Win-E-Mac Distance Learning Update
March 20th, 2020
Developments with COVID-19 and directives by Governor Walz have greatly impacted all of our lives. Win-E-Mac teachers and staff have been working hard to prepare for a possible distance learning model in the future. We are in the process of designing a plan where teachers will still be creating and delivering lessons and being available to support and interact with our students through distance learning.
In the event that Governor Walz announces we will be moving forward with distance learning on March 30th, 2020, we will be implementing the following:
Teachers responsibilities:
Communicate and interact with students and families
Continue to support Special Education and mental health needs
Continue to provide daily curriculum, lessons and assignments
Continue to deliver instruction
Provide technology tools (iPads and chromebooks)
Continue to help with student questions
Take daily attendance
Student responsibilities:
Interact with your teacher/lessons daily
High school: Be available from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday
Elementary school: When possible, be available from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday
Complete and return assignments
Take care of and charge your iPads and Chromebooks, be ready for the day’s instruction
Reach out to your teachers for help
Parent/Guardian responsibilities:
Provide and allow for a quiet learning environment
Monitor the completion of the daily assignments
Ensure students are available during the distance learning day from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Support students in their learning tasks; however, we are not asking you to teach the lesson
Communicate with teachers when you or your student need help using email or your current mode of communication
Contact Garden Valley if you do not have internet access at home. GVT is offering free access for Win-E-Mac students without WiFi services. (800) 448 - 8260
The Win-E-Mac school and staff are here to support students and families of our district. Take advantage of this next week to stay home and spend quality time together. We continue to be committed to provide quality education to our students and families during these difficult times
Superintendent Notes
By Randy Bruer
Win-E-Mac School
From the Governors “stay at home order” for 2 weeks, the Win-E-Mac School will begin its Distance learning plan on Monday, March 30 continuing through May 4th. Your teachers will connect with you to begin the process. Employees of the school are considered essential people to the work that needs to be done. Students will be required to take part in the work provided by your teachers. Meal delivery will continue as started last week. If you have any questions, please call the District Office @ 218-563-2900.
What “stay at home’’ means for students, staff and online learning
Minnesota public school students face at least five more weeks away from school under new orders Wednesday from Gov. Tim Walz. In an effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, teachers across the state on Monday will begin implementing distance learning plans they’ve been developing since last week. Most students have been out of school and without teacher instruction since March 16.
Education Commissioner Mary Cathryn Ricker expects that when distance learning starts Monday, schools will meet the learning needs of all students, including English language learners, those on special-education plans and homeless students. At the same time, schools must continue providing free meals on days when classes are scheduled, as well as offering on-site care for the children of workers in critical fields, such as healthcare.
Schools districts are to post their distance learning plans online by Friday.
Minnesota State High School League: No high school spring sports until May 4 at earliest
High school spring sports practice and games will be suspended at least until May 4, extending the current shutdown to remain in step with the closing of Minnesota schools.
The announcement Wednesday by the Minnesota State High School League came moments after Gov. Tim Walz’s 2 p.m. briefing, during which he ordered state residents to stay at home and limit movements outside their homes beyond essential needs for two weeks beginning Saturday. School buildings will be closed throughout April while districts deploy distance learning to May 4, all in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The league said no decisions have been made “at this time’’ about canceling spring sports for the season.
Healthy employees and Parents can protect themselves and others
• Practice social distancing. Keep at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and other people. See the CDC website for more information on how to protect yourself.
• Wash hands often.
• Don’t touch eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your cough.
• Monitor for symptoms and stay home if you get sick, except to get medical care. Call ahead before visiting your doctor