March 10, 2021 at 6:00 PM - Independent School District 507 Regular School Board Meeting

1. In-person learning began for all students on Tuesday, February 23.  It’s exciting to have students back in our building. COVID-19 case information has been posted on the NPS website and will be updated weekly.

2. School staff members are accessing vaccines through the state and county distribution systems.  Due to HIPPA, we have not asked staff members to report their vaccination status.  However, it is likely that all staff members who would like to be vaccinated have done so or are in the process.

3. Most of the MN public education affiliates collaborated to draft a letter to the legislature.  It is essential that public schools receive legislative relief from the impact of declining enrollment resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.  I encourage school board members, parents, and community members to contact our local legislators regarding this matter.

Raider Pride Update/Celebrations/Coronation:

The Raider Pride team gave a treat attached to a little saying to every student based on the Random Act of Kindness Week (Feb. 14-20).

School-wide bingo for Elem. students was on Friday, March 5, and Secondary students was Thursday, March 4.

Elementary students can purchase items through the Raider Pride store within their classes. Various items have been divided up between the classrooms because of COVID. There is also a slideshow with items that would cost more. In the past, we would have the items on a cart and each class got to have the cart brought to the classrooms. Our 5th and 6th graders will be sent to the commons area in small groups during lunch to purchase items. Our 7th-12th graders who participate in class discussion during google meets will have their names added to a drawing for various gift cards.

Next week we are celebrating paraprofessional week (March 15-19).  When you see one of our fantastic paras around please let them know how much they are appreciated!

We were able to have parents of the Snow Week court and also our seniors in the theater during the coronation. This was lived streamed so students, staff, and the community were able to watch.

Standardized Testing:

The MCA testing window runs from March 8 - May 11. Mr. Cotton has been communicating with staff members who will be administering it (various training, videos, scheduling assessment, etc.). 

ACT Testing Update - 28 students took the ACT at the Legion on March 2. 

Master Schedule/Registration/Graduation Update:

Mr. Cotton and I plan on speaking with classes on Tuesday, March 16 (8th-11th-graders) to start the registration process.

Open campus lunch and study hall for 11/12th graders. Previously open campus college prep/study hall for CIS students only. Change is all 11/12th graders have this opportunity by having parents sign the permission slip for off-campus privileges.

The school board will have to select 2 members to hand out diplomas at graduation. Also, the board chair and clerk will have to sign diplomas in the office. The office will communicate when they will be available to sign.

NOTE: I also have been having conversations with individual students and with whole classes about mask-wearing and other COVID-related expectations/strategies. We want to continue to be able to see each other in-person.

1. The calendar includes 168 student contact days for elementary and 172 for secondary.  The number of teacher days total 182, pursuant to the NEA contract.  
2. The calendar includes 5 early dismissal days for staff professional development. 
3. The 2022 graduation will be Friday, June 3.