Our Commitment
PACT is committed to providing students and employees with a safe community in which to learn and grow. Expectations for collective safety and well-being efforts will be communicated, supported with policies and procedures, and reinforced with visual reminders.
Because studying and working together is a privilege, we ask that each community member commits to caring well for one another this year. By prioritizing each other’s health, we’ll demonstrate what it means to be students of character.
Because studying and working together is a privilege, we ask that each community member commits to caring well for one another this year. By prioritizing each other’s health, we’ll demonstrate what it means to be students of character.
Our Focus
PACT is committed to providing a safe environment, quality education, and building character. The goal has been to create carefully layered, flexible, and developmentally appropriate practices to ensure a strong plan for our school community.
Safety
The health and safety of our students and staff are a top priority. Plans will reflect required guidance from the CDC.
Academics
We will promote high academic achievement for all students.
Character
We will model positive character development through teaching PACT's character traits.
Learning Plan
Safe Return to In-Person Learning Plan
PACT Charter School will utilize this plan to aid in maintaining the health and safety of students, educators, and other staff. This plan addresses the extent to which PACT is following the safety recommendations established by the CDC.
This plan was approved by the PACT School Board of Directors on June 3, 2021, and was posted for public comment on June 8, 2021. The plan was again updated by the School Board on February 3, 2022, and posted below.
If you would like to submit a public comment, please visit the form linked below.
This plan was approved by the PACT School Board of Directors on June 3, 2021, and was posted for public comment on June 8, 2021. The plan was again updated by the School Board on February 3, 2022, and posted below.
If you would like to submit a public comment, please visit the form linked below.
Questions?
Learning plans will be updated as needed. Questions? Contact Amy Erendu, Executive Director of Education, or Josh Nyquist, Executive Director of Operations.
Community Expectations
This Safe Return to In-Person Learning Plan aims to communicate the COVID-19 mitigation strategies that are implemented at PACT Charter School. This plan is developed with input from the Best Practice Recommendations for COVID-19 Prevention in Schools for the 2021-2022 School Year that the Minnesota Department of Education sent out on July 28, 2021. This plan describes how PACT will maintain the health and safety of students, educators, and other staff while on school property and the extent to which it has adopted policies, and a description of any such policies, on each of the following safety recommendations established by the CDC. This plan includes requirements outlined in the American Rescue Plan Act Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund. PACT’s Safe Return to In-Person Learning Plan reflects the school’s commitment to partner with families in making choices that are best for their students. The PACT School Board of Directors approved the plan and updates made to the plan. The administration can implement any COVID-19 mandate directed by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) or the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to be reviewed at the next School Board of Directors meeting.
Face Coverings
Staff, students, and visitors are recommended, not required, to wear face coverings in PACT buildings or at PACT events. Those choosing to wear face coverings should follow this resource from the CDC for the correct way to wear a mask.
Handling a Suspected or Confirmed Case of COVID-19
Suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in PACT programming will be reported to the Minnesota Department of Education as required in the Reportable Disease Rule.
Health Screening, Isolation, and Quarantine
Students, staff, and visitors need to stay home if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive for COVID-19. A Visitor and Employee Health Screening Checklist is posted at the event entrance to help guests understand the symptoms of COVID-19 and whether or not they should attend the event.
Close Contact Tracing
When there is a case of COVID-19, PACT will follow the close contact tracing procedures to communicate with employees and families of students who may have been a close contact with someone who has COVID-19. This will be done through a chart that is updated on the school website.
Hand Hygiene Practices
There will be instruction, signage, facilities, and supplies to encourage regular hand washing and sanitizing. For large outdoor events, facilities will provide sanitizing stations at the entrances.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
The facilities department will follow their established schedule for cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces.
Facilities, Utilities, and Ventilation
The PACT facility must be monitored periodically to ensure ventilation is provided throughout the building. The facility must minimize recirculation during indoor events and school days.
Physical Distancing
The facility will not be modified for physical distancing.
Diagnostic and Screening Testing
COVID-19 Testing opportunities available in the broader community are communicated to families and staff through the newsletter.
Efforts to Provide Vaccinations to School Communities
Vaccination opportunities available in the broader community are communicated to families and staff through the newsletter.
Appropriate Accommodations for Children with Disabilities with Respect to Health and Safety Policies
Staff make appropriate accommodations as needed for children with disabilities in understanding and following health and safety policies. When necessary, these accommodations will be part of a student's IEP or 504 plan.
Continuity of Services
Students' academic needs and students' and staff’s social, emotional, mental health, and other needs are addressed through various programs throughout the school. These services will be continued regardless of the learning format of PACT. If PACT is required to go into a hybrid or distance learning model, previously developed plans will be initiated. This includes plans to continue meal services.
ARP ESSER III LEA Spending Plan Reporting
The American Rescue Plan and the federal government’s Interim Final Rule outline the requirements regarding spending ESSER III funds and public reporting. LEAs must publicly share their spending plans, including specifics about (i) their plans to spend on COVID-related health and safety, (ii) 20% of funds to address the impact of lost learning time, and (iii) plans for the more flexible 80% and (iv) how the LEA will ensure that the interventions will respond to the academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs of students disproportionally impacted by the pandemic, including students from low-income families, students of color, English learners, children with disabilities, students experiencing homelessness, children in foster care, and migratory students.
To help LEAs avoid additional compliance activities related to this requirement, MDE has published all submitted ARP ESSER III (finance codes 160 & 161) applications and provided a guide on where to find the answers to (i)-(iv) in the applications. For more information, visit https://education.mn.gov/
Communication
PACT will share regular communication updates in one or more of the following ways:
- Website
- PACT Pilot E-News
Behind the Decisions
We know this season is challenging for students and employees alike. Our decision-making approach is grounded in guidelines from CDC. As we develop policies, protocols, and procedures, we consider the unique needs, strengths, and culture our community needs.
Questions?
Questions about COVID-19 and PACT's response plan should be directed to Josh Nyquist, COVID-19 Program Coordinator. Email: j.nyquist@pactcharter.org.