Snapshot: On Monday, we welcomed back grades K-2 students to the buildings. Kids came bundled up and ready to learn in-person with their teachers and friends once more.
Visit @edinapublicschools on Instagram to view a video highlight of the first day back at Highlands.
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Saliva testing and reporting
Employees are encouraged to take advantage of the COVID saliva testing happening in the district. These test events are designed to screen for instances of positive but asymptomatic COVID cases. If you have COVID symptoms, you should NOT come to the district to be tested, rather go to one of the state testing sites. Also, it is important to know that even if you have been vaccinated, you should continue to participate in the saliva screening tests as it is still possible to carry and shed the virus.
Your test results are private and will come directly to you. If you receive positive test results you must notify your supervisor and begin isolating yourself immediately. Saliva testing is available every other Monday. The next opportunity is this Monday, Feb. 1. Contact your school health staff for sign up details.
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VACCINATION UPDATES
Please be patient as we work to distribute vaccination opportunities per the appointment allocations we receive from the state. We will follow this guidance from the state as we create the prioritized list each week. Know that even when you receive the email with a link to make an appointment, there is no guarantee that a time slot will be available. If that happens you will receive another opportunity for a vaccination appointment.
*Check your EPS email for vaccination information: Going forward, we plan to distribute invitations to register for vaccinations through Outlook. This means emails with registration information will come to your work inbox, not personal email. We have learned that this will be more direct and reduce the chance that it will land in junk mail or be delayed.
*If you receive an invitation to register for your COVID-19 vaccine, please do so as soon as possible if you plan to receive it. DO NOT FORWARD the invitation to register to other staff. If you elect to not be vaccinated at this time, your slot will be reassigned through our process, but the emails with registration information should not be forwarded by recipients.
*Second dose update from MDE: “We are also hearing reports of some educators and school staff signing up for vaccine appointments who were having trouble making the appointment for their second dose. If staff received a confirmation email/text for their first dose, they will get their second dose. If they were not able to make the second-dose appointment online, they will be able to schedule it on-site when they go to receive their first vaccination.”
*What to expect after the COVID-19 vaccine: If you received the vaccine, keep in mind that discomfort in the arm or a low grade fever are common side effects. Mild symptoms are normal signs that your body is building protection. Please call your doctor or healthcare provider with any questions.
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New information and updates are being added practically daily to the Employee FAQ, including updates about vaccinations, saliva testing and this information about COVID leaves:
Q: I am reluctant to participate in the surveillance testing because I might test positive, are there any leaves available?
A: The district offers a COVID-19 paid leave option for employees who cannot work remotely in the following circumstances:
- Employees who are directed to quarantine by the site COVID-19 Coordinator or designee as the result of a workplace exposure; or
- Employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are required to isolate (one-time, up to 10-days use); or
- Employees who are required to quarantine due to a household member being COVID-19 positive as long as the employee gets tested for COVID-19 within five to seven days of quarantine (one-time, up to 10-day use).
This leave would be offered until April 1, 2021 and subject to the district’s discretion.
Employees will need to provide confirmation of a positive test result.
The employee’s initial reporting form for an employee who is applying for this leave can be found here.
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Don’t forget to sign in at building front desk!
Itinerant staff and anyone who enters a building they are not assigned to must sign in and out of the building at the front desk. This is key to contact tracing! This includes staff from District 287, outside mental health service providers, and any consultants or contractors. If you are working with these folks, please remind them to sign in and out. If you do not see the sign-in sheet, please ask for it.
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COVID reminders and resources
Diligent attention to mitigation strategies will help us successfully phase students back into schools. Don’t forget these important COVID monitoring tools:
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Edina Public Schools is pleased to announce the hiring of Dolores “Dolly” Bina as Assistant Human Resources Director. Bina brings 15 years of experience in all facets of human resources management, as well as prior school business operations experience.
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New location for device exchange
Beginning Monday, Feb. 1, the District Media and Technology Department will offer device exchange at Door 2 at the Edina Community Center. Curbside drop off and pickup will still be from noon to 2 p.m. Please email support@edinaschools.org for technology issues. (Door 2 is located off of South View Lane, around the corner to the right of the Welcome Center, near the playground.)
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Even though most are in a distance learning model, we still need families and staff to report positive COVID tests and quarantines. Monitoring cases within the district is an important factor in determining when it will be safe to return to in-person learning. Please use the new COVID Report Form linked above.
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Next Regular School Board Meeting: Monday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m. |
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Dates and full agendas for Regular Meetings and Board Work Sessions are posted in the Agenda and Minutes section of the School Board Meetings page three days prior to the meeting. Meeting agendas, dates and times are subject to change. (Click the Bookmark icon on the far upper right of the PDF to navigate through the document.)
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Board meetings are virtual
Due to COVID conditions, the School Board is currently using a virtual format for its meetings. Board members attend meetings virtually. Members of the public may submit comments to be read at meetings, and view meetings via live stream. Visit the School Board Meetings page of the website for more information and links.
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News from Nutrition Services |
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Evening time slot added for school meal pickup
We have added a late afternoon pickup time to better accommodate working parents. Meal pickup times are Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and now also from 4-6 p.m., at EHS Door 15 (east side of EHS).
Also, Food and Nutrition Services have added up to five hot entrees (frozen for pick-up) and two cold sandwiches a week to the lunch menu. Because the USDA has extended the free student meal program through June 30, 2021, all students under age 18 are eligible to receive a free breakfast and free lunch for school, if they choose, through EPS Food and Nutrition Services. Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage.
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Jan. 29: Report Cards available on Infinite Campus at 8 a.m.
Feb. 15: No School - Presidents' Day
Mar. 29 - Apr. 2: Spring Break
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