Thank you, Mrs. Ovadje, for the colorful reminder!
Archives for November 2020
Tiger of the Week: Landon Butler
Tiger of the Week: Adri Rhoda
Activities: November 16-21, 2020
Click Here to View This Week’s Activity Schedule
For more information about the HHS Activities Department – Click Here
Click Here for Spectator Guidelines
Tiger Pride!
Learning Model Decision Factors
By Daron VanderHeiden, Superintendent
The two things people are probably most tired of hearing about is COVID-19 and political ads. I really wanted to stay away from these topics, however, I need to address the COVID-19 issue as it pertains to how the District determines which learning model (in-person, hybrid, or distance learning) is appropriate.
The District determines the appropriate learning model based on a set of factors and guidelines the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) have established statewide for all k-12 public schools. There is some local control; however, school districts must strictly adhere to the established parameters. I would describe the decision making process as part science and part art due to the local subjective nuances. The following factors are considered when determining our learning model.
County 14-day Case Rates: This is an important data factor; however, it is not the only factor in making a learning model decision. The numbers posted each week represent the number of confirmed cases per 10,000 residents in the county over a 14-day period. The numbers are two weeks old when posted (they are not from the two-week period in real-time at the time they are published). The delay in posting numbers is due to MDH vetting and analyzing the numbers to ensure confirmed cases are attached to the correct county in which the individual resides. The county 14-day case rate can also be very misleading, as numbers may be driven by a specific outbreak in another part of the county that has little or no impact on our school community.
District COVID-19 Case Rates: The District tracks and analyzes the number of confirmed cases within our own school community including staff and students. This number can be more important than the county case rate. During the first two months of school, the District was very fortunate to see very few confirmed cases. However, we have seen an increase in the past week or so, similar to what is happening in our region.
Implementation of COVID-19 Safety Plan: The implementation of our safety plan is another critical factor in determining our learning model. The Hutchinson Public School staff is doing a remarkable job implementing our safety plan, including mask wearing, social distancing, and hygiene practices. Our nursing staff is doing an excellent job following protocols with the cases we have had and have not allowed those cases to spread to the larger student bodies within our buildings. Students and parents are being supportive and good partners in helping us implement our safety plan.
Regional COVID-19 Support Team: Hutchinson Public Schools works directly with a Regional COVID-19 support team with individuals from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Health. The District consults and relies on the expertise of these individuals before transitioning to a different learning model.
Please know, the District’s first and most important priority is the health and safety of our students and staff. This priority is always at the forefront of all of our decisions. As we learn more about the virus and how it impacts our school community, we make adjustments to our protocols and practices.
I look forward to the day all of our kids are back in school, this pandemic is behind us, and we can focus all of our efforts on student achievement and success.
Learning Model & School Calendar Changes Effective 11/13/20
The Covid-19 virus is currently spreading quickly through our community (with a County-wide projected case rate of up to 100 by the end of November). Due to the extreme change in case rates, Hutchinson Public Schools will make the following learning model and school calendar changes effective on Friday, November 13, 2020.
Elementary Schools (PreK – Grade 5)
- Friday, November 13: No school for students (Hybrid Learning planning time for teachers)
- Monday, November 16 – 20: Follow Hybrid Learning Schedule
- Friday, November 20: End of Trimester 1
- November 23 – 25: No school for students (Distance Learning planning time for teachers)
- November 26 – 27: Thanksgiving Break, no school for students or staff
- Monday, November 30: Begin Distance Learning
Secondary Schools (Grades 6-12)
- Friday, November 13: No school for students (Distance Learning planning time for Tri 1)
- Monday, November 16 – 20: Begin Distance Learning
- Friday, November 20: End of Trimester 1
- November 23 – 25: No school for students (Distance Learning planning time for Tri 2)
- November 26 – 27: Thanksgiving Break, no school for students or staff
- Monday, November 30: Continue Distance Learning
At this time, we plan to be in Distance Learning (beginning November 16 for grades 6-12 and beginning November 30 for PreK-grade 5) through December. However, county, community, and school district case rates will continue to be closely monitored. We will work with our Covid-19 regional support team to determine when we can have students safely return to school.
Please continue your efforts in supporting social distancing, mask wearing, and hand washing. Before leaving home, screen yourself and your children. If symptoms are present, please stay home.
Stay safe and take care.
Tigers of the Week: Ty Glaser & Madilyn Gehrke
Activities: November 9 – 14, 2020
Click Here to View This Week’s Activity Schedule
For more information about the HHS Activities Department – Click Here
Click Here for Spectator Guidelines
Tiger Pride!
Learning Model Change for Secondary Students Effective 11/9/20
The Hutchinson Middle and High School will be transitioning from the in-person learning model to the hybrid learning model starting on Monday, November 9 (A-Day, student day). Please follow the hybrid schedule (click here for hybrid calendar). This transition is necessary due to the recent COVID-19 outbreaks in our community. In the past week, our student body has been impacted through gatherings outside the school day. On Friday, November 6, middle school and high school students will not have school, as this day will be designated as a professional development day for secondary staff to prepare for the transition to hybrid learning. Elementary students will have a regular school day on Friday, November 6.
The District has not seen the same COVID-19 case rate impacts with elementary students. Elementary schools will remain in the in-person learning model for the time being. However, if we see increases in elementary age children we may be forced to transition to hybrid and/or distant learning.
We will continue to closely monitor the county level and community COVID-19 case rates and the implementation of our safety plan. Our first priority continues to be keeping our students and staff safe and healthy.
It is critical to screen your children before they leave for school each day and if they are exhibiting symptoms, please keep them home.
This virus moves and spreads quickly, which requires us to change and transition at the same rate. I apologize for the short notice and the hardship this may place on your family. The District wants all of our students back in school and will do so when it is safe and appropriate to make this change. Please continue your efforts in supporting social distancing, mask wearing, and hand washing. The District appreciates your support and partnership.