COVID-19 Information
COVID-19 Update (3/26)
Dear Families-
Thank you for a good week at ROCORI Schools. Today will be a short update! Enjoy your weekend!
COVID Numbers:
Summary- Our county numbers are up with pockets/clusters throughout the County. The variant B 117 has been found in Stearns County. Where those specific cases are is not being reported. The mitigation strategies are the same for the variants. ROCORI has stayed consistent between the numbers 13-15 over the past 4 weeks. Our school numbers continue to ebb and flow with a downward trend this past week.
As reported by Stearns County on 3-25-2021
Stearns County: 21.74
ROCORI Area: 13.42
ROCORI Schools as Reported on 3-26-2021
Active Cases- 7 students, 0 staff (6 RMS/RHS students and 1 elementary student)
Quarantine-30 students, 0 staff
Vaccine-
Starting Tuesday, March 30th Minnesotans aged 16 and up will have access to vaccination.
https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/whos-getting-vaccinated/index.jsp
Testing:
Informational
Minnesota families will be offered free COVID testing from CUE. See information from MDH and CUE about this testing option.
MDH: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools/testing.html
CUE: https://www.cuehealth.com/what-is-cue/how-cue-detects-covid-19/
Summer School:
I miss spoke last week on Summer School. K-5 Summer School will be in July and August. RMS and RHS summer programming will happen in June and August.
Go Spartans!
Brad Kelvington,
Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (3/19)
Dear ROCORI Families!
We are thrilled to have your children on campus to start the third trimester. ROCORI appreciates the partnership and patience you as families have shown during the past year. It has been a couple of weeks since I have communicated with you so there may be a few more bits of information than normal.
COVID Numbers:
Summary: The County and District numbers are low which is great in comparison to December. Over the past three weeks we have seen an uptick of student cases at the Secondary building. We are monitoring closely. The best way to slow any potential outbreak at this time is to social distance, wear a mask, stay home if your a sick and wash hands and clean high touch areas.
As reported by Stearns County on 3-18-2021
Stearns County: 14.86
ROCORI: 11.86
ROCORI Schools
COVID Cases- 12 students, 0 staff (all students are at the Secondary building)
Quarantine-89 students, 2 staff
As reported by Stearns County on 3-11-2021
Stearns County: 13.4
ROCORI: 23.7
ROCORI Schools
COVID Cases Students 4 Staff 0
Quarantine Students 64 Staff 2
As reported by Stearns County on 3-4-11
Stearns County: 14.6
ROCORI Area: 22.9
ROCORI Schools
COVID Cases: 2 students 0 staff
Quarantine: 32 students 2 staff
Summer School Calendar:
We are planning for summer school to start for K-8 on July 13th and run through August 19th. Summer school will generally be Tues., Wed. and Thurs. Credit recovery for students in grades 9-12 will be in June and August. Watch for invites and details from your child's school.
COVID Testing for Kids & Families:
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools/testing.html
Vaccination:
https://vaccineconnector.mn.gov/
https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/data/index.jsp
Kingergarten Registration 2021:
If you have a child that will be 5 before September 1st, 2021 please see the link below to get registered. Have questions or need help...please call 320-685-4951 or email ashfeldl@rocori.k12.mn.us
https://rocori.wufoo.com/forms/rocori-kindergarten-registration-20212022/
Quarantine:
We are adding the 7 day option, made available in December by the CDC, due to testing results coming back quicker, vaccinations, the impending 3 ft. rule for social distancing in schools and our diligence on mask wearing.
It is a choice the family makes and you will never be a requested by us as a staff to be tested. Below is an example of the language you would see from us due to an exposure on 3-11-2021.
As a close contact, your child will need to stay home from school and not take part in any activities/sports. Your child is eligible for return to school in 7 to 14 days based off which criteria they fit into. Please reference the list below to determine when your child can return to school.
7-day quarantine:
- Student was identified as a close contact from someone that is not a member of their household.
- Student has not had any symptoms of COVID-19
- Student has taken a PCR COVID-19 test on or after: 3/16/21
- Student has received a negative PCR test
- RETURN TO SCHOOL DATE: 3/19/21
10-day quarantine:
- Student was identified as a close contact from someone that is not a member of their household.
- Student has not had any symptoms of COVID-19
- Student has opted not to test for COVID-19
- RETURN TO SCHOOL DATE: 3/22/21
14-day quarantine:
- Student was identified as a close contact from someone that is a household member OR
- Student was identified as a close contact from an activity where masks were not worn OR
- Student has developed symptoms of COVID-19 (Negative test or alternate diagnosis required to return on day 14 depending on amount or severity of symptoms)
- RETURN TO SCHOOL DATE: 3/26/21
ROCORI Schools is going to continue the practice of online learning that it started with in the Fall of 2020. If your student wants to go online (distance learn), they can do that through Edgenuity but must stay in that program for the entire trimester.
Have a great weekend! Be well and be safe!
Go Spartans!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID Update (2/26)
Dear ROCORI Families-
Calendar:
Here is the school calendar for March
Safety:
Our students have been back for two weeks and we are hoping March comes in like a lamb and goes out like one as well. Safety or our students and staff is priority number one!
Of all the necessary mitigation steps needed to slow the spread of COVID-19, in school, staying home if you are ill is # 1. Isolation and quarantine work to slow the spread. Please keep you children home if they are showing COVID-19 symptoms. I know it is difficult to do that after all the time lost but it is necessary to do in order to protect the other students, staff and their families.
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus and are what to watch for.
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
COVID Numbers as Reported by Stearns County Health:
Summary: Our County and area are continuing a downward trend. We have seen an uptick in the school setting that we are monitoring very closely. We continue to act quickly in isolating and quarantining students and staff. A large number of the quarantine students will be back with us early next week.
For data from 1-31 to 2-13
Stearns County: 16.77
ROCORI Area: 17.37
ROCORI Schools
Active Cases: 10 (students only)
Quarantine: 140 (Staff and students)
Quarantine
We have had some questions that I want to provide answers for in regards to quarantine, vaccines and having had COVID-19 already.
1-Staff and Students who have had COVID-19
If someone has recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days and is exposed again, they do not need to quarantine if:
ALL of the following are true:
- Their illness was laboratory confirmed in the past 90 days.
- They have fully recovered.
- They do not currently have any symptoms of COVID-19.
2-Staff or a student who has been vaccinated
If someone has completed COVID-19 vaccination (two doses in a two-dose series or one dose in a one dose series) and is exposed, they do not need to quarantine if:
ALL of the following are true:
- The COVID-19 exposure was at least 14 days after their vaccination series was fully completed.
- The COVID-19 exposure was within 90 days of their final dose of the vaccination series.
- They do not currently have any symptoms of COVID-19.
ROCORI Schools works with each student and or staff member to determine the length of a quarantine. Quarantine lengths are 14 days, 10 days and in some circumstances may be 7 days. There are many variables that come into play so please ask questions if you get a quarantine notice. We will be happy to walk you through them.
Vaccine:
Minnesota Vaccine information Center:
https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/
Federal website to help your families and friend find vaccination centers nationally.
Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA's)
Minnesota Schools are going to be required to give the annual MCA tests. We are waiting on further guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education. There are many questions left to be answered on this and we will be sure to let you know our plans as they become final.
Please continue to be safe by wearing your mask, cleaning high touch areas, wash your hands frequently, social distance, and stay home if you are ill.
Have a nice weekend!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID Update (2/19)
Happy Friday ROCORI Families!
It is so nice to see the kids outside playing in the sun and snow. The cold snap that forced us hearty Minnesota's inside was long enough. It has also been so nice to see the Secondary School busy. This week is the first time since March 12th, 2020 that we have been all together. Judging by our high attendance rate of over 90% the kids are happy to see the other half of the alphabet as well! Thank you for your patience as we accomplished this goal!
COVID Numbers this week as reported by Stearns County on 2-18-2021:
Stearns County: 19.07
ROCORI: 19.74
We have not been below these numbers since last September. Please do not let down with the universal precautions of masking, social distancing, washing of hands, cleaning of high touch areas, and staying home if you are ill. Failure here will put us back where we were back in late November-December.
ROCORI Schools as of 2-18-2021:
Active Cases: 2 cases of staff and students
Quarantine: 52 students and staff
Activities and Events:
As the season progresses from winter to spring, ROCORI is planning for all co-curricular activities to continue. We are also planning for milestone events like prom and graduation. Details on those events will come from the Secondary School communications. Please watch those informational newsletters closely for details.
Vaccine
ROCORI Schools continues to partner with Stearns County and MDH to deliver information. Please feel free to share this information with your family, friends and neighbors. The State of Minnesota announced the launch of the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector, which is a tool that helps Minnesotans find out when, where and how to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/connector/
Other resources:
CDC FAQ on COVID Vaccines:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html
Stearns County COVID Vaccine webpage:
https://www.stearnscountymn.gov/1501/COVID-19-Vaccine
MDH Vaccine Data Dashboard:
https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/data/index.jsp
21-22 School Calendar
Attached is the proposed calendar for the 21-22 school year. The ROCORI School Board will approve the calendar at the February 22nd meeting.
2021-22 Calendar Proposed v.2.xlsx
Thank you for your continued support and patience as we accomplished our goal of getting our kids back in school!
Have a great weekend!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID Update (2/5)
ROCORI Families-
It has been a good week at ROCORI Schools. Having our PK-9 students in person all week has made it feel closer to normal. Looking forward to 10-12 being here on 2-16. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we have navigated school over the past five months. I was able to walk the buildings this week and I am proud of our students and staff for following the approved plan that allows us to be in person. Keep up the great job!
COVID Numbers:
Our numbers at ROCORI schools have lowered in the past week. Our attendance rate was also very high especially at the Middle School this week. The County and ROCORI area COVID numbers are holding steady. Mitigation strategies are working. Please continue mask wearing, hand washing, cleaning, distancing and staying home when you are ill. It has been a great partnership to get us to this point and we want it to continue.
As reported by Stearns County 2-4-2021
Stearns County: 31.88
ROCORI: 31.59
ROCORI Schools…numbers include staff and students.
Jan. 28 Numbers
Active Cases: 7
Quarantine: 75
Feb. 4 Numbers
Active Cases: 2
Quarantine: 22
Cold Weather
After coming off a warm January we are looking at two weeks of cold in February. This past week...I witnessed students in shorts even. That will NOT work the next couple of weeks. Kids should be wearing pants, hats, gloves, jackets and proper foot wear during these cold times. We never know when a bus will break down or a fire alarm will go off and kids need to have warm clothes on in preparation. Thank you for your help on this as we want our kids safe at school, in a vehicle or at home.
Have a safe and relaxing weekend!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID Update (1/29)
ROCORI Families-
This will be a short update since you heard from me earlier in the week!
COVID Numbers Update:
As reported on 1-28-2021
Stearns County: 37.69
ROCORI Area: 26.85
ROCORI School Data is not available this week but will be reported next week.
Reminder that In-Person PK-9 starts on Monday, February 1st. 10-12 Hybrid thru 2-10 with 9-12 being Distance Learning on 2-11.
SMORE Newsletter to catch up on the other district news and information.
Thank you for your continued support of ROCORI Schools!
Go Spartans!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID Update (1/26)
Dear ROCORI Families:
In a year with constant change, we are moving closer to normal. Why can we do this? Our numbers in the County and ROCORI area are trending down but those numbers are not the sole determiner. Mitigation strategies such as testing, vaccination, masks, distancing, staying home when sick and our efforts in quarantining and cleaning are major factors. Our consultation team that includes representatives from MDE/MDH, Stearns County Health and our Regional Support team approved ROCORI's learning plan for February. See the attachment and link below for the calendar. Please know that should an outbreak occur and or staffing becomes difficult, we will reverse to more restrictive models by individual, class, grade level/building, then district.
The calendar is also linked here on our website.
Details:
PK-5, 6-8, 9 will start In-Person on February 1st.
-PK-5 has been In-Person under EO allowing elementary students to be back starting as early as January 11th.
-6-8, 9 will start In-Person February 1st.
10-12 will still be in Hybrid through Feb. 10th.
-Schools are only allowed to bring 3 grades per building back at a time.
-The decision to bring back 9th grade only was made due to the crossover of students in grades 10-12 in the same classes. Starting 9-11 and leaving 12th at home did not make sense due to the large amount of crossover.
February 11th
-PK-8 will be In-Person
-9-12 will be Distance Learning
-Our students in these grades only will have a distance learning day similar to Jan 15th and 29th to allow for preparation time.
February 12th and 15th
-No School (President's Day Holiday Weekend as scheduled in original calendar)
February 16th
All Students will be In-Person
ROCORI Schools still offers an online option. Should you want to choose that please contact Steph Ruegemer at ruegemers@rocori.k12.mn.us or call 320-685-4908.
-If you choose that option, you are in that option until the end of a trimester.
-Students that are quarantined will be allowed to attend class virtually.
We know that starting school all day every day will be another new change that no one has ever had to do in February before. Grace will be needed as we move in the direction we usually do in September.
Thank you for your continued support of ROCORI Schools!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID Update (1/22)
Dear ROCORI Families-
Happy Friday!
COVID Data
Our COVID numbers have remained steady to slightly lower in the district, county and surrounding counties as well as the state. It is very good news. Please continue to remain vigilant on wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands/cleaning high touch areas, and staying home when you are sick.
As reported by MDH/Stearns County on 1-21-2021.
ROCORI Dashboard: https://www.rocori.k12.mn.us/b385426a-a015-47bb-a428-c60b5bfd37fa/covid-19-information/covid-19-dashboard
Stearns County: 43.04
ROCORI: 26.06
Active Cases:
Staff-1
Students-5
Quarantine:
Staff-0
Students-24
February Plan
ROCORI Schools has a consultation on Monday, January 25th to begin bringing back students to in-person instruction starting on February 1st. The plan includes PK-5 being in-person full time. The Governor's EO allows for this without consultation. Our plan includes a two week roll in process as required for our secondary students starting with our youngest learners on Feb. 1st. I will be sending the approved plan to families on Tuesday, January 26th.
Pandemic-EBT Benefits for Families
Students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals may be eligible for Pandemic-Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) to purchase food for days they are not in the school building. To be considered, households must submit an application for free or reduced-price meals for the 2020-21 school year or be approved for Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Families who received P-EBT benefits last summer are not automatically eligible; eligibility is based on the current school year. Benefits may be retroactive to September 2020, depending on when eligibility for free or reduced-price meals is determined. To ensure you qualify for the most benefits, please submit your application as soon as possible. Questions can be directed to Chris Barker at barkerc@rocori.k12.mn.us or at 320-685-4921
Info can also be found here: https://mn.gov/dhs/food-emergency/
Vaccination
Vaccination has opened up to those age 65 and over as well to educators in a pilot program. This is very good news and ROCORI Schools has agreed to be a provider of information. All decisions on vaccination will be optional and private. I am attaching links for you to educate yourself. Please forward these links to those you know in your family or neighborhood that may have missed this news or need technology help getting registered if they desire to be vaccinated.
CDC guidance on vaccine:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html
Stearns County Vaccine Webpage:
https://www.stearnscountymn.gov/1501/COVID-19-Vaccine
Minnesota Department of Health Dashboard:
https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/data/index.jsp
COVID Testing
Rivers Edge information: https://mn.gov/covid19/get-tested/testing-locations/community-testing.jsp
At home testing information: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/testsites/athome.html
Activities and Masks
I have had many reach out to me on this. I have sent those requests for reconsideration on to the highest levels at the MSHSL.
Just yesterday, the MSHSL came out again reinforcing that activity participants and coaches as well as spectators must wear masks. There are sport specific exemptions during participation but at all other times a mask should be worn. This is a MN Department of Health/MDE mandate. Please do your part, even if you are in opposition, to be the right example, so our students can continue to participate in learning outside of the classroom.
Some schools are not allowing fans. We have no say over what other schools or conferences allow. Most are doing a live stream that can be found on their websites. ROCORI is allowing fans and is prioritizing families using a registration process. We are also live streaming events. Questions and links to those live streams can be found on our website at https://www.rocori.k12.mn.us/activities or by calling 320-685-4917.
Have a great weekend!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID Update (1/15)
Dear ROCORI Families-
I am thankful the weather did not turn out to be what was forecast! All activities and practices are on for this evening! It was so nice to have students back in the building this week. I appreciate the effort by all staff to make it safe for our students to return. We will continue to work to get our students back fully in person in February.
The COVID numbers in the county and ROCORI area continue to trend lower. Thank you for continuing the practices of social distancing, masks, washing your hands, cleaning of high touch areas and staying home if you are ill as mitigation strategies to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
COVID Update-
As reported by MDH/Stearns County on 1-14-2021. We are s
Stearns County: 41.26
ROCORI: 27.64
Active Cases:
Staff-1
Students-3
Quarantine:
Staff-0
Students-32
Vaccine:
Be watching for news from Stearns County on vaccination and moving those 65 and older up in the vaccination order. See the link below
https://www.stearnscountymn.gov/1501/COVID-19-Vaccine
Information on the vaccine from the state can be found here:
https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/data/index.jsp
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/vaccine.html
Travel Restrictions:
ROCORI is not putting additional quarantine requirements in place but does ask you to look these recommendations over prior to travel. Traveling safely keeps you, your children and those who your child interacts with safe upon return to school. Please understand that being exposed or infected while traveling will cause you to miss additional days of school.
International travel restrictions are in place that you need to be fully aware of starting January 26th.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-air-travel.html
Notably: You have to have a negative test to board the airplane back to the US no more than 3 days prior to departure.
Domestic travel guidance:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html
Reminder No School for students on January 18th, 2021.
Have a great weekend!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID Update (1/8)
Dear ROCORI Families-
I hope your family enjoyed the time holidays afford to relax and recharge. It has been a while since I last communicated with you so this may be a bit long. Please read to the end as there will be important information throughout this message.
Teachable moments abound due to the events happening in our country. Being an educator and or an influencing adult in a young person’s life is a true privilege. It is our job to help students understand process and help them discover for themselves right and wrong.
COVID Numbers:
In summary...the numbers are going in the right direction. We can’t let down! Continue the safe practices of masking, washing your hands/high touch areas, social distancing and staying home if you are sick as the main ways to slow the spread of COVID-19. By doing these things we will continue to see more in-person instruction for all grades in February.
Calendar:
We are excited to have kids back in the buildings on Monday, January 11th.
Please see the January calendar for the learning model sent out to you in December.
Transportation:
Please check you e-link information here in case there are any changes for Monday, January 11th.
Food Service:
Please check out the calendar and plans for food service in January.
Activities:
Activities/practices started again on January 4th. Competitions will begin on January 14th. Recent guidance will allow for spectators. ROCORI will prioritize parents and generally allocate 2 tickets per student to the family. ROCORI will also livestream home events. Be watching for more information on the activities page.
COVID Testing and Vaccine Information:
ROCORI Schools will continue to provide sources of information on testing and vaccines.
Testing:
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/testsites/index.html
Vaccines:
Vaccine information: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/vaccine.html
Vaccine data: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/vaccine/stats/index.html
Survey Data
Thank you to the 767 students and 271 parents who responded to our distance learning survey. Your input is much appreciated in our continued effort to be the best we can for our students.
Students:
Satisfaction with access to teacher: 4.11/5.0
Access to, understand, complete assignments: 4.02/5.0
School Support: 4.25/5.0
Comments: 545 No comments
Likes: Going every day, better than last year, Macs, teachers doing live and then work time
Dislikes: screen time/cameras being on, not being in person/miss friends, when technology connections are hard-frustrating, too much work.
Parents:
Satisfaction with district and building communication: 4.227/5.0
District support of technology, materials, resources: 4.23/5.0
Satisfaction with access to teachers, staff, leadership: 4.23/5.0
Comments: 115 No Comments
Likes: Majority were likes.... would still like in-person but much better than last year, Macs, appreciate the differences, communication; teachers are doing great, live instruction
Dislikes: Edgenuity, too much screen time; technology/platforms frustrations
Thank you for your continued support of ROCORI Schools.
Have a great weekend!
Brad Kelvington,
Superintendent
COVID Update (12/22)
Dear ROCORI Families
Today is the last school day of the 2020 calendar year. I just want to say thank you for all your patience and support of ROCORI Schools as we navigate through COVID 19 and the days ahead in 2021. I am very proud of the students and how they have showed such great resilience. Please take time in the next couple of weeks to get some deep breaths and relaxation in.
Today’s message will include information on:
- January’s Learning Model and Calendar
- The need to continue to report
- Reminder to stay home if you are not feeling well
- 10-day or 14-day quarantine guidance
- Survey
- Food Service
January’s Learning Model: Modified Hybrid
The Governor outlined a plan for districts to return to in-person instruction beginning January 18th, 2021. However, ROCORI is approved to bring students back on January 11th as previously communicated. The District was approved through a consultation with MDE, the Regional Support Team and local Public Health. This decision is also supported by the Emergency Planning Team and the School Board.
This plan prioritizes all students being back on campus for in-person instruction. The plan for January includes the required planning days, additional prep time on the distance learning days, and the additional mitigation strategies such as masks/shields worn together, special lessons in early learning and elementary school changes, and minor cafeteria adjustments.
Please continue to report COVID Cases
Having accurate data around exposure to and infection from COVID 19 is important in our return to school. Please report to your child's building principal and Matt Bueckers at bueckers@rocori.k12.mn.us if you have been exposed or infected with COVID 19 during the break.
Please stay home if you are ill
The CDC continues to report that the best way to slow the spread of the virus is to isolate from others. Please practice proper social distancing if you are not feeling well…please stay home until you are symptom free. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html
10 day or 14 day quarantine guidance
In certain circumstances we will follow the newest guidance around quarantine and allow for a 10 day quarantine starting on January 1st, 2021.
In order to qualify for 10 day quarantine…you must continue to be symptom free for the full 14 days, the exposure must not be someone you live with, you have not had a positive test, and you must mask and stay 6 feet apart for the full 14 days.
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/close.html
Survey
The survey link sent last week is open until tomorrow at noon. We have had good response from parents and great response from students.
Food Service
We will still be providing meal pick up at all locations on January 4th and 5th.
I wish you all a very safe and blessed holiday season!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID Update (12-18)
Happy Friday ROCORI Families-
In this week's report you will get information on:
- COVID Numbers and Dashboard
- EO 20-103 and Safe Learning Plan for 2020-21 A localized, data-driven plan.pdf
- Survey feedback request on distance learning
- P-EBT Benefits for Families information
- Vision 2025 work is complete
COVID Numbers and Dashboard
As reported by State and County Health Departments on 12-17-2020
Stearns County: 154.76
ROCORI Area: 187.95
What is happening in ROCORI Schools?
Isolation: 13 staff and students
Quarantine: 89 staff and students
Out due to illness: 6
Summary…Our county, community and schools are seeing the decline in case rates that the state is seeing. This is very good news! Thank you for continuing to keep yourself safe and not letting down due to COVID fatigue. Attendance is high at the Secondary 96% the last two weeks and is steady at our Elementary buildings 90.5% the last two weeks.
Executive Order 20-103 and Safe Learning Plan
I linked documentation to both plans in the introduction. We are working through the guidance with MDE/MDH/Stearns County Health/Administration/School Board and our Emergency Planning Team. As the plan finalizes, ROCORI will release details timely. We will continue to work to provide as much in-person instruction as possible for all students. Be watching for details next week Tuesday or Wednesday!
Survey
We would like your feedback to distance learning. We know in-person instruction is preferred but feedback on our improvements from last spring is important in our growth in serving our students and families.
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=wUtHl6vgFEOQYakVypWpKUOcjHPiByBOqsyggW6dBkBUQ0IxU09XSFhMSDlWQzVKQ1pOR0s4SkUxUi4u
P-EBT Benefits for Families
Students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals may be eligible for Pandemic-Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) to purchase food for days they are not in the school building. To be considered, households must submit an application for free or reduced-price meals for the 2020-21 school year or be approved for Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Families who received P-EBT benefits last summer are not automatically eligible; eligibility is based on the current school year. Benefits may be retroactive to September 2020, depending on when eligibility for free or reduced-price meals is determined. To ensure you qualify for the most benefits, please submit your application as soon as possible. https://www.rocori.k12.mn.us/services/food-services/application-for-educational-benefits
Vision 2025
Vision 2025 is complete. Thank you for all your input. Our work for the next five years will be linked to this valuable work.
Have a great weekend! Be safe and Be well!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID Update (12-11)
Dear ROCORI Families-
Thank you for partnering with ROCORI Schools during these unprecedented times. Thank you for coming to school last Friday and Monday to pick up materials and technology. Your efforts, cooperation and spirit were noticed by staff. I saw firsthand on Monday the organized process put in place and can’t thank our staff enough for the work done to make those days a success. We all want students in school face to face, but the initial reports are that this distance learning period is going much better than last spring. Thank you, teachers, staff, and students for your hard work!
CDC Quarantine Guidance:
The Minnesota Department of Health has released guidance on reducing quarantine days. Schools are waiting for the Minnesota Department of Education to give its guidance on the Decision Tree modifications before implementing any change. As soon as we get guidance, we will inform families and make the changes.
COVID Update:
As reported by State and County Health Departments on 12-10-2020
Stearns County: 201.31
ROCORI Area: 206.9
What is happening in ROCORI Schools?
Isolation: 22
Quarantine: 155
Out due to illness: 11
Summary:
The trend of cases per 10,000 both in the County and ROCORI area is moving down. It is now two weeks out from Thanksgiving, and we are not seeing increases that many parts of the country are. Thanks to families for following the difficult guidance over the holiday. If we can continue the good work done in the last two weeks, it will look very good in getting our kids back to campus in January.
We did see an uptick in staff isolation and student quarantine over the previous week.
Important Reminder:
During the next month it is very important to report positive cases and exposures to your child’s building and our COVID coordinator, Matt Bueckers at bueckersm@rocori.k12.mn.us . Accurate information on the spread in the school population is needed when returning to in-person instruction in January.
Please continue to follow the CDC guidance of slowing the spread of COVID-19
Social distancing, washing of hands, frequent cleaning of high touch areas, wearing a mask, and staying home if you are sick continue to be the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Testing Information:
All COVID-19 testing is no cost at Minnesota community testing sites.
- Sign up for an appointment: COVID-19 Community Testing Sites
- What to expect: Community Testing
- More about nasal swab and saliva tests: Types of COVID-19 Tests
All community testing sites will be closed on Dec. 24, 25, 31, and Jan. 1.
Be safe, be well and have a great weekend!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID Update (11-25)
Dear ROCORI Families-
Our staff, buildings and departments are working hard to make the transition starting Dec. 8th. A reminder that students will not have school tomorrow Dec. 4th or Monday Dec. 7th. Technology disbursement, materials pick-up, daily schedules and expectations are being communicated in SMORE newsletters from the buildings in your email. Please feel free to ask questions of your teachers and principals as we are here to help!
12-3-2020
COVID Update:
As reported by State and County Health Departments on 12-3-2020:
• Stearns County: 247.16
• ROCORI Area: 225.85
What is happening in ROCORI Schools?
Positive Cases (staff and students) for the week of 12-3-2020:
-
Isolation: 13
-
Quarantine: 163
-
Out due to illness: 37
During the next month it is very important to report positive cases and exposures to your child’s building and our COVID coordinator, Matt Bueckers at bueckersm@rocori.k12.mn.us . Accurate information on the spread in the school population is needed when returning to in-person instruction.
I reported on 11-25-2020 the reasons to make the moves we did and wanted to follow up that our staffing levels, including our substitute pool, have not improved. The COVID case rate numbers in the county and district continued to rise in the county with a slight decrease in the district this week. The Minnesota Department of Health released a recommendation to school districts to go to distance learning from 11-30-2020 until 1-18-2020.
The Minnesota Safe Learning plan allows for prioritizing in-person learning for the youngest and highest need students. Our youngest students have low transmission rates, place the greatest burden on families and experience the greatest difficulty during distance learning. Our highest need students have difficulty accessing needed services while in distance learning.
-CDC Guidance
Just yesterday the CDC issued a statement on reducing quarantine times. All schools received notification from the Minnesota Department of Health yesterday that they would let schools know when and how to proceed. Below is the message from MDH.
CDC Quarantine Guidance from MDH
We have been hearing that CDC is putting out new guidance about shortening quarantine in certain situations. We will review the guidance when available and make recommendations over the next few days. We know this may not be a simple change. For the time being, people should continue to follow the current MDH guidelines, including to stay home (quarantine) for 14 days if exposed to COVID-19.
-Technology update
Our Mac Book Airs are being disbursed to our 6-12th grade students. It is very exciting to see a goal that has been on the radar for years being accomplished. Our students will greatly benefit from this initiative. A reminder that we are asking all 6-12 grade students to use the device.
-District SMORE for Calendars and Food Service Pick-ups:
Data:
11-26-2020
COVID Update:
As reported by State and County Health Departments on 11-28-2020:
• Stearns County: 242
• ROCORI Area: 240.86
What is happening in ROCORI Schools?
Positive Cases (staff and students all schools) for the week of 11-23-2020:
-
Isolation 19
-
Quarantine 190
-
Out due to illness 39
Thank you for your continued support of ROCORI Schools!
Brad Kelvington,
Superintendent
COVID Update (11-25)
Dear ROCORI Families:
Announcement to Learning Model:
Today-Richmond Elementary will be distance learning through December 7th due to staffing levels and student quarantine/illness numbers.
ROCORI is also announcing changes to the learning model for December 7th through January 8th.
Nov. 30 through Dec. 3rd: Current Model-End Trimester 1
Dec. 4th No school for students: Staff planning
Dec. 7th No School for students: Staff planning
Dec. 8th through Dec. 18th: PK-grade 2, In-Person
Dec. 8th through Dec. 18th: Grades 3-12, Distance Learning
Dec. 21st, Dec. 22nd, Jan. 4th through Jan. 8th: PK-grade 12, Distance Learning
Details:
Our students with the most needs (PK-2) and other individual students will be coming to school in-person. Individual students' parents will be contacted directly by their teacher.
Childcare will be open for those students up to age 12. Childcare will be available as capacity allows, prioritizing Tier 1 families. For registration questions, contact ROCORI Community Education, Brittany Albers (childcare coordinator) or Stephanie Hillman (Director of Community Education).
Transportation will be available for PK-2 and individual students.
Technology and materials pick-up (grades 3-12) for Trimester 2 will be announced the week of Nov. 30th.
Food Service will continue to offer free meals. Locations and times to be announced the week of Nov. 30.
What went into the decision?
Our staffing levels, including our substitute pool, have not improved.
The COVID case rate numbers in the county and district have risen and are expected to continue to rise in the upcoming weeks.
The Minnesota Department of Health released a recommendation to school districts to go to distance learning from 11-30-2020 until 1-18-2020.
I recognize that any change or no change will/would be difficult on our students, staff, and families. Consistency to this point has benefited our students, staff and families. Our School Board, Administrative teams and our Emergency Planning team agonized over any decision that decreases face-to-face instruction time. Ultimately, by resolution, after carefully considering all the input and data, it is my job to announce the final decision on the learning model.
Announcing today will give us all time to plan. I wish your families a very Happy Thanksgiving! Be safe and well!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID Update (11-20)
Dear ROCORI Families-
The rise in COVID 19 cases has continued in the state, county and ROCORI area. We are continuing to do our best to remain safe in the current learning model and will stay in the same learning model through next week (11-23 to 11-26) as our staffing level looks good today for next week.
COVID Update:
As reported by State and County Health Departments on 11-19-2020:
• Stearns County: 186.33
• ROCORI Area: 209.27
Next week...due to Thanksgiving...these numbers will not be available for my Wednesday email.
EO 20-99 will put a pause on our activities and rentals of our buildings to youth sports starting on 11-20-2020 at 11:59 pm and running through 12-18-2020.
What is happening in ROCORI Schools?
Positive Cases (staff and students) for the week of 11-19-2020:
- Cold Spring Elementary-9 ( 5 new this week)
- RMS/RHS-18 ( 9 new this week)
Despite the active cases and quarantines this past week, we were able to stay in the current model thanks to our substitute pool and our own ROCORI staff helping wherever needed. They were amazing saying I will, or I can do that. That is not sustainable for the long term.
Our Emergency Planning team is meeting on Monday, November 23rd to discuss the impact of the recent numbers, recommendations from MDH and Stearns County and staffing/student levels.
No announcement is being made on a move to a different model, but I am hoping today’s practice distance learning day will help you be ready and prepared should a move to distance learning be necessary. ROCORI Schools is here to help. Please read the options for nutrition, childcare, and technology for families during distance learning in your child's building level newsletters or on our website.
Communication has been crucial, and we cannot thank you enough for letting us know about illnesses. Please continue to contact your child’s building should your child or family show symptoms and or have test results to report. At the elementary, our Principals make contact about quarantines first and then families receive a communication by our COVID Coordinator Matt Bueckers. At the Secondary, the first contact is made by our COVID Coordinator and followed up with contact from our counseling staff.
Summary:
Within the ROCORI School walls, we saw a higher number of cases this week. That is expected considering what is happening around us. In looking at the active cases, we see most of them happening in family units outside of school. We are worried about the spread hitting harder due to the holidays. We continue to see low transmission rates between students and staff.
Following the protocols of social distancing, hand washing, cleaning high touch areas, screening your health, masking, temperature checks and staying home if you are sick works in slowing the spread. Please communicate with your friends and neighbors that staying COVID safe keeps our kids in schools.
History of Isolation/Quarantine at ROCORI
- 10-29-2020 Isolation 21 Quarantine 146
- 11-5-2020 Isolation 13 Quarantine 102
- 11-12-2020 Isolation 17 Quarantine 106
- 11-19-2020 Isolation 27 Quarantine 164
COVID Related Symptom absences (CRS) like tracking Flu related symptoms in previous years.
11-6 CRS is 48
11-13 CRS is 68
11-20 CRS is 68
Tracking Student Daily attendance...% average weekly present:
11-6 Secondary 90% Elementary 88%
11-13 Secondary 86% Elementary 86%.
11-20-20 Secondary 87% Elem. 82%
Should you need testing Minnesota offers free testing at home or on site. Here are links to that information from Stearns County.
Saliva test at home: https://learn.vaulthealth.com/state-of-minnesota/
Other testing locations: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/testsites/index.html
Thank you for your continued support of ROCORI Schools.
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (11-18)
Good morning ROCORI families-
This Friday, we will be experiencing our first full district, Distance Learning Day. The goals of the day include testing our ability to deliver content and interactions through our technology platforms, including Schoology, Office 365 (Teams), and SMORE, and access to devices in the homes.
Access to Technology/Devices:
ROCORI has a wide variety of individual devices for student use at school. Throughout this Pandemic, we have continued to check out these devices for student use as they have been placed on quarantine. The result is that we have disassembled a large number of grouped computers that have been used for instruction at school. Because of this, we no longer can provide single-day use devices for our ROCORI students on our Practice Distance Learning Day on Friday, November 20th.
We understand that this may cause hardships and limit access on Friday, November 20th. Please do your best to share the devices you have at home, space out usage and access. Work with each of your children’s teachers with specific questions regarding instruction for the day. Our teaching staff will continue their part by providing an online experience that will be live and recorded.  Families that do not have a device will receive a paper and pencil option to complete the work being covered for the day.
We appreciate your continued patience and understanding as we work through these trying times together.
Brad Kelvington
ROCORI Superintendent
Details:
Learning/Communication Platforms:
Each of these ROCORI adopted platforms have a specific purpose that is beneficial to the ROCORI district and Families. Please read closely to find the purpose and age-level of each platform.
Schoology (K-5)- This LMS (Learning Management System) will be our main delivery point for content (K-5). This platform acts as a virtual classroom and gives you, as parents, the ability to monitor multiple students through a single glance (Parent View). It also offers educational specific interactions that allow for numerous ways to chat, manage assignments, and present material. This is our first year using Schoology, and we are expecting a full implementation by the Fall of 2021.
Schoology is password protected.
Office 365 (K-12)- Office 365 is our online content creator platform. Office 365 allows teachers and students to work on shared documents and create Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Teams is a particular component of Office 365 that will enable ROCORI to group-specific groups of adults and students to work and interact. This is the primary teleconferencing App that ROCORI uses. It is very similar to video conferencing on Zoom but is provided in our current subscription. You can expect that you or your children will be interacting with ROCORI staff via Teams Video Calls.
Office 365 is password protected.
SMORE (PK-12)- SMORE is our Newsletter and Communication tool from school to home. Smore allows us to have live links, buttons, videos embedded into the newsletter. It works on any device with access to the internet and does not need a specific downloaded app. Please continue to read each newsletter that is delivered from your child's school.
Smore is not password protected.
Please note that you should contact your child's teacher via email, phone, or teams or connect to the building Principal for assistance if you have specific concerns regarding instruction. If there are other questions regarding the day, please do not hesitate to contact me through the district office. For your convenience, all the contact information is listed below.
Mr.Nate Guetter- ROCORI Secondary Principal
320-685-4911
Dr. Eric Skanson- Cold Spring Elementary Principal
320-685-4951
Mr. Sam Court- John Clark Elementary Principal
320-251-8651
Mrs. Keri Johnson-Richmond Elementary Principal
320-597-2016
COVID-19 Update (11-13):
Dear ROCORI Families-
As expected, COVID 19 cases have continued to rise in the state, county and ROCORI area. We are continuing to do our best to remain safe in the current learning model. Once the numbers of quarantine and positive cases cause significant disruption to staffing levels and student attendance, we will switch to distance learning by building or grade levels first. We are learning from other districts that it is difficult to come back to in-person or hybrid instruction from distance learning. I am hoping families have plans in mind should distance learning become necessary. ROCORI Schools is here to help. Please read the options for families during distance learning in your child's building level newsletters. We will be practicing our distance learning plan next Friday, November 20th. The goal of the 20th is to test our systems and find where adjustments are needed. It won't be perfect but it will be extremely helpful in knowing how to be better for our students in distance learning.
COVID Update:
As reported by State and County Health Departments on 11-12-2020:
• Stearns County: 115.67
• ROCORI Area: 158.73
When determining the case rate per 10,000, the ROCORI area is defined as the census blocks, Stearns County uses for the school district, that are found within the communities of Rockville, Cold Spring and Richmond. The ROCORI area is not the zip codes assigned to the three communities.
What is happening in ROCORI Schools?
Positive Cases (staff and students) within the school walls for the week of 11-12-2020:
- DEF-1
- Cold Spring Elementary-1
- Richmond-1
- RMS/RHS-14
Summary:
Within the ROCORI School walls, we saw a bit higher number of cases this week compared to last week but continue to be better than most of October.
Why are ROCORI Schools continuing to perform better than the state and county? The care and desire by the staff, you as families and our students to be in school as much as possible. We are not perfect and exposures and infections are happening. We continue to see low transmission rates between students and staff. The vast majority of the positive cases affecting our buildings are happening from exposures in the community/family settings. Following the protocols of social distancing, hand washing, cleaning high touch areas, screening your health, masking, temperature checks and staying home if you are sick works in slowing the spread. Please communicate with your friends and neighbors that staying COVID safe keeps our kids in schools.
History of Isolation/Quarantine at ROCORI.
- 9-18-2020 Isolation 0 Quarantine 45
- 9-25-2020 Isolation 6 Quarantine 61
- 10-1-2020 Isolation 4 Quarantine 35
- 10-8-2020 Isolation 20 Quarantine 150
- 10-15-2020 Isolation 14 Quarantine 155
- 10-23-2020 Isolation 15 Quarantine 122
- 10-29-2020 Isolation 21 Quarantine 146
- 11-5-2020 Isolation 13 Quarantine 102
- 11-12-2020 Isolation 17 Quarantine 106
COVID Related Symptom absences (CRS) similar to tracking Flu related symptoms in previous years.
11-6 CRS is 48
11-13 CRS is 68
Tracking Student Daily attendance...% average weekly present:
11-6 Secondary 90% Elementary 88%
11-13 Secondary 86% Elementary 86%.
Should you need testing Minnesota offers free testing at home or on site. Here are links to that information from Stearns County.
Saliva test at home: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/testsites/athome.html
Other testing locations: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/testsites/index.html
Thank you for your continued support of ROCORI Schools.
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (11-6):
Dear ROCORI Families-
What a great week of weather we had this past week. Not often do you see kids outside learning and playing in November without jackets. Hats off to our staff for taking advantage of the opportunity!
Just today Governor Walz and Commissioner Malcom (MDH) and Commissioner Ricker (MDE) reaffirmed the "scalpel" approach that ROCORI Schools and all schools across the state have taken. We look at County, School District, building data and staff and student attendance in making decisions.
Despite the number of COVID-19 cases rising in the state, county and district for the second week in a row we have seen decreases of staff and students affected by COVID 19. This really speaks to the care and desire by the staff, you as families and our students to be in school as much as possible. We are not perfect and exposures and infections happen. Quarantine has proven to work to slow the spread. Please communicate with your friends and neighbors that staying COVID safe keeps our kids in schools.
COVID Update:
As reported by State and County Health Departments on 11-5-2020:
• Stearns County: 81.5
• ROCORI Community: 135.04
What is happening in ROCORI Schools?
As of 11-5-2020, ROCORI currently has 13 positive student and staff cases with 102 staff and students in quarantine. Down from last week!
Positive Cases at buildings:
• Cold Spring Elementary-2 %0.3
• RMS/RHS-11 % 0.6
History of Isolation/Quarantine at ROCORI. As you can see, the numbers today are less than they were in total back in the beginning of October and generally the less today than the average during the entire month of October.
· 9-18-2020 Isolation 0 Quarantine 45
· 9-25-2020 Isolation 6 Quarantine 61
· 10-1-2020 Isolation 4 Quarantine 35
· 10-8-2020 Isolation 20 Quarantine 150
· 10-15-2020 Isolation 14 Quarantine 155
· 10-23-2020 Isolation 15 Quarantine 122
· 10-29-2020 Isolation 21 Quarantine 146
· 11-5-2020 Isolation 13 Quarantine 102
We started to track COVID Related Symptom absences (CRS) similar to tracking Flu related symptoms in previous years. CRS students and staff are those who are experiencing symptoms that are out ill but are not positive or in quarantine. It is that time of the year when other "crud" starts happening. For the week of 11-6-2020 that number (CRS) is 48 or 2.2 % district wide.
We are also tracking daily attendance now and for the week of 11-6-2020 our attendance at the Secondary was the average of A and B days at 90% and the Elementary Schools averaged 88%.
I know that this can change tomorrow and should it we will adjust as needed. Thank you for your continued support of ROCORI Schools.
Please be safe this weekend. Reminder that Monday, November 9th is Teacher In-service and students have do not school!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (10-30):
Dear ROCORI Families:
Today’s message(s)...there will be two (2) due to the amount of content is filled with important information for families as we navigate the month of November. The first message is coming from our Food Service Department about breakfast and lunch and a message about Childcare coming from our Community Education team.
In the second message I have included a message from MDE Deputy Commissioner Heather Mueller regarding the Safe Learning Plan for school districts. Lastly, I have the weekly updated COVID information for Stearns County and the ROCORI School District.
Please open this link to the district SMORE newsletter to find information on Homecoming, Vision 2025 input and FREE groceries from 3-5 today from Farmers to Families at River of Life Church.
Food Service--Breakfast and Lunch
ROCORI MEALS – Free for Children 18 and Under
*Contact Chris Barker, Food Service Director for questions or meals at 320-685-4921 or barkerc@rocori.k12.mn.us.
November Update
November 6th and 20th – Grab & Go Meals are available at pickup sites
November 9th, 26th and 27th – No Meals are available
On School Days – planned meals in school for kids who are attending.
Hybrid Days – Grab and Go meals
Home School – Grab and Go meals
Online School – Grab and Go meals
Quarantine – Grab and Go meals
Distance Learning Grab & Go Meal Pickup Sites
Secondary building door 13 (southeast corner) - 9:00 to 11:00
John Clark Elementary (Rockville) parking lot - 9:00 to 10:30
Richmond elementary in front of the school - 9:00 to 10:30
Childcare
According to Executive Order 20-82, districts must provide care for Eligible Children at no cost during the time children are typically in the school building for regular hours. School-enrolled school-age children age 12 and under who are children of critical workers in Tier 1 of the state critical worker list are eligible for the free care from 7:30am-3pm. Calendar days that are originally scheduled non-school days do not qualify as Tier 1 prioritized days. All families are equally eligible for fee-based childcare on these days (for example, MEA break).
Tier 1 is defined as:
• Healthcare and public health
• Law Enforcement, public safety and first responders
• Food and agriculture
• Judicial branch (essential Services)
• National Guard (activated under a Governor Executive Order)
• Educators in pre-K through grade 12 settings
• School staff caring for children of critical workers
• Childcare and school-age providers
The school-age care for children of critical workers is intended for extreme circumstances in which no parent or guardian is at home and both parents/guardians meet the Tier 1 definition. Districts must provide transportation for those of Tier 1 workers if the family determines it is a need.
ROCORI Childcare programs plan to care for as many families as they safely can. With current space and COVID-19 guidelines, our program can accommodate 80 school-age students per day.
What if your family needs care but does not qualify as tier 1?
Any district can serve their district enrolled children beyond tier 1 as a fee-based program. In the interest to keep costs as affordable for families as possible, we have kept our rates low and aligned with Spartan SPOT:
• Before School: $4.00 (same as SPOT)
• School Day: $10.50 (free for tier 1 families)
• After School: $10.75 (same as SPOT)
The total for the entire day is the same as a regular non-school day and summer day ($25.25) in ROCORI’s Spartan SPOT program.
Instructions to complete registering is here: It will be available 10-30-2020 https://www.rocori.k12.mn.us/community-ed/spartan-spot
To register for childcare during a distance learning model, please go to https://rocori.ce.eleyo.com/child-care/3/spartan-spot and click “enroll now” and follow the prompts. If you have participated in ROCORI Community Education activities before, please use the same log-in information.
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
Message 2 of 2
MDE Clarification 10-27-2020 from Deputy Commissioner Mueller
"Now that we are two months into the school year, school districts and charter schools are working through step five of the Safe Learning Plan – and this has always been part of the guidance process. On page eight of the Safe Learning Plan, step five states: “After the initial selection of a learning model for school opening, the decision to shift to an alternative learning model should center on the impact of COVID-19 at the school level, while maintaining awareness of changes in viral activity in the community through continued review of the biweekly county-level case data.” This means that school districts and charter schools will need to take into account not only the county-level case data when determining learning models, but also the number of confirmed cases, quarantines, and close contacts in your school community, each school building within your district, and other data such as individuals with influenza-like illness.
This is what we are calling the “scalpel approach.” This approach allows school districts and charter schools within the same county to have different learning models. For example: a county may have four school districts within its boundaries which would give them all the same county base data; however, when each of the school districts review their community data and school data, their viral spread might be vastly different. As a result, some of the districts in that county may need to move to distance learning while others can remain in hybrid. Beyond this, some districts may have local factors or mitigation strategies that allow or prohibit students from accessing learning in person. This scalpel approach is why some school districts that have high county-level case data are still operating in an in-person or hybrid learning model."
This week I made mention of a 5% rate of positive cases as being a benchmark for a learning model of change. The Minnesota Department of Health clarified what that means to schools this week. The 5% data is to be made up of students and staff out due to having a positive case or symptoms of COVID 19. We will be looking further into that data of absences as we make decisions.
COVID-19 Update:
As reported by State and County Health Departments on 10-29-2020:
• Stearns County: 65.68
• ROCORI Community: 115.3
The numbers in the county and community continue to be of concern.
What is happening in ROCORI Schools?
As of 10-29-2020, ROCORI currently has 21 positive student and staff cases with 146 staff and students in quarantine.
Positive Cases at buildings:
• DEF-1
• Cold Spring Elementary-3
• Richmond-1
• RMS/RHS-16
History of Isolation/Quarantine at ROCORI. As you can see, the numbers reported today are less than they were in total back on October 8th and generally the same during the entire month of October.
• 9-18-2020 Isolation 0 Quarantine 45
• 9-25-2020 Isolation 6 Quarantine 61
• 10-1-2020 Isolation 4 Quarantine 35
• 10-8-2020 Isolation 20 Quarantine 150
• 10-15-2020 Isolation 14 Quarantine 155
• 10-23-2020 Isolation 15 Quarantine 122
• 10-29-2020 Isolation 21 Quarantine 146
See the updated (10-30-2020) ROCORI dashboard for the district numbers. ROCORI Dashboard
Have a great weekend!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent.
COVID-19 Update (10-27):
Dear ROCORI Families:
After meeting with our Emergency Planning Team and School Board last evening ROCORI Schools has made these decisions:
ROCORI Schools will stay in the same Learning Model of Hybrid PK-5 and Hybrid 6-12 thru November 27th. PK-5 students will continue to come to school daily and 6-12 students will follow the A/B schedule.
ROCORI Schools did make two calendar adjustments in November. November 6th will be a staff only day for further preparation and planning. Students will not have school on November 6th.
On November 20th, all students will be at home learning for the day. More details will come from your student's teachers and buildings principals soon. The goal of November 20th will be to practice our distance learning model should it be necessary to implement.
PLEASE REVIEW THE WEEKS BELOW CAREFULLY AS THE A/B DAYS HAVE BEEN UPDATED:
Making decisions about kids and staff being in school during COVID is not easy and there is NO right answer. The information on how the plan for November was reached is found here on our website. In summary, ROCORI acknowledges that the rise in cases throughout the county and community is a concern, but the low rate of transmission in schools suggests kids are safer in school following COVID protocols than in the community. The plan for November is supported by Stearns County Health, our EPT team, Administration and the School Board.
As always, things can change quickly, and we will adjust if needed based on the health of our students and staff.
Brad Kelvington,
Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (10-23):
Good afternoon ROCORI Families-
The GOOD news: ROCORI Schools is happy to announce that breakfast and lunch will continue to be free for all children 0-18 years old through the entire 2020-2021 school year. This is great news for families of ROCORI!
COVID-19 Update:
Yesterday the weekly COVID numbers were released by MDH and Stearns County (the number reflects the case rates per 10,000 people over a 14-day period). The numbers are showing an increase in state, county and local positive cases; this is cause for concern.
As reported on 10-22-2020
Stearns County: 46.36
ROCORI Community: 79.75
What is happening in ROCORI Schools?
As of 10-22-2020
ROCORI currently has 15 positive student and staff cases with 122 staff and students in quarantine.
Positive Cases at buildings: Cold Spring Elementary-2 John Clark Elementary-2 RMS/RHS-11
See the ROCORI dashboard for the district numbers.
ROCORI will stay in the current Hybrid (K-5)/Hybrid (6-12) model through October 30th.
ROCORI Schools is taking preparatory steps to dial back on our learning model beginning November 2nd. On Monday, October 26th Our Emergency Planning Team and School Board will be discussing proactive measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and what a dial back of the learning model in our schools would look like. We will make an announcement of any changes as soon as possible to give families a chance to plan. Please know that we don’t want to be reactionary but should our positive cases spike in a school or the District, or if we cannot manage due to staffing levels, a quicker move will be made.
Please talk to your neighbors, relatives and friends about being safe in the community and slowing the spread of COVID-19. The spread in our community is impacting our students and staff negatively.
Please see a message from Dr. George Morris, Centra Care Hospital Vice President on what is happening in the St. Cloud region. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkyyJHC75fE&feature=youtu.be
Have a safe weekend! Be well and watch for more information early next week!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (10-14):
Dear ROCORI Families-
I want to share some very positive news. Each year, ROCORI recognizes teachers who do an outstanding job in their classrooms with kids. Our regional school organization, Resource Training and Solutions, sponsors the awards presented for the 2020-2021 Leaders in Educational Excellence (LEEA). ROCORI’s winners are Tara Levine-Kindergarten at John Clark Elementary, Val Fraley-1st at Cold Spring Elementary, Kristi Stavros-Title Interventions at Cold Spring Elementary and Levi Peterson- Social Studies at the Middle School. Congrats to all!
ROCORI Schools published a dashboard yesterday on the website: ROCORI dashboard. The purpose of the dashboard is to keep the public informed of the case rates going on in the District. Weekly updates are published on Fridays.
We currently have 16 positive student and staff cases: 11 at the secondary, 4 at John Clark Elementary and 1 at Cold Spring Elementary.
Total Staff and Student Numbers as of 10-9-2020:
(staff numbers include full and part time staff in all positions regularly scheduled in that building)
Richmond: 124 students + 20 staff = 144
John Clark: 130 students + 20 staff = 150
Cold Spring Elementary: 535 students + 95 staff = 630
Secondary: 592 MS students + 870 HS students + 69 MS staff + 173 HS staff = 1704
District Education Facility = 45 staff...student numbers are in flux every 6 weeks and are not counted in totals
District Office = 10 staff
Totals: 2251 K-12 students + 432 staff = 2683
Current positive case rates as of 10-13-2020:
Secondary= 11/1704=0.6% CSE=1/630=0.16% JCE=4/150=2.7%
Using contact tracing Since September 7th, we are confident that only 1 case has spread from student to student in the classroom and only 1 case has spread from staff to staff at school. All other case transmissions have happened either in the community or within family units. Our staff is doing their job of keeping their students safe while they are in school, and because of that we are not seeing outbreaks while kids are at school.
Quarantining as a precaution has been proven to be effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19. Quarantine is working at ROCORI Schools...since September 7th, 18 students or staff in quarantine tested positive. Many have already or will return from isolation without infecting others. Staying home when you are showing symptoms or when you have been exposed slows the spread.
I understand that families will be concerned no matter the decision made. If sending your child to school is no longer the decision for you, we have a ROCORI online choice for you. Please reach out to our online school director, Steph Ruegemer at ruegemers@rocori.k12.mn.us or call 320-685-4908.
COVID fatigue is real. Please don’t let your guard down. We all need to continue to do our due diligence in following the precautions recognized by the CDC as ways to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Please, while enjoying this long weekend, practice social distancing and masking so our kids can continue participating in school and activities. If traveling is in your plans with your family, please know where you are going and if the place your traveling is a hot zone. Here is information from the CDC on tips to stay safe while traveling. There are no restrictions coming back to Minnesota, but I urge you to isolate your child at home should they exhibit any symptoms or be exposed to a positive case. Quarantining as a precaution has been proven to be effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19.
As Stearns County we are together on this. See the letter from the region Superintendents in support of keeping our students in school.
Please know we are doing our very best for the students, staff and communities of ROCORI.
If you are in need of testing there is a free event being put on at St. Cloud Rivers Edge Convention Center. See the information below for that event.
Wednesday, October 14
Thursday, October 15
12 - 6 p.m.
St. Cloud Rivers Edge Convention Center
10 4th Avenue South
St. Cloud, MN 56301
St Cloud Community COVID-19 Testing: Schedule Appointment
Be well and be safe! Go Spartans!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (10-13):
Dear ROCORI Families:
Good morning-
I recommended to the School Board and Administrative team last night to make the learning model decision prior to our regular Thursday announcement.
Three reasons for this: 1) Teachers can talk to their A/B students on both Tuesday and Wednesday 2) Teachers can make plans within their room prior to leaving for MEA break and 3) Parents will know prior to the MEA break
The learning announcement is: K-6 will be Hybrid; 7-12 will be Hybrid or what is known as Tier 3...we will be in this model through 10-30-2020.
-K-5 students will still be coming every day as we set up our start of the school year in the 50% occupancy and 6 ft. social distancing guidelines in anticipation of this move. The goal of our elementary planning was to make In-person to Hybrid seamless for students, parents and staff.
-6th grade will change to an A/B model due to space considerations and Secondary Principals will have more information for those 6th grade parents, staff and students later today and tomorrow.
-7th - 12th grade students will be staying in A/B hybrid model.
I will be sending more details later today in a follow up email.
Thanks and Go Spartans!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (10-9):
Dear ROCORI Families-
Please read through this lengthy email as it contains important information.
Change Updates and Further Explanation of Learning Model Decision
Learning Model Decision
In August, the initial learning model was decided based on a county wide number. The Minnesota Department of Education and Minnesota Department of Health guided us to the decision of starting in Hybrid for 7-12 and In-Person for K-6. From that point on, ROCORI Schools is being assisted in the decision-making process by its regional support team and Stearns County Health. Districts are encouraged to look at not only county numbers, but how those numbers affect (or don’t affect) the local school community. There is flexibility for districts to use their current situation to make decisions about moving between learning models.
As Superintendent, I meet weekly with Stearns County Health and bi-weekly with our ROCORI Emergency Planning Team to look over the data and make the learning model decision.
The items I present for review to the Emergency Planning Team:
- Stearns County data provided by MDE to the public on Thursdays
- District level data provided by Stearns County to the Superintendent
- Internal case rate data provided by the District COVID Coordinator
- Staffing levels and the ability to obtain substitutes
The Superintendent is responsible for the final decision and communication on the learning model.
Our decision on the learning model for October 19th through October 30th will come out on October 15th, 2020. We are preparing for all learning models currently. Our preparation and communication on the learning model plans should not be taken as a sign that our learning model is changing. Any change will be communicated by the Superintendent.
10-8-2020 Data
Below is the data being used in the decision-making process:
Recommended: MN Department of Health/Education
Cases per 10,000 over 14 days Elementary Learning Model High School Learning model
0-9 In-Person In-Person
10-20 In-Person Hybrid
20-30 Hybrid Hybrid
30-49 Hybrid Distance
50+ Distance Distance
- MDE data link on County: Stearns: 10/8 report= 34.75 Trend data https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/stats/wschool.pdf
- ROCORI School District Boundaries: 10/8 report=24.75 Trend data reported on date 9/3= 15, 9/10=26.06, 9/17=33.17, 9/24=42.64, 10/1=34.75
- ROCORI Case Numbers:
9-18-2002 + cases 0, Quarantine 45
9-25-2020 + cases 6, Quarantine 61
10-1-2020 + cases 4, Quarantine 35
10-8-2020 + cases 20, Quarantine 138
Number of K-12 Staff=377
Number of K-12 Students=2250
Percentage of +cases = 20/ (377+2250) = 0.8%
Percentage of +cases and quarantine = (20+138)/ (377+2250) = 6%
As I stated in my SMORE message, there are many variables that also go into the decision of the learning model. For example, are the cases coming from a nursing home facility? Do you have colleges in your county? Are there manufacturing plants in your district or is there community spread going on in your community from gatherings, weddings, funerals, that are impacting the student body?
Quarantine and Isolation
How is it decided on how long a student or staff member is out if they have COVID or is considered a close contact. That comes from the Minnesota Department of Health’s Decision Tree.
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools/exguide.pdf
I cannot emphasize this enough. It is going to take a community wide effort to keep our children coming to school and participating in all things school related. Please practice these universal wide precautions.
- Social Distance
- Wear Masks
- Frequent Hand Washing
- Disinfecting High Touch Areas
- Stay Home if you are sick (Monitor your health daily and if you have any of the common symptoms...please stay home) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
Thank you,
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (9-29):
Dear ROCORI Families-
The first month of school is just about in the books. As we work together in the second month of school, I will ask you the same favor I did before the school year started. Please practice social distancing, wear masks, check your health daily, clean and disinfect high touch surfaces and most importantly, stay home if you are sick. I cannot stress enough that this is the way we as a community can keep our students coming to school. We want them to learn together, and be able to participate in community education and co-curricular activities.
Congratulations to Richmond Elementary for being named one of eight Minnesota Schools as National Blue-Ribbon award-winning schools. Way to go students, staff and families of Richmond Elementary! Read more about Blue Ribbon Schools here. https://www2.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/index.html
Thank you for participating in our strategic planning. Dr. Miles was so impressed by the amount of community participation and input. The initial survey responses in March and the responses in late August shows your high level of care for the students and their success. Our students are our community’s future and your help in determining how we get them to be successful is appreciated. Watch for more in updates in the district SMORE newsletter.
Please fill out the free and reduced meal application. The free breakfast and lunch continues, but it may not be available past December 30th, 2020. Here is the application link https://www.rocori.k12.mn.us/services/food-services/application-for-educational-benefits. Chris Barker is always willing to answer any questions at barkerc@rocori.k12.mn.us or call her at 685-4921.
Are you looking for ways to engage kids outside of the school day or to do some learning yourself? ROCORI Community Education is here for you. We are still conducting classes and have safety protocols in place to make the experience great! See this link for ideas https://rocori.ce.eleyo.com/ to keep connected.
ROCORI is collecting data from the first month of school to use in our planning for the rest of the year. Please take a couple of minutes to give us feedback on the start of the school year. The survey is anonymous and will be open today through noon on October 6th, 2020. Please fill out one survey per child as each child may have had a different experience. If your children attend St. Boniface, St. Peter and Paul or Holy Cross schools you do not need to fill out a survey. Survy form is below.
Thank you!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (9-17):
Dear ROCORI families-
Our Emergency Planning Team and I met, and reviewed the Stearns County COVID data last evening. The process for determining the learning model has been completed for the two week period of September 21-Oct. 2.
Our county wide numbers over the last three weeks have remained in the band that allows for In-person at K-6 and Hybrid for 7-12. https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/stats/wschool.pdf So, for the next two weeks ROCORI Schools will remain in the same schedule that we are currently in today. Our K-6 elementary students will come everyday in person, and our 7-12 will follow the A/B schedule. Please see the school calendar provided in this link. https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1597948938/rocorik12mnus/s4gqn2twoi8dreifjswy/2020-2021AdoptedCalendar.pdf
I want to remind you that keeping your family home when they are sick, is crucial for us keeping kids coming to school in person now, and throughout the entire year. I have included a link to a plea from our state medical professionals with a similar message. https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2020/covid091420.html
I can't say this enough...you children have been amazing and resilient during the start of the school year! That happens because of the partnership like atmosphere between families and staff here in ROCORI.
Thank you for your continued support of ROCORI schools.
Thanks,
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (9-15):
Dear ROCORI Families-
As we start week two of the 2020-2021 school year, I just wanted to say thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigated through the start of the year. I am very fortunate to get to walk around and see our great students and staff in action. Your children did amazing with all the new protocols in place. This year, we did entrance conferences for the first time ever. Initial reactions were very positive from the parents and staff. As we learn, grow and change together, I want you to know how much we appreciate your flexibility. I know it feels like things change daily and change has become the new norm but I am confident that we will find a groove. Speaking of change...
Last week we told families that breakfast and lunch are going to be free. It turns out that all children 18 and under are eligible for FREE breakfast and lunch. Meals are available for pick up every day from 10:00-11:00am at:
· Secondary Building (door #8- south of tennis courts)
· John Clark Elementary (main door)
· Richmond Elementary (main door)
If interested, please order meals by contacting Chris Barker (Food Service Director) at barkerc@rocori.k12.mn.us or 320-685-4921. Order information needed: parent name, how many meals, preferred pick up site and phone number. A reminder that this program will last until December 30, 2020 or until federal funds run out. We still encourage you to fill out the application for educational benefits. https://www.rocori.k12.mn.us/services/food-services/application-for-educational-benefits
ROCORI Schools is following the MDH decision tree when it comes to determining quarantine and isolation of students and staff who have symptoms, a COVID positive test or an exposure/close contact with a person who is COVID positive. https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools/exguide.pdf Linked is the newest explanation and scenarios for parents from MDH of how we apply the decision tree. https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools/attendance.pdf
The MSHSL has approved the playing of girls and boys soccer, girls and boys cross country, girls swimming and diving, and girls tennis this fall. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, spectators are not allowed at inside events such as swimming and are limited in outside activities to a maximum of 250 spectators total. Direct family members will be given priority to attend outside events. These spectators will be asked to properly social distance, not meet in groups before and after contests. They are also encouraged to wear masks. Please adhere to these guidelines when attending ROCORI events.
We have opportunities for you to show your ROCORI proud spirit. Yard signs we sold last spring that say this home is ROCORI Proud are available at Cold Spring Elementary. The cost is $10. Call 320-685-7534 to reserve one. Available until we run out.
ROCORI High School is running an online clothing store. Please go to https://rambow.com/ and type in SPARTANS in the store code box and shop away.
Have a great week!
Brad
COVID-19 Update (9-3):
Dear ROCORI Families-
Good afternoon! As we enter the holiday weekend, I wanted to send you some updates and valuable information. Please look through all the information as each item is important.
The last two weeks, we have welcomed new and returning staff into our buildings. Our staff is working hard to keep your children safe while they are on our campuses. Our COVID page on the website and building SMORE newsletters are places to go for the information you need for next week’s plan.
We are looking forward to seeing you next Tuesday and Wednesday for entrance conferences on September 8th and 9th, and classes beginning on September 10th. Reminder that our K-6 students will start in-person and our 7-12 students will start in Hybrid A/B.
The Minnesota Department of Health released a new decision tree for schools, youth and childcare programs. Please see the flow chart ROCORI Schools will use in determining quarantine and isolation status of students and staff.
COVID Transmission update:
Today, Stearns County informed us that Stearns County cases are up and ROCORI’s district cases are up. Stearns County Health has indicated it is due to community transmission. Positive cases are being reported due to large group gatherings mainly where people are not practicing social distance guidelines. As we approach the long holiday weekend, I ask you to follow the CDC guidelines on stopping the spread of COVID so we can have in-person instruction. The only way we will stay open to students in person is if we all do our part.
The long weekend usually means travel for families.
The CDC has put out guidelines for travel.
If you do travel during this long holiday weekend, please keep these important tips in mind.
1) This is a link to all states and their travel restrictions as of 8-18-2020 for your information
2) Considerations before traveling (MDH)
If you are thinking about traveling away from your local community, it is important to take steps to protect yourself and your family. COVID-19 has been reported in all 50 states, and traveling can put people at greater risk of getting sick.
Before you travel, think about: (MDH)
- How much COVID-19 is spreading where you are going and how much it is spreading in your local community.
- Whether you or someone you are traveling with could get very sick from COVID-19.
- How easy or difficult it will be to keep 6 feet between people.
- Whether you would be able to miss work, school, or other activities if you get sick.
3) During your trip, take steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19: (CDC)
- Wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when in public settings.
- Avoid close contact by staying at least 6 feet apart (about 2 arms’ length) from anyone who is not from your household.
- Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).
- Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
We will be asking you as parents to screen your children before coming to school starting on Tuesday, September 8th. MDH has provided a good chart of symptoms to be looking for. If your child is sick it is important to keep them home.
I appreciate all your help in getting ROCORI Schools open and staying open!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (8-26):
Good morning ROCORI Families!
I want to remind you that tonight at 6:30 pm you will have an opportunity to give input on the direction of ROCORI Schools. Dr. Bruce Miles of Big River Group will be conducting a Strategic Planning session via Zoom to gather your input to present to the School Board in September. Below is the information to join the session.
Topic: ROCORI Community Session with Big River Group
Time: Aug 26, 2020 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83770102010?pwd=VUExeUE1a1VlZmFabGE2V2piNmNWdz09
Meeting ID: 837 7010 2010
Passcode: 532550
I want to remind you that email will be the main form of communication on school related issues. Please check you email frequently throughout the school year for messages about school and your children.
Please open this link to the first trimester AB Schedule and ROCORI Schools Calendar.
Yesterday, ROCORI Schools posted its Restart Blueprint on its website. This plan is a living document meaning as we learn, we will also adapt. Safety is our commitment to our students and staff.
Yesterday we also posted a FAQ to help answer the questions you might have. I would like to thank parents who sent us questions to help us develop this document. We will also update this document as needed so check back.
You should be receiving SMORE newsletters from your child's building. These newsletters will be the main source of the details for your child's school day.
As we approach the start of the school year and the excitement of being able to see staff and students on campus, I want to remind you that it is going to take a community wide effort to get open and stay open.
The best way to keep our COVID case numbers down and keep our kids coming to school is to know how the virus spreads, social distance, wear masks, wash hands frequently, cover your cough and sneezes, clean and disinfect frequently and stay home if you are sick.
Thanks again for all your patience as we plan the Re Open process.
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (8-14):
Dear ROCORI Families-
I want to thank all of you who attended the meeting tonight. Community input is important and I want to recognize you for braving our Minnesota weather. At tonight's Emergency Board Meeting the ROCORI School Board made decisions on how school will start for our students.
Sept. 8th and 9th will be entrance conferences for all students and you will get those details from you child's building administrator.
Elementary (K-6) students will start on September 10th every day in person. Information has or will be coming to you from your child's building administrator on the re open plan details early next week.
Secondary (7-12) students will start on September 10 and run through the 18th in the A-B Hybrid model. Information will be coming to you from your child's building administrator on the re open plan details early next week.
The district can move between plans based on county COVID case data. This data will determine the model (Hybrid or In-Person) and how we educate our students on September 21.
I want to thank the ROCORI School Board for their time, effort and thoughtful discussion around these extremely tough decisions during difficult times.
Have a great weekend!
Brad Kelvington,
Superintendent
For more information on the learning plan timeline click the link below:
COVID-19 Update (8-7):
Dear ROCORI Families:
I will be sending you three messages today. This is message one and the survey will be important to complete. Please read all three in full so you have all the latest news in our Re Open Plan for ROCORI Schools in the 2020-21 School Year.
Since the Governor released the final guidelines for reopening schools Executive Order 20-82, ROCORI has been diligently working on a solution to educate our students that keeps them safe, provides a quality experience and is feasible in function and budget.
A team of representatives from the School Board, parents/guardians, staff, and students are charged with producing the Safe Learning Plan for ROCORI Schools. While waiting for final approval of our plan from the Minnesota Department of Education and Minnesota Department of Health, I wanted to share our framework in each of the models of In-Person, Hybrid, and Distance Learning.
Our goal is to have every student on campus or at a community space every day. Here is the information on the three models.
· The In-Person model is every student on campus or at a community space every day, full-time.
· The Hybrid model is every student on campus or at a community space at least half-time with distance learning during the off-campus time.
· The Distance Learning model is all students distance learning full-time at home.
As of today August 7th, our elementary students grades K-6 will be In-Person every day. Our student plan in grades 7-12 is still being developed and will be recommended to the school board on Monday, August 10th. We would like to announce our full Educational Plan Tuesday, August 11th after our required Minnesota Department of Health consultation takes place. Please know that the data changes quickly and this may not be the model we are in come September 8th.
Our distance learning model would be like last spring with the improvements suggested to us by you in place.
In all models, any student wanting an online learning experience may do so from ROCORI’s Online School. ROCORI Schools and teachers will support your student in a partnership with Edgenuity, an online learning program that we have used successfully in our alternative learning center and night school program. Please note that a student who chooses the online school option must do so for the entire trimester.
The link below takes you to a survey that I am requesting you to take part in for each student in your household. The information requested is vital in helping us to know the exact numbers of students coming to school this fall. It is our hope that you will fill out the survey prior to Noon on Monday, August 10th so our planning team can review and make recommendations to our school administration and School Board.
Thank you for your continued support of ROCORI Schools and patience in our announcements.
Brad
COVID-19 Update (8-7):
Dear ROCORI Families:
Here is email 2 of 3 in our communications to you about our Re Open planning. Please read the entire email as it has important information for you!
In all models, ROCORI Schools is going to change its opening of schools during the 1st week. The new calendar will be approved by the School Board on Monday, August 10th, 2020. Below is a description of what the first weeks of school will look like for staff and students.
ROCORI Opening Weeks of School
Due to social distancing guidelines and the unpredictability of an Open House, ROCORI Schools will change what the opening weeks of school look like for staff, students, and parents.
New Staff Workshops and Back to School Workshops will be focused on preparing the student learning environment, instructional strategies, technology, and safety protocols for keeping our students safe.
The first week of school, slated to start on September 8th, will be used to individualize the start of the school year for families and students. We will be asking for one parent and the student in all grades to attend an entrance conference.
· Elementary Conferences will be scheduled by teacher using My Conference Time.
· Middle School Conferences will be scheduled by Spartan Time teacher using Skyward
· High School Conferences will be scheduled by homeroom teacher using Skyward.
· ROCORI’s Online students will schedule a conference with a counselor in the building the student attends.
New Calendar
ROCORI Schools will change its 2020-2021 Calendar slightly. The changes will be:
Staff will have four in-service days to start the year (Aug. 31-Sept. 3) and January 18th will be a non-school day for all staff and students.
· September 8th Entrance Conferences from 10 am – 8:00 pm
· September 9th Entrance Conferences from 10 am – 8:00 pm
· September 10th All Classes begin
COVID-19 Update (8-7):
Dear ROCORI Families:
Here is email 3 of 3 in our communications to you about our Re Open planning. Please read the entire email as it has an important survey to respond to about transportation and information on Spartan Spot!
ROCORI Schools are required to plan for these safety precautions to get an approved plan for In- Person.
· Masking
· Personal Protective Equipment for direct support student services
· Routines of hygiene education and practices
· Frequent cleaning of high touch surfaces
· Establish a COVID-19 coordinator
· Limiting non-essential visitors, volunteers, external groups,
· Discontinue large gatherings
· Monitoring for and exclude students and staff for illness.
In the Hybrid Model ROCORI Schools is required to plan for these additional safety precautions.
· Social distancing of six feet in school buildings
· 50% capacity in school buildings
· 50% capacity in transportation
· Sufficient staffing to meet our student needs in the Hybrid model
Lastly, your willingness to transport your children to school will help us in meeting our transportation capacity number. To make this possible, we will be allowing to drop your students off at 7:30 am in grades K-6. Students in grades 7-12 may also arrive early (7:00 am socially distanced in the commons) and will be directed to classrooms starting at 7:30 am. Pick up times vary by building but will be close to 15 minutes after release time. We have also added options for AM and PM only pick up and drop off for ridership. If you have not filled out the transportation form or want to change your selection, please go out to this link. If you do not have a change from your last selection no action is required.
Any student K-6 that would need to be dropped off starting at 6:30 am may use our Spartan Spot. Spartan Spot information is found here.
Thank you for your support of ROCORI Schools during this time!
Communication on our 7-12 Base Model will be released Tuesday evening, August 11th.
Brad Kelvington,
Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (8-3):
Dear ROCORI Families:
We were notified today 8-3-2020 by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) of a lab confirmed case of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in a member of the ROCORI Nutrition Services program with exposure date of 7-27-2020.
We have worked with MDH to identify those who had close contact with the case, and have communicated with them individually. The risk of exposure for other individuals present in the building on that date is no greater than the risk of contracting the virus in the general community. Is there a risk to those who received food or food in packages from this person? From the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/food-and-COVID-19.html
- The risk of getting COVID-19 from food you cook yourself or from handling and consuming food from restaurants and takeout or drive-thru meals is thought to be very low. Currently, there is no evidence that food is associated with spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.
- The risk of infection by the virus from food products, food packaging, or bags is thought to be very low. Currently, no cases of COVID-19 have been identified where infection was thought to have occurred by touching food, food packaging, or shopping bags.
- Although some people who work in food production and processing facilities have gotten COVID-19, there is no evidence of the virus spreading to consumers through the food or packaging that workers in these facilities may have handled.
For privacy reasons, we can’t share many details about the status of the person. At this time they are either staying home and/or working at home for at least 10 days, and any staff who have been in close contact with them have been notified that they must also stay home and/or work from home for 14 days. If you have not been contacted, you are not considered to be at higher risk, and there is nothing additional you need to do.
We have taken action to clean and sanitize the facility and are working closely with MDH to monitor the situation. To minimize further exposure, we continue to recommend implementation of the following strategies:
- Stay at least 6 feet from other people. Do not gather in groups and stay out of crowded places.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a mask or cloth face covering, if you are medically able to, when in common areas and when staying 6 feet from others is difficult.
- Wash your hands often, especially when in public places. As an alternative, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Stay home if you are sick. Be alert for symptoms, which can include cough, shortness of breath, fever, headache, chills, muscle pain, and loss of taste or smell.
- If your age or underlying medical conditions put you at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, follow the CDC’s guidance for People Who Need Extra Precautions.
- Visit the Protecting Yourself and Your Family page of the MDH website to learn more.
What to do if you may be infected with COVID-19:
Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell. Other less common symptoms include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after you are exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. Not everyone with COVID-19 has all of these symptoms, and some people may not have any symptoms. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns about symptoms.
I know these are challenging times for all of us. ROCORI Schools is doing everything we can to keep your child safe. I appreciate the support ROCORI families have shown during our planning and decision times.
Brad Kelvington,
Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (7-30):
Dear ROCORI Families:
Today, The Governor, team members from the Minnesota Department of Education, and the Minnesota Department of Health released the Safe Learning Plan for the 20-21 School Year.
Members of the ROCORI Administrative team, School Board, and Emergency Planning Team will be reviewing the guidance over the next few days. We know that you need to know the plans sooner than later. We will work diligently to get you the information you need for your child as soon as possible. Be watching for more communication from me early next week. Thank you for your patience and continued support of ROCORI Schools!
Brad Kelvington
Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (7-30):
Dear ROCORI Parents:
Superintendents were informed that the announcement from the Governor on how schools will open will happen on July 30th, 2020. I will communicate that announcement and any planning we can share with you via a message shortly after it is made.
ROCORI is working hard to plan for all three models that include: In-person, hybrid and distance learning. In the In-person and hybrid models of instruction a distance learning option is required to be offered to students. We are currently planning what the distance learning will look like using the input we gathered from you.
A few weeks ago I asked you about transportation. I heard from many of you that if you had a choice of just AM or PM routes it would change your decision. We have added that as an option. You can go back into the form and make a change. We will look at your last choice. If nothing has changed in your transportation needs you need to do nothing. Here is the link to our website and the form: https://www.rocori.k12.mn.us/services/bus-stop-information/rocori-transportation-form Please complete the form ASAP if you have not previously completed the form or you are going to make a change. Thank you!
I am including a link and attachments to the Free and Reduced Lunch Applications for you to get a head start on the filling out for the 2020-2021 school year. The forms can also be found on our website here: https://www.rocori.k12.mn.us/services/food-services I encourage all families to fill out the form and submit.
2020-21 Application - English.pdf 2020-21 Application - Spanish.pdf 2020-21 Application - Somali.pdf
Return your completed Application for Educational Benefits to: Your child’s school office Secretary; mail to Ind. School District #750, 534 5th Ave N, Cold Spring, MN 56320, Attn: Christine Barker or scan and email them to barkerc@rocori.k12.mn.us. To insure your benefits begin on the first day of school it is recommended that you submit your application as soon as possible. Please know that financial hardships happen to all people at all times of the year and you can reapply at any time.
If the Governor decides a hybrid or distance learning model we will be reaching out to you on technology needs similar to what we did last spring.
Masks:
As a public school we want to service all students and their needs, but also respect personal decisions. It is a difficult task. We are required to follow Executive Orders from the Governor. Options for families that don’t want their children in school with a required mask are similar to those who won’t come to school unless a mask is required. The options, in all cases of a mask and in-person and a hybrid models of instruction are distance learning, online schooling or homeschooling.
We want the opportunity to give your children a ROCORI education but respect your personal decision. I can tell you that we are seeking additional guidance on how we can incorporate “mask” breaks into the school day for students.
Classroom Supplies:
Once the decision has been made by the Governor we will know what to include in classroom supplies lists.
Our strategic plan work is ongoing. Community will have an opportunity to give input on ROCORI’s direction in a ZOOM meeting conducted by Dr. Bruce Miles of Big River Consulting on August 26th, 2020 starting at 6:30 PM. Be watching for the Zoom link invite in an August SMORE newsletter.
Thanks,
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (7-24):
Dear ROCORI Parents:
Superintendents were informed that the announcement from the Governor on how schools will open will happen on July 30th, 2020. I will communicate that announcement and any planning we can share with you via a message shortly after it is made.
ROCORI is working hard to plan for all three models that include: In-person, hybrid and distance learning. In the In-person and hybrid models of instruction a distance learning option is required to be offered to students. We are currently planning what the distance learning will look like using the input we gathered from you.
A few weeks ago I asked you about transportation. I heard from many of you that if you had a choice of just AM or PM routes it would change your decision. We have added that as an option. You can go back into the form and make a change. We will look at your last choice. If nothing has changed in your transportation needs you need to do nothing. Here is the link to our website and the form: https://www.rocori.k12.mn.us/services/bus-stop-information/rocori-transportation-form Please complete the form ASAP if you have not previously completed the form or you are going to make a change. Thank you!
I am including a link and attachments to the Free and Reduced Lunch Applications for you to get a head start on the filling out for the 2020-2021 school year. The forms can also be found on our website here: https://www.rocori.k12.mn.us/services/food-services I encourage all families to fill out the form and submit.
2020-21 Application - English.pdf 2020-21 Application - Spanish.pdf 2020-21 Application - Somali.pdf
Return your completed Application for Educational Benefits to: Your child’s school office Secretary; mail to Ind. School District #750, 534 5th Ave N, Cold Spring, MN 56320, Attn: Christine Barker or scan and email them to barkerc@rocori.k12.mn.us. To insure your benefits begin on the first day of school it is recommended that you submit your application as soon as possible. Please know that financial hardships happen to all people at all times of the year and you can reapply at any time.
If the Governor decides a hybrid or distance learning model we will be reaching out to you on technology needs similar to what we did last spring.
Masks:
As a public school we want to service all students and their needs, but also respect personal decisions. It is a difficult task. We are required to follow Executive Orders from the Governor. Options for families that don’t want their children in school with a required mask are similar to those who won’t come to school unless a mask is required. The options, in all cases of a mask and in-person and a hybrid models of instruction are distance learning, online schooling or homeschooling.
We want the opportunity to give your children a ROCORI education but respect your personal decision. I can tell you that we are seeking additional guidance on how we can incorporate “mask” breaks into the school day for students.
Classroom Supplies:
Once the decision has been made by the Governor we will know what to include in classroom supplies lists.
Our strategic plan work is ongoing. Community will have an opportunity to give input on ROCORI’s direction in a ZOOM meeting conducted by Dr. Bruce Miles of Big River Consulting on August 26th, 2020 starting at 6:30 PM. Be watching for the Zoom link invite in an August SMORE newsletter.
Thanks,
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (6-5):
Dear ROCORI Families-
Happy Friday! We took the week off from updating you last week...once less email was probably welcome. I wanted to start by thanking all of you for allowing us to try new ways to celebrate your child at the end of the school year. I am so proud of all the staff that helped in organizing and executing the parades, zoom graduations, virtual conferences, signs, banners and so many other creative ways to recognize our students. The level of community support was amazing. Seeing the pictures of kids waving to their teachers warmed hearts and who doesn't like to see a fire truck leading a parade through a town?
Thank you for picking up and returning your child's materials and technology. We will be putting them away and preparing them for Fall of 2020.
Thank you to those who responded to our survey (600 responses) on ROCORI's Distance Learning experience. I am putting those results into a document to share with you once I have completed the analysis. There were so many helpful thoughts and ideas.
The question we all are wondering...what will school look like in Fall of 2020.....I wanted to give you an update from the Minnesota Department of Education we received June 4th, 2020. MDE guides all Minnesota Public Schools and when they release guidance all Minnesota Public Schools are to follow the guidance. Below is the plan and what details ROCORI, Paynesville, Holdingford, Albany, etc. will be using to plan around. I am hopeful for and like that MDE listed returning all students to building first!
Week of June 15
- Release public health parameters of the three models for schools to consider while contingency planning for the 2020-21 school year.
Models:
- Return all students to school buildings following the most current CDC and MDH guidelines.
- Return students to school buildings implementing a hybrid model following the most current CDC and MDH guidelines.
- No students return to school buildings. Implement a distance learning model.
Week of July 27
- MDE and MDH share determination on educational delivery model will be in the best interest of the health and safety of our students, school staff, and school communities for the 2020-21 school year.
Please note that MDE and MDH may make changes after the week of July 27th given new information they receive on the pandemic condition.
Have a great weekend!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (5-22):
Dear ROCORI Families-
Today marks the last day for our Seniors and any new instruction. Thank you for being so patient as we finish the year at ROCORI. I am simply amazed by all the support and resiliency our staff, students and you as families have shown in the last couple of weeks especially. There is no doubt we are needing to connect as the year ends. Support at events like Big Truck Night, car parade graduations, community banner and lighting of our facilities on Wednesday nights and the views of our Senior Night of Excellence and Senior Slide Show is evidence of that need.
Next week we will have you complete the process of turning in books, materials and technology as well as pick up of items like yearbooks, caps, gowns, chords, report cards, etc. Please see your child's school newsletter for those details. We are collecting laptops and hotspots, except for those students that are doing credit recovery in the high school in June. We need time to format them back to the carts they were taken from to use in classrooms next year. Please contact techsupport@rocori.k12.mn.us for special requests.
We are asking for some feedback as we end the school year. Students and parents in grades 6-12 were sent a survey yesterday to complete. I am including the link to all parents in today's update. In order to get the best data possible I ask you to complete a survey for each child. We know that many families have two or three kids at home that have had completely different experiences and so it will be valuable to complete a survey for each child with that thought in mind. Please click the survey, submit and go back to the link for the next survey and submit.
There a many questions to be answered as we move forward into the summer and next year. When those answers are ready to be shared we will do that in a timely manner. We are hearing from many of you that you want your kids back in summer programs and in school in the fall. We are going to work extremely hard to make that happen as much as possible as we know that face to face interaction and relationship building is what is best for kids. We do have to follow guidelines and keep our kids safe first and foremost and will make every attempt to do so. For this holiday weekend...give your families a break from thinking about that and enjoy time together in the great communities of ROCORI.
Be safe and be well!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (5-8):
Dear ROCORI Families-
As we finish the first full week of May celebrating Teachers and Nurses and look forward to the weekend of celebrating Moms and the opening of fishing, I would like to update you on how the last few weeks of the 2019-2020 School year are going to finish at ROCORI. The finer details will be coming to you from your child's school in the coming days.
-Our 2020 Senior’s last day of school will be May 22nd. MDE released guidelines today on Graduation Ceremonies. Seniors and parents, please be watching your email for updates from Mr. Jenson.
-May 22, 2020 will be the last day for new assignments for our PK-11 students except for Driver’s Education.
-May 26th-May 28th will be instructional days for students to finish any outstanding assignments, handing in of materials at school sites, and making last connections with teachers and paraprofessionals. Specific details will be coming to you from your child’s building.
-Summer Feeding… We will continue to provide meals through June 30th!
-Summer building projects…our custodial staff is hard at it already preparing for the 20-21 school year. Projects have started at Richmond Elementary. Roofing projects have started all over the district and the Secondary parking lot rebuild will start in early June.
-Summer Childcare…while we wait to hear on social distancing guidelines for after May 18th, we are planning for a fee based childcare program in some form. Be watching for information coming from Community Education about Spartan Spot and Kid Care.
-Summer activities/Summer School…we continue to wait on guidance from the Minnesota State High School League and MDE. Please stay tuned for more information.
-Technology…the plan, unless you need the technology for Credit Recovery, will be for you to hand it back in the last week of May. Special requests can be made to techsupport@rocori.k12.mn.us. Be watching for the hand of in details coming from your child’s school.
Have a great weekend!
Be safe and be well!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (5-5):
ROCORI Families-
Stearns County school districts, including ROCORI, are partnering with Stearns County Public Health to get messages to you in regards to COVID 19. Below is a message from Sally Sands, Public Health Coordinator in regards to what is happening in Stearns County and where you can go for help. Look for my weekly update on Friday morning this week. Be well and safe!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
From Stearns County:
Stearns County is currently seeing a large increase in the number of residents testing positive for COVID-19 (or novel Coronavirus). If you are experiencing any of these symptoms- fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell- we encourage you to contact your health care provider or call the CentraCare Connect Hotline at 320-200-3200 for screening and possible testing. The ability to do more testing and isolate sick individuals helps Public Health in efforts to contain COVID-19. If you have other questions, you can contact the Benton-Stearns COVID-19 hotline at 877-782-5683. Please continue to practice good hand hygiene, stay home if you are sick, maintain 6 feet from others while out in public, and stay away from crowds. Again, if you are experiencing symptoms, you can call the CentraCare Connect Hotline at 320-200-3200 and if you have other questions, you can call the Benton-Stearns COVID-19 hotline at 877-782-5683.
COVID-19 Update (5-1):
Dear ROCORI Families-
It is hard to believe it is May today and we are in the last month of school. Remember that Monday, May 4th, is a non-instruction day. Our staff is busy getting plans ready for you to finish the year, completing professional development, and cleaning out their rooms for the summer.
We are still serving meals Monday! A new May menu, calendar and locations for pickup have been posted on our website, or is available here: https://bit.ly/2Yp4d6n
We know families may need food now more than ever due to positive tests in their households. We can accommodate. Please call Chris Barker at 320-685-4921 or email her at barkerc@rocori.k12.mn.us and we will work with you! Our Food Service staff is dedicated to taking this worry off your hands!
Technology needs are being handled by our Technology Department. Please call Brian Michalski at 320-685-4185 or email at techsupport@rocori.k12.mn.us
On Thursday, Governor Walz extended the stay at home order until May 18th. Our buildings and grounds will continue to have limited access during this time. Pick up of student materials for 6-12 will continue to happen at door 11 of the secondary building. Due to the Governor’s order and the uncertainty of when larger group gatherings will be allowed to happen, we will be evaluating and planning a number of scenarios for the largest group gathering left on our calendar…graduation.
To our 2020 seniors and their parents, we are currently working on several different scenarios to give you as much of a traditional graduation ceremony as we can. Due to changes and recommendations coming daily from the state level regarding safety protocols, we have to have several plans ready to go. The most important factors in planning the graduation ceremony are to honor our graduates with a meaningful experience and keeping our community safe. We want you to know that we are working with the Student Senate and multiple parent groups. As the date becomes closer and more information is released from the State we will be updating students and parents of the particulars of the plan(s).
Childcare will reopen on Monday, May 4th, 2020 at 6:30 am. The time we had off this past week was out of an abundance of caution and we can’t thank you enough for that time to clean, learn and develop protocols for a safe return.
As we get closer to the end of the school year, please know we will have a hard cut-off date of instruction, followed by a catch up period, and then a hand in of materials similar to the pickup of student personal items. Be watching for those plans in the next update.
I know this time is hard but I am encouraged by the way we are finding ways to honor our students while they are at home. Please reach out if you have any needs and the staff will be here to help you. We'll Be There For You!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (4-27):
Dear ROCORI Families-
We have students and staff of the ROCORI community report that they have been diagnosed with lab confirmed COVID-19 (coronavirus). The Minnesota Department of Health has and will be in contact with us. It has determined that the risk of exposure at our school was low.
Persons who were present at District Education Facility on Thursday April 23rd and Friday, April 24th are considered at low risk of becoming ill with COVID-19 unless specifically contacted by ROCORI Staff and or the Minnesota Department of Health. Persons at low risk of becoming ill should monitor for symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath for 14 days but do not need to stay home unless symptoms develop. If symptoms develop, stay home, and consult with your physician to determine if medical evaluation is needed.
I understand that this news may create unease in our community. The safety, security, and health of our staff and students is our top priority. To that end, we have taken the precaution of closing the DEF and Childcare until Monday, May 4th, subject to change and will be disinfecting the DEF thoroughly starting on Tuesday, April 28th.
The most important actions each of us can take to further protect ourselves include:
- Staying home if you are sick
- Washing your hands often with soap and water; covering your cough and sneeze; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Practicing self-care by eating a healthy diet and taking time to rest
- Frequently cleaning all commonly touched surfaces
- Avoiding large gatherings
This is our first notification(s) of a COVID-19 case, and we are thankful to the individuals for their self-awareness and reporting their condition to ROCORI. As access to diagnostics increases (through clinical diagnosis or laboratory confirmation), so will the number of positive cases – both in the wider community as well as here at ROCORI. Therefore, we expect that future diagnoses like these will not necessarily result in school-wide communication except in the case of childcare. Delivery of nutrition services will continue and we will notify you if a change in a mode of delivery is necessary.
If you feel ill, take the appropriate actions to protect your colleagues, friends and family, seek medical attention, and we encourage you to report any COVID-19 health updates to Brad Kelvington at kelvingtonb@rocori.k12.mn.us
If you feel you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, The Minnesota Department of Health recommends:
- Stay at home for at least 7 days, and for 3 days with no fever and improvement of respiratory symptoms – whichever is longer. (Your fever should be gone for 3 days without using fever-reducing medicine).
- Use the CDC website on how to Care For Yourself at Home with COVID-19.
- If your household contacts were exposed to you while you had symptoms, they should try to stay home as much as possible for 14 days.
- They should closely monitor their health, and if symptoms occur, they must isolate themselves. More guidance on this can be found here: MDH COVID-19 Basic
- Use the CDC website for How to Minimize Spread.
This is a challenging time and I know many of you may be feeling stress, you are not alone. We will get through this together as ROCORI and will be stronger when we emerge. Be safe and be well!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (4-24):
Dear ROCORI Families-
Happy Friday! I hope you get a chance to enjoy what looks like to be a very nice Spring weekend here in Minnesota and the ROCORI area!
My first announcement will be exciting and part of what should have been ROCORI’s Employee Recognition Week.
Congratulations to our Support Staff of the Year Award winners---Tracey Neugart-Administrative assistant at John Clark Elementary, Becky Mrosla-Custodian at the Secondary, Susan Schmitz-Nutrition Services, and Missy Boucher-Paraprofessional! Next fall we will honor these talented and deserving staff at a regional banquet. Congrats and thank you for all that you do for the students, staff and community of ROCORI!
Distance Learning-
We will be moving forward with the ROCORI Proud Spirit I have the privilege to see in all of you and this community. The video that went out to all of you was so well received. Thank you for all the nice comments. We do have an updated video…https://youtu.be/ZYGNuXP7iNA with more of the staff added…enjoy!
The ROCORI Emergency Planning team met early this morning…they are so thoughtful and working hard for our students and staff…quite proud of this leadership team!
Members: Keri Johnson, Nate Guetter, Jake Nelson, Sam Court, Eric Skanson, Kara Linz, Joyce Baumann, Sue Phillips, Mark Jenson, Beth Bertram, Brian Michalski, Chris Barker, Patricia Ayala, Traci Kooiman, Brent Neisinger, Shelly Acheson, Holly Gazett, Stephanie Hillman and Joel Baumgarten.
A quick reminder of the news yesterday…the Executive Order 20-41 calls for MN schools are to finish the year in distance learning. The Minnesota State High School League also cancelled all activities for the Spring 2020 season. The order calls for NO instruction on May 1st and May 4th. Students will not have coursework on those days, except for drivers education, because we have to meet the amount of days required in order for students to get their cards.
Here are some of the answers to important questions being asked:
-ROCORI will continue to focus on connections and relationships with students
-ROCORI will continue food delivery, child care and technology support
-Teachers will plan and support meaningful lessons and support will be provided by our paraprofessionals
-Nothing “traditional” will happen in ending the school year: K-graduation, field trips, concerts, etc. so sorry!
-Civics test requirement for graduation has been relieved for this years seniors
-A traditional Prom is cancelled
-Graduation is still being planned for May 30th
-Grad Party is still being discussed
-Behind the Wheel instruction is on hold until clearance has been given to us by the State of Minnesota
-Summer School
- K-8 is on hold as we would like to do a face to face versus a virtual program
- 9-12 grade students who need graduation or credit recovery for on track graduation will get a virtual or independent experience
-Student drop off of books and technology and pick up of yearbooks is being planned and will come out in future communications.
-Activity/class fees paid on Revtrak will be refunded electronically
-Activity/class fees paid by cash or check will be deposited into lunch accounts unless otherwise requested.
-If you have other questions or would like a refund of your food service account balance instead of rolling it forward to the next school year, please contact your oldest child’s building secretary
Richmond Elementary groetchd@rocori.k12.mn.us
John Clark Elementary neugartt@rocori.k12.mn.us
Cold Spring Elementary ashfieldl@rocori.k12.mn.us
Secondary School torborgd@rocori.k12.mn.us
- If the only student in the family is a senior, fees will be refunded along with lunch account balances.
**Senior parents…As in prior years, we will be automatically issuing lunch account balance refunds for all families who only have senior students. If you would like to donate your balance to the Angel Account instead, please email Mary Rothstein at rothsteinm@rocori.k12.mn.us.
-Night of Excellence for seniors will be virtual
-College Signings will be virtual
I know this list is hard to read but I truly thank you for you continued support of ROCORI Schools and the kids. We'll Be There For You!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (4-9):
Dear ROCORI Families-
Thank you for being part of the Spartan Family! Week 2 of Distance Learning is done...whew! In my correspondence with staff, parents and the administrative team this week, I got the feeling that Week 2 has gone smoother. Our partnership with you is what is making that happen. Thank you for your responses to our survey last week. Your suggestions are welcome and helpful and hopefully you have seen some of the adjustments being made. We are asking our students similar questions this week. A growth mindset is what is needed in a time none of us have experienced previously. I am so proud of our staff and students...this past week we had better attendance on Tuesday and Wednesday than we do during a normal day.
ROCORI is continuing to serve over a 1000 meals a day, providing daily care for 30+ children, handed out over 250 laptops and 80 hotspots, making personal connections, and doing the best we can to provide learning experiences in this situation. New next week...library books to 6-12th graders. Check out the RMS/RHS SMORE Newsletter for details on how to get those valuable reading resources.
The Governor did extend the Stay at Home/Work from Home order until May, 4th. Some educational materials do need to be distributed so please be watching the SMORE newsletter from your child's building or your child's teacher for those details. I will keep you informed how this may affect our May 5th return in the coming week.
Reminder that if you need technology support to please email techsupport@rocori.k12.mn.us and we will help you with your needs.
Reminder that we do not have school tomorrow, Friday and Monday next week. Please enjoy the break you as families deserve!
Be well!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (4-3):
Dear ROCORI Families-
We are at the end of week one of Distance Learning, and I could not be more proud of the ROCORI staff, and of you as students and parents. We knew there would be bumps and sure enough we had internet issues on Monday morning. Thanks to you reaching out, we were able to get on it and fix it by early morning. We had some attendance issues, but we have addressed it, fixed it and it is now running smooth. There were questions around Teams, Seesaw, Padlet, Zoom, Nearpod, etc. Your patience and questions have helped us to fix them and communicate out the solutions to you.
I have talked with many teachers and my administrative team this week. I hear the same thing from them all...we miss the face to face time with kids. I also hear...we are doing pretty well though all things considered.
Thank you again for allowing us to reach out to you and to you for reaching out to your teachers, paraprofessionals and principals when help is needed. Connections this first week have been so important. I'LL BE THERE FOR YOU will be our COVID-19 Spartan motto for the students and you as parents.
We have handed out technology and hot spots for those first round of family needs. We are able to accommodate some more laptop requests and a limited amount of hot spot requests. Please email techsupport@rocori.k12.mn.us if you have further needs and our Technology Department will get back to you.
At ROCORI we are always trying to improve for our students. We want to know from you, how we are doing with Distance Learning. Below is a link to survey that I hope you will consider and fill out.
Attached is the Link to our District SMORE Newsletter. Thank you Team ROCORI for all your hard work!
Other announcements:
- No MCA testing for 19-20 School year
- Working on a way to move forward with Strategic Plan
- School Board meetings are moving to a virtual platform until further notice
- Moving forward with Secondary Principal Search
- We will not have school on April 10th and 13th. No instruction on these two days.
- Meals delivered on Monday, April 6th will be for April 6,7,9,10 and 13
- Meals picked up on April 9th will include meals for April 9,10 and 13
- Meals will resume as normal on April 14th
- Activities are still postponed-subject to change by MSHSL or Governor order
- Graduation is still being planned as scheduled-subject to change by Governor order
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out and ask!
Have a nice weekend!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (3-27):
Dear ROCORI Families:
As we make final preparations for Distance Learning to begin on March 30th, please know it has taken an extraordinary effort by Team ROCORI to do so in less than two weeks. It normally takes a year or more to change an entire system. I am very proud of each of team members. Thank you as parents for your patience, while we develop the best plan for our students. We will be learning together as educators and parents to do the best for our children. Please ask questions if something is not going well. We will be seeking your input during this month.
Our buildings will remain closed for public use except to those essential child care workers, food service workers, custodial staff, and business personnel.
Below is the link to our website in which you will find the ROCORI's Distance Learning Plan.
Our elementary students will access their daily instruction thru SMORE. The link to those pages can be found under the COVID-19 Information tab.
Our secondary students will access their daily instruction thru Teams. The link to those pages can be found under the COVID-19 Information tab.
You will be seeing some follow up from your child's school today as well. Other Announcements 3-27-2020
Technology: Thank you to all those who came today to pick up Technology devices. We were so sorry to not be able to hand out Hot Spots. When we get them in from T-mobile, we will get them to you as soon as we can. Please let your child's teacher know via email if you are having trouble connecting. If you are having issues with your technology, please email techsupport@rocori.k12.mn.us. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Attached is a document of other announcements for you to look at.
Please remember the best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to follow the Stay at Home order for the next two weeks. It is important that you do not let your kids gather in groups and have sleep overs. Please practice good social distancing, wash your hands, avoid touching your face, stay home if your sick, cover coughs, sneezes, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. Thank you so much for helping to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Be well and ask questions!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (3-25):
Dear ROCORI Families-
Thank you for being so patient during this COVID-19 time. Governor Walz issued Executive Order #20-19 today, 3-25-2020. The order directs ROCORI Schools to go to distance learning starting Monday, March 30th, 2020 and ending no sooner that April 30th, 2020. Students could be back on campus on May 5th, 2020. Please note that is date could change and should it change it will be communicated with you as soon as we are directed to.
I appreciate all the work done by you as families to pick up personal items this week at your child's school. Our ROCORI team was excellent in their planning and execution of getting you those materials quickly, efficiently and safely as possible. The buildings will be open during regular school hours for the rest of this week if you have not been able to pick up those items yet. Please go to the main office door in your child's school building to retrieve those personal items.
We are still going to provide meals under the order as we have been doing and also provide the same childcare that we have been doing under this order.
We will be changing the distribution of date of the technology needed for distance learning that you as families identified in our inventory survey. That communication should come to you around 7:00 pm tonight.
There is so much more to communicate with you and I will be doing that over the next two days. Please be watching your email for more needed information from ROCORI Schools.
Be well!
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent
COVID-19 Update (3-23):
Dear ROCORI Families-
We are ready for the pick up of personal items to begin tomorrow. Reminder that will be doing delivery to your vehicles. Please follow the instructions of our staff upon arrival. We will help you as quickly as we can as we know your time is valuable. Over the last few days our amazing staff were able to get so much accomplished! Thank you to all that called or emailed specific details of band instruments and physical education locker contents. We were to get 100% of the instruments identified and about 70% of physical education materials identified which will significantly decrease the need to come into the secondary building. If you need to come into the building you will be instructed to park in the lot closest to the building and enter. You will be asked to use hand sanitizer as you enter, collect your belongings quickly and exit. Thank you for your cooperation!
Brad Kelvington,
Superintendent
Pick up of Personal Items Schedule English and Spanish
Pick up of Personal Items Schedule Somali
COVID-19 Update (3-19):
Dear ROCORI Families-
Today we finalized details and began the work of getting our students their personal items back from their lockers. I will be attaching those instructions and documents below.
Pick up of Personal Items Schedule English and Spanish
Pick up of Personal Items Schedule Somali
As of late this afternoon we had 1585 of 1919 inventory surveys complete. We have started to make calls to follow up as well. If you have not yet filled out that survey please do even if you do not need any of the services!
https://rocori.wufoo.com/forms/pdxclp1tfdtbc/
The survey responses have helped us understand your needs! Today alone we served 351 breakfasts and 351 lunches! We are ready to serve more!
When you pick up your personal items next week you may have some instructional materials in those bags in preparation for distance learning. They are only there in preparation for distance learning and your children are not to start on those materials until March 30th when they receive instructions from their teachers should we be directed by the Governor to go to distance learning.
We are working hard on providing a document and web link for you that will explain the expectations should we have to go to distance learning. I hope to have that ready for you early next week.
Sincerely,
Brad Kelvington, Superintendent