District 197 Early Learning Program

Urgent Update For Families Regarding COVID-19  |  Posted on 03/15/2020

Dear School District 197 Families,

This morning, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz declared that all Minnesota schools will be closed to students from Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, April 3. School District 197 will remain open on Monday, March 16 but close to students on Tuesday, March 17 to provide staff with time to plan for the care of children of healthcare workers and establish a food distribution plan. It is important to note that the closure is not due to a threat of COVID-19 in our schools at this time but rather the need to provide staff with time to develop comprehensive distance learning plans in the event of a longer closure. 

What does this mean for our families?

• Your children will not be in school Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, April 3.

• School-Age Care will not be available from March 17-April 3. Please make alternate arrangements for childcare.

• If you are a healthcare worker or emergency services worker, we will be providing free childcare for School District 197 students in all-day preschool through age 12 regardless of whether they currently receive childcare. We will be sending out a survey later this afternoon. 

• If your child does not attend school on Monday, March 16, their absence will be excused. The schools will be providing opportunities at a later date to pick up learning materials and technology. Please do not try to pick up materials on March 16 or 17.

• The district is currently planning for food distribution during the closure.
   

We know this is a very uncertain time for all of you. We will continue to reach out with information including learning materials/technology distribution and food distribution as it becomes available. We will also post updates to the district homepage at www.isd197.org. Our best wishes to all of you during this confusing and trying time.

Peter Olson-Skog

Superintendent