Another important school announcement about the implementation of distance learning for students in grades 9-12 from Larry Guggisberg – Supt. Of the Greenbush Middle River School District.
As the number of coronavirus cases continue to rise in the state of MN especially in rural areas including Roseau County and the GMR School area, a number of GMR school district employees are unable to perform their duties due to contracting COVID-19 or needing to quarantine after close contact with someone who is positive for COVID-19. Because there are not enough substitutes to staff school programming needs, particularly in the High School, the GMR School will begin Distance Learning for students in grades 9 through 12 effective Monday, November 2 through Friday November 13. The desired plan is to return to in-person learning for students in grades 9 through 12 on Monday, November 16.
The voluntary decision on the part of the GMR School was made following GMR school administration consultation with the MN Dept. of Education, MN Dept. of Health, Regional Support Team in Thief River Falls and Roseau County Emergency Management.
The school district will continue with early dismissal Fridays for students in grades K-8. This Friday (Oct. 30), K-8 students will be released from school shortly after lunch with buses leaving at 12:30 pm. Students in grades 9-12 will NOT have in-school, in-person or distance learning school instruction on Friday, Oct. 30.
The dismissal of students in this manner will give the teachers the opportunity to conference with distance learners, visit with parents, and plan and prepare for both in-person and distance learning.
GMR students in 9-12 should take home their school materials and supplies including computer devices on Oct. 29 so they are prepared for distance learning.
Because the GMR District moved to a distance learning plan voluntarily due to staff shortages and not a significant student body coronavirus outbreak, for now, after school activities will continue.
School meals will be available at no cost to distance learners. Meals for students on bus routes will be sent home during the afternoon bus route. Meals for students not on a bus route (meaning living close to the school) will also be available for pick up. Check the GMR Student daily announcements for further school meal information which will include a link for a District Learning Meal Request.
A local effort is needed to keep our schools safe from an outbreak. I can only remind you that if we want our kids to be in school, we all need to do our part or stop the transmission of the coronavirus which includes:
- Avoiding crowds;
- Keep family and social gathering outdoors as much as possible;
- Stay 6 feet from others or a physical distance from others;
- Wear a mask;
- Wash your hands; and
- Stay home when sick Thank you
Last modified: 10/29/2020
