Superintendent's Message

Covid 19 Update/Shift in Learning Models

On January 19th, WM K-4 students will return to in-person learning and students in grades 5-12 will return to hybrid learning. Our WM administrative team met with our Regional Support Team on January 8th. That meeting was in collaboration with representatives from MN Department of Education (MDE), MN Department of Health (MDH) and Carver County Health Officials. Below is our approved Learning Model Changes:

January 18th- No School for all students PreK-12
January 19th- Students in K-4 will begin in-person learning
January 19th- Students in 5-12 will begin hybrid learning

Students who have elected distance learning by choice will not be impacted by this announcement.

Updates to Safe Learning Plan

Our district administration analyzed multiple pieces of data to determine a return to school (please see below). The data is in alignment with the Safe Learning Plan. To review current data, please review WM Covid-19 Dashboard / Homepage.

Student and Staff Covid-19 Case Rate Numbers

Carver County 14-day Covid-19 Case Rate Numbers

Mayer and Watertown Community Case Rate Numbers

Substitute Staff Numbers

Student and Safety Protocols

The following of our students and staff remain our priority. Please help us keep students in school by following state guidelines and continue to implement the recommendations from the MN Department of Health.

Wear a face covering when outside your home.

Maintain at least 6 feet of distance from persons not in your household, if possible.

Protect yourself and others by washing your hands often with soap and water, cover your cough or sneeze and avoid touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth.

Frequently clean all commonly touched surfaces.

If you are stick, stay home.

We are very excited to bring our students and staff back to school on January 19th. We want to take this opportunity to thank you for your patience and understanding as we switch learning models. Your support of WM Schools is appreciated and valued!

Together in Education,

Darren Schuler

Recent Return to School Updates

Superintendent Update 1.18.21

Return to School Plan

Return to School Quick Guide

Face Covering Guidelines

District Response Documents & MDH Resources

WM Covid Response Matrix

WM Communication Matrix

MDH Decision Tree

Carver County Vaccine Site

MDH Email for public inquiries

health.covid19@state.mn.us

Home Screening Tool

Attendance Guide for Parents & Families

Technology Support

Health and Safety

General Health & Safety

What if a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19?

We will follow guidance from the state and Carver County health department in our response to a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. If we receive confirmation that a student or employee has had a positive diagnosis, prompt action will be taken regarding possible quarantine/isolations and communication to families.

What health and safety measures will be in place?

• All MDH and CDC guidelines will be followed

• Mandatory masks for students and adults

• Encourage social distancing - reinforced with signage

• Hand sanitizing stations and routine hand washing in classrooms where sinks are available

• Routine cleaning during the school day of all high traffic and common areas, and nightly deep cleaning of all facilities

• Enhancement to air handling equipment to increase fresh air and improve filtration

What symptoms should I watch for?

• New onset cough or shortness of breath

• Loss of sense of smell or taste

• Gastrointestinal symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting or nausea

• Fever 100.4°F or higher

• Chills

• Muscle pain

• Sore throat

• Headache and fatigue

What will the health office look like?

Each school will have a nurse working on site. There will be two rooms for the health office. One room will be used for day to day, non-COVID related medical needs. A second room will be used for any student exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms. Both spaces will be cleaned and disinfected daily and between student use.

Learning Model

Learning Models

What will the learning model be?

Based on the current data from Carver County, the state has directed Watertown-Mayer Public Schools to open schools using the following learning models:

Elementary: In-person, 5-day per week instruction
Middle & High School: Hybrid, two days per week in-person, three days distance learning

Will the learning model change?

The number of current COVID-19 cases in Carver County may fluctuate. As they do, we may be required to switch to a different learning model as directed by the State and County. The learning models are described in the Return to School Plan.

I’m uncomfortable with sending my student to school, what are my options?

Parents with students in all grades will have the option to opt out of in-person instruction for their child(ren) and Watertown-Mayer Public Schools will provide a distance learning education for those students. This Distance Learning model will be even more enhanced and interactive when compared to the distance learning that finished out the 2019-2020 school year.

Covid-19 Site (2020-2021)

Superintendent's Message

Recent Return to School Updates

Archived Updates

Previous District Updates

District Response Documents & MDH Resources

Technology Support

Health and Safety

General Health & Safety

Learning Model

Learning Models