Message From Superintendent Michael Baumann: Distance Learning Extended Through End of School Year

On Thursday, April 23, 2020, Governor Tim Walz shared the difficult decision that we will not be returning to our school buildings for the remainder of the school year. This is not what any of us wanted, but at the end of the day the health and safety of our students, staff and community are what’s most important.

This situation is unlike anything any of us have faced before and we acknowledge this news brings a sense of loss. As you talk with your children, we recognize this update may be met with a variety of feelings, including disappointment, frustration, anger, anxiety and grief. Linked here is a resource that may be helpful as you navigate conversations. It is important to emphasize our short-term sacrifice is for the greater good of our community. I’m asking you to stay strong and stick together through the end of this school year. We will emerge from this experience stronger and more resilient than ever before.

We understand you have many important questions about what comes next. We’ve heard your feedback and will be making adjustments for this next phase of distance learning to ensure success for all students. Right now success means meeting the social-emotional needs of all students. We believe the most important lessons your children can learn right now are resiliency and hope. We will be communicating with you as quickly as possible any and all changes and next steps.

While we are physically distant, we can and must remain emotionally connected. Please continue to reach out to one another. Over these next few weeks, we will continue to connect with you, support your child’s social-emotional wellbeing, offer meals, provide child care to emergency workers and help your students learn. Our best days lie ahead and we are so looking forward to the day we can all be together again.