COVID-19 Resources for Families
We appreciate the help and support of our staff, students and families as we address the challenges associated with the pandemic.
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ISD 709 Safe Learning Plan
Guidance for staff, programs, and outside organizations using ISD 709 sites during Summer Session, June 14 - September 4. It also serves as guidance for staff, programs, and outside organizations using ISD 709 sites during the 2021-22 School year.
The Safe Learning Plan reflects current local planning and is subject to change based on future local, state and national guidance. Updates will be provided on this web page.
As we prepare to welcome students back for the 2021-22 school year, Duluth Public Schools will continue to prioritize student learning needs while protecting the health and safety of students and staff and monitor any impact of COVID-19 on school operations.
This message is to share our current plans for returning to school in September. If changes are necessary between now and the first day of school we’ll communicate with staff and families as quickly as possible. The Duluth Public Schools Safe Learning Plan, along with updates, is posted on this web page.
An overview of current plans include:
- A return to five-day, in-person learning for all grades in September
- Continuing to follow COVID cleaning protocols
- Continuing to provide hand washing and sanitizing stations in schools
- Mask required for students using district transportation
- Mask required for students 2 years old through 5th grade and staff working with those students
- Vaccinations and testing for COVID-19 are strongly recommended and encouraged, but are not required by the school district. For staff and students who are symptomatic, the district decision tree will be followed
- Unvaccinated students and staff strongly encouraged to use masks inside school buildings
We will continue to work closely with the St. Louis County Department of Health to monitor local COVID rates and state and federal guidance. These COVID protocols are subject to change based on local conditions, CDC guidance and directives from the state and federal level.
Thank you for all you do to support safe and healthy schools, and best wishes for a strong start to the new school year.
Summer Session Update, Face Coverings
The following guidance is for staff, programs, and outside organizations using ISD 709 sites during the Summer Session, which begins June 14 and ends September 4, 2021. This recommendation and protocol is subject to change based on state and national guidance and updates will be provided on this web page.
- Students age 2 to 11 and staff working with students aged 2 to 11 are required to wear face coverings inside ISD 709 buildings.
- Unvaccinated students and staff aged 12 years and older are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings inside ISD 709 buildings.
- Children under 2 years of age or people of any age who are unable to tolerate wearing a face covering because of a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability are not required to wear a face covering.
- Face coverings are required for all staff and students using public transportation, including school buses.
- The MN Dept of Health’s About COVID-19 Vaccine web page includes information on the vaccine and what to expect before, during and after vaccination.
- The What You Should Know About COVID-19 Vaccines document provides answers to many questions families may have.
- There are several ways to schedule a vaccination for 12 to 17 year olds:
- Use the Vaccines.gov to find a local vaccine. Under “vaccine” make sure to check the box for Pfizer.
- Schedule an appointment through Minnesota’s Community Vaccination Program. If all appointments are booked, sign up for the Vaccine Connector. The Vaccine Connector will indicate when appointments become available.
- Reach out to the child’s health care provider to inquire about an appointment for vaccination.
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The COVID-19 exposure was at least 14 days after their vaccination series was fully completed.
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They do not currently have any symptoms of COVID-19
- Testing has never been easier – you can visit a community testing site, order an at-home test kit, or get tested through your health care provider. All options are quick and free to you.
- You can sign your entire family up to get tested at the same time at a community testing site.
- Visit Getting Tested for COVID-19 or contact your health care provider to schedule an appointment.
- Student tested positive for COVID-19 (lab confirmed case)
- Student experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and awaiting test results
- Student experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 but has not been tested
- Student's been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
- Student's household member experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19
Student COVID Reporting Form
Families are asked to check temperatures and conduct home symptom screening before sending children to school. Keep children home if they have a fever or symptoms.
Download the MDH Home Screening Tool
Download the COVID Attendance Guide for Parents and Families
Please report your child's illness and absence to your school.
How to Wear Your Mask (1 min)
COVID Safety Tips for Individuals & Families
Helpful tips from the Minnesota Department of Health.
Student and staff safety is our top priority.
If you have a question, concern or comment about any health or safety issue, please let us know.
Email: ReturnToLearn@ISD709.org
Resources: MN Department of Health
COVID-19 Hotline: 1-833-431-2053
Mon.-Fri.: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sat.: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mental Health Crisis Line - Call: **CRISIS (**274747)
This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.