Kennedy News

Return to School Update #KENNEDYBEST

Note from Mr. Rustad: Transitioning Back to Hybrid Learning at Kennedy

Kennedy Families,

We are so excited to students return to Kennedy! Thank you all for doing your part within our community so that our district's COVID -19 infection rate affords us the opportunity to be face to face. During and throughout this transition, we will be following strict health and safety protocols to ensure safety for our students and staff.

To that end, we will continue to serve students in both the distance learning and hybrid models. Distance learners will continue their typical instruction. Hybrid learners will return back to the hybrid model on Tuesday, January 19. The hybrid model will look very similar to how it looked before the move to distance learning. This includes a 1:40 PM release time for elementary students.

Prior to January 19, students and staff will continue with distance learning. Students that have been receiving instruction onsite (SpEd III/IV and EL I/II) will continue to do so.
Please note that on January 14 & 15 there will not be school for students in the hybrid model so that elementary staff can prepare for the return to the hybrid learning model. Students enrolled in distance learning will continue instruction on those two days.

This plan has been supported by local healthcare community members as well as our Regional Support Team. Additions to the guidance from MDE for PK-12 Safe Learning Plan (SLP):

A minimum of 3 feet distance between students desks is strongly recommended, though MAPS will continue to space desks as far apart as possible in the space.
We will continue 6 feet social distancing when they are away from their desks.
Onsite, optional saliva testing will be available to staff every two weeks.

As always, should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me.

We Are Kennedy!

Steve Rustad

srusta1@isd77.org

BE SAFE

ENGAGE

SHOW EMPATHY

TOGETHER WE ARE KENNEDY!

Event Information

Day #1 of Chromebook, iPad, and Hot Spot Returns

Kennedy Families,

If you have been using a school issued Chromebook, iPad, or Hot Spot, please plan to return those devices to Kennedy on Thursday, 1/14 or Friday, 1/15. It is important that we get these devices back before students return on 1/19 so that we can check them in, clean them, assess them for damage, and get them back to classrooms as quickly as possible. The sooner they are returned, the sooner they can be used again for learning! Please also remember to bring back charges (both the brick and cord) so that you are not charged for missing items.

Please plan to bring the device and charger into the front lobby of the building. There will be staff there ready to assist you with the return.

If you have questions, please call the school or email Mr. Rustad.

Thank you!

When?

Thursday, Jan 14, 2021, 07:30 AM

Where?

2600 East Main Street, Mankato, MN, USA

location_on Open maps

Event Information

Day #2 of Chromebook, iPad, and Hot Spot Returns

Same information as day #1

When?

Friday, Jan 15, 2021, 07:30 AM

Where?

2600 East Main Street, Mankato, MN, USA

location_on Open maps

Important Upcoming Dates for Kennedy Students

January 13, 2021 - Distance Learning Day - No live instruction but assignments will be posted and attendance will be taken. Students should complete the posted work.

January 14 & 15, 2021 - Transition Planning Days. No school for students returning to Kennedy. Students in the Mankato Online Academy have school on these days. Parents should drop off school issued technology at Kennedy.

January 18, 2021 - Martin Luther King Day - No School

January 29, 2021 - Professional Development Day - End of Quarter - No School

zoom_out_map

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR VETERANS IN THE KENNEDY COMMUNITY: COVID-19 K-12 DISTANCE LEARNING SUPPOrt grant

Veteran families that have incurred a negative financial impact by implementing their schools hybrid/distance learning plan, or choosing to homeschool their children due to the current pandemic are eligible for a $3000 grant (per household) that the Minnesota State Department of Veterans Affairs is offering. To learn more about this opportunity, please click this link and scroll down to COVID-19 Distance Learning Support Grant.

Register for the Backpack Food Program

Please use this link to sign up for the Backpack Food Program. You fill out this short form (7 questions) and when you are finished, it will link you to the registration form.