Distance Learning Begins November 9

November 6, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians,

 I am writing to you today to inform you that the school was notified of an additional lab-confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis of an individual in our school. The individual was last present in the school Wednesday, November 4. Families with students in the same class as any individual with a lab-confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis have received a separate letter with additional information. Because of the increase in confirmed cases in the county, the Columbia Heights District shift to only Distance Learning, and the many sibling connections to all of the grade levels here resulting in a potential ripple effect, we are making the difficult decision to shift to Distance Learning.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 infection are cough, fever, and/or shortness of breath. Symptoms usually develop between 2-14 days after exposure. You may find out more about COVID-19 from the Minnesota Department of Health.

While we are working with MDH, we are taking the following steps:

• The decision was made to be proactive and shift to Distance Learning beginning Tuesday, November 10. There is no school on Monday, November 9 as our staff will work here to plan for their distance classes. Please watch your email.

• We will also take the entire week of Thanksgiving off, returning to in-person learning on Monday, November 30.

• We are in the process of cleaning according to MDH recommendations, while  reinforcing our health and safety protocols.

• A good location for testing is https://www.brooklynpark.org/community-story/saliva-testing-five-things-to-know-before-you-go/  8085 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428. Walk-ins are welcome.

Continue to monitor your children for any signs of illness and a best practice is to keep your entire family at home if anyone is displaying symptoms. Materials will be sent home with kids today.

Join us in praying for all those who are affected by this.

With Christ as Our Joy and Strength,

Jane Bona, Principal

Cc:  Fr. James Peterson
       Jami Bridgeman, Health Aide