...we are thankful we have had very few positive cases at PACT. We believe that is due to our community’s commitment to social distancing, masking, and staying home when ill. Thank you to everyone for showing care for one another. Our data shows no evidence of the spread of COVID-19 happening in our classrooms, and for this, we are thankful.
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.
While there are many unknowns regarding the upcoming school year, the Minnesota Safe Learning Plan allows us to open in one of three formats based on county data and at the guidance of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH): In-Person, Hybrid, or Distance.
PACT will start the school year using the Hybrid Learning Plan for both Elementary and Secondary. We plan to evaluate trend data of COVID-19 and consider moving Elementary to in-person learning after the first four weeks of school if numbers improve. Significant improvement in numbers would need to be made to switch to an in-person model for Secondary.
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 to build character. The goal has been to create carefully layered, flexible, and developmentally appropriate practices to ensure a strong plan for our school community.
Safety
Academics
Character
Learning Plans
What to Expect
Health
Face Coverings
All students, staff, and visitors in the building or riding on school transportation vehicles are required to wear a face covering. Face coverings are meant to protect other people in case the wearer does not know they are infected.
Details are located in the In-Person and Hybrid learning plans.
Daily At-Home Health Screening
Each day your student comes to the building, parents/guardians will need to check for symptoms using this document as a checklist. The slips on the bottom will need to be turned in if your student rides the bus or drives themselves. Parents/Guardians can give a "thumbs-up" to the staff outside at carpool to indicate that they are symptom-free. If a student arrives and we do not get verification, PACT staff will do a temperature check.
When a Student Has COVID-19 Symptoms
State guidance says staff, students, and families should be educated about the signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Everyone is encouraged to self-monitor for those symptoms. If a student develops symptoms during the school day, they must notify the PACT Health Office. Staff and students who show COVID-19 symptoms need to stay home until they meet the criteria to return. The Minnesota Department of Health created an updated decision tree on what those criteria are. Learn more here.
Health Screening for COVID-19
The Minnesota Department of Health recommends testing for COVID-19 if there is a concern of transmission in the school or school community. Parent consent is needed to test any child under 18 for COVID-19. We will not be testing without parents’ knowledge and consent. The Health Office may take a temperature or ask a child about symptoms they are having in a similar way that is done in any other year with a child who is symptomatic with strep throat or the flu.
Transportation
Bus Routes
To maintain social distancing requirements on the bus, we encourage all of our families to drive their students to school. If you choose to take the bus, please be 5-7 minutes early to your stop. Complete this form to request bus transportation. Questions? Contact American Transportation at 651-621-8900.
Carpool
To create an efficient process for students to be released to carpool without congregating close in a large group, staff outside at carpool will enter the license plate number vehicles used to pick up your student. The teachers will be able to see when your vehicle has arrived and will dismiss your student directly to carpool. Please complete this form to register your vehicle(s) for student pick-up. All vehicles must go through the carpool line. Parents may not pick up their students by parking in the lot except for parents of Kindergarten students.
Technology
Tablets and Microphones
New microphones and tablets will broadcast lessons to provide a good experience to those learning from home. The microphones assist teachers in being heard while wearing a face-covering both at home and in the classroom.
Chromebooks
PACT has a 1:1 Chromebook program for all students grades K-12. Please review our Chromebook 1:1 Guide and consider the optional Chromebook Insurance.
Communication
PACT will share regular communication updates in one or more of the following ways:
- Website
- PACT Pilot E-News
- Social Media
Families should keep their most current contact information updated in Infinite Campus.
Resources
Behind the Decisions
We know this season is challenging for students and employees alike. Our decision-making approach is grounded in the health data from Anoka County and guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). As we develop policies, protocols, and procedures, we consider the unique needs, strengths, and culture our community needs.
