Updates - St. Croix Preparatory Academy

Updates

Updates for Friday, September 25

Senior Olivia Reeves Named National Merit Semifinalist

Congratulations to Prep Senior, Olivia Reeves, who has been named as a Semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program. The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes the top PSAT scorers, which represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, who go on to compete in the final round for the National Merit Scholarships.

Niche Names St. Croix Prep Top High School with the Best Teachers

Congratulations to our amazing faculty! To see more Niche rankings and learn how rankings are determined

St. Croix Prep Board, Learning Models, Covid-19 Case Rate Data

Given the decline in county case rate data, some of you may be wondering if this means the Lower School will be attending school in-person, five days a week. At this moment, the answer is “no”. The board of St. Croix Preparatory Academy makes all decisions related to a change in learning model during the Covid-19 pandemic. As mentioned previously, the Washington County case rate data is only one aspect of the board’s decision making – they also consider staffing, transportation, related guidance from MDE/MDH, etc. The board’s previous meetings and actions have been:

August 11 – approved hybrid model for K-12, when the Washington County case rate was 15.63.
August 25 and September 15 – discussed school opening, roll-out, when Washington County case rate was over 20.
The next St. Croix Prep board meeting is on October 6.

Parent Survey Coming Next Monday, September 28

We are finalizing the parent survey. This will be sent out on September 28, with a response deadline by September 30. We will use your response data for our board discussions on October 6.

REMINDER - No More Drop Offs at School

In an effort to abide by the hybrid learning model/MDH guidelines, limiting traffic and contact within the school and to protect our students and staff, we are not taking ANY drop offs (no instruments, forgotten homework, lunches, etc.). Thank you for your cooperation.

Want to Join Our Team?

St. Croix Prep is Hiring!

St. Croix Prep is hiring substitute teachers, paraprofessionals and subs. Click here to learn how to get your MN sub license. Click here to apply for open positions.

All Students Eat for Free This Fall!

Breakfast and lunch are free to all students this fall, for both in-person and remote learning days. Families need not apply for free/reduced lunch to receive free meals.

On in-person learning days, students can pick up breakfast in the cafeteria between 9:15-9:25. In-person lunch will be ordered during first hour of class and available to students during their lunch period. No pre-ordering is required to receive meals on in-person learning days.

Breakfasts and lunches are available for remote learning days as well and is requested via the form linked below and picked up by families. The following is important information regarding distance learning meal pick up:

Meals are available to any child age 18 or younger in your family.
Meals will include lunch as well as breakfast items for the following week. Meals will only be provided for scheduled school days. Meals will not be provided on holidays or scheduled days off.
Meals will be distributed on a first come/first served basis, with preference to those families that pre-register.
Cut off time for requesting meals for the following week is 7:00 am on Thursday.
Students in the DISTANCE learning model will receive 5 days of meals. Students in the HYBRID learning model will receive 3 days of meals.
Families can pick up meals between 11:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at St. Croix Prep on the Friday preceding the week for which meals have been ordered. Meals will be distributed from the north ‘back’ cafeteria door (the school’s ‘bus’ entrance – Door 5).
Only families who qualify for free/reduced meals may elect to have meals delivered to their home.

Please email Marianne Thole, Food Service Director, with any questions. And, please stop by to pick up your child(ren)’s meals. We’re expecting you!

Registration for Chromebooks

Please register for your Chromebook needs for distance learning days. You will be notified as soon as we have a Chromebook available for your use.

Tier 1 Essential Worker Distance Learning Support Registration

Please register for your Chromebook needs for distance learning days. You will be notified as soon as we have a Chromebook available for your use.

A Message From the Health Office

As school nurses we knew that allergy season and influenza season were going to be particularly challenging, and allergy season has arrived!

During this time of the pandemic we have to raise our level of suspicion with all symptoms that are associated with COVID-19 even when they may be from other things, like allergies. Out of an abundance of caution we need to be sure we are doing our daily self screening (staff and students) and staying home when we have any of the listed symptoms.

To help you with that here is the link to the COVID-19 Decision Tree for People in Schools, Youth and Child Care Programs that we are using. PLEASEsee the note at the bottom of page 3 for schools only as it affects how we follow the decision tree. As noted, when we have county case data above 10 (currently ours is 17) we follow the middle blue flow even if there is only one less common symptom, we do not follow the top green flow.

With our county case rate data being >10 a student with even just ONEsymptom needs to stay home, along with any siblings, and the student with symptoms needs to be evaluated.

If a student comes to the Health Office with any of the above symptoms, following the guidelines, we will need to send them and any siblings home.

We need a doctor’s note stating an alternative diagnosis (symptoms are not from COVID) or a negative COVID test result before the student with symptoms and the siblings can return to school.

And the last tool is the Home Screening Tool for COVID-19 Symptoms. AGAIN PLEASE note that this tool does not take into account that our county case rate data is above 10, so in the list of less common symptoms you currently only need ONE and should stay home and be evaluated.

In regards to “evaluation from a healthcare provider”, that can be a phone call, tele-health or in-person, that is up to your provider. The health care provider will determine if you should have a COVID test. If they decide you do not need a COVID test we need written documentation of the alternative diagnosis for the individual (and/or siblings/household contacts) to return to school. If a COVID test is done all parties need to stay home until the results are received.

These are tools you can use but please continue to report any symptoms associated with COVID to the nurse. Thank you!

YSB Counselor, Amy Reidel, Available for Office Hours

Starting Wednesday, September 23

We are excited to announce Ms. Reidel, the YSB counselor, will be available for office hours and individual sessions with students starting Wednesday, September 23. She will be seeing students virtually between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Please complete the Mental Health Referral Form and return it to your Division principal.

Youth Service Bureau – Online Parent Support Group

Youth Service Bureau is offering an online Parenting in the Age of Hybrid and Distance Learning Support Group. Registration closes Wednesday, September 30. Call 651-439-8800 to learn more.

Athletics and Activities

MSHSL Votes Volleyball and Football Back to the Fall Season

This past week the MSHSL Board of Directors voted to start both the volleyball and football season on Monday, September 28. Registration for these two SCPA based teams has already begun. Click here to sign up through SchoolPay.

The head coaches for both football and volleyball will be in contact with students as they complete their sign up process. Practice information for both programs will be added to the school calendar. Schedules for the upcoming season have not been completed as of yet. Those schedules should be available by Monday, Sept. 28th.

All students participating in a fall sport are required to complete the MSHSL Eligibility Form, the MSHSL Annual Health Questionnaire and the SCPA COVID Waiver Form. These forms are available on the Athletics/Activities page on the school website. Click here for the website.

Additional information will be sent out as it becomes available. Please contact Rich Dippel (651-395-5904 or richdippel@stcroixprep.org) or Keven Seim (651-395-5944 or kevenseim@stcroixprep.org) with any additional questions.

Boys Traveling Basketball Tryouts on Sunday, September 27

Boys traveling basketball tryouts will be held for all interested boys in grades 5, 6, and 7 on Sunday September 27. Times are as follows:

5th Grade – 1:30-2:30
7th Grade – 3:00-4:00
6th Grade – 4:30-5:30

Important Reminders:

Only players will be allowed to enter the building. Parents please drop off and pick up your kids at Door 6. A coach will be letting kids in the building.
Players will be required to wear masks as they enter the building and until they start playing basketball. They should also wear their masks immediately upon completion of the tryout until they exit the building.
Players should enter the building “Ready to Play” including having their basketball shoes on before entering the building.
Players should bring their own water bottles as the water fountains will not be on.
Bathrooms will only be available for emergencies. Please plan accordingly.
All basketballs will be provided. Please do not allow your son to bring his own ball. Balls will be sanitized between each tryout session.

For further information or questions please email Keven Seim.

Varsity Home Athletic Events

Boys Varsity Soccer Game vs. Nova Classical Academy on Friday, September 25 at 7:00 pm at Prep Stadium.
Girls Varsity Soccer Game vs. Concordia on Monday, September 28 at 5:00 pm at Prep Stadium.
Girls Varsity Soccer Game vs. Cristo Rey on Friday, October 2 at 7:00 pm at Prep Stadium.

Prep Baseball Fall Baseball

Calling all 8th-12th Grade Boys interested in playing baseball during the 2020-21 season. We have a fall session available to you.

When: October 5 – October 24

Time: 4:15 pm – 6:00 pm

Cost: $0.00

Please sign up on SchoolPay by Tuesday, September 29. We will have a team meeting Thursday, October 1 at 4:15 pm. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Coach Tim Obr or Coach Rich Dippel.

For a list of all upcoming activities at St. Croix Prep, view the Activities Calendar here. Sign up for alerts for any last minute cancellations or changes to the schedule.

Updates for Thursday, September 24

St. Croix Prep Community,

The start of this school year has been quite different, to say the least. As we continue our efforts to make this a great year, please note the following:

Washington County Case Rate Data as of September 24

The Covid-19 Case Rate data was released this morning; and the Washington County case rate declined to 12.40 from 17.09. A summary of Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan and recent case rates are noted below: Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan uses the number of Covid-19 cases by county over 14 days per 10,000 people. Given the county’s case rate, schools have the flexibility of opening in the following models:

Model Applied to St. Croix Prep

St. Croix Prep is located in Washington County. At the time of the Governor’s announcement (July 30), Washington County’s current case rate was 14.84. Per the MDH, the following is the Washington County historical case rate data:

August 30 to September 12 – 12.40
August 23 to September 5 – 17.09
August 16 to August 29 – 22.11
August 9 to August 22 – 22.74
August 2 to August 15 – 20.69
July 26 to August 8 – 19.54

Room Capacity, Physical Distancing, and Impact on Learning Models

Due to hybrid learning model restrictions, St. Croix Prep cannot accept student transitions from distance learning to the hybrid model at this time. We originally communicated that we would allow this at mid-quarter, but MDH/MDE requirements prevent us from doing this. To be added to the Hybrid Learning Model wait list, please complete this form.

Note: Pre-Covid19 enrollment situations were quite easy to satisfy; now they have become very complicated due to evaluation of schedules, family cohort, room/occupancy capacity for each class, etc. Thanks for your patience as we continue to work through this situation.

Room Capacity, Physical Distancing, and Impact on Learning Models

As noted above, the Washington County case rate data impacts our room occupancy and physical distancing requirements. This is only one factor that impacts our choice of learning model and operations. As has been communicated last week and earlier this week, the protocols for those employees and students that have Covid-19 symptoms is, will be in our minds, a more critical aspect for our consideration. As a reminder, per MDH/MDE/Washington County Health Officials, students/employees with Covid-19 symptoms must remain at home until: 1) their isolation period (10 days) is complete; 2) a physician has diagnosed that the symptoms are not Covid-19 related; OR they have received a negative result from a Covid-19 test. Until one of these is completed, the student (and Prep siblings) – employee (and Prep students) must follow these procedures. We are beginning to see the staffing impact of this as staff absences, due to Covid-19 symptoms, are at record levels for this point in the school year, and we have a limited availability of substitute teachers. Note: At this time, we have had no positive Covid-19 cases in our student body or employee base.

Parent Survey

We are finalizing the parent survey. This will be sent out on September 28, with a response deadline by September 30. We will use your response data for our board discussions on October 6.

Thank you for your continued flexibility. Even though it seems we are well into our school year, our students have yet to be physically in the building for even 10 days. We continue to make adjustments and improve the learning environment for everyone.

Updates for Monday, September 21

A Message From the Health Office

Hello Families,

We recognize that it is allergy season and with the start of school the common cold has also returned. These symptoms are the same as those associated with COVID. When a student stays home with any symptoms associated with COVID all siblings must also stay home.

Per the MDH guidelines the symptoms associated with COVID are:

sore throat
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
chills
muscle pain
excessive fatigue
new onset of severe headache
new onset of nasal congestion or runny nose
fever 100.4 or greater
new onset and/or worsening cough
difficulty breathing
new loss of taste or smell

With our county case rate data being >10 a student with even just ONEsymptom needs to stay home, along with any siblings, and the student with symptoms needs to be evaluated.

If a student comes to the Health Office with any of the above symptoms, following the guidelines, we will need to send them and any siblings home.

We need a doctor’s note stating an alternative diagnosis (symptoms are not from COVID) or a negative COVID test result before the student with symptoms and the siblings can return to school.

Please contact the attendance line AND the school nurse (nurse@stcroixprep.org) whenever a student has symptoms associated with COVID.

We know this hard, but we thank you for your help and cooperation in keeping our community healthy and safe during this pandemic,

St. Croix Prep Health Office

Updates for Friday, September 18

Senior Breakfast - 2020 Style!

Thank you to Parent Group and the Junior Families for hosting and providing a breakfast goodie bag for each senior in lieu of the traditional breakfast that is served to seniors every fall. Our senior distance learners received a gift card in the mail this week.

Changes to Our Parent Drop Off/Pick Up Process

To balance the traffic between the lanes for the Blue/Gold Cohort days, we are changing the designated lanes for drop off and pick up.

If you have a Lower School student, turn into the right hand lane (this includes if you have a student in Lower and Middle or Upper). If you have a LS student, your MS/US student(s) will be in the LS pick up area.
If you have only a Middle and/or Upper School student, proceed to the left/straight lane.

Changes to Building Access/Visitors Restricted

To minimize and make the traffic through the school building more efficient, we have updated our hours of access. Click below to read the new Building Access Guidelines.

Changes to Late Drop Off/Early Pick Up

We have also made changes to our late drop off and early pick up procedures. Click below to read the new procedures.

Want to Join Our Team?

St. Croix Prep is Hiring!

St. Croix Prep is hiring paraprofessionals and subs. Click here to apply.

All Students Eat for Free This Fall!

Free meals are available to all children in the school district (ages 1-18) through December 31, 2020 or earlier if federal funding runs out. This is an extension of the summer meals program that provided meals to families throughout distance learning last spring.

Free meals will only be provided for scheduled school days. Meals will not be provided on holidays or scheduled days off.
Even though meals are free for the first few months of school, families still need to fill out the Free and Reduced Lunch Application form. Click here for the form. This ensures families will have help paying for meals after December 31, and also helps cover costs for other school-related activities. Families MUST fill out a new application for benefits by October 12 or benefits will expire.
Breakfast and lunch will be available at no cost to students when they are in school on an in-person or hybrid learning day.
100% distance learners will receive meals for all scheduled school days.
A week’s supply of both breakfasts and lunches will be available for pickup on Fridays (unless otherwise noted for holidays, etc.) from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm at the back cafeteria door (DOOR 5).
Breakfast is served every morning when school is in session from 9:15-9:25 in the cafeteria. Students can enter through the front cafeteria/YCare door (DOOR 2).

Registration for Chromebooks

Please register for your Chromebook needs for distance learning days. NOTE: Currently we have Chromebooks on backorder. We are fulfilling family requests as quickly as we can. You will be notified as soon as we have a Chromebook available for your use. Thank you for your patience.

Health Resources

As school nurses we knew that allergy season and influenza season were going to be particularly challenging, and allergy season has arrived!

Other helpful tools are COVID-19 Attendance Guide for Parents and Families. Click here to read. PLEASE note again this tool does not take into consideration our county case rate data. So on page 3 of this document where it says your child must stay home if they have at least two symptoms from this list, right now it is only one.

And the last tool is the Home Screening Tool for COVID-19 Symptoms. Click here to read. AGAIN PLEASE note that this tool does not take into account that our county case rate data is above 10, so in the list of less common symptoms you currently only need ONE and should stay home and be evaluated.

These are tools you can use but please continue to report any symptoms associated with COVID to the nurse. Thank you!

YSB Counselor, Amy Reidel, Available for Office Hours

Starting Wednesday, September 23

Please complete the Mental Health Referral Form and return it to your Division principal.

Other Mental Health Resources:

Athletics and Activities

Boys Traveling Basketball
Tryouts on Sunday, September 27

Boys traveling basketball tryouts will be held for all interested boys in grades 5, 6, and 7 on Sunday September 27. Times are as follows:

5th Grade – 1:30-2:30
7th Grade – 3:00-4:00
6th Grade – 4:30-5:30

Important Reminders:

Only players will be allowed to enter the building. Parents please drop off and pick up your kids at Door 6. A coach will be letting kids in the building.
Players will be required to wear masks as they enter the building and until they start playing basketball. They should also wear their masks immediately upon completion of the tryout until they exit the building.
Players should enter the building “Ready to Play” including having their basketball shoes on before entering the building.
Players should bring their own water bottles as the water fountains will not be on.
Bathrooms will only be available for emergencies. Please plan accordingly.
All basketballs will be provided. Please do not allow your son to bring his own ball. Balls will be sanitized between each tryout session.

For further information or questions please email Keven Seim.

Varsity Home Athletic Events

Cross Country Meet vs. Breck and Twin Cities Academy on Friday, September 18 at 4:00 pm at the Washington County Fairgrounds
Girls Varsity Soccer Game vs. New Life Academy on Friday, September 18 at 6:00 pm at Prep Stadium
Girls Varsity Soccer Game vs. Nova Classical Academy on Monday, September 21 at 5:00 pm at Prep Stadium
Cross Country Conference Meet on Thursday, September 24 at 4:00 pm at Barkers Alps
Boys Varsity Soccer Game vs. Nova Classical Academy on Friday, September 25 at 7:00 pm at Prep Stadium

Varsity Home Athletic Events

Cross Country Meet vs. Breck and Twin Cities Academy on Friday, September 18 at 4:00 pm at the Washington County Fairgrounds
Girls Varsity Soccer Game vs. New Life Academy on Friday, September 18 at 6:00 pm at Prep Stadium
Girls Varsity Soccer Game vs. Nova Classical Academy on Monday, September 21 at 5:00 pm at Prep Stadium
Cross Country Conference Meet on Thursday, September 24 at 4:00 pm at Barkers Alps
Boys Varsity Soccer Game vs. Nova Classical Academy on Friday, September 25 at 7:00 pm at Prep Stadium

Prep Baseball Fall Baseball

Calling all 8th-12th Grade Boys interested in playing baseball during the 2020-21 season. We have a fall session available to you.

When: October 5 – October 24

Time: 4:15 pm – 6:00 pm

Cost: $0.00

For a list of all upcoming activities at St. Croix Prep, view the Activities Calendar here. Sign up for alerts for any last minute cancellations or changes to the schedule.

Updates for Thursday, September 17

St. Croix Prep Community...

The St. Croix Prep Board met on September 15 to review the school opening, Washington County Covid-19 infection rates and potential future school learning model decisions. We are continuing with the hybrid learning model with a further board discussion on October 6.

One of the first considerations is a review of the state’s previously announced formula that uses COVID-19 infection rates over 14 days to help determine a school district’s learning model. At the time of the board meeting, based on Washington County’s latest COVID-19 rates, the formula recommended that St. Croix Prep remain in a hybrid model for all schools. But infection rates are only one factor that dictate whether schools remain open.

As a team, we review school-wide staff and student absence rates, staff and student illness rates, staffing availability and the success of the current learning model. The data for the first days of hybrid learning is preliminary, however, the team indicated that staffing shortages may be one of the biggest factors in determining whether classes or the school, must consider shifting to distance learning.

We are monitoring the above trends on a daily basis. Families and staff should be prepared for the potential of a change to a class/grade learning model due to staffing shortages or illness within the school. In each case, families and staff will be provided with as much notice as possible while balancing health and safety requirements.

We will be sending out a family survey by the end of the month to get your feedback on how we can continue to improve upon the learning experience for your family.

Washington County Case Rate Data – As of September 17

The Covid-19 Case Rate data was released this morning; and the Washington County case rate declined to 17.21 from 22.11. A summary of Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan and recent case rates are noted below:

Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan uses the number of Covid-19 cases by county over 14 days per 10,000 people. Given the county’s case rate, schools have the flexibility of opening in the following models:

Implications of the Case Rate Change

Briefly, and in the spirit of the board conversation on Tuesday:

Each Learning Model has specific requirements from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). We noted this when our case rate went over 20, prior to students entering the building. We had to change from “6 feet is not always feasible in the primary instructional environment” to “6 feet of physical distancing must be maintained in the physical learning environment”, along with 50% room occupancy, etc.
Two/Three Week Trend Data. Before we make significant changes to operations (e.g. classrooms, programming, etc.) and learning models we would like to see two to three week trend data. This will give us some consistency, timeframes to communicate potential changes to families, and planning time to gradually plan out our own internal changes.

Thanks for your flexibility patience, and continued support of the St. Croix Prep community!

Updates for Tuesday, September 15

St. Croix Prep Community,

It is very exciting to have the students back in school and as we venture into our second week of being in the building, there is a sense of normalcy with classes, traffic in/out of the school property, pictures being taken, and activities occurring.

ReminderS:

Self-Monitoring Prior to School Attendance:

Families and students are expected to self-monitor prior to coming to school. Anyone displaying symptoms of Covid-19 (e.g. new onset of cough, shortness of breath, excessive fatigue, new onset of severe headache, and new onset of nasal congestion or runny nosenew onset of cough, shortness of breath, fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, change shortness of breath to difficulty breathing, change loss of sense of smell or taste to new loss of taste or smell chills, muscle pain, sore throat, loss of sense of smell or taste, gastrointestinal symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea) should stay home.

Masks (face coverings) are required:

Aside from certain times (e.g. lunch, recess, etc.) masks are required to be properly worn. Note: Recent guidance from MDH requires masks to be worn during choir classes as well.

Physical Distancing:

In accordance with the definitions of “close contact” (15 minutes within six feet) we are maintaining physical distancing within the school. At times, we see students infringing on these boundaries. A reminder from you would be appreciated.

We are aware that our students are only experiencing their 3rd day in the building – so we are reminding them of these new procedures as well. This is new for all of us; but should we experience resistance, if necessary we will place students in our distance learning program.

Thanks for your continued patience as we are still in the beginning of our school year. We are off to a great start; and we look forward to improving every day!

Thanks for being a part of St. Croix Prep!

Updates for Monday, September 14

PICTURE DAY

Tomorrow Tuesday, September 15 or

Wednesday, September 16

Picture Day for Hybrid Students is Tuesday, September 15 or Wednesday, September 16. Students must wear their school uniform.

Distance learners who missed getting their school photo taken can also come to school between 8:30-9:30 am on either of the two days.
Parents will receive an email link from Kemmetmueller Photography to place photo orders. There are no order forms this year.

Updates for Friday, September 11

St. Croix Prep Community,

Welcome Back!

Prep Senior Clara Christopherson drew a beautiful ‘Welcome Back’ mural in the Upper School stairway.

Changes to Our Parent Drop Off/Pick Up Process

To balance the traffic between the lanes for the Blue/Gold Cohort days, we are changing the designated lanes for drop off and pick up.

If you have a Lower School student, turn into the right hand lane (this includes if you have a student in Lower and Middle or Upper). If you have a LS student, your MS/US student(s) will be in the LS pick up area.
If you have only a Middle and/or Upper School student, proceed to the left/straight lane.

Changes to Building Access/Visitors Restricted

To minimize and make the traffic through the school building more efficient, we have updated our hours of access. Click below to read the new Building Access Guidelines.

BUILDING HOURS

Building Opens

Main Office 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Upper School Zero Hour – 8:00-8:30 AM (DOOR 19)
YCare Drop Off – 7:00-9:15 AM Cafeteria Door (DOOR 2) o School Hours – 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Parent Drop Off – begins at 9:15 AM
- Lower School Students – LS entrance next to the LS office (DOOR 20)
- Middle School Students – main entrance (DOOR 1)
- Upper School Students – entrance to the south end of the US/LS wing (DOOR 19)

Building Closes at 4:30 PM except for scheduled activities including

YCare
Athletics
Activities
Scheduled Meetings

NO VISITORS POLICY

No parents or siblings may walk kids to their classrooms (leave at the entrance).
Visitors are not allowed (e.g. no visits during lunch, etc.).
No drop-offs for students (e.g. lunch, homework, instruments, etc.)
No school day volunteers.
No unscheduled meetings.

Changes to Late Drop Off/Early Pick Up

We have also made changes to our late drop off and early pick up procedures. Click below to read the new procedures.

School Board Meeting

September 15 at 6:00 pm in the PAC

The St. Croix Prep school board will meet on Tuesday, September 15 at 6:00 pm in the PAC. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the school opening, Covid-19 case rate data, and the learning models proposed under Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan.

Picture Days

Tuesday, September 15 or Wednesday, September 16

Picture Days for Hybrid Students is Tuesday, September 15 or Wednesday, September 16. Students must wear their school uniform.
Distance learners who missed getting their school photo taken can also come to school between 8:30-9:30 am on either of the two days.
Parents will receive an email link from Kemmetmueller Photography to place photo orders.

Want to Join Our Team?

St. Croix Prep is Hiring!

St. Croix Prep is hiring paraprofessionals and subs. Click here to apply.

All Students Eat for Free This Fall!

Free meals will only be provided for scheduled school days. Meals will not be provided on holidays or scheduled days off.
Even though meals are free for the first few months of school, families still need to fill out the Free and Reduced Lunch Application form. Click here for the form. This ensures families will have help paying for meals after December 31, and also helps cover costs for other school-related activities. Families MUST fill out a new application for benefits by October 12 or benefits will expire.
Breakfast and lunch will be available at no cost to students when they are in school on an in-person or hybrid learning day.
100% distance learners will receive meals for all scheduled school days.
A week’s supply of both breakfasts and lunches will be available for pickup on Fridays (unless otherwise noted for holidays, etc.) from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm at the back cafeteria door (DOOR 5).
Breakfast is served every morning when school is in session from 9:15-9:25 in the cafeteria. Students can enter through the front cafeteria/YCare door (DOOR 2).

Registration for Chromebooks

Parent Group

Every year the Junior Families and Parent Group host an annual breakfast for the Seniors. This year will look a little different but we would like to launch our 2020-2021 Seniors with some fun, pre-packaged breakfast items for their breakfast on Tuesday, September 15 and Thursday, September 17.

If you would like to make a monetary donation to our Senior Breakfast:

Health Resources

COVID and Swiss Cheese: Layers of Mitigation Video

Click here to view this video made by our Health Office. Please share with your kids!

COVID-19 Decision Tree for Schools

MDH updated their exclusion guidance for schools. It is a detailed flow chart with a four page narrative. It can be complicated, especially when you read the narrative that goes with the Decision Tree, but it is thorough. If you have a student with symptoms associated with COVID please keep your student home and note the symptoms on the attendance line. It is also helpful if you email the nurse, Candace Westlund, and it is most likely we will be reaching out to you. Please make sure your emails are up-to-date.

Currently, because of where we are at with our county case rate (just over 22), anytime a student stays home with symptoms associated with COVID their siblings also need to stay home. How long each stays home depends on whether the student with symptoms is evaluated or not. Again, easiest if you contact the nurse for guidance.

Thanks for working with us to keep everyone healthy and safe!

Athletics and Activities

Varsity Home Athletic Events

Cross Country Meet vs. Trinity and Twin Cities Academy on Friday, September 11 at 4:00 pm at the Washington County Fairgrounds
Girls Varsity Soccer Game vs. Trinity at River Ridge on Friday, September 11 at 4:45 pm at Prep Stadium
Boys Varsity Soccer Game vs. New Life Academy on Monday, September 14 at 7:00 pm at Prep Stadium
Cross Country Meet vs. Breck and Twin Cities Academy on Friday, September 18 at 4:00 pm at the Washington County Fairgrounds
Girls Varsity Soccer Game vs. New Life Academy on Friday, September 18 at 5:00 pm at Prep Stadium

Prep Baseball Fall Baseball

Calling all 8th-12th Grade Boys interested in playing baseball during the 2020-21 season. We have a fall session available to you.

When: October 5 – October 24

Time: 4:15 pm – 6:00 pm

Cost: $0.00

Updates for Friday, September 4

St. Croix Prep Community,

We just received the updated county case rate data from the Minnesota Department of Health. The Washington County case rate data for August 9 through August 22 is 22.70.

Band Camp

Our music department found creative ways to have band camp this year. Our new 5th graders are learning how to play their instruments and enjoy the outdoors!

No School on Monday, September 7, 2020

There is no school on Monday, September 7. The building will be closed. Classes will resume on Tuesday, September 8. This is the first day of our hybrid learning model.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS with Hybrid Learning

Starting Tuesday, September 8

Bus transportation information was sent to families this past week. If you did not receive an email from the Stillwater transportation company, please call them directly at 651-351-8377.

Click here for the parent drop off/pickup map and click here for the guidelines.

Building hours and access guidelines in addition to our student late arrival/early dismissal policy have changed. Click here to read the policy.

Remember, students will not be able to enter the building before 9:15 am (unless they are either being dropped off for YCare or have a zero hour class). Parents will not be allowed to accompany their child(ren) into the building.

Technology & Background Check Fee

The Technology & Background Check fees totaling $25 per student have been approved for the 2020-2021 school year. This is listed as ’20/21 Class Fee’ when paying on SchoolPay. (These are fees which are not specifically permitted or prohibited by MN Statute; the fees were presented at a public hearing and adopted by the SCPA Board on June 23, 2020.) Fees for families with more than 4 students will be capped at $100 per family.

20/21 Middle & Upper School Community Consumables

This $30 per student contribution will allow us to purchase supplies when needed, in bulk at better prices, and to safely store and manage supplies. Items to be purchased will include, but not be limited to: pencils, pens, Expo markers, crayons, colored pencils, glue sticks, note cards, Kleenex, paper towels, sanitizer, and etc. Go to ‘Consumable Donations’ and then ’20/21 School Community Supply Contributions’.

Workbook and Consumables Donation

Contribution for student consumable workbooks, planners, Scholastic magazines and art room supplies listed by grade level on SchoolPay. Go to Consumable Donations’ and then ’20/21 Workbooks and Consumable Supplies’.

Student Lunch Accounts

Deposit money into your student(s) lunch account.

Registration for Chromebooks and Meals

Please register for your Chromebook needs and meal requests for distance learning days. NOTE: Currently we have Chromebooks on backorder. We are fulfilling family requests as quickly as we can. You will be notified as soon as we have a Chromebook available for your use. Thank you for your patience.

Seniors - Register Now for the Fall ACT Exam!

The ACT college entrance exam will be offered at SCPA to seniors on Tuesday, October 6. Interested seniors should sign up for the exam on SchoolPay by September 30. Exam details to follow.

FREE Back-to-School Resources

From MN Association for Children's Mental Health

Supporting Students & Building Family Resilience During the Pandemic Webinar. Click here to view.
The Tortoise and the Hare Online Storybook Musical About Depression – click here to view.

Introducing Amy Riedel, Therapist with Youth Service Bureau

Amy Riedel, MA, is a Youth and Family Therapist with Youth Service Bureau. She supports students and families at St. Croix Preparatory Academy with issues around anxiety, challenging emotions, family transitions, and more. Amy provides group therapy sessions for students at St. Croix Preparatory Academy. Amy is also available to check-in with students, parents, and school staff to find additional supportive resources in the community.

Stay tuned for the days and times Ms. Riedel will be available and how to reach her.

Athletics and Activities

Varsity Home Games

Boys Varsity Soccer Game vs. Trinity at River Ridge on Tuesday, September 8 at 4:45 pm at Prep Stadium
Girls Varsity Soccer Game vs. Trinity at River Ridge on Friday, September 11 at 4:45 pm at Prep Stadium

Prep Baseball Fall Baseball

Calling all 8th-12th Grade Boys interested in playing baseball during the 2020-21 season. We have a fall session available to you.

When: October 5 – October 24

Time: 4:15 pm – 6:00 pm

Cost: $0.00

For a list of all upcoming activities at St. Croix Prep, view the Activities Calendar here. Sign up for alerts for any last minute cancellations or changes to the schedule.

Updates for Thursday, September 3

St. Croix Prep Community,

We just received the updated county case rate data from the Minnesota Department of Health. The Washington County case rate data for August 9 through August 22 is 22.70.

IMPORTANT

We weren’t anticipating this significant of a rate jump (and retroactive adjustment of the data), but given the requirements under the learning model we may need to make some adjustments to classroom configurations, limit occupancy by classroom, and potentially change class rosters. These changes will primarily apply to Lower School and Middle School.

For those families who may still be considering a distance learning choice, if you could let us know by tomorrow, it would help us make our adjustments.

Below is Minnesota Safe Learning Plan model, along with historical trend data.

Washington County Case Rate Data – from August 27

Model Applied to St. Croix Prep

St. Croix Prep is located in Washington County. At the time of the Governor’s announcement (July 30), Washington County’s current case rate was 14.84. Revised case rate data is released every Thursday. The September 3 Washington County case rate is 22.70. Per the MDH, the following is the Washington County historical case rate data:

August 2 to August 15 – 20.61
July 26 to August 8 – 19.38
July 19 to August 1 – 17.57
July 12 to July 25 – 16.26
July 5 to July 18 – 15.63
June 28 to July 11 – 13.15

Updates for Monday, August 31

St. Croix Prep Community,

A summary of notable school and operational items from Day 1 are included below:

Day 1 – Now wasn’t that interesting?

In a year full of surprises, why should we expect the first day of school to be any different? A widespread power outage caused us to take a different approach today. Tomorrow, we’ll start again and keep looking forward.

Chromebook Arrival and Delivery

We received an additional 70 Chromebooks on Friday and today.

Attention Distance Learners

Reminder Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 1 and Wednesday, September 2 is Photo Day and Textbook/Supplies Pick Up in the PAC.

Distance learners will need to come to school either Tuesday, September 1 from 10:00 to 4:00 pm or Wednesday, September 2 from 10:00 to 2:00 pm to get their school photo taken and pick up their textbooks and supplies. Drive to the far end of the north parking lot and follow the signs to enter through the courtyard (by the playground) doors (Door 10). Students are required to wear their school uniforms for the school photo. Ordering school photos will be easy this year. Parents will receive an email link from Kemmetmueller Photography to view and order your students’ photos online.

Friday Night Activities

Last Friday evening, the Girls Soccer (JV and Varsity) competed against Maranatha Christian Academy and the Boys Varsity hosted Maranatha Christian Academy at Prep Field. The Varsity Cross Country (Boys & Girls) hosted their first meet at Barker Alps.

Washington County Case Rate Data – from August 27

Model Applied to St. Croix Prep

St. Croix Prep is located in Washington County. At the time of the Governor’s announcement (July 30), Washington County’s current case rate was 14.84. Revised case rate data is released every Thursday. The August 27 Washington County case rate is 18.44. Per the MDH, the following is the Washington County historical case rate data:

August 2 to August 15 – 18.44
July 26 to August 8 – 17.80
July 19 to August 1 – 16.78
July 12 to July 25 – 15.75
July 5 to July 18 – 15.04
June 28 to July 11 – 12.75
June 21 to July 4 – 10.70

Even More Updates for Friday, August 28

St. Croix Prep Community,

Monday is the day! We are excited to get the new school year underway! As we begin this adventurous journey, allow me to assist all of us by setting expectations for the first two to three weeks of the school year.

August 31 to September 4

Distance Learning Week

During this first week we will all become more familiar with the distance learning model, which will be a part of this entire school year (e.g. for those families that have selected it; and due to the rotation of the Blue/Gold/Distance days within the hybrid model). Faculty and students will all learn together as they begin to understand how they will interact through technology this year. We will adjust accordingly for those families still waiting for Chromebook deliveries. In addition, this will not be a normal school week as each division has non typical items included in their schedules (e.g. testing, orientations, distance learners getting their school photo taken and picking up their textbooks/supplies, etc.). Be patient, relax, and adjust to the transition of getting your home ready to host learning.

September 8 to September 12

First Week of Hybrid Model

This will be a most difficult week for a variety of reasons. This is the first day of our hybrid learning schedule, with approximately half the students in school and half learning from home. We have established schedules for what the ideal hybrid learning day will look like but this will be complicated by two significant factors:

Bus Transportation
Our class schedule begins at 9:30 in the morning. Generally, at the start of a normal school year, bus transportation smooths out over the first few days of school. This year, we do not know if our 9:30 start time will be impacted by new bus cleaning routines, assigned seating, and other protocols being implemented during this pandemic. This means that those students at home may need to wait on those who are delayed on buses.
COVID-19 and Impact on School Procedures
The student schedules are different from normal years because they have to be adjusted for the new procedures related to physical distancing, hand washing, lunch, school building hours, passing time, etc. Honestly, we don’t know how the schedule will work; so this week will be very chaotic, and it could be highly frustrating as students from home adjust to in school delays – but each day will get better as we learn and improve!

September 14 to September 18

Second Week of Hybrid Model

After all of the chaos of the previous week, we anticipate this being a week of transitioning to a state of normalcy within the hybrid learning model.

As we proceed through these first couple of weeks, we will also figure out ways to put parent/student/distance learning support mechanisms in place. We intend to make this a great learning year!

Reminders – Registration for Childcare, Chromebooks, YCare, and Meals

Please register for YCare, Chromebook needs, and pre-registration meal requests for distance learning days. Please complete these as it will assist us in our preparation for August 31. Thank you!

Updates for Friday, August 28

St. Croix Prep Community,

Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year. Please read through the following back to school details and we will see you soon!

Welcome New St. Croix Prep Staff!

Below (from L to R): Joey Korba (LS teacher), Nicole Case (US SPED teacher), Jermaine Wiley (US SPED teacher), Mary Katherine Maney (MS/US Choir), Ellen Kramer (MS SPED teacher)

Reminders – Registration for Childcare, Chromebooks, YCare, and Meals

Please register for YCare, Chromebook needs, and pre-registration meal requests for distance learning days. Please complete these as it will assist us in our preparation for August 31. Thank you!

GOAL: Limiting the Potential for Spreading COVID-19

Self screening at home is the first line of defense in limiting the spread of COVID-19. Parents/guardians sending students to school are attesting that their student is not experiencing COVID symptoms, has not had a positive COVID test, has not been informed of being a close contact to a positive COVID case and is not waiting for COVID test results.

All staff, students and families should “Self Monitor” every day before they leave home. The monitoring includes checking in with yourself, “How do you feel today?”. If you are not feeling well or your child is not acting like themselves and you have no explanation for it then please stay home and monitor symptoms for the day. If you feel better and any mild symptoms completely resolve returning to school the next day is fine. Check with your healthcare provider if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19 prior to returning to school.

Self monitoring also includes looking at the COVID-19 symptoms list and answering ‘no’ to the symptoms. The CDC has a Student Checklist that can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/community/schools-childcare/Daily-Home-Screening-for-Students-Checklist-ACTIVE-rev5A.pdf

Our electronic records provider is working on an electronic screening that we may use in the future. MDH is also creating a symptom checklist just for schools. We will share those once they are available.

Out of an abundance of caution, and wanting to limit the risk of having to quarantine, we ask that you stay home if not feeling well, whether COVID related or not.

If you have questions please contact the licensed school nurse, Candace Westlund or your own healthcare provider may also be of assistance.

Introducing Amy Riedel, Therapist with Youth Service Bureau

Stay tuned for the days and times Ms. Riedel will be available and how to reach her.

Athletics and Activities

For a list of all upcoming activities at St. Croix Prep, view the Activities Calendar here. Sign up for alerts for any last minute cancellations or changes to the schedule.

Updates for Thursday, August 27

St. Croix Prep Community,

Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year. Please read through the following back to school details and we will see you soon!

Building Tour

Here are some pictures of the many changes in the building. We’ll be adding more as we get them in the “Building Tour” page of the Flight Plan section of the website.

Lower School Room with Distanced Desks

Classroom with A/B Blue/Gold Desk Layout

Physical Distancing Dots on Floors

Classroom with A/B Blue/Gold Desk Layout

Office with Plexiglass Barriers

Atrium with Spaced out Desks

Aux Gym with Distanced Desks

Middle School Class with Distanced Desk and DENNIS Unit

Health Isolation Room

Hand Sanitizers Being Installed Throughout the Building

Wall Mounted Sanitizing Stations Between Classroom Entrances

Wall Mounted Sanitizing Station

Technology & Background Check Fee

20/21 Middle & Upper School Community Consumables

Workbook and Consumables Donation

Student Lunch Accounts

Deposit money into your student(s) lunch account.

Required Health Forms

The Health Office needs updated immunizations and medication forms each school year. All forms can be found on the Prep website under Health Services. For immunizations, either the website form or a print out of your clinic’s form is acceptable. If your student has medical exemptions to immunizations the website form must be completed and signed by the physician. If your family conscientiously objects to immunizations, the website form needs to be completed and notarized. Physical exams are encouraged according to your healthcare provider’s recommendations. Any changes to your student’s health should be reported to the Health Office. for students who have asthma, life-threatening allergies, diabetes, seizures or other chronic health issues, health specific forms must be completed each school year (asthma action plan, allergy action plan, etc). These forms must be completed by a physician and are on the website. All forms should be turned in to the Main Office where they will be immediately routed to the Health Office. You can email them directly to the school nurse or fax them to 651-395-5901.

Immunization Forms

Students must have the proper immunization form updated and on file in the Health Office in order to attend the first day of classes.

Lower School Immunizations – Kindergarten: be sure we have the kindergarten series of dates.
Middle School Immunizations – 7th grade: need Tdap and meningococcal.

If you have any questions, please contact the Licensed School Nurse, Candace Westlund.

Reminders – Registration for Childcare, Chromebooks, YCare, and Meals

Please register for YCare, Chromebook needs, and pre-registration meal requests for distance learning days. Please complete these as it will assist us in our preparation for August 31. Thank you!

Important Upcoming Dates

First Week of Distance Learning Starting Monday, August 31. As we have previously communicated, school begins Monday, August 31 and will operate in a distance learning model for everyone for the first week of school. The hybrid learning model will begin on Tuesday, September 8.

Distance Learners may pick up textbooks/supplies and get their school photo taken in the PAC next week on either Tuesday, September 1 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm or Wednesday, September 2 from 10:00 to 2:00 pm. Distance learner students need to wear their school uniform to get their school photo taken.

Hybrid Students will receive their textbooks/supplies on the first day of their in-person hybrid day, Tuesday, September 8(blue cohort) or Wednesday, September 9(gold cohort). Photo Day for hybrid students will be either Tuesday, September 15 (blue cohort) or Wednesday, September 16 (gold cohort).

Students should bring Chromebooks/Laptops & Accessories (earbuds, mouse etc) on in-person hybrid learning days.

For an updated school calendar to reflect the Blue/Blue/Gold/Gold/Distance learning days, click here.

Parent Resources

Please note: all of these resources are collected on the "Families" page of the website

Building Hours/Student Arrival and Dismissal/Visitor Policy

Main Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
YCare Drop Off – enter through Door 2 (Cafeteria Entrance) from 7:00-9:15 am.
Upper School Students with Zero Hour – enter through Door 19 (South Entrance) between 8:00-8:30 am.
Bus Students – enter through Door 5 (Back Cafeteria Door Entrance) between 9:15-9:45 am.
Parent Drop Off Students – doors will be unlocked at 9:15 am each morning. Students will not be allowed into the building until this time.
Lower School Students – enter through Door 20 (near Lower School Office)
Middle School Students – enter through Door 1 (Main Entrance)
Upper School Students – enter through Door 19 (South Stairwell Entrance)
Building closes at 4:30 pm except for scheduled activities including: YCare, athletics, activities or scheduled meetings.
Visitors – we will have a strict no volunteer/visitor policy during school hours including no drop off of student items (ie. homework, instruments, lunch, etc).
If you have a scheduled meeting with a Prep staff member, you will be required to abide by the mandatory mask and physical distancing policy.

Parent Pick Up and Drop Off Procedures

Additional revised parent pick up and drop off procedures will be forthcoming.

School Supply Lists Available on Website

School supply lists by grade (KA-12) have been posted on the website. Click here to view.

Dress Code Guidelines for 20/21 School Year

Click here for our updated dress code guidelines for the 2020/21 school year.

Tommy Hilfiger and Donald’s School Uniforms

To order school uniforms from our uniform vendor, Tommy Hilfiger, click here. To order from Donald’s Uniform, click here.

Spirit Wear

Our Spirit Wear vendor, The Branding Wearhouse, has many new items available! Click here to shop their website. Orders will be delivered to school and will be sent home with your student or for a charge, items will be shipped directly to your home.

YMCA Before and After School Programs

The YMCA school age childcare is available to students in kindergarten through sixth grade with flexible three, four and five day options. All of the information and registration can be found here.

Educational Benefits Application Available

The application for education benefits for 2020-2021 is available. To apply for free or reduced school lunches, click here for an application and information. Note: Families MUST fill out a new application for benefits at the beginning of each school year. The last day of the 30 day rollover period is October 12, 2020.

SchoolMessenger Opt In

Our school utilizes the SchoolMessenger system to deliver text messages straight

to your mobile phone with important information about events, school closings,

safety alerts and more. Click here to learn more and/or opt in.

School Directory

Membership Toolkit is our online school directory. You will receive further communication when the directory is ready to view.

Notification of Family Educational & Privacy Rights

Every year we receive questions about student data, privacy issues, submission of student information to newspapers, whether parents can view educational files, etc. As a means of clearer communication, please click here to review this notification of your family and student rights.

School News

Want to Join Our Team? St. Croix Prep is Hiring!

St. Croix Prep is hiring paraprofessionals, substitute teachers and EAs. Click here to apply.

Athletics and Activities

Attendance Policy for Fall SCPA Home Events

For the coming fall season, SCPA has established the following policies regarding all events hosted by SCPA

If you are not feeling well, are waiting for a COVID test results, have been told you are a close contact of a positive case or have positive test result, please stay home.

1. No gate will be charged for home events at Lions Stadium

2. Masks are required to be worn appropriately by individuals attending events hosted by SCPA including events held off campus (Barkers Alps Park & Stillwater Jr. High)

3. All spectators will practice social distancing while attending events hosted by SCPA.

4. There are no bleachers available at Lions Stadium this fall. Please bring your own chairs.

5. No spectators will be permitted on the field at Lions Stadium at any time during an event hosted by SCPA.

6. The maximum attendance for any event held at Lions Stadium will be 250 people.

7. No concessions will be available during events at Lions Stadium this fall.

SCPA staff will be present during home events and will be enforcing the above policies during all events.

As an Activities Department we sincerely appreciate your support and compliance with these policies during this coming fall season. We are looking forward to a successful season and rewarding fall.

If you have questions related to these policies, please feel free to contact Rich Dippel.

Updates for Wednesday, August 26

St. Croix Prep Community,

The first day of school is right around the corner! Here is the latest update:

Building Hours Communication Yesterday

There are many details that are being communicated during this time, so we want to emphasize this so it doesn’t’ escape your notice. Aside from zero hour students and those in activities, the school building will not be open until 9:15 am. In addition, the building will close at 4:30 pm. We realize this may be inconvenient, and it certainly is counter to the “open” school building we have cultivated and desired over the years. This change is a mitigation strategy to protect and keep everyone as safe as possible. Thanks for your attention to this.

Board Approves Face Covering Policy

Last evening, the St. Croix Prep board approved the Face Covering policy for the upcoming school year. It reflects the recent executive order and reinforces its association with the St. Croix Prep dress code (e.g. not disruptive to the learning environment).

Updated 20/21 Blue/Gold School Calendar

As we move to the hybrid learning schedule, we have modified the school calendar to reflect the Blue/Blue/Gold/Gold/Distance learning days.

St. Croix Prep Board Meeting Schedule

The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15. The board added another meeting on Tuesday, October 6. The intent is have more frequent meetings to monitor the Covid-19 situation, the school’s learning model rollout, and any decisions associated with it.

No Volunteer/Visitor Policy

Visitors – we will have a strict no volunteer/visitor policy during school hours including no drop off of student items (ie. homework, instruments, lunch, etc).

COVID-19 Expenses

"How is St. Croix Prep Paying for This?"

We have purchased Chromebooks, synchronous learning technology for each classroom, hand sanitizing stations, hired additional cleaning staff, etc. The obvious question is, “how is the school paying for this?” A summary of last night’s board meeting discussion follows:

We have spent $364,000 on Covid-19 related items.
We will receive $347,000 from government revenue sources (e.g. Covid Relief Fund).
The school has requested and the board has approved an additional $172,000 in anticipated expenditures to complete the school preparation which will occur over the next few weeks.
The School is required to maintain a 20% fund balance per its authorizer agreement (Friends of Education) and to be in good standing with its bondholders. Prior to Covid-19 expenses, the School was projected to maintain a fund balance of 28.5%. With the Covid expenditures, the estimated end of fiscal year fund balance will be approximately 26.2%. – This just means we are financially stable and very healthy!

Reminders – Registration for Childcare, Chromebooks, YCare, and Meals

Please register for YCare, Chromebook needs, and pre-registration meal requests for distance learning days. Please complete these as it will assist us in our preparation for August 31. Thank you!

Updates for Tuesday, August 25

Hybrid Model/Distance Model Registration Closed

As we continue to plan for our first days of school, we want to thank you for working with our teams to indicate your preferred learning model and finalize schedules. We realize there are still items in flux, but we will continue to work toward their completion. To continue our progress, the learning model “registration” period is complete. Just a reminder, families can move from the hybrid learning model to distance learning at any time. However, migration from distance learning to the hybrid model may only occur at mid-quarter and quarter end.

First Week of Distance Learning Starting Monday, August 31

As we have previously communicated, school begins Monday, August 31 and will operate in a distance learning model for everyone for the first week of school. The hybrid learning model will begin on Tuesday, September 8.

Building Hours

We have resumed normal school building hours.

Main Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
Building closes at 4:30 pm except for scheduled activities including: YCare, athletics, activities or scheduled meetings.

Student Arrival

YCare Drop Off – enter through Door 2 (Cafeteria Entrance) from 7:00-9:15 am.
Upper School Students with Zero Hour – enter through Door 19 (South Entrance) between 8:00-8:30 am.
Bus Students – students will enter through Door 5 (Back Cafeteria Door Entrance) between 9:15-9:45 am.
Parent Drop Off Students – doors will be unlocked at 9:15 am each morning. Students will not be allowed into the building until this time.
Lower School Students – enter through Door 19 (near Lower School Office)
Middle School Students – enter through Door 1 (Main Entrance)
Upper School Students – enter through Door 20 (South Stairwell Entrance)
Visitors – we will have a strict no volunteer/visitor policy during school hours including no drop off of student items (ie. homework, instruments, lunch, etc).
If you have a scheduled meeting with a Prep staff member, please abide by the mandatory mask and physical distancing policy.

No Volunteer/Visitor Policy

Visitors – we will have a strict no volunteer/visitor policy during school hours including no drop off of student items (ie. homework, instruments, lunch, etc).

Textbook/Workbook Pick Up and School Photo Dates

Distance Learners will pick up books/supplies and wear their school uniform to take their school photo in the Auxiliary Gym next week on either Tuesday, September 1 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm or Wednesday, September 2 from 10:00 to 2:00 pm. Distance learner students need to be wearing their school uniform to get their school photo taken.
Hybrid Students will receive their books/supplies on the first day of their in-person hybrid day, Tuesday, September 8 (blue cohort) or Wednesday, September 9 (gold cohort). Photo Day for hybrid students will be either Tuesday, September 15 (blue cohort) orWednesday, September 16 (gold cohort).
Students should bring Chromebooks/Laptops & Accessories (earbuds, mouse etc) on in-person hybrid learning days.

Watch for Additional Grade Level Back to School Information

This will be communicated to families by division principals and teachers.

Reminders – Registration for Childcare, Chromebooks, YCare, and Meals

Please register for YCare, Chromebook needs, and pre-registration meal requests for distance learning days. Please complete these as it will assist us in our preparation for August 31. Thank you!

Updates for Monday, August 24

Employees Returned to School Today

All the employees returned to school today to begin their official preparation for the start of the school year. The unofficial preparation began a long time ago! We are excited to kick off a great year of learning!

Distance Learning, Then Hybrid Model

This is just a reminder that from August 31 – September 4, St. Croix Prep will be operating in a distance learning model; on September 8, we will begin our first day under the hybrid learning model.

Bus Transportation Information

Per Stillwater Transportation Department, the bus routes will be sent out late this week. Bus transportation begins on September 8. Thanks for your attention to this.

Physical Distancing and Definition of a “Close Contact”

Earlier in the summer, the Minnesota Department of Health noted that six feet of physical distancing is not always feasible in the primary instructional area. We will attempt to maintain the six feet measurement in the classrooms, but it may not always be possible. In addition, a close contact is defined as being within the six feet physical distancing recommendation for 15 minutes. Therefore during school entry/departure, passing time, and lunch schedules, there will be times when the distance between students infringes on six feet, but the time duration will be much less than 15 minutes, therefore not qualifying as a “close contact”.

Reminders – Registration for Childcare, Chromebooks, YCare, and Meals

Please register for YCare, Chromebook needs, and pre-registration meal requests for distance learning days. Please complete these as it will assist us in our preparation for August 31. Thank you!

Updates for Friday, August 21

St. Croix Prep is Hiring!

St. Croix Prep is hiring Lower School classroom Educational Assistants and also Student Support Educational Assistants. Click here to apply.

Student Fees for 2020-2021 School Year

Technology & Background Check Fees:

20/21 Middle & Upper School Community Consumables:

Workbook and Consumables Donation:

Reminders – Registration for Childcare, Chromebooks, YCare, and Meals

Yesterday’s communication had details related to childcare registration for Tier 1 essential workers, YCare registration, Chromebook request form, and pre-registration meal request form for distance learning days. Please complete these as it will assist us in our preparation for August 31. Thank you!

School Board Meeting

Tuesday, August 25 at 6:00 pm in the PAC

St. Croix Prep will hold its next board meeting on Tuesday, August 25 at 6:00 pm in the PAC.

Student Parking Permits

Parking permits have not be issued yet so until then students are allowed to park in the back parking lot. Watch for more communication to come for when students will be required to apply for an application and pay for a permit.

Seniors - Register Now for the Fall ACT Exam!

The ACT college entrance exam will be offered at SCPA to seniors on Tuesday, October 6. Interested seniors should sign up for the exam on SchoolPayby September 30. Exam details to follow.

School Supply Lists

School supply lists by grade (KA-8) have been posted on the website. Click here to view.

Lower, Middle and Upper School Yearbooks

Ready for Pick Up During Main Office Hours

Lower school and middle school yearbooks are available for pick up anytime Monday through Thursday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. In an effort to minimize the number of people coming to school, please have one member of your household pick up. If you forgot to buy a yearbook, you can still purchase one on SchoolPay and pick up at school.

Educational Benefits Application

Available on July 1, 2020

The application for education benefits for 2020-2021 will be available on July 1, 2020. To apply for free or reduced school lunches, click here for an application and information.

Note: Families MUST fill out a new application for benefits at the beginning of each school year; however, prior year benefit status will roll forward through early October.

GOAL: Limiting the Potential for Spreading COVID-19

Out of an abundance of caution, and wanting to limit the risk of having to quarantine, we ask that you stay home if not feeling well, whether COVID related or not.

If you have questions please contact the licensed school nurse, Candace Westlund or your own healthcare provider may also be of assistance.

Attendance Policy for Fall St. Croix Prep Home Events

For the coming fall season, SCPA has established the following policies regarding all events hosted by SCPA

If you are not feeling well, are waiting for a COVID test results, have been told you are a close contact of a positive case or have positive test result, please stay home.

If you are not feeling well, are waiting for a COVID test result, have been told you are a close contact of a positive case or have a positive test result, please stay home.

No gate will be charged for home events at Lions Stadium
Masks are required to be worn appropriately by individuals attending events hosted by SCPA including events held off campus (Barkers Alps Park & Stillwater Jr. High)
All spectators will practice social distancing while attending events hosted by SCPA.
There are no bleachers available at Lions Stadium this fall. Please bring your own chairs.
No spectators will be permitted on the field at Lions Stadium at any time during an event hosted by SCPA.
The maximum attendance for any event held at Lions Stadium will be 250 people.
No concessions will be available during events at Lions Stadium this fall.

SCPA staff will be present during home events and will be enforcing the above policies during all events.

As an Activities Department we sincerely appreciate your support and compliance with these policies during this coming fall season. We are looking forward to a successful season and rewarding fall.

If you have questions related to these policies, please feel free to contact Rich Dippel.

Updates for Thursday, August 20

St. Croix Prep Community,

This communication will provide updated information related to our 2020-2021 school opening.

Introducing "Flight Plan"

Please visit our latest website addition St. Croix Prep Flight Plan, St. Croix Prep’s plan for navigating COVID-19. Over the course of the past month we have communicated many details related to our school opening. This page categorizes the information in one spot. We have posted our planning guide in accordance with MDE requirements, summaries of the communication updates, information related to health services/safety procedures, and links back to the more familiar locations on the website. Please bookmark this as it will have the most current information.

Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan – Revisited on August 20

NOTE: As previously mentioned, the most critical factor impacting learning models will be the quarantine/isolation requirements (e.g. 10 days/14 days based on situation) which can have immediate and significant impact on staffing and on-site enrollment.
Covid-19 County Case Data. Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan uses the number of Covid-19 cases by county over 14 days per 10,000 people. Given the county’s case rate, schools have the flexibility of opening in the following models:

Model Applied to St. Croix Prep. St. Croix Prep is located in Washington County. At the time of the Governor’s announcement (July 30), Washington County’s current case rate was 14.84. Revised case rate data is released every Thursday. The August 20 Washington County case rate is 17.72. Per the MDH, the following is the Washington County historical case rate data:
August 1 to August 15 – 17.72
July 19 to August 1 – 16.82
July 12 to July 25 – 15.79
July 5 to July 18 – 15.04
June 28 to July 11 – 12.75
June 21 to July 4 – 10.70

Reminders – Registration for Childcare, Chromebooks, YCare, and Meals

Employee Training Began This Week

New employee training began this week and the building is abuzz with the other busyness related to school opening – soccer/tennis/cross country practice, band camp, kindergarten camp, and classroom set up. All employees will return next week to finalize everything before class begins on August 31. We are excited to get the year off to a great start!

Updates for Wednesday, August 19

St. Croix Prep Community,

This communication will provide updated information related to our 2020-2021 school opening.

Apply for Child Care for the 2020-21 School Year

St. Croix Prep will offer child care/distance learning support during the 2020-21 school year to families who qualify as a Tier 1 essential worker. The YMCA will also offer on-site fee-based YCare child care before school, after school and on designated non-school days.

To be eligible for no cost child care during typical school hours:

You must have a student enrolled in St. Croix Prep.
You must qualify as a Tier 1 essential worker (as defined below).
You must provide proof of your eligibility with employer information.
Your child must be in kindergarten through 6th grade.

Once your application is approved, you will receive follow-up communication to complete your registration.

Tier 1 Essential Worker are limited to the following industries:

Healthcare and public health
Law enforcement, public safety and first responders
Food and agriculture
Judicial Branch (essential services)
National Guard (activated under a Governor Executive Order)
Educators in pre-K through grade 12 settings
School staff caring for children of critical workers