(Dilworth, MN) -- They just got back to full in-person learning, but a snag in the plan is forcing students and teachers away again.
Students in the Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton School District will be again learning from home due to an increase in COVID cases.
In a letter to families, the district says it’s going distance learning from March 23rd to April 5th, while it also uses March 23rd and 24th as off days and to get teachers ready for the next few weeks of distance learning.
The increase in cases, exposures and quarantines is, according to DGF, coming from students.
You can read the full letter to the community below:
Dear Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton Families and Staff,
The District would like to share with staff and families that we have seen an increase in COVID-19 exposures, quarantines, and positive cases amongst our students. Due to the increase, the district will need to adjust the learning model for Dilworth Elementary, Glyndon-Felton Elementary, DGF Middle School and DGF High School to full distance learning from March 23-April 5. We will use March 23rd and March 24th as non-instructional days (no Google Meets) to allow staff time to prepare and plan so no instruction will occur on these two days. We will begin distance learning on March 25th.
The District Administrative Team, DGF Health Department, and Clay County Public Health met today to discuss the current district COVID-19 numbers. We collaborate with the Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Department of Education, and Clay County Public Health in regards to student and staff COVID-19 exposures, contact tracing, test results, and much more. The COVID-19 situations change daily and as you know, it can change at any moment. If you have a student, family member, or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, please get tested and isolate to avoid any spread. This will minimize the potential of spreading.
We will continue to work with students, parents, staff and stakeholders as we monitor COVID-19 cases and keep you apprised. During this time of distance learning, please notify the site office your student(s) attend should your student(s) be tested, exposed, or confirmed positive case in the household.
DGF enrolled students are able to receive daily packaged meals (both a breakfast and a lunch) when they are not onsite. If interested in receiving meals, please complete one request form per student. Please do not do all your students on one form. Per USDA and the state of Minnesota, there will be no charge to students for meals. To request meals, please review the Food and Nutrition Services website.
The District will be providing childcare for those DGF currently enrolled students Kindergarten - Age 12 for those families identified in the Safe Learning Plan (page 22). This will be held at the Dilworth Elementary site from 8:15 a.m -3:15 p.m., Monday-Friday, beginning March 25. When students arrive at Dilworth Elementary, we ask that parents check into the elementary office with your child. DGF staff that are working onsite are able to utilize this childcare opportunity for their own Kindergarten - Age 12 while you are working. This is not intended to be used as a drop off childcare for parents or staff while at home. If childcare is needed, please complete the online Childcare Request Form.
If you have a student who needs to pick up their device at school, please contact the site your child(ren) attends to arrange pickup. The Technology Department also is available for assistance. More site specific information will be sent later from the principals.
The District prioritizes the social and emotional needs of students and will make available mental health professionals as needed. Please contact your site office for assistance.
We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation as it relates to the district and update you as needed.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 218-477-6946 or bthygeson
dgf [dot] k12 [dot] mn [dot] us.
Sincerely,
Bryan Thygeson, Superintendent