Modified Distance Learning Update (Nov. 30)
Students no longer regularly attend school on their two days per week; we have shifted to predominantly distance learning for now.
Cohort staff will stay in daily contact with students to facilitate online distance learning, and, in some cases, assist students to be at school on a very limited basis. Temporarily there will be no transportation provided to students to minimize any possible virus transmission.
ERATS realizes that some students absolutely need in-person learning and supports, and we are making plans to accommodate this despite state COVID recommendations to physically close our building. Cohort teachers and paraprofessionals will make arrangements with families on an individual basis.
As you can see in the news, many school districts are changing to distance learning models. Our Modified Distance Learning plan will continue to dial-up and dial-back as needed until rural St. Louis County COVID-19 case numbers go down to a safer level. Administration (Hendi) values student and staff health during these uncertain times. She will keep us informed of any decision she makes to return to our Hybrid schedule.
Picture Day has been postponed
We will let you know when/how we will reschedule the dates. Tentatively, we will have photo sessions in January. Thanks for your understanding.
ERATS will be paying for the $18 photo package for all students (8 wallets, two 4"x5", and two 5"x7"); if you would like a different package or extra photos the student/family must pay for those. Click here for a printable order form.
Families can also call P/K to schedule an appointment to take pictures at their studio in Plaza 53 in Virginia (near Dollar Tree). Call (218) 735-8687 to schedule.
Modified Distance Learning Began Nov. 5
Students no longer regularly attend school on their two days per week; we have shifted to predominantly distance learning for now.
Cohort staff will stay in daily contact with students to facilitate online distance learning, and, in some cases, assist students to be at school on a limited basis. ERATS realizes that some students absolutely need in-person learning and supports, and we are making plans to accommodate this despite state COVID recommendations to physically close our building.
We are working to buy more Chromebooks for students who need them (our summer orders are still mostly backordered, but we are finding some from other sources). Cohort staff will update students about device availability and delivery.
As you can see in the news, many school districts are changing to distance learning models. Our Modified Distance Learning plan will continue until rural St. Louis County COVID-19 case numbers go down to a safer level. Administration (Hendi) values student and staff health during these uncertain times. She will keep us informed of any decision she makes to return to our Hybrid schedule.
Free COVID tests available to all Minnesotans:
The State of Minnesota has announced availability of free, at-home COVID-19 saliva testing for any person who wants to be tested, with or without symptoms.
Here are the links to learn more:
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/testsites/athome.html
https://learn.vaulthealth.com/state-of-minnesota/
YOU Can Help "Slow the Spread!"
Click these links for information from MDE and our Nurse Cindy:
Home Screening Tool: Answer these screening questions each time you are going to send your child to school, child care, or another youth program. If you answer “yes” to any question, your child should stay home.
Attendance Guide: Details when and for how long students will stay home when they are sick.
Our Hybrid Learning Model
ERATS has chosen a hybrid learning model where students will be in our building two days a week and will also do schoolwork at home.
Group A, colored blue on our Semester One calendar, has school at ERATS on Mondays and Tuesdays. On Wed., Th., and Fri., they must access their classes at home and work on assignments. They can email/text their cohort teachers if they have questions.
If your student is in Group B --colored orange on the calendar-- Mon., Tues., and Wed. are DISTANCE LEARNING days; the students will stay home, access their classes online, and work on assignments, contacting their cohort teachers with any questions. Group B has class at ERATS on Thursdays and Fridays.
All students must be in contact with their teachers on distance learning days for attendance.
Please contact your student's cohort teacher with any questions or concerns; email addresses are under the Staff tab (click Teachers and Paras).
Thank you, ERATS families, for your patience during this unprecedented year.
Face Masks are Required at ERATS
Schools must follow Governor Walz's mask mandate to help contain the spread of COVID-19.
Students should bring/wear their own masks and wash them every night to help stop germs and mask-acne. The Department of Education is providing ONE cloth mask for each student. As we start the year and build our daily routines, we may forget our masks at home once or twice.... so the Dept. is also sending THREE disposable masks per student.
Please remember your mask! You cannot be in the building or bus/van without one. Talk to our Director Amy Hendrickson or our School Nurse Cindy Lustig if you have concerns.
Please stay healthy! #StayHomeMN
Click here for a message from our school nurse refreshing your knowledge about illness prevention.
WANT TO BE MORE INVOLVED @ERATS?
Parents and community members are welcome to join our School Board!
If you're interested in learning more, contact:
Executive Director Amy Hendrickson
ahendrickson@mnerats.org
or call 218 744-7965 ext. 1100
or Facebook message the school.
See our Board pages for the meeting schedule.
FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE
for news and announcements!
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