Dear MCC Families: 8/23/2021
As we approach the opening days of the 2021-2022 school year, we are excited to welcome all of our students back into the buildings as they take their next steps in their educational experience. As we move into another school year, we once again approach a learning scenario that will be unique in its very own way. Throughout this school year, our goal as a school district will be to maintain as much consistency as possible while understanding the need to remain flexible as we work together to meet the needs of our students, staff, and community.
The health and safety of our students and staff remain a top priority. Murray County Central Schools will continually monitor relevant information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Local Public Health, and MCC Schools Data. All factors considered, MCC will retain the right to make any necessary adjustments to school protocols in order to maintain a safe and healthy learning and working environment for students and staff. Upon consideration of all relevant factors, MCC Schools will plan to implement the following to begin the 2021-2022 school year. With that said, all plans and protocols are fluid and can change based upon new data, information, and local numbers:
- All students, staff, and visitors are not required to wear a face covering, regardless of vaccination status. Anyone may voluntarily wear a face covering if they so choose. Masking is recommended by the CDC and MDH regardless of vaccination status.
- All people are required by CDC order to wear face coverings while on public transportation, including school buses (both private and public).
- Individuals testing positive for COVID-19 will be asked to stay home for a period of 10 days and until symptoms are no longer present, regardless of vaccination status. Students will continue to engage with their teacher(s) via Google or other platforms.
- Individuals exhibiting COVID symptoms may be asked to (1) get tested, (2) receive an alternative diagnosis from a provider, or (3) remain home for 10 days until they feel better and are fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medications. Symptomatic students and staff will be asked to wear a mask upon entering the health office.
- Families will be expected to perform a home health screening of their children each morning prior to boarding a bus or entering a school building and keep students home whom are exhibiting symptoms of illness.
- Close contacts will be encouraged to utilize the quarantine options but are not required. A message will be sent to close contacts (within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative of 15 minutes) to inform them of a lab confirmed positive and will be directed to monitor for symptoms and be given options for quarantining.
- Vaccinations are not required to attend school but are strongly encouraged. Families are encouraged to consult with their primary care provider in consideration of this option.
- Fully vaccinated people and those who have had COVID-19 in the past 90 days are NOT recommended to quarantine unless they have a new positive COVID test.
- Regularly scheduled visitors providing educational and essential services will be permitted in school buildings while adhering to all health and safety expectations determined by the school district.
- Distance Learning will be offered on a case by case basis. Please consult with your building principal by August 30, 2021 to discuss alternate learning options.
- The following mitigation strategies will be in place to begin the 2021-2022 school year.
- Physical distancing to the extent possible (3-6 feet); increased HVAC ventilation capacity; routine hand washing and respiratory etiquette, and routine cleaning and disinfecting.
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Again, our goal is to maintain as much consistency in our learning environment as possible. Therefore, we all must take on the responsibility of making choices that put our students and staff in the best possible situation for learning to take place in our buildings. Regardless of the scenarios we face this school year, we will face them together. You, our MCC Community, play an important role as we navigate this year in pursuit of creating the best possible learning environment for our students. Enjoy what is left of the summer! We look forward to working together and experiencing a great school year!
Joe W. Meyer
Superintendent
