Wednesday August 19th

Dear Southside Families,

I hope this email finds you safe and healthy with the ability to enjoy this week of sunshine days. Thank you for everyone's warm welcome to your community.  These are most certainly unprecedented times and I have been encouraged by the support you have so generously shared for the health and safety and well-being of our students and staff. The thoughtful questions that have been asked, the authentic feedback you have shared... We receive it well and are grateful to partner with you.

In the last week we continue to navigate new understanding and recommendations provided by our many collaborative partners including MDE, MDH, Hennepin County and our local facilities team.  Despite the ever-changing information it continues to provide clarity as we look ahead to  launching this most unique school year.  

Based on numerous factors, we have concluded that in the best interest of the safety and health of our students, families and staff, SFCS will begin the year in a distant based learning model with select onsite support for those who receive special education direct services.  

We recognize this decision is a difficult one and has many implications for our families.  Staff have deep empathy for the wild ride this pandemic has demanded of our emotions. The virus has not been kind.  And yet, I marvel at the resiliency and renewed dedication of the staff to ensure that this year will be a hallmark year for the Southside Community.   

Beginning in the distance learning model allows us to begin with a strong online platform that ensures our students remain safe.  More now than ever, the Southside team is committed to building relationships and fostering student success despite the challenges COVID-19 is sending our way.   Even so, we acknowledge that in this unprecedented situation, this is not ideal for our students and families.  

You will have many questions.  We will be working very hard to answer them all over the coming weeks.  As the news settles and questions surface, please reach out at any time to ask and stay connected.  You can simply respond to this email to start the conversation. 

I will also be hosting four open zoom calls this weekend for families to share feedback and insight into how the school can best support your students in beginning the school year strong. Zoom calls will be set for one hour increments on Saturday (8:30am), Sunday (10am and 2pm and 7pm).  You will receive an invitation to the Saturday and Sunday zoom calls on Friday afternoon. Please join us as you are able.  

Additional Information and Important Next Steps:  

Distance Learning Only Option 

Because we are beginning the school year in distance learning for all students, when the time comes where we can move into a hybrid model, families will still have the opportunity to select a distance learning only model if they choose.  When that time comes, we are happy to support individual families as needed.  

Child Care

Child Care will be available at no cost for eligible children of Tier 1 Critical Workers.** We are still working with local partners for options to support our families.  For families who are looking for support through fee based programs we are also here to help as we are able.  School-age care is for students ages 12 and under. You may identify your interest by replying to this email and letting us know.  

Transportation 

For those who are receiving special education direct service support (onsite) in our distance learning model and have Minneapolis School District as their home district, students will be able to utilize MPS transportation. A member of our SPED team will be reach out to families directly to arrange transportation as needed.

Device Pick-up, Before School Conferences & First Instructional Day

Family goal-setting conferences will take place with teachers on September 8-10.  Families will also be able to pick up their school devices and school in a box distant learning supplies during these days.  Friday, September 11 will be a tech support day for those who have questions regarding their device once they have had a chance to test it out at home.  More information will be forthcoming on details of this week. The first instructional day for all students will be Monday, September 14.   

Future Communications

There are for essential stages you can anticipate in our before school communications:

1. Enhanced overview of our COVID-19 preparedness plan and who’s who contact list for how to best navigate the school year throughout the different learning models.

2. Child Care and Nutrition information and support. 

3. Classroom level specific schedules and curricular detail (including grading standards for upper grades)

4. Virtual Conferences - child & family-centered goal-setting conversations 

You can anticipate our next communication will be sent out Wednesday, August 26.  

Thank you for taking the time to read through this detailed email.  We are immensely grateful for your patience and understanding as we engage in this complex work.  Your kindness and support makes us determined to ensure that 2020/2021 will be a wonderful and memorable school year.  

Most sincerely, 

Julie Cohrs 

Transition Consultant & Interim Leadership Support

julie@southsidefamilyschool.org 

**Tier 1 Includes:  

• Healthcare and public health

• Law enforcement, public safety and first responders

• Food and agriculture 

• Judicial Branch (essential services)

• National Guard (activated under a Governor Executive Order)

• Educators and school staff providing in-person instruction or caring for children of critical workers

• Child care and school-age care providers