Greetings, Northfield Public Schools Families:
This brief update highlights two items: an update about the timeline for deciding what learning models we will use after winter break and an opportunity for you to provide feedback through our second pulse survey.
Governor Walz’s Announcement
Early this afternoon, the Governor announced plans to prioritize in-person learning at elementary schools across the state. This plan includes additional personal protective equipment requirements for staff, regular staff COVID-19 testing, and other mandated virus mitigation strategies. The plan requires a “rolling start” where a school can return up to three elementary grade levels back to campus at one time. Two weeks later, schools can bring in another three elementary grade levels.
Our understanding is that middle and high schools will continue to follow the original safe learning plan protocols governing learning model selections.
We are reviewing the details about implementing these new guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). We will share plans about the learning model(s) we will use after winter break with families on Friday evening. There are usually details not included in the announcement that can influence our decision-making. We are committed to getting you the most accurate information in a timely fashion.
Pulse Survey
We are committed to listening and responding to your experiences as a parent or guardian to student(s) in our school system. The feedback you provided in October led to our weekly parent support webinars that are intended to help you as our learning partners during these challenging times. It has also led to further standardization in how teachers present information to students via Schoology and SeeSaw.
Our partners at Studer Education are providing an opportunity for you to provide feedback anonymously, using the link below. The survey will take less than five minutes to complete. The survey will close at 5:00 pm on December 23, 2020. Please complete the survey once for each school building that your children attend.
» Click here to take the survey.
Your feedback will be used to celebrate our successes and to create action plans for improvement. Your input is valuable; please take a few minutes to complete the survey. When providing comments, please do your best to provide productive feedback. Productive feedback includes specificity in the comments and offers potential solutions to address your concerns. It also includes providing details to support your positive comments. We learn from both positive and critical feedback, using it to improve our school district’s service to students and families.
Thank you for your interest in and support of your child’s education with us. Please contact me if you have any questions concerning the survey.
Thank You!
Once again, thank you for your support of our schools during this difficult time. I am proud of how our community has come together during this global health pandemic.
Most Sincerely,
Matt Hillmann, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools