Local Incident Team (LIT)

The Local Incident Team (LIT) is a combination of the district's logistics and operations, and schedule committees.

The LIT team is composed of trained, local epidemiologists, an emergency public health nurse, our district nurse, district staff & administration & School Board members.

Evaluating and monitoring local data

Additional factors

The LIT and the district will also be guided by the following assumptions:

Staffing could be impacted by virus activity.
Navigating district-wide decisions and/or school-based decisions.
COVD-19 case counts fluctuate.
Data regarding COVID-19 cases is not perfect and is delayed.
The goal is to be consistent - as much as possible when facing a global pandemic.
We will make decisions based on the data, not peer or political pressure.
We will implement best practices in teaching and learning.

Current members 2021-22

Laura Oksnevad, School Board Chair (Wilshire Park and SAMS parent)
Dr. Renee Corneille, Superintendent (Wilshire Park parent)
Lori Watzl-King, RN, District Health and Wellness Coordinator
Hope Fagerland, Director of Student Services
Phan Tu, Director of Finance and Operations
Wendy Webster, Community Services and Communications Director (SAMS/SAVHS parent)
Nancy Terry, Wilshire Park Special Education Speech Language Pathologist (SAMS parent)
Traci Adams, Middle School Administrative Assistant
Janet Kimmel, Communication Coordinator
Mark Gibbs, District Engineer
Stefan Gingerich, Epidemiologist (Wilshire Park parent)
Mageen Caines, Epidemiologist (Wilshire Park parent)
Jackie Weber, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Expert (Wilshire Park parent)
Linda Amundsen, Food Service Cook Manager
Maria Roberts, Principal at Wilshire Park Elementary School
Amy Kujawski, Princpal at St. Anthony Middle School
Andrew Hodges, Interim-Principal at St. Anthony Village High School
Brady Krueger, Dean of Students at St. Anthony Village High School

2021-22 meeting recaps

Aug. 12, 2021

Agenda:

Current COVID-19 numbers (Delta variant), vaccination rates
Recommendations update:
- Superintendent Dr. Renee Corneille will be providing an official recommendation to the School Board on Aug. 24, 2021. The recommendations were formulated from the LIT team meeting on Aug. 12, 2021. A final message to families will include the recommendations on Aug. 25, 2021. There is also a virtual Town Hall set for 6:30-8 p.m., on Aug. 25, 2021, for families who are interested in learning more, asking questions about the recommendations for the 2021-22 school year.

Summary, action items:

Current COVID-19 numbers (Delta variant), vaccination rates
In Hennepin and Ramsey counties, we are classified as high-transmission by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and are in the red zone. Rates are increasing, but not "racing"(as we experienced in 2020 and early 2021). Unvaccinated younger kids (10-11) and those who are eligible for the vaccine (and under 19) transmission rates are growing rapidly. The Delta variant is more transmissible and more serious when you get it (7/10 people will get it when exposed if no mitigation measures are used). Yet, infections are only happening in a small proportion of those who are vaccinated. There is evidence that fully vaccinated people can spread it to others, but the vaccines are staying true to what they promised (preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death).

Recommendations update

Discussed masks: group unanimously agreed to recommend that staff and students should be required to wear masks.
Discussed cohorts/pods: with heightened symptom awareness, wearing masks (must be an actual mask and be well-fitting, and cover the nose), and being mindful during lunch time, could recommend to run school without cohorts/pods (as long as able to). CDC states that as long as individuals are wearing masks (vaccinated individuals included), will not need to do a classroom quarantine and/or shut down of classrooms.
Discussed visitors: districtwide and during a normal school day, discussed limiting visitors (except for essential services) since all students and staff are present in the building.
- For open house/meet-and-greet events, discussed how to limit time and limit number of adults/children at one time in the building. Open all doors for ventilation.
- If you feel sick, or you've been exposed to COVID-19, or identified a close contact to someone with COVID-19, do not come into the building.
Discussed meal time:
- Lunch: would like to set up stations, hand sanitizing when entering/leaving, would probably serve students and let them grab their own milk. Wearing masks when entering the lunchroom and classrooms will come down together and exit together as a class. Can eat outside when the weather is agreeable. At the middle/high school, discussed if eating inside lunchroom, could take a picture every day to help with contract tracing. At the elementary level, could have seating charts. Also can ask middle/high school to eat outside when possible, and remain with the same peers for at least a month- remind them of good COVID-19 mitigation strategy protocol (will help them stay in the building longer). Masks must remain on until seated (so, remain on the face when going through the lunch station line).
  - Breakfast: breakfast cart in the hallway and staff will hand out breakfast to students as they walk into the Commons Area- only a total of 20 minutes of breakfast time.
Discussed layers of mitigation strategies: top-of-the-line ventilated HVAC system is installed at all of our buildings which will help with mitigation strategies. We are prioritizing in-person learning, so we are going to do everything we can to provide uninterrupted in-person learning: mask, HVAC, hyper-vigilant about symptoms- won't need to quarantine in classroom settings and remain in person and not in distance learning.
Discussed fall athletics: volleyball and swimming are the only sports that are indoors this fall. More athletics recommendations are to come from the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL). Transportation, (due to mass public transportation requirement), must wear a mask when riding the bus. Encourage athletes to vaccinate to avoid wearing a mask during athletics and avoid quarantine if exposed.
Discussed contact tracing with students: will notify (regardless if vaccinated) if exposed; get a test/wear a mask during this time until negative results come back (do a test 3-5 days after exposure). Shortened quarantine with a negative test if vaccinated. But, if a positive case within the household and unvaccinated, to do a full 14-day quarantine.
Discussed lockers at the middle/high school: if wearing masks in the hallways, will be okay. In the locker room, masks unless showering.

Sept. 16, 2021

Agenda:

Local data update
Vaccine rate for staff survey
Testing
Lunch
Dances/Homecoming
Media Center guidelines
Visitors
International travel
Athletics

Summary, action items:

Local Data Update

Metro area numbers are increasing (not drastically), while other areas in the state may be leveling off. For school district's statewide, 150 cases a day to 500-600 cases/day (specific to schools). This is tracking as we expected due to students being back in school buildings. At St. Anthony-New Brighton, (SANB), we have higher vaccination rates and are consistent with mitigation strategies. At this time, we have not had a COVID-19 case in our schools since school began.

Vaccine rate for staff survey

At this time, 190 responses, with 98% reporting that they are vaccinated (which is tracking from last year).

Testing

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends testing for students and staff. Our community has communicated that they want testing, especially at the elementary level. We have a couple different options:

Anterior nasal swab pool testing, ages five and up can do it themselves with adult supervision (can pool them together as a class, in batches of 10). Originally, if there was a positive result in a batch, those kids would need to re-swab and isolate until the sample is retested. Now, they can be pooled at the lab and immediately re-run in the lab (vs. having to re-swab).
Another option is a saliva test. We are still working with Vault to provide tests to families that can have their student test via Zoom and get a quick turnaround result (within 24 hours).
There is also an option with Cue for a rapid PCR test (school health office staff would need to administer to students under 18); would get results within 20 minutes. The only issue with the Cue test is that the district would need consent in order to administer the test. This is a better choice for staff to improve test result time and decrease staff out waiting for test results.

We can do more than one of the options above, depending on timing, the situation and need.

Lunch

At SAVHS, decent number of students are eating outside, but a majority are still inside. Staff provide reminders to students to wear their masks, but are noticing the students are under the amount of time recommended to not wear a mask (max typically of 10 minutes, when the limit is 15 minutes). Difficult to keep track of high school students during lunch, but students aren't in the lunchroom for long periods of time. When the weather turns cold or rainy, staff will need to be hypervigilant with reminding students to put their masks on and move out of the lunchroom when done eating (will have more students inside the lunchroom in cold/rainy weather, less seating, need to have options for where they can go when they are done eating vs. sitting in the lunchroom). The students are doing an extraordinary job with wearing their masks!

Dances/Homecoming

At SAVHS, the students want to have a Homecoming dance. Vaccination cards would be helpful. Challenge of indoors is the sustained amount of time, students will be closer, physical activity with dancing. Contract tracing would be extremely difficult. Outdoor would be great, but with cold weather approaching, might not work. Could we do the dance inside with mitigation strategies. Could do food outside like a food truck, and have multiple dance areas in the gymnasium and commons area.

Media Center guidelines

Not quarantining books anymore- they will be automatically placed back on the shelf. That is not how COVID-19 is spread. Do provide hand sanitizer upon entering and leaving. Classes can come down together to check-out books. Sign-in/out sheet for when entering and leaving for contract tracing, and must wear masks. We are planning on opening up the Media Center at SAMS/SAVHS before and after school, and would be monitored by staff (will require they space out at tables, use every other computer, masking).

Visitors
We will continue to have a no visitors guideline in order to prioritize in-person learning for our students.

International travel
We are recommending if families choose to travel out of the country, to please follow the CDC guidelines, especially for unvaccinated travelers.

Athletics
Our students will mask while at other schools, even if that school does not. They won't need to wear a mask while competing, but will while on the sidelines. Close contacts will be quarantined if they are not vaccinated. Can still pod during practice based upon grade/level. For upcoming basketball games, will need to have staff to monitor fans in the stands for wearing masks- limit areas for eating. Add more signage for reminders.

Sept. 29, 2021

Agenda:

Theater at St Anthony Village High School
COVID-19 numbers update
Volunteers at Wilshire Park Elementary School
Testing update
Hospitalization update

Summary, action items:

Theater (St. Anthony-Village High School)

Currently wearing masks doing rehearsal. Will performers need to use masks during performances? Last year, audience members were all masked and performers were not. Fully vaccinated students could go without masks during smaller-sized scenes (with fewer performers) but all masked during large singing scenes. Performers should be screened for symptoms, and those who are symptomatic should not perform or rehearse. Have a contingency plan for an outbreak (understudies). Testing for unvaccinated 72 hours before tech rehearsal. Masks on during rehearsals (exception of dress/tech rehearsal).

COVID-19 numbers update

The entire state of Minnesota is being hit hard right now with COVID-19. Good news, we've only had two cases in a classroom. Our mitigation strategies, such as masks, keeping students home when they are sick, and quarantining close contacts is working.

Volunteers at Wilshire Park Elementary School

Teachers are needing volunteer help with making copies, etc. Discussed considering a small number of volunteers to do specific tasks (making copies), one at a time and by themselves, only vaccinated individuals, signed up for certain time slots, screened for symptoms, and after school when students are not in the building.

Testing update

Testing Coordinator position to be posted. Que tests (rapid PCR test) and iPads are now available to test staff (going out to their vehicle in the parking lot). Working on biohazard waste removal contract. Currently dispensing Vault Zoom enabled kits to quarantined kids. District Nurse and Health Coordinator Lori Watzl-King continues to attend Hennepin and Dakota County meetings. Lori looked into Hennepin Healthcare testing options for sick kids— walk-in testing is not available at this time at the St. Anthony clinic. Currently working on consent forms for parents/guardians for future testing of students.

Hospitalization update

From our public health experts: there are as many ICU beds as there are psychiatric beds— three available for each. We are in a dire situation with regards to capacity in the Metro area, and in the state. 26 calls yesterday for patients needing placement and were unable to place any of them. We broke 800 COVID-19 patients and you will see that the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 is higher now in Greater Minnesota facilities than in the Metro.

Masks and riding the bus, entering school buildings

Have seen an increase in students riding the bus without a mask, then entering our school buildings unmasked (we provide them with a disposable mask). This is getting costly for the district to continue to provide disposable masks. Looking at having the disposable masks only on the busses, then cloth masks in the school buildings. Will need to send a district-wide message to remind parents/guardians that masks are mandated on buses (mass public transportation) and within our buildings.

Oct. 27, 2021

Agenda:

COVID-19 update
Volunteer update

Summary, action items:

COVID-19 update

At this time, there are 23 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the district since Oct. 22. What we know: students and staff are masked during school hours; confident that the exposures are happening outside of school hours, along with outside of school activities.

At this time, individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19 and are vaccinated, they are not required to quarantine. Our District Wellness Coordinator Lori Watzl-King has asked those individuals to do a PCR test on day five— they can return to school during this time, even while waiting for a test result.

The Centers for Disease Control is now recommending testing 5-7 days after an exposure, regardless of vaccination status. With this update, the district may need to ask vaccinated individuals to remain in quarantine while waiting for their result in case they test COVID-19 positive.

Volunteer update

Due to an increase in positive COVID-19 cases, the district is going to increase mitigation measures in regard to volunteers. Until further notice, we will be limiting volunteering inside of our school buildings to just situations of high needs.

Nov. 24, 2021

Agenda:

COVID-19 positive case counts
Athletics & activities spectator update
Classroom quarantines
Staffing concerns due to positive COVID-19 cases
COVID-19 testing updates

Summary, action items:

COVID-19 positive case counts

We are seeing an increase in positive COVID-19 cases within the district. There is added concern with the Thanksgiving holiday break this week.

Athletics & activities spectator update
Winter sports/activities are starting; masking is required for all spectators and concessions are closed. At this time, we cannot have spectators in the first two to three rows because of Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) rules (12 feet away from players). Will look into using the other side of the bleachers for opposing team spectators. We will also encourage freshman / JV team families to leave after games .

For band and choir concerts, looking into spacing out seating more. Could also inquire about recording concerts with NineNorth. Checking with music staff to find volunteers to ensure masking takes place.

For sixth- through eighth-grade concerts, the expectation is that all of the kids stay for all concerts on the same night. Will look at spacing out the concerts & placing 30 minutes in between each grade level. In addition, inquiring about recording the concerts for other grade levels to watch the next day.
For high school concerts, will look at spacing out and placing 30 minutes between each grade, if possible; potential overlap with students, so not quite as big of a deal to spread out.

Staffing concerns due to positive COVID-19 cases
Reviewed the percentage of teachers that are out that may need to switch to distance learning. Discussed the percentage that we can cover on a regular day besides regular absences.
At SAMS, if too many staff are out, and we can’t cover them, we don’t have many extra staff to cover certain class periods. At SAVHS, we are currently doing okay and have enough staff to cover (about five per class period).

Testing updates

District Wellness Coordinator Lori Watzl-King, has ordered six more rapid test readers (hopefully available by Dec. 1).
Pool testing should be starting Dec. 8- must be completed by 2 p.m.
Preschool is doing something new with testing.

Athletics & activities
Teams will be encouraged to do the pool testing by coaches; this needs to be the culture of the team to protect the team. Concerns regarding co-op teams and when other districts we co-op with do not require masking. Looking at moving team fans into different sections.

Dec. 8, 2021

Agenda:

Winter sports.
COVID-19 update.

Summary, action items:

Winter sports

Student-athletes and their families have communicated a desire to have sporting events more aligned with other districts. St. Anthony-New Brighton does have concerns regarding spectators (visiting and home) at winter athletic events. As last year, we can place red dots to space people out to attain a capacity beyond what our likely demand will be. We also have the opportunity to open up the east bleachers, in addition to the west bleachers. Although, the current issue is not capacity, rather a compliance with where one chooses to sit and following protocols.

90+% of our adult guests have been polite, understanding, and compliant with our current COVID-19 policies. 10% have been difficult, and in some cases argumentative about policies. We are not confident if within a model of expanded attendance we could effectively enforce social distancing.
The students who have been in attendance have proven it's more difficult to maintain COVID protocol compliance. If there is a student section, they will want to sit together and it will be difficult (more impossible) to keep them apart.
We have been telling visiting teams they are allowed two spectators per athlete and that has been working reasonably well in terms of message delivery and compliance.
Not eating or drinking has proven near impossible to monitor and control for our COVID-19 event hosts.

If high school students sign up for COVID-19 pool testing (highest numbers at the elementary level), we could potentially open things up more at athletic events.

Student athletes shared with the LIT group that they feel it is tough to go to school and wear masks and remain within 6-feet from each other, and not have spectators at games (wearing masks).

The issue is not with the amount of spectators, but more so with compliance with wearing masks. If staff don't need to spend time on compliance, it would allow for more flexibility with allowing additional spectators.

During the previous LIT meeting, it was decided that the highest priority was to have uninterrupted games throughout the season- could shut down the whole team if there was an outbreak.

After the LIT group listened to the feedback and concerns from the student-athletes, the following plan was decided:

Keep track of students who attend games.
If a student is unvaccinated and there's a case among fans, that student will be quarantined.
Ask that families only attend their child's level (JV/Varsity, C-Squad, etc.)
Will look at how many tickets each student in the program will be able to have.

COVID-19 update
Not seeing the surge that was anticipated after Thanksgiving break. District Wellness Coordinator Lori Watzl-King believes this to be due to vaccinations happening among the 5-11 year olds and the community doing their part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 at gatherings that they attended.

Jan. 26, 2022

Agenda:

Students return to buildings Feb. 2.
Spring trips.
Athletics/activities & spectators.
Masks.
Snow Daze high school dance.

Summary, action items:

Students return to buildings on Feb. 2

The district will be sending a message to staff and families today regarding updated COVID-19 guidance and their return to buildings on Feb. 2.

Spring trips
Baseball and softball are both set to go to Florida this March. Will invite Dr. Troy Urdahl, director of Athletics, Activities, Facilities & Transportation, to a future LIT meeting to discuss what mitigation strategies will need to be in place for safe travel. Looking at ordering additional tests to provide for those who are traveling.

Athletics/activities & spectators
Boys varsity basketball is interested in hosting a youth night later this February, where younger kids can attend a game with a parent. We would create additional space for this event to adhere to safety mitigation strategies.

Masks
At St. Anthony Middle School, the free masks don't properly fit the students in this age group. The provided masks are cloth and not disposable; yet there are students who are throwing them away versus washing/reusing them. Discussed what masks we should purchase/grade level. Wearing a well-fitting mask can potentially reduce transmission to half. Will look into our current inventory and purchasing additional masks for each building as needed. Will connect with Hennepin County for free ones. Will also be receiving free KN95 masks for every student and staff member.

Staff are also noticing that some students that are coming to school or attending activities and not wearing a mask. Need to provide constant reminders.

Snow Daze Dance
St. Anthony Village High School (SAVHS) had Feb. 12 down as a day to host the Snow Daze dance for students— feeling like we will need to push this out to later in February to early March. Will require masks. These students also have a high vaccination rate. Looking at limiting to only SAVHS attendees or requiring a proof of vaccination status for non-SAVHS students.

Archive of meeting recaps

Accordion

Jan. 12, 2021 LIT meeting recap

Agenda:

Elementary plan (review data).
Mitigation strategies if we move to less restrictive model.
Transportation.
Winter athletics/activities guidance (captains practice and use of indoor spaces).
Saliva testing protocols/plan.
Current numbers for Hennepin County.
High school student virtual town hall and community engagement circle discussion.

Summary, action items:

Face masks, face shields
Discussion on district mandate of face mask and shield requirements. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) scaled back the requirement for staff members working directly with students to wear both a face covering [mask] and a face shield. Current language states that districts are strongly encouraged to require staff to wear both the face covering and the face shield. Currently looking at other school district examples that will help enact a district-level requirement that employees working in person use both the face covering [existing requirement] and the face shield [possible new requirement] when the district moves back to in-person learning.

Winter sports
The district will follow the Informed Decision-Making Guide for Learning Model Planning tool and the Informed Decision-Making Action Step Tracker that have been revised based on updated guidance from the MDE and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). They will be used to consider various relevant and nuanced metrics, data and various forms of input for assessing readiness and learning model decisions. This guide includes Health Best Practices; Instructional Preparedness; Family & Transportation Capacity; and Engagement & Communications. Also included are suggestions and resources to help to create awareness and keep track of the multiple considerations used to determine moving between more restrictive to less restrictive learning models throughout the school year.

COVID-19 saliva testing for staff: Site-Level Coordinators
As we plan for on-site testing, our COVID-19 coordinator will be responsible for leading the district-wide effort. We will also need a site-level coordinator for each building where testing will occur to manage the planning and execution of the screening test program. Site-level coordinators will be selected as soon as possible for buildings where we will be hosting on-site COVID-19 saliva testing for staff. Site-level coordinators should try to attend a virtual training session that will cover all of the logistics and technology needs for conducting testing, including how we will receive the tests, how to ship them to the lab, how staff will self-administer the tests, and more.

COVID-19 vaccination for school staff:
A hopeful timeline is February or March; although there are limitations in vaccine supply. Most likely will be the Moderna vaccine. Currently only federally registered providers can give the vaccine (school nurses can’t vaccinate other school staff). It would take 1.5 days to vaccinate our staff (220 vaccines per day). Looking into the possibility of the district being a community vaccination site. It is still unclear who will give the vaccine to educators, but some direction may be coming next week from MDH that will help with planning.

St. Anthony Middle School WHPH (Work Hard Play Hard) Days set for last week of January
Completely optional and most events will be virtual with a wide range of offerings. The WHPH team would like to offer one in-person option. For one hour, each grade level would be invited to an outdoor event. Potential offerings include sledding, ice skating, snow shoeing, or walking/hiking. All three grade levels on the same day at different times. Aiming for different staff for each grade level. Locations could include all events taking place at Central Park, or two or more locations such as Silverwood, Silver Point Park, Emerald Park. Pods made up of 20-25 students. Students must wear a mask at all times and practice social distancing (no sled sharing or making a sled train down the hill). Rules would be reviewed at the beginning of the activity. Permission form will be required. Currently looking at transportation options for some who may not be able to get a ride to these locations.

Shortened quarantine option
MDH has left it up to school districts to decide if they will follow a shortened quarantine for students or staff. 14-day quarantine is still the safest option. 10-day quarantine if no symptoms of any kind through the full 14 days and child/adult can mask and social distance through the full 14 days. Seven-day option if negative test on or after day five and all of the above from the 10-day quarantine. Most schools are not allowing a shortened quarantine. We have already decided that shortened quarantine will not be used for sports as it is a higher risk activity and athletes cannot keep a six-feet distance between each other when participating in sports. Will revisit this prior to elementary students return to in-person school.

Jan. 20, 2021 LIT meeting recap

Agenda:

High school virtual town hall details.
High school prom and graduation discussion.
Wilshire Park Elementary School (WP) planning/discussion.
Ramsey and Hennepin county data.
WP and St. Anthony Middle School special education.
Patriots Marching Band.
New variant of COVID-19 discussion.

Summary, action items:

New COVID-19 variant

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) came out today with national models based on vaccination, information on the new variant, and public adherence to mitigation strategies. The CDC models (national, not local) suggest that we could have a very chaotic April unless some changes happen that haven’t happened so far (e.g. improved adherence to mitigation strategies, vaccination at a much faster pace). Knowing that we already have this variant in our community, we will be keeping an eye on that time frame very carefully.

These models are using levels of mitigation that appear overly optimistic; so we are taking that into account. We are aware that we have supply chain issues with vaccines, so while everyone is going as fast as they can, they can only distribute what they can get from the federal government. We will resize the CDC models into local projections. We don’t know the local impact yet as this is a model (best guesstimate)— yet a fairly significant guess that we will take into account when trying forecast what’s next.

WP return to in-person learning planning
Based on the LIT and district's deciding factors, students in grades K-2 will return initially to in-person learning four days/week starting Feb. 1, 2021. Grade 2 will move into a modified hybrid format the following week, along with grades 3-5. Grades 2-5 will be on a one-week rotation into the building, on a M/T and Thurs/F format. The district is committed to this plan for a timespan of nine weeks, which is the entire third quarter.

Jan. 25, 2021 LIT meeting recap

Agenda:

Wilshire Park Elementary plan and Town Hall meeting.
High school prom, graduation, senior parade discussion.
Vaccinations.
Ramsey and Hennepin county data.
Middle and high school plans discussion.
Current COVID-19 numbers.

Summary, action items:

Wilshire Park Elementary (WP) plan and Town Hall meeting

The WP Town Hall is set for 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan 27. We will include an FAQ on most common questions. There will not be a “live” portion of the Town Hall, but Principal Amy Kujawski will hold listening sessions to anyone who would like to join. We’re committing to this plan for the third quarter. Will also continue to evaluate.

High school Prom
Indoor facility has been reserved for May 15, 2021. Final payment is due by March 15. Discussed the option of having an outdoor Prom and where it could potentially take place. Discussed using the baseball and softball fields, and Central Park for the Grand March. If needed, could section off groups of 50-75 students per area, with the DJ in the middle and a tent with dance floor in each area.

High school Graduation
Discussed various outside options and location ideas, such as Central Park or another outdoor venue (University of North Western, Mounds View, or others). The umber of guests would be determined by the venue and circumstances. Would like to include live music and have NineNorth provide live-streaming services.

Also discussed possibly having graduation held in the gymnasium. This would mean students only and no guests. Would offer live music from the bleachers (band on one side and choir on the other), and NineNorth providing live-streaming services.

Lastly, discussed the possibility of having a Virtual Graduation, the same plan as the spring of 2020. Music would be pre-recorded.

Senior Parade
Discussed idea of shortening the route (ideal is 30 minutes). Get St. Anthony Police Department input on the potential route, including their support for traffic lights. Discussed allowing one student or one household/vehicle. Day and time discussed.

Vaccinations
Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul is open for educators for a total of 15,000 vaccinations (this weekend). Looking at the option of having a St. Anthony pilot site (Hennepin site Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Resource referenced.

Middle and high school plans
Can make the move to modified hybrid easy for St. Anthony Middle School— just need to determine the date of transition. For St. Anthony Village High School, discussed the possibility of transitioning to modified hybrid on March 1.

Current COVID-19 numbers
From the state, Jan. 9 (Two-week rolling timespan) for Hennepin county (40.99) and for Ramsey County (40.98). The Shiny app daily estimate also from Jan. 9, 2021, data for Hennepin County (28) and for Ramsey County (30.2) and for St. Anthony-New Brighton School District (36.6).

Feb. 1, 2021 LIT meeting recap

Agenda:

Vaccination site (permanent).
Secondary building: consider hybrid model?
Data nugget: testing and the drop in COVID-19 cases.
Collaborative update (mental health).
Vaccine.
Upcoming travel plans.
High school plan ideas.

Summary, action items:

Vaccination site

Started the prep work to become a vaccine site back when we first heard about COVID-19 in February of 2020. How do we continue to offer the vaccine clinic and at the same time bring students back into our buildings? Discussed options of using a QR code and text people when they can come for to receive their vaccination. What about statewide testing? We could move the vaccine clinic to the gyms, but there would be a lot of set-up and take-down involved. Could use the gyms for student group testing. Will need to communicate to the public that SANB is just a site, and not in charge of organizing the vaccine clinic. Community Services can help get the message out to the greater community.

Secondary building: consider hybrid model?
Agreed that now is the time to start making plans—as quickly as possible. Need to prioritize grade nine and grade 12. Referenced article. Looking at the option of recommending a typical hybrid model instead of modified hybrid. Students will need time to organize their schedules. Look at offering a middle and high school Town Hall, same format as the recent Wilshire Park Elementary version.

Current COVID-19 numbers
From the state, Jan. 16 (Two-week rolling timespan) for Hennepin County (35) and for Ramsey County (35.55). The Shiny app daily estimate from Jan. 28, 2021, data for Hennepin County (26) and for Ramsey County (27.5) and for St. Anthony-New Brighton School District (30).

Collaborative update (mental health)
Keep it going through August 2021. Discussed ideas of creating study groups, grief/loss groups, Town Hall option. Interactive campaigns to keep checking in and focus on the importance of mental health.

Vaccine
Even after receiving the vaccine, one could still could contract COVID-19 and could still pass it along to others. Resource referenced.

Upcoming travel plans
Discussed the option of the district going to distance learning during the week after spring break.

High school plan ideas
Discussed the option for having each student have the opportunity for one day per week in the building. In order to provide for social time, we will need flexibility in grouping—pods is not going to do it. Some students have shared that the pods felt like detention.

Ava, the student representative on the LIT surveyed her fellow students last week (around 200 responded) and about 65% had some interest in coming in for support. If we were to do one grade level each day, that would be about 120 kids, including students in pods that are receiving special education support. Discussed what number of students the LIT would feel comfortable with, along with ideas and planning that doesn't revolve around pods.

Open-office hours concept was discussed. It provides students the flexibility to get what they want/need along with some social interaction. Although it takes planning and preparation, it does not require us to shift out of our distance learning instruction model:

When teachers are not in live sessions, they are open for students (12-15 max at a time). Would need to sign in and sign out.
The Commons area (or Upper gym) is available as a flexible space with tables where students can collaborate and/or socialize.
Art rooms and engineering rooms are accessible for hands on activity.
Lunches would be eaten in classrooms (could be assigned).
Grade-level meetings held in the auditorium or lower gym.
Special education pods would continue, but students would be able to go see other teachers too.

Feb. 8, 2021 LIT meeting recap

Agenda:

Staff vaccinations.
Reopening school.
Saliva testing.
Travel quarantine and spring break.
Special Education update.
St. Anthony Village High School (SAVHS) plan.
St. Anthony Middle School (SAMS) plan.

Summary, action items:

Staff vaccinations

Discussed communications with families about staff being vaccinated and reopening school. Need to communicate that this will not be a complete on-switch to ensure it is safe for our staff and students since transmission can still occur while at school.

Saliva testing
Discussed the potential for a saliva clinic that would be housed at the secondary building (middle and high school). Also discussed the Minnesota Department of Health's recently-updated COVID-19 testing recommendations and how they focus primarily on young Minnesotans— especially those ages 12-25. The recommendations expand the category of people who should get tested to include students returning to school, youth sports, or extracurricular activities, among others.

Travel quarantine and spring break
Recommendation from the state of no unnecessary travel. If individuals choose to travel, they will need to quarantine upon their return.

Special Education update
Discussed the need for more social interactions. Also, how to incorporate a plan to share staff.

St. Anthony Village High School plan
Discussed and weighed different options for Phase 2 (seniors only Feb 19, 22, and 26) and Phase 3 (9-12 rotation starting March 1).

Best-case scenario one:
- Students are placed in cohorts by common courses. They will start the day in cohorts and eat lunch in cohorts. Students will move to teachers independently of their cohort. (Movements could be limited to a smaller number of cohorts at once). All rooms will have sign in and sign out with a limited number of students allowed at one time. Band and choir will have small group sessions at set times in larger spaces. Hands-on classrooms (art and engineering) will have a lower number of students allowed at one time. Here is an example of a potential schedule:
  - 10-10:30 a.m.: Homeroom
  - 10:30-12 p.m.: Flexible Office Hours
  - 12-1 p.m.: Homeroom for Lunch and Band or Choir
  - 1-2 p.m.: Homeroom
  - 2-3 p.m.: Flexible Office Hours
- Commons (M/F) or Upper Gym could be used for collaborative spaces. Band/choir/some large classes will use the lower-gym balcony, auditorium, or another large space.
Mid-range scenario two:
- Students are placed in cohorts by common courses. They will start the day in cohorts and eat lunch in cohorts. Students will move to teachers independently of their cohort. (Movements could be limited to a smaller number of cohorts at once). All rooms will have sign in and sign out with a limited number of students allowed at one time. Band and choir will have small group sessions at set times in larger spaces. Hands-on classrooms (art and engineering) will have a lower number of students allowed at one time. Here is an example of a potential schedule:
  - 10-10:30 a.m.: Homeroom
  - 10:30-12 p.m.: Flexible Office Hours
  - 12-1 p.m.: Homeroom for Lunch and Band or Choir
  - 1-2 p.m.: Homeroom
  - 2-3 p.m.: Flexible Office Hours
- Commons (M/F) or Upper Gym could be used for collaborative spaces. Band/choir/some large classes will use the lower-gym balcony, auditorium, or another large space.
Scenario three:
- Students are placed in cohorts by common courses and remain in the cohort room almost all day, with some scheduled/controlled opportunities for combinations (think band getting together in a large space where students are in their small group within the larger group). Teachers will rotate into the classrooms.
- Lower-gym balcony/Commons area/upper-gym/auditorium could be used for controlled combinations. Art room access will be one cohort at a time.

St. Anthony Middle School plan
Phase 1: Starting on Feb. 4, we welcomed back a small group of students into the building. These students were brought in to receive more individualized support with distance learning and prioritizing students who receive special education services.

Phase 2: Beginning Feb. 22, each grade level will come into the building on their Core days in a three-week rotation. This would begin with grade 8, then rotate to grade six, and then rotate to grade seven. In the fall, grade seven was our last level to be in person. Our plan to start with grade eight allows our sixth- and eighth-grade students to be in person two times prior to our district’s scheduled spring break.

Our Core schedule for Modified Hybrid In-Person is as follows:
- Monday - Cohort A - would be in person
- Tuesday - Cohort B - would be in person
- Wednesday - NO CORE CLASSES - clubs and intervention
- Thursday - Cohort A - would be in person
- Friday - Cohort B - would be in person
Reminder: For most students, Core days include humanities, math, science seminar, wellness, and reading.

Feb 22, 2021 LIT meeting recap

Agenda:

Discuss Feb. 17, 2021 update from MDE/Gov. Walz.
Prom, Graduation, celebratory events.
Considering option for more in-person learning.
Students who are choosing only distance learning.
Vaccine clinic.
Travel quarantine.
MSHSL Quarantine Guidance.

Summary, action items:

Feb. 17, 2021 update from MDE/Gov. Walz

Discussed recommendations, requirements and mitigation strategies that need to be in place to prioritize in-person learning. The district will still need to offer distance learning.

Prom, Graduation, celebratory events

Discussed the modifications made to emergency executive order 21-01 and adjusting limitations on certain activities and events. Reviewed the information regarding planning for large gatherings and or events via the 2020-21 Planning Guide for Schools) and the Gathering Requirements for Celebrations and Significant Life Events (Includes info about dancing (Prom) which applies to businesses, schools, etc.) Doesn’t apply to lectures, seminars, continuing ed, presentations, etc. For example, it would not apply to an ACT test (would use venue and entertainment guidance). We want to include more input from students regarding Prom and Graduation planning. We are also looking at how other schools districts are doing/planning these events.

Considering option for more in-person learning.

Discussed recommendations, requirements and mitigation strategies that need to be in place to prioritize in-person learning. The district will still need to offer distance learning.

Students who are choosing only distance learning

Students who are choosing only distance learning
Wilshire Park: 25% ; SAMS: 22% ; SAVHS: 29%

Vaccine clinic

Scheduled through the week of March 1. Still will honor second doses for St. Anthony. Looking into potentially offering weekends and how to staff additional clinic days. Hennepin HealthCare is offering the Pfizer vaccine.

Travel quarantine

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has adopted the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidance for vaccinated persons who have a close contact with a COVID-19 positive case. MDH recommended to quarantine if you leave the state. CDC states that individuals don’t have to quarantine if they are vaccinated (no COVID-19 symptoms). We will ask people to quarantine if they were exposed.

MSHSL Quarantine Guidance

New guidance from the MSHSL allows for seven-day quarantine if the player was wearing a mask AND the contact is not in their household AND they have no symptoms.

March 1, 2021 LIT meeting recap

Agenda:

New learning models.
Prom and Graduation update.
Communication.
Assessments.

Summary, action items:

New learning models

At Wilshire Park Elementary School, discussed what will happen if more kids switch learning models. Also discussed how students would eat lunch in their classrooms; each grade will have one specialist/week; special education and English Learners will begin to pull students for services; will continue to use mitigation strategies between staff.

At St. Anthony Middle School, discussed how the week of March 15, all students will have asynchronous learning on Monday, March 15 and Thursday, March 18. Then, Cohort B students (all three grade levels) will be in person on Tuesday, March 16 and Friday, March 19. Cohort A students (all three grade levels) will engage in their electives through distance learning on Tuesday, March 16 and Friday, March 19. During the week of March 22, all students will have asynchronous learning on Tuesday, March 23. Cohort A students (all three grades), will be in person on Monday, March 22 and Thursday, March 25. Cohort B students (all three grades) will engage in their electives through distance learning on Monday, March 22 and Thursday, March 25. Monday, April 5: All SAMS students will begin in-person learning.

At St. Anthony Village High School, April 12 will be either Full Hybrid (A/B/DL/A/B) or All in-person for a five-period day. Students would be scheduled in study hall/support if they don’t have five classes. Asynchronous only on April 8 and April 9 for planning purposes

Prom and Graduation update

Senior parents are willing to help. Modular thinking - dance, grand march, food? Meeting will be held to discuss logistics before moving on to meeting with students for second meeting, and then with parents.
Discussed sending a message to get students tested (community testing) before prom/big events. Discussed idea of creating pods/zones - subgroups within subgroups (50-person zones). Indoor Prom date set for May 15.
New Prom date/need before graduation- May 22?

Communication

Discussed idea of adding a homepage alert/pop-up message to the website during a model change. Also, add to the homepage banner images to direct people for more information.

Assessments

Discussed the MCA/MTAS/ACCESS tests - must move forward. Families may choose to opt out of their students participating. Further discussion on whether or not to do the MAP test.

March 8, 2021 LIT meeting recap

Agenda:

Discussion of COVID-19 numbers and variant B117.
School model updates.
COVID-19 cases at SANB.
Prom/Graduation updates.
Vaccine clinics.

Summary, action items:

Discussion of COVID-19 numbers and variant B117

We are currently in the green at St. Anthony-New Brighton (SANB). Recent Carver County (in the orange within one week), outbreak was through athletics. Need to reinforce to parents/guardians to continue sharing info and communicate openly about COVID-19 symptoms with district. Local public health experts waiting for guidance for children and the community from Minnesota Department of Health with the B117 variant. The B117 variant is moving very quickly. Helpful that we are moving forward with vaccinations. The LIT will continue to monitor.

School model updates

Nine, 10 and 11 in the building last week. Senior numbers remain low, but consistent groups of students entering the building. Commons area for lunches- based on logistical size will have grade six eat in the Commons, will need to be spread into the hallway of the auditorium. One week of grade six, then seven, and now eight. Great attendance at the middle school. High school for 4th Qtr, still determining what lunches will look like. Based on numbers, will probably need to split up lunches or eat in classrooms. Discussed option of students eating in the gymnasium. For middle school, teachers will be using the gym for classes. Also discussed auditorium - music classes wouldn't be in the chairs and band would start after lunch is over. Middle school- grades seven and eight will eat in their classrooms as of now. Seating chart for high school lunches- very difficult to enforce. Could potentially have students eat in their classroom during third hour class. More of a quarantine possible in the classroom (pod vs. whole classroom). Once the weather is warmer, will be able to go outside to eat. Looking at using QR codes like other districts for the high school (prom, lunch, etc) to help with contact tracing if there is a positive case.

COVID-19 cases at SANB

A few positive cases; no staff at this time needed to quarantine (not within the distance or within 15 minutes of time, and fully vaccinated). Mitigation strategies are working and effective. At the elementary level, would quarantine an entire class due to how much contact young students have with each other. At the secondary level, will consider just the pod when making decisions with contact tracing.

Prom/Graduation updates

Checked in with neighbors at SilverWood (outdoor spaces) - waiting to hear back. US Bank Stadium- have outdoor flooring for dancing, do have a price quote to rent their flooring. Would need tents for outdoor. Looking at costs associated with each option. Need to finalize the date- and then will enlist more help to make everything flow nicely together. Would probably only do a junior/senior prom for the numbers and safety.

For Graduation, still deciding on the direction (too far away to predict). Potential date is Friday, June 11. What would be allowed in the gymnasium (number of students and no guests). Looking at outdoor options (if rains day before, football field is out) that are accessible for everyone. Discussed Senior parade- promoting this to the community.

Right now for MDH outdoor events and entertainment: Open at 25% capacity, no more than 250 people. Social distancing is required. No food service after 11 p.m. Strong recommendation for masks, but not required.

Vaccine clinics

Waiting to hear more on future dates. More than 6,000 vaccines administered.

March 15, 2021 LIT meeting recap

Agenda:

Discussion of COVID-19 numbers & B117 variant.
Physical education classes at SAMS/SAVHS.
Prom/Graduation updates.
SAMS/SAVHS return models.
Grade five and eight celebrations.
Spring break and quarantine.

Summary, action items:

Discussion of COVID-19 numbers

We are monitoring when the B117 variant becomes more of the dominant strain (still COVID-19, just more contagious). The same mitigation measures with COVID-19 work with the B117 variant. Predicting numbers to go up due to opening things back up. In the not too distant future, tools are indicating that we will be in the yellow (currently in the green with numbers). Believe we still have the ability to continue as we are with the mitigation strategies we have in place.

Physical education classes at SAMS/SAVHS

At SAMS and SAVHS, discussed health and wellness classes, and limitations and restraints within these classes. Also discussed the locker rooms. SAVHS teachers would like to have students change, checking with SAMS. Looked at youth activities and sports guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health - not required to avoid locker rooms. Physical education classes can get up to 25/class with about 15 students/locker room at the same time, also utilizing the workout/weight lifting equipment. As intensity increases- so does COVID-19 risk. Will include masks, sanitizing/wiping equipment down between each use, and a physical distance as mitigation strategies in the workout area- along with proper ventilation. Also looking at assignments for lockers to spread out.

Prom and Graduation updates

Chose three local colleges to tour for outdoor venues for Graduation. Hamline, no outside events until fall 2021; waiting for a response from Northwestern; Concordia St. Paul sent a quote on rental fee's (which includes sound and setup). Looking at how many guests could be allowed. Checking with MDH guidance. Right now, according to MDH guidance, we can have one guest/graduate- aiming for higher, if possible (depends on our plan and MDH guidance). So, right now looking at locking in a location, time, number of guests allowed, per Governor's orders.

For Prom, checked with Silverwood- cannot have amplified music (DJ is out, unless we do the rentals of headphones for every kid- set up three different stations and push a button to what song they would like to hear). Did not reserve the space at Silverwood due to the lack of amplified music. Would be too awkward for the kids. Outdoor Prom will need to be small, and most likely just limited to seniors. Discussed other options for outdoor venues such as Central Park, tennis courts, Village Fest space, local farms, the University of Minnesota, Long Lake (does allow for amplified music with additional permit), Theodore Wirth Regional Park, Farmers Market, Boom Island, local churches (camps, retreat spaces). Checking with the City on the possibility of using the tennis courts- would include food trucks and amplified music, look at providing tents (off court). Looking at Central Park as Plan B.

SAMS/SAVHS return models

SAMS: B cohort T/F this week, A cohort M/Th, all students in after spring break. SAVHS: begin return on April 12. Extended the response from parents/guardians to let SAVHS know if students are choosing to come back in person or continue with distance learning. As of right now, 78% yes, 22% no. Depending on the final numbers, looking at the possibility of doing hybrid two days/week or all in person. Distance learning of course continues to be an option.

Grade five and eight celebrations

Going to place a hold on this right now- need to focus on Prom and Graduation first. Will revisit.

Spring break and quarantine

Need to provide CDC and MDH guidance with families- be very clear with scenarios and if you need to quarantine after spring break travel (in and outside of the state). Will be difficult to come up with every scenario- can reach out to District Nurse Lori Watzl-King with questions.

March 22, 2021 LIT meeting recap

Agenda:

SAVHS return plan/current COVID-19 numbers.
Spring break travel.
Grade five graduation party.
At-home tests (non Vault).

Summary, action items:

SAVHS return plan/current COVID-19 numbers

Encourage families/students to test frequently. At this time, there is little evidence of transmission in the school, but yes in sports (spring sports are mostly outside which is helpful). Will look at setting up a COVID-19 team at each building. Will need to come up with a contingency plan in case hospitalizations increase due to increased COVID-19 cases. Keep pods in place. Look at QR code for contact tracing during lunch. Discussed locations for lunch for the high school. Discussed removing booths (don't allow for social distancing) and to replace with tables and chairs that will allow for social distancing.

Spring break travel

58 families so far have completed the spring break travel Google Form (numbers may be low due to those who have not completed the form). Everyone on the list has received an email from District Nurse Lori Watzl-King with the date of when their student(s) can return to school to allow for quarantine. We are still under around 5% of our students that are traveling during spring break.

Grade five graduation party

Discussed questions submitted from the parent group. Looking at number of attendees (students and teachers)- would need to determine if parents/guardians/families can be invited to attend an outdoor party. Will need to go through the MDH venue guidance. Instead of an ice cream truck, would need to provide pre-packaged treat and distribute from multiple points at the outdoor event.

At-home tests (non Vault)
Hearing about new tests that will be available at stores- but, these will not be reported to the Minnesota Department of Health. Unsure if we will be able to accept these results—we do not have an official result to report to the state (as we do with Vault). MDH is still reviewing and no guidance for school districts at this time— told to encourage districts to push for MDH reported testing. Great reminder for families- even if a negative test, but student is symptomatic, needs to remain home until symptom free.

April 6, 2021 LIT meeting recap

Agenda:

Current COVID-19 numbers, B117 variant.
St. Anthony Village High School updates.
Wilshire Park Elementary School questions to address.

Summary, action items:

Current COVID-19 numbers, B117 variant

Hennepin County numbers are estimated to be at 36.9 and the Ramsey County numbers are at 23.8. For the New-Brighton School District area, numbers are at 24.8. The B117 variant seems to be more impactful. Right now vaccine (Pfizer) is available to age 16 and up (Moderna 18 and up). Will message to students and families vaccine clinic information from the Minnesota Department of Health.

St. Anthony Village High School updates

In-person learning begins on April 12. Prom is set for May 15— permit for tennis courts has been applied for to use as venue. Still working on choosing a venue for Graduation (University of Northwestern for Friday night with Saturday as a backup; Concordia St. Paul- Saturday with no backup time).

Wilshire Park Elementary school questions to address

News indicates that COVID-19 cases are rising for kids. To what extent is this true? Need to connect on what our message needs to be to families about current numbers due to some concern from staff. Fifth-grade celebration— parents would like to have students mingle outside with masks (outside of their own pods). District Nurse Lori Watzl-King is concerned about this request due to contact tracing and potential exposures.

April 19, 2021 LIT meeting recap

Agenda:

Current COVID-19 numbers & quarantines (entire district).
Athletics.
Updates from St. Anthony Village High School.
Vaccination clinic for ages 18 and over for those facing barriers.

Summary, action items:

Current COVID-19 numbers, quarantines

As of right now, the district has a total of 128 students in quarantine (does not include those home on quarantine for households of close contacts), with a current total of eight reported and confirmed positive COVID-19 cases. If exposure rates indicate that transmission is occurring within our school buildings exponentially, then we will need to revisit our current plan and mitigation strategies (transmission within the community is expected). The B117 variant has added an increase in positive COVID-19 rates. It is important for families to immediately notify the district/school at covidhealth@isd282.org or call 612-440-5012 when there is a positive case, and for those impacted as close contacts to quarantine.

Athletics

Spring sports that take place outdoors— looking closely at transportation (how many kids on the bus, where are they sitting, wearing masks, open windows for ventilation), but also there is more social distancing opportunities for the athletes. Coaches are aware of what would incur a quarantine, so they are being careful and mindful of that.

Updates from St. Anthony Village High School

Nice job on wearing masks. Keeping students separate can be challenging (lunch, hallways). Consistent reminders of giving space— students understand and continue to try. Working on making improvements for lunch time due to challenges such as movements, getting food, taking masks down to eat). QR codes are being used during lunchtime in the Commons area. QR codes and seating assignments are being utilized in the Commons area for students attending study hall.

April 29 vaccination clinic for ages 18 and over for those facing barriers

Reaching out to individuals in the community to schedule vaccine appointments with those who are over the age of 18 (Moderna vaccine) that are facing barriers to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine— to make it available to them (April 29, from 3-8 p.m.). Helping work through various potential barriers, such as transportation, LGBTQ community members, non-English speaking individuals, those facing addiction, immigrants, those with disabilities, etc. Goal is to make sure people feel welcome and supported, such as helping them fill out paperwork, or just sitting with them while they receive their vaccine. Working on finding additional volunteers at this time.

May 3, 2021 LIT meeting recap

Agenda:

Shortened quarantine discussion.
Outdoor sports

Summary, action items:

Shortened quarantine requests from families

The district has received questions about the difference between the recommended 14-day quarantine vs. the shortened quarantine. We follow the Minnesota Department of Health for guidance while prioritizing learning.

Local health experts on the LIT recommend continuing with the 14-day quarantine for school model (pods). It's working. If we shorten the quarantine, we run the risk of a cascading event and potentially shutting down more pods, activities, planned events, and in-person learning.

We are trying to avoid a widespread outbreak in our school buildings with pods and 14-day quarantines. This is how we work toward preventing a pause to school this year.

When a child's been exposed to COVID-19 (no symptoms)— wait until at least a week until the virus is able to show up on a test (seven-day mark) or start showing symptoms. If you get a negative test result at the half-way mark (seven days in) and don't show symptoms, the child can return at the 15-day mark. Yet, about one and five kids will develop COVID-19 in the second week of the quarantine.

Potential message to families— what are things we can do? Vaccinate. If not comfortable vaccinating, then don't partake in family/social gatherings. Regardless of being vaccinated, continue to wear your mask, social distance, wash hands.

Outdoor sports
Discussed idea of utilizing a shortened quarantine for outdoor activities/sports. Parents/guardians are asking for this (for outdoor sports only— golf, tennis, softball, baseball, track...). Outdoor sports chance of transmission has less of a risk. If we were to update our policy for outdoor sports, would need additional staff assistance to switch to a shortened quarantine (seven-day quarantine for outdoor sports, but STILL 14-day quarantine for in-person school). Ideas offered: seven-day quarantine IF they do an administered PCR test—or a 10-day quarantine without any testing and would need to provide their own transportation, wear a mask, and socially distance— and do not have a close contact within their own household. Parents/guardians would need to contact District Nurse Lori Watzl-King to see if their child qualifies for a shortened quarantine.

May 17, 2021 LIT meeting recap

Agenda:

Potential vaccine clinic for 12 and up.
Prom update.
Masks for kids in summer programs.
Extend staff COVID-19 testing from over the summer.

Summary, action items:

Potential vaccine clinic for ages 12-18

Lori Watzl-King is going to apply for the district to become a vaccine clinic for ages 12-18.

Prom update

The evening's festivities turned out great at the tennis courts. There was enough space who were not comfortable in a group, were able to have their own smaller group. No noise complaints.

Graduation

With new guidance, can go up to 12,000-14,000 for an outdoor event. Principal Sawyer isn't comfortable with packing the bleachers, or putting families in a situation if they are concerned. We will look at extending the amount of tickets to five/family. Could have people sit in groups in order to get contact information. Masks recommended; no hand shakes. If you have symptoms, stay home. If you are under quarantine, don't come to the Graduation Ceremony.

Masks for kids and staff in summer programs
Group will continue to discuss how we move forward. Should be receiving guidance soon from the MDE/MDH.

Extend staff COVID-19 testing from over the summer
Discussed if this would be possible (logistics, test kits, etc). Would need to hire a COVID-19 coordinator during summer programming at Wilshire Park. MDH continues to state to offer testing to school staff.