The health, well-being and safety of Cambridge-Isanti Schools staff and students is our TOP priority in every decision we make as we prepare to return to learning.

The 2020 school year will be unlike any other in our history. The continuing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic is disruptive and will require flexibility, adaptability, patience, empathy and a commitment to health and safety. The State’s Safe Learning Plan is a localized, data-driven approach. It is grounded in the science of epidemiology, including contact tracing in our state since March. Working in partnership with the Isanti Public Health Department, local data will guide our decision-making. 

Cambridge-Isanti Schools has aligned its Pandemic Response Plan with the guidelines outlined by the Minnesota Department of Health 2020-2021 Planning Guide for Schools, the Minnesota Department of Education Guidance for Minnesota Public Schools: 2020-2021 School Year Planning and the Safe Learning Plan for 2020-2021, the Center for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

As directed by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), we have created three learning models to be used at any time during the 2020-2021 school year. We are working toward consistency, predictability, and routine in our lessons, services and delivery models as we move between the three learning models throughout the year—with as little disruption as possible. For each of these scenarios, Cambridge-Isanti Schools staff remain committed to our mission to develop well-rounded individuals who EXCEL in leadership, ACHIEVE at the highest levels, and are RESPONSIBLE citizens. EVERY STUDENT. EVERY DAY. 

It is with hope and optimism that 20 committees of more than 100 teachers and staff, the Teaching & Learning Advisory and Special Education Advisory Councils have worked this summer to plan and prepare for the three scenarios, as directed by the state. It is a team and community effort to prepare our schools for a safe return to learning. Children thrive when they know that teachers, parents, and adults in their lives care about them and are making decisions in their best interest. We are committed to connecting with every student and family and inspiring a love of learning, a sense of personal responsibility and hope for their future—regardless of the delivery model in which we find ourselves throughout the year. 

In partnership with Isanti Public Health and our entire C-I Schools team, we will continue to monitor public health conditions and will follow all executive orders and local guidance. If health conditions warrant a change in the state’s reopening phase, this plan will be updated.

In planning for the coming school year with the COVID-19 pandemic a continuing threat, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has directed school districts to create three contingency models to be used at any time during the 2020-2021 school year. 

For each of these scenarios, Cambridge-Isanti Schools staff remain committed to our mission to develop well-rounded individuals who EXCEL in leadership, ACHIEVE at the highest levels, and are RESPONSIBLE citizens. EVERY STUDENT. EVERY DAY. We believe there is no greater responsibility than that of teaching children and preparing them to be future leaders and citizens of our community.

1. We will prepare to smoothly transition between three learning models as conditions dictate this year.
2. We will use data to guide decisions (public health data, space and capacities).
3. We will prioritize safety and health.
4. We will make responsible decisions within the fiscal constraints the district faces.

We are working toward consistency, predictability, and routine in our lessons, services and delivery as we move between three learning models throughout the year with as little disruption as possible.

In-Person Learning Model

• Face-to-face instruction following the approved school calendar.
• Physical distancing will take place as much as feasible.
• Health and safety procedures and expectations will be implemented as part of the Bluejacket Way.
• Daily schedules may be modified as necessary to support physical distancing during transitions and lunch.
• Routines and procedures will be put into place to ease the transition to hybrid or distance learning if required.
• Grade-spans will implement consistent formats and expectations across all learning models (ex. Seesaw, Google Classroom, Schoology).

Hybrid Learning Model

• Students will attend in-person school 2 days a week and participate in distance learning 3 days a week.
• Schools must limit the overall number of people in school facilities and on transportation vehicles to 50% maximum occupancy.
• This scenario may be implemented if COVID-19 metrics worsen at the local, regional, or statewide level, or within a school if a cluster of cases occurs within a classroom or the school.
• Physical distancing with at least 6 feet between people must occur at all times.

Distance Learning Model

• Students continue learning at home and have daily interaction with their teacher(s).
• Increased direct instruction while maintaining flexibility for families.
• Opportunities for peer-interaction and a focus on social-emotional needs.
• Staff will provide more differentiated instruction.
• Students will access all digital learning materials through the Student/Staff Portal Clever (the district's learning portal).
• Log-in from the District website using the Student/Staff Portal icon from any page.
• All families will receive a Chromebook.

When viral activity increases, Cambridge-Isanti Schools will analyze the county-level data, school transmission rates, and community outbreak data to determine if another learning model should be selected.  The District will notify the Commissioner of Education via the Learning Model Portal within 24 hours of beginning a new learning model.

If viral activity decreases, the District may dial forward to a less restrictive model than what is required. If doing so, it must consult with local public health officials, MDH, and MDE through the Regional Support Teams.

Local Health and Community Resources

Families are encouraged to check with their own primary care provider/clinic; most will have a web page dedicated to COVID-19.

Resources on Low-Cost Health Care or Health Insurance - Minnesota Department of Health

Allina Health Coronavirus Information - Phone: (763) 689-8700

M Health Fairview COVID-19 Information - Phone: (612) 273-8383 or (844) 273-8383 (toll free)

Isanti County Public Health (WIC) - Phone: (763) 689-4071

If someone doesn’t have insurance the guidance would be the same as prior to COVID-19. Families should check to see if they are eligible for Medical Assistance by calling Isanti County Family Services at (763) 689-1711. They can also pick up a paper application if the government center is closed. Applications will be located outside and there is a dropbox for completed forms. Residents can check out the Isanti County Family Services page which includes the link to applying for Medical Assistance online (www.mnsure.org) as well as the online link to applying for other benefits such as cash and food assistance (www.applymn.dhs.mn.gov).

Isanti County Public Health continues to offer services, such as WIC. WIC appointments and breastfeeding support are currently held over the phone. Families can pre-screen or apply over the phone or online. To schedule a Teen or Well Child Check up or Immunization, call (763) 689-8285.

Family Pathways - Phone: (651) 674-8040 or (877) 321-7100

Call or visit their website for locations and hours

Lakes and Pines, CAC, Inc. - Phone: (320) 679-1800 or (800) 832-6082

The Lakes and Pines office is open for households from 6:00am- 6:30pm, Monday-Friday. Please do not be discouraged if you have applied for assistance in the past as many of the program guidelines have changed to better accommodate families impacted by COVID-19. Families with questions, need more resources, or are even questioning applying, are encouraged to call and apply.

Talking to your Children about COVID

Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus - Child Mind Institute

Talking with Children about Coronavirus Disease 2019 - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Talking to Children About COVID-19 - National Association of School Psychologists

Support Kids During the Coronavirus Crisis - Child Mind Institute

Supporting Teenagers and Young Adults During the Coronavirus Crisis - Child Mind Institute

Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Student-Friendly Video by BrainPOP: Coronavirus