Today is a day of transition as a nation, as the inauguration of our 46th president, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. occurred today. In many respects, this week has been a week of transition for our E-2 students, families and educators as everyone has been working hard to welcome students back in-person and in a Distance Learning Academy. As families you have had to adjust schedules to accommodate the transition and family connect times. As a parent of a 2nd grader, I know how challenging this process has been. I recognize that this transition, similar to the transition at the White House, is filled with a range of emotions, beliefs, and thoughts.
Last night at the parent/guardian listening sessions, I received feedback and thoughts about the steps we are taking and what is needed to keep students and staff safe as we make this transition. I want to acknowledge the impact that this transition has had on you as a member of the St. Louis Park Public School District. We care deeply about each of the students and the families we serve. We are striving to implement our Safe Learning Plan in a manner that centers students and respects the health and safety of students and staff in accordance with the guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Education.
I would like to acknowledge the work of our Early Learning and Elementary staff who have worked tirelessly to welcome students back in-person and in a Distance Learning Academy this week. The continued care and support they have offered our earliest learners is commendable and I appreciate their work on behalf of our students and families.
On Monday, January 25, I will be making a recommendation to the School Board regarding a target transition date for students in grades 6-12. I will be recommending that students in grades 6-12 return in a hybrid model on Monday, February 22. Pending approval of this recommendation, we will be sharing more information in the coming weeks for secondary families regarding this transition.
Thank you for your continued support of St. Louis Park Public Schools. I am hopeful that as we transition E-2 students to in-person learning and Distance Learning Academy this week that it will serve as the beginning of our journey to greater access to in-person and hybrid learning for students in our district and across the state of Minnesota.
In community,
Astein