,T,Th,F), In-Person (Wed. Flex Day) 
• February 1-2: No school gr. 6-12, Transition Planning Days for 6-12 staff
• February 3: No School K-12 (Grading Day)
• February 4: Grades 6-8 and grades 9-10 return to Hybrid Learning (grades 11-12 continue Distance Learning)
  • Hybrid A on Feb. 4
  • Hybrid B on Feb. 5
  • Distance Learning continues for those who chose DL at the beginning of the school year or during quarter 2
• February 15: Grades 11 and 12 return to Hybrid Learning 
  • Hybrid A on Feb. 15
  • Hybrid B on Feb. 16
  • Distance Learning continues for those who chose DL at the beginning of the school year or during quarter 2

When we return to a Hybrid schedule for grades 6-12, we will be strengthening our Hybrid format to include some of the enhancements we made during Distance Learning to offer more structure and consistency for students and staff. Over the next two weeks we will be collecting additional input from staff, students and parents in order to ensure successful plans as we prepare to transition to Hybrid 2.0. More information will be coming from your building principal.  

As a reminder, the following is our elementary timeline that brings K-5 students back into our buildings for In-Person Learning five days a week. Elementary students currently enrolled in the Distance Learning Academy (DLA) will remain in the DLA.  

Elementary grades K-5 timeline (every Wednesday will be a two-hour early release day)

• January 11 - 13: Distance Learning continues 
  • While in Distance Learning, we will continue programming for students who are currently receiving in-person services
• January 14-15: No school gr. K-5, Transition Planning Day for K-5 staff
  • Distance Learning Academy K-5 Assessment Days
  • Kids’ Company open to registered families
• January 18: No School E-12 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
  • Kids’ Company closed
• January 19:
  • Grades K-2 begins In-Person Learning
  • Grades 3-5 remain in Distance Learning
  • Grades K-5 center-based Special Education will move to 5, full days, In-Person (Wed. early release)
• February 1: Grades 3-5 begins In-Person Learning
• February 3: No School K-12 (Grading Day)

Child Nutrition Services will continue to offer free breakfast and lunch meals to students as they transition back to In-Person and Hybrid Learning. Students will be offered a grab-n’-go meal bag featuring an entrée, fruit, fresh vegetable and milk. Free curbside meals will also continue, with details coming soon.  

All families who wish to use Kids’ Company child care during In-Person Learning will need to register before January 10. Click here for more information. 

If you have any questions about the timeline or learning models, please contact your building principal. We are looking forward to welcoming students back into our buildings and will be ready to teach and support them in the safest learning environments possible. I wish you all good health in the year ahead. Thank you for your continued partnership!
 

Be well, 

Teri Staloch, Ed. D. 
Superintendent

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Dear PLSAS Staff and Families, 

In order to help your planning, I am communicating with you a little earlier than anticipated as we make arrangements to transition to new learning models in the coming weeks.

As you know, all elementary schools are planning to transition to an In-Person Learning model, with updated health and safety requirements, beginning in mid January. This means that K-5 students will be In-Person Learning, in our school buildings, five days a week. Every Wednesday will be a two hour early release day to provide staff time for collaboration and planning in the new learning model. Students currently enrolled in the Distance Learning Academy (DLA) will remain in the DLA for the remainder of the school year. Per state guidance, we will use a rolling-start process to gradually bring students back into our buildings. The following is a more detailed K-5 timeline for your planning purposes: 

Elementary K-5 timeline

• January 4 - 13 - K-12 Distance Learning continues

  • While in Distance Learning, we will continue programming for students who are currently receiving in-person services

• January 14-15 - No school K-5, Transition Planning Day for K-5 staff

  • Distance Learning Academy K-5 Assessment Days

  • Kids’ Company open to registered families

• January 18 - No School E-12 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)

  • Kids’ Company closed

• January 19

  • Grades K-2 begins In-Person Learning

  • Grades 3-5 remain in Distance Learning

• February 1 - Grades 3-5 begins In-Person Learning

• February 3 - No School K-12 (Grading Day)

Kids’ Company child care

• Kids’ Company registration will be open Monday, December 28 through Sunday, January 10. 

• Kids’ Company will be open for non-school days on Thursday, January 14 and Friday, January 15, for those who register for those days. 

• Kids’ Company will be closed on Monday, January 18. 

• Contracts for children in grades K-2 will begin Tuesday, January 19 and contracts for children in grades 3-5 will begin Monday, February 1. 

• Details, including hours and rates, will be available on the Kids’ Company web page on Thursday, December 24.

Elementary Transportation 

When elementary students transition to the In-Person Learning model, there will no longer be capacity restrictions or social distancing required on PLSAS busses and other transportation vehicles. Students and drivers must still wear a face covering, per state requirements. Student pickup and drop off locations remain the same and are listed in Infinite Campus. If you have questions about transportation, please contact your school office.

Early Learning
ECFE, Circle of Friends half day, Preschool PLUS care and ECSE families will continue their In-Person/Hybrid model as they have been since December 7. 

• Starting in January, Early Childhood Screening will be done virtually. To schedule an online appointment, call 952-226-0975.

• Circle of Friends Preschool online registration for the 2021/22 school year begins February 1. 

• ECFE registration for quarter 3 will begin on January 11. View class offerings here.

Grades 6-12

Students in grades 6-12 will remain in Distance Learning for the month of January. We continue to plan for the possibility of transitioning grades 6-12 to Hybrid Learning in February if our plan is supported by the Regional Support Team (MDE and MDH). We will update staff and families with next steps by January 8.

Reminder - free webinar series for parents
PLSAS is partnering with Scott County Connect Therapy to offer virtual parent training sessions that will help support our students through the challenges of COVID-19. Click here for information and to register. 

We continue to work on the new safety and virus mitigation strategies outlined in the updated Minnesota Safe Learning Plan and will communicate details by January 8 regarding PLSAS’ response plan. 

Thank you again for your continued support and I wish you all a safe and happy Winter Break. 

Be well,

Teri Staloch, Ed. D. 
Superintendent 

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Dear PLSAS Staff and Families, 

I am happy to share with you that yesterday, the Governor announced significant changes to the Minnesota Safe Learning Plan, prioritizing the needs of our youngest learners. Starting in mid-January, every district across the state may choose to allow elementary schools to operate in a full-time, In-Person Learning model as long as they are able to implement all updated health and safety requirements. 

The Governor also announced that middle and high schools are to follow the original protocols listed in the Safe Learning Plan and school districts must continue to work with Regional Support Teams to determine their learning models. In addition, new virus mitigation requirements for all schools operating in In-Person or Hybrid Learning were announced, designed to keep students, families and staff safe.

We are excited and encouraged by the latest state announcements and I want to update you on how our district is responding and outline our next steps.

Tentative transition plans
The following transition plans are subject to change pending COVID conditions and our ability to implement all of the new safety requirements, but we want to give you our tentative plans so you all have time to prepare. 

• PLSAS students in grades K-12 will return from Winter Break in Distance Learning.

• Given what we know at this time, we are planning for the transition of elementary students to In-Person Learning using a rolling start (welcoming back students a few grades at a time), per state requirements, with grades K-2 beginning In-Person Learning January 19, and grades 3-5 beginning In-Person Learning February 1. 

• We are also working toward transitioning grades 6-12 to Hybrid Learning in February. 

• A more detailed timeline, including staff transition days, for our K-12 learning model transition plans will be shared with you on January 8. 

Additional details

• While in Distance Learning, we will continue programming for students who are currently receiving in-person services.

• High school sports and activities will be allowed to begin - with practices only - on January 4, with further guidance about competitions to come later.

• All PLSAS buildings, including the District Services Center, will be closed to the public during Winter Break: December 23-January 1. 

• Our custodians and Operations team will be working to continue deep cleaning of all PLSAS buildings.

New safety measures 
The Governor has detailed several additional safety requirements and mitigation strategies for the return to In-Person and Hybrid Learning, including reduced social distancing, implementing a “ rolling start,” regular site testing of COVID-19 for all on-site staff, and the requirement of instructional staff to wear both a mask and a face shield when interacting with students, among other protocols. Details about the new safety measures will be shared with staff, students and families in the coming weeks.

Scott County COVID-19 case rates per 10,000 are slowly starting to decline. While this is encouraging, the virus is still very much present in our community and I urge everyone to continue to follow COVID-19 health and safety measures to help us with a safe return of students to our buildings. In the meantime, our PLSAS Incident Command Response Team will continue to monitor community and district health conditions and consult with public health officials.  

We have many details yet to work out, but we are excited about the ability to welcome students back into our buildings. Families who have specific questions or concerns for their student should contact their building principal.  

As you look forward to Winter Break next week, I hope that you all stay safe and healthy with renewed hope and optimism as we get ready to greet the new year. 

Be well,
Teri Staloch, Ed. D.

Dear PLSAS Staff and Families, 

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving break and enjoyed some much-deserved rest and relaxation. This week, all K-5 students joined grades 6-12 in Distance Learning 2.0, offering improved academic rigor, stronger classroom connections and additional support for students. 

PLSAS continues to follow the MN Safe Learning Plan and is monitoring several data points to determine the duration we will be in Distance Learning. 

The latest data
During today’s weekly meeting with Scott County Public Health officials, we learned that COVID-19 case-rates continue to rise in our county and are at the highest levels we have seen to date at 190.20 cases per 10,000 residents for Nov. 8-21. This is up from 172.14 cases reported for the time period Nov. 1 -14. 

After reviewing this data and, in following Governor Walz’s Executive Order, we have made the decision to continue the Distance Learning model for K-12 students at least through Winter Break (Winter Break is Dec. 23-Jan. 1). 

The following are our next steps for your planning purposes: 

• We will continue to follow the requirements of the MN Safe Learning Plan and consult with Scott County public health officials. 
• We will provide an update to the School Board during its regular December 14 meeting at 7:00 p.m. This meeting will be live streamed for the public to view: https://www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us/about-us/school-board/watch 
• We will provide an update to staff and families on December 17 with more details regarding our learning model process and plan for when students return to learning on January 4. 

While we continue to provide the best educational experience possible in Distance Learning, it is our desire at PLSAS to get back to In-Person/Hybrid Learning as soon as we can safely and logistically do so. As a reminder, 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 child’s school - even when in Distance Learning - if your student is diagnosed with 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. Staff should continue to report to their direct supervisor if diagnosed with COVID-19 or directly exposed. 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. 

Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation. 

Be well, 

Teri Staloch, Ed. D. 
Superintendent

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.

• Since September 1, the cumulative number of confirmed staff and student COVID-19 cases total 129. 
• The cumulative number of confirmed staff and student cases in the last 7 days total 69.
• The number of staff and students currently in quarantine totals 742.
• Prior Lake High School remains on the MN Department of Health’s list of schools with five or more cases in the last 14 days in which students or staff members were in a school building while being infectious. 
• You can visit our COVID-19 dashboard web page https://www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us/about-us/coronavirus/dashboard and watch the Nov. 9 School Board meeting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECz1jCzCKCM&feature=youtu.be for more information

Additional information 

• Child care will be offered at all elementary schools. Families currently using our Kids' Company child care will need to re-register. New families will also need to register. Please click here for more information. 
• Elementary parent/teacher conferences will continue, as scheduled. 
• Wednesday Flex Day information will come from your child’s school. 
• We will continue to prioritize in-person instruction for students with disabilities, especially those whose individualized education program calls for intensive services that cannot be provided in a distance learning model. Additionally, we are developing in-person learning plans for English learners, students experiencing homelessness, students in foster care and students who are struggling academically, as we are able to safely do so. 
• LakerMarketplace will continue to offer free “Meals To Go” curbside pick-up, breakfast and lunch meals for students on Wednesdays from 10am–12pm. 
• At this time, early learning programming will continue to operate in the In-Person/Hybrid model. We are closely monitoring staffing, cases and quarantine counts in our early learning programs. Families will receive specific communication from Early Learning Programs if a classroom or program shift becomes necessary.
• Per School Board action last Monday, athletics and activities will continue, with safety protocols in place. The activities department will review data on a daily basis. The PLSAS Incident Command Response Team will continue to monitor data on a weekly basis and make changes should they be needed. 
   

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:

• Bridges Area Learning Center students will continue with some In-Person instruction. Families and students will receive specific instructions from the Bridges Coordinator. 
• Early childhood programming will continue to operate in the In-Person/Hybrid model, as schedules remain the same for both models.
• We will continue to prioritize in-person instruction for students with disabilities, English learners, students experiencing homelessness, students in foster care and students who are struggling academically.

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:

• Due to rising COVID-19 case rates in our county, cities and school district, PLSAS will be following recommendations from our Regional Support Team (Scott County Public Health, MN Department of Health and MN Department of Education) and shift our middle school and high school students to a full-time Distance Learning model beginning November 23. 
• K-12 students will attend school in the Hybrid Learning model Nov. 16-17, giving middle and high school students a chance to meet with their second-quarter teachers prior to starting Distance Learning on November 23. 
• Distance Learning students and off-day Hybrid students learning at home will engage with their classes as directed by their teachers on Nov. 16-17.
• There will be no school for students in grades 6-12 on Nov. 18-20 because of the previously scheduled teacher work day on Nov. 18, as well as additional transitional planning days for teachers on Nov. 19-20.
• Bridges Area Learning Center students will continue with some In-Person instruction. Families and students will receive specific instructions from the Bridges Coordinator. 
• Early childhood programming will continue to operate in the In-Person/Hybrid model, as schedules remain the same for both models.
• At this time, elementary students will remain in the Hybrid Learning model. While it is our intent to start quarter two in Hybrid Learning, COVID-19 case rates may push the district to transition to Distance Learning in the future. 

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:

• students with disabilities
• English learners
• students experiencing homelessness
• students in foster care
• students who are struggling academically

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.

• Since September 1, the cumulative number of confirmed staff and student COVID-19 cases total 60. 
• The cumulative number of confirmed staff and student cases in the last 7 days total 29.
• The number of staff and students currently in quarantine totals 507. 
• Last month, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) began reporting school related COVID-19 data for K-12 schools. The data focuses on cases associated with school buildings where students or staff members were in a school building while being infectious and lists schools with five or more cases in the last 14 days. Prior Lake High School was reported on this MDH list today. 

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

• Next week we will meet with our Regional Support Team (MDH/MDE) to discuss our local and school district data as it relates to Scott County case-rate data trends. We will share information with them and they will provide us their recommendation for a potential learning model change to distance learning for grades 6-12. 
• At the Nov. 9 School Board meeting, we will provide an update on the latest data and information, including a learning model shift for grades 6-12 to distance learning, if warranted. This meeting will be live streamed for the public to view, here: https://www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us/about-us/school-board/watch
• On Nov. 10, we will email staff and families to share an update on the latest data and information. This communication would include the process and timeline if a learning model shift to distance learning is necessary for grades 6-12. 

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. 

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