The COVID-19 experience has been a tremendous challenge for every family, business, and community. Every one of us has experienced our own craziness during this time. As we continue to journey through our circumstances, New England Public School is focused on providing a high-quality educational experience for our learners.
The North Dakota Department of Education Instruction (NDDPI) has required that every school district in the state develop a Return to In-Person Learning for the fall of 2021. NDDPI has also provided guidance for In-Person Learning for schools along with many other entities like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH).
As required by NDDPI, a committee consisting of administration, parents, local health departments, and employees, was established to review the proposed Health and Safety Plan and provide feedback prior to board approval. This collaboration has allowed for a comprehensive review of the proposed In-Person Learning plan based on medical expertise, community representation and the needs and realities of school functions. With the support of everyone involved, we believe a safe and healthy environment can be provided for students whose families are comfortable allowing them to return to the school setting.
The American Academy of Pediatrics “strongly advocates that all policy considerations for the coming school year should start with a goal of having students physically present in school.” Likewise, the Center for Disease Control released updated guidance supporting the reopening of schools citing the low risk to students and the social, emotional, and academic benefits of being in school.
As we plan for the health and safety of our students, we strongly believe that social interaction and in-person instruction are essential to our students’ social emotional well-being, as well as their academic growth.
The goal of this plan is to guide a safe In-Person Learning environment. This plan reflects our current knowledge and will be updated as new information is made available. New England Public School will send out updates related to our In-Person Learning plan, as we receive them, to keep the community informed.
As we continue our work together to navigate this new normal, we thank you for your partnership in support of your children. We appreciate the trust you have shown New England Public School in the education of your children. We invite you to reach out if you have questions, concerns, or suggestions about this In-Person Learning Plan. Please send your thoughts to: kelly.koppinger@k12.nd.us.
You have our continued commitment to strive to serve you and your children in extraordinary ways in the year ahead.