Given new Covid-19 community data about rising positive cases, we at NE Metro 916 are pausing our move to hybrid learning for our elementary programs. Beyond elementary, our middle/high school programs will continue in distance learning. Unless the Covid-19 community positive cases decrease significantly, both elementary and middle/high school programs will be in distance learning until at least January 19, 2021. 

In addition to concerns about community spread, we are beginning to experience increased staffing shortages due to our rising number of confirmed COVID cases and staff required to be in quarantine.  Our cases have increased significantly over the last two weeks.  Additional information can be found on our website.  In order to safely serve our students and families, we are carefully assigning our staff to serve the priority needs of our students.  Our Federal IV Special Education programs are designed and staffed very differently from programs in our students' home schools, which is why our learning models and services must be addressed differently. 

We are taking to heart guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) last week to provide the best 1:1 services we can for those students who need the highest levels of service.  The Minnesota Department of Health has advised us that we may continue to provide and improve our 1:1 services, as long as we can do so safely.  

To serve our highest need students, we will continue to provide our current 1:1 learning enhancements (services), and we are in the early stages of planning improvements for upgraded enhancements by thinking creatively about how we can provide those much-needed services and supports in new ways.  We will keep you informed as those options are developed. 

Here are more specifics about what is changing in special education and general education programs and what is not changing: 

• Auditory/Oral will continue to provide in person services with close monitoring for the safety of staff and students.
• The Assessment Center will continue to provide services and is working on flexible new options to support the needs of our member districts. 
• Educational Mental Health classrooms at Pankalo and Karner Blue will remain in Hybrid and will reassess the ability to continue on Nov. 20.
• Bellaire Education Center will remain in distance learning while continuing to provide in person services as determined by the IEP team. Childcare services will continue.
• South Campus and Quora Education Center will remain in distance learning while continuing to provide in person services as determined by the IEP team. Childcare services will continue.
• Pankalo will remain in distance learning while continuing to provide in person services as determined by the IEP team. Childcare services will continue.
• Karner Blue Education Center will remain in distance learning while continuing to provide in person services as determined by the IEP team. Childcare services will continue.
• Care and Treatment sites: Cambia will remain in person; Aris Currell and Aris Woodwinds remain in hybrid learning models. Willows is currently in distance learning. Each site will continue to follow services of the provider.
• Career & Technical Center (CTC) will remain in distance learning, with students coming on campus for certification assessments, supervision, or specific hands-on learning that cannot be replicated remotely. These will be scheduled by CTC staff. 
• Alternative Learning Centers (Metro Heights Academy, Mahtomedi Academy, and East View Academy) will remain in Enhanced Distance Learning and open for scheduled on-site academic and mental health support for students. All credit recovery programs remain in distance learning.

I know this is not exactly where any of us want to be at this time in our schools, and my heart breaks for all of our students in NE Metro 916 and across Minnesota, and for our families whose at-home challenges continue to increase. And my concern for our staff members’ health and safety remains high, which is why these decisions are so seriously considered.

I look forward to the days when our students and staff are safely back in school together.  In the meanwhile, we will continue to plan diligently for that time with hope and compassion.  Thank you for your continued understanding and support.   

Connie Hayes, Superintendent

NE Metro 916 Intermediate School District