With COVID-19 cases on the rise, St. Cloud Area School District announced it will move to distance learning Nov. 30 for preschool and elementary students.
According to its COVID-19 dashboard, the district had 20 active COVID cases among students and staff Oct. 29. In addition, 474 students and staff were in quarantine for exposure, symptoms or positive test results.
Since the start of the school year, preschool and elementary students were in a hybrid learning model while grades six through 12 took part in distance learning. The hybrid model provides a combination of in-person and distance learning with most students attending school in-person two days weekly and three days online. Based on their last name, students were assigned to attend Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday to allow for reduced capacity and social distancing on buses and in the schools.
Following the Nov. 4 Board of Education meeting, the transition schedule to all distance learning was announced:
- Nov. 23-25: No school for preschool and elementary students as staff prepare for distance learning.
- Nov. 26-27: Thanksgiving break.
- Nov. 30- Dec. 22: All preschool and elementary students begin distance learning.
The intention is for preschool and elementary students to return to the hybrid learning model after winter break.