Dear Northfield Public Schools Families,
Thank you, for your patience, understanding, support, and forgiveness during this difficult time for all of us. I am grateful for the collaboration and the amazing efforts of our students and families, teachers, administrators, and support staff during this global pandemic health crisis. As a reminder, Schools will close on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, through at least the end of spring break. This is a time for students and families to engage in social distancing and follow the strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19as recommended by the Minnesota Department of Health.
Please review previous messages from the district for more information regarding
- Child care for emergency and health care workers
- Internet access needs
- Gathering information on family needs, and
- Distance learning planning
Food distribution for students in need. We will begin food distribution for students this week on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, March 18-20, 2020, from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm. The service will be “drive-through” at Greenvale Park, Sibley, and Northfield High School and any site is available to students regardless of which school they attend. We also accept walk-ups or bikers. Students will be provided with a “grab and go” breakfast and lunch and must be present to pick up meals.
Next week, during spring break, we will offer this service on Monday, March 23, Wednesday, March 25, and Friday, March 27, 2020, from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm. Service on these dates will take place only at Greenvale Park Elementary. Again, the site is available to students regardless of which school they attend. We also accept walk-ups or bikers. Students will be provided with a “grab and go” breakfast and lunch and must be present to pick up meals. Students will pick up two meals on Monday and Wednesday and one meal on Friday.
» Download the flier about food distribution.
It has been heartwarming to hear from so many of you who have inquired what you can do to help. We know food insecurity is a concern for many families. We suggest we help our neighbors by calling our local food shelves and ask if they need financial or other supports.
Distance learning. As schools close, our District will shift to finalizing our plans for distance learning that would start in Northfield no earlier than March 31, 2020. We will send more details as the plan is finalized next week. You can continue to expect daily updates. Again, see the COVID-19 Update for Families No. 6 for preliminary resources.
This is a stressful time for our community, state, and nation. And that stress shows no signs of abating. Please take care of yourself and your loved ones. I am grateful for your understanding, support, patience, and forgiveness in this rapidly changing situation. We will get through this together. I am thankful for each and every one of you.
Sincerely,
Matt Hillmann, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools