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Updates for Friday, August 14
This communication will provide additional information related to our school meetings this week.
Thank you for Participating in our Webinar!
On Wednesday, over 200 people participated in our webinar which highlighted the learning model decision criteria evaluated by the board and the many ways St. Croix Prep has prepared for the upcoming school year. This included discussion of facilities, new technology, and the many new health services procedures. Nearly 100 questions were answered; and just as important, we received many great ideas on ways to meet and support the needs of our students and families. Thank you!
MN Safe Learning Plan - Revisited
- NOTE: As discussed in our board meeting and webinar, the most critical factor impacting learning models appears to 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 13 Washington County case rate is 16.66. Per the MDH, the following is the Washington County historical case rate data:
- July 19 to August 1 – 16.66
- July 12 to July 25 – 15.71
- July 5 to July 18 – 15.00
- June 28 to July 11 – 12.71
- June 21 to July 4 – 10.74
Future Communications
We will continue to communicate information related to Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan. AND, since our first day of school is on August 31, you will now be receiving a lot of communication related to preparation for that first day. This information will come from this newsletter and from those published by each of the Principals/Directors.
Emergency Childcare
In Executive Order 20-82, Governor Walz directed schools to provide free childcare during school hours to children of emergency workers, which the Minnesota Department of Education has further defined in the document, “School-Age Care for Children of Emergency Workers.” The State is also allowing districts to provide fee-based extended care to that same population for emergency worker parents who require longer coverage. St. Croix Prep staff will provide on-site distant learning support to eligible students, during scheduled school hours. Children of Tier 1 Emergency Workers, as defined by Governor Walz’s Executive Order are eligible for on-site distance learning support. At present, Tier 1 Emergency Workers are as follows:
- Healthcare and public health
- Law enforcement, public safety and first responders
- Food and agriculture
- Judicial Branch (essential services)
- National Guard
- Educators and school staff caring for children of any critical worker
- Child care providers caring for children of any critical worker
You will be asked to provide verification of employment (letter from your employer or recent pay-stub) when registering your child(ren). Registration for Distance Learning Support will be available next week.
YCare Availability to St. Croix Prep Families.
The YMCA will offer fee-based extended (before and after school) childcare each weekday and school release day, in the St. Croix Prep cafeteria. Exact hours and registration information will be shared next week. This is open to all K-6 St. Croix Prep students.
Chromebooks Available to Checkout
To improve students’ distance-learning experience, the school will checkout Chromebooks to families. At this time, the school has a limited number of devices available to be checked out. Chromebook request forms will be made available next week.
Tommy Hilfiger Uniform Sale
Tommy Hilfiger is offering a 10% off and free shipping promotional sale for our families from Monday, August 10 through Sunday, August 16. Click here to shop. No coupon necessary.
Go Green Used Uniform Sale
Tuesday, August 18 from 4:30-7:30 pm
The Go Green Used Uniform Sale will be on Tuesday, August 18 from 4:30-7:30 pm in the cafeteria. More details to follow!
Want to Join Our Team? St. Croix Prep is Hiring!
St. Croix Prep is hiring two Lower School classroom Educational Assistants and also Student Support Educational Assistants. Click here to apply.
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.
Immunizations for Fall
As a school we are required to follow the Minnesota Immunization Law which states students need certain immunizations prior to attending school. Families who choose not to immunize their children need a notarized conscientious objection or a physician signed medical exemption on file at school.
The pandemic has created issues with children receiving their immunizations so please reach out to your clinic now if your student will need immunizations to start school (usually kindergarten and 7th grade). You may need to request an immunization only appointment initially and be seen for a well child check at a later date.
Immunizations rates are down across the globe which can put communities at risk for an outbreak of pertussis, measles or other vaccine preventable disease. Please contact your healthcare provider now to make sure your child is up-to-date.
Immunization dates can be emailed to nurse@stcroixprep.org, faxed to 651-395-5901, or dropped off in the Main Office at school. A printout of immunizations from your clinic is preferred, or you can use this form. The form is what you will use to report conscientious or medical exemption. Thank you for helping us keep children safe and healthy!
Questions? Please email Nurse Candace.
Fall Sports Registration Update
On August 4, the MSHSL voted Return to Participation for the following sports: Boys and Girls Soccer, Girls Tennis and Cross Country. The fall season will have a reduction in the length of season and number of games/matches/meets. Football and Volleyball have been moved to a season that will run from March to early May. The start date for all fall sports is August 17.
Registration for Fall Sports is open on SchoolPay.
The following are the steps for registration:
- Pay the sports fee.
- Fill out the online emergency contact information.
- Reminder – All students participating in an athletic program must have a valid Minnesota State High School League physical on file with the Activities Office. The MSHSL approved the extension of the expiration date of the Three-Year Physical Clearance. The physical form can be found here. Please email Beth Grubisch if you are unsure if your child has a physical on file.
Families will be required to complete the following prior to participating in practices. Students WILL NOT be able to attend or participate in practices without ALL items (registration, physical, forms and waivers) completed:
- Fill out/turn in the MSHSL eligibility forms.
- Fill out/turn in the MSHSL health questionnaire. Click here for the questionnaire.
- Fill out/turn in the COVID-19 Preparedness form. Click here for the form.
- Fill out/turn in any additional waivers required.
- NOTE: these three forms will be emailed to families of registered students once the forms are finalized. Forms are also available on the school website.
Other Athletic Season Changes
The MSHSL made additional changes to the upcoming school year athletic seasons during their meeting on August 4. Below is a summary of those changes:
- Football and Volleyball will be played during a winter/spring season that will take place during the months of March and April.
- Spring sports (baseball, softball, lacrosse, track and golf) will start in May. That spring season will end in late June or July.
- The spring sports that lost their seasons to cancellation this last spring will be given the opportunity to have practices during a portion of this coming fall season.
- Football and volleyball will also be permitted to have practices during the upcoming fall season.
Specific information about how each team will handle these changes will be made available in the next week.
Registration Now Open for Middle School Theater
Students in grades 5-8 who are interested in this year’s adapted MS theater productions should sign up on SchoolPay or email Ms. Mittag with questions or for more information. Rehearsals will start Sept 8.
Registration Now Open for Debate
Students can sign up for Debate on SchoolPay. There will be a Zoom informational meeting on September 2, 2020 at 6:00 pm. Email Mr. Davis for an invitation to the Zoom meeting.