With a daughter in 2nd grade, I was dreading this letter… a change in their leaning model.  However, it appears my second grader will still be able to attend in-person learning.  Seventh through 12th graders… not so much:

Patriot families and staff –
I’m reaching out tonight with a message that I’ve been hoping I would not have to deliver. The time has come for Pequot Lakes Public Schools to shift learning models much like many of the districts around us  in central MN. Over this past weekend, the number of staff absent due to illness or needing to quarantine jumped significantly and we simply cannot sustain our regular operations in the current format.   Beginning Monday, November 9th, all students in grades 7-12 will begin distance learning full time and students in preschool – 6th grade will shift to the hybrid model. On Thursday, November 5th and Friday, November 6th, all three schools will be closed and there will be no instruction in order to provide staff with time to prepare for the shift. In the hybrid model for students in kindergarten – 6th grade, students
will continue to attend school five days a week with tighter protocols in place while at school. Preschool will follow their regular schedules. Families and staff should prepare for the possibility of distance learning however, as the number of cases impacting our schools continues to climb.

The letter went on to say:

Patriots, this is not a decision anyone wants to make. We want our students to be here in our schools where they learn best, but COVID knows no boundaries and we need to respond to the significant increase in cases to protect our students, staff, and the greater community. Thank you for continuing to support our students and staff. Take care, stay healthy, and go Patriots!
Sincerely,
Chris Lindholm
Superintendent

The letter continued.  If you have a child in ISD 186, check your email for more details.

Report Submitted by Tess Taylor