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Covid-19 Update #8
This information was sent to families on 7/24/2020
Magnuson Christian School Family and Community,
Our school is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all staff, students, and anyone on the school premises. To ensure we have a safe and healthy school, MCS has developed the following COVID-19 Preparedness Plan. (To request Magnuson Christian School’s Preparedness Plan, please email hello@magnusonschool.org.) We believe this plan allows for onsite learning to safely resume this fall.
This week Governor Walz announced Executive Order 20-81 requiring all Minnesotans to wear a face-covering inside public buildings. This mandate references private schools. We are currently working with the Minnesota Independent Schools Forum to determine if this order will impact Magnuson Christian School. It is our intention and desire to encourage the use of masks during school but to allow the final decision to rest in the hands of parents. Please note that our plan may need to be adapted after the full impact of Executive Order 20-81 on private schools is determined.
We will continue to seek more clarification about this latest mandate and update the Magnuson Christian School community and families as soon as possible.
As always, feel free to contact the Board with any questions at hello@magnusonschool.org.
Sincerely in Christ,
Magnuson Christian School Board of Directors
Brian Donohoo | Nick Boehland | Julie Carnes | Perry Pickering | Pastor Darrin Vick | Dawn Martin
Covid-19 Update #7
This information was sent to families on 6/19/2020
After carefully reviewing information related to COVID-19; and participating in discussions with independent and private school leaders, White Bear Lake Public Schools, and health professionals; the Magnuson Christian School Board of Directors have made the decision to return to in-person learning for the 2020-2021 school year.
A preliminary safety plan has been created, and a task group has been formed to ensure all possible health and safety measures will be considered. This plan will be shared in July, and we will provide a time for families to ask questions. We also understand some families need to continue with distance learning, so a plan will be created to meet those needs as well.
This has been a trying time for all, and there are many factors to consider. In the end, we believe returning to school is the best option. We will take every precaution to protect the health and safety of our students, families, and staff.
As always, feel free to contact the Board with any questions at hello@magnusonschool.org.
Sincerely in Christ,
Magnuson Christian School Board of Directors
Brian Donohoo | Nick Boehland | Julie Carnes | Perry Pickering | Pastor Darrin Vick | Dawn Martin
Covid-19 Update #6
This information was sent to families on 4/23/2020
Trust the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. ~ Proverbs 3:5
Dear Magnuson Families and Staff,
It is with great sadness and disappointment we share the news that today, Governor Walz announced that Minnesota schools will be closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. As part of this order Walz instructed Minnesota schools to continue distance learning through the remainder of the academic school year.
While this news was anticipated by many, it is still very difficult for all of us to end the school year in this way. We miss our students, we miss our families, we miss being together!
What does this announcement mean for Magnuson Christian School?
Our wonderful students and staff will continue to teach through remote learning for the remainder of the school year. All of our amazing teachers continue to work countless hours to provide our children with the best quality education. The teachers are amazing, and the students are amazing as well! We are so very proud of each and every one of them and their efforts.
Additional information will be sent out to families next week about when our next distance learning pick up will be, when personal items may be picked up, and when items will be returned to school.
What does this announcement mean for Eighth Grade Graduation?
We know this raises questions about graduation for our 8th graders. This is not how anyone had planned to finish out this school year. Our staff is so disappointed that this is how this school year has to end. We have watched you grow personally, academically, and spiritually and are so very proud of your accomplishments. We are exploring options and remaining hopeful that some time this summer we can come together to celebrate our school year and be in community with one another.
We are so very saddened by the need to end the school year in this way. Please know that the health and safety of our students and staff continues to be of upmost importance to us. We are trusting that finishing the school year through remote learning is one of the most effective ways we can do our part to avoid exposing anyone to unnecessary risks.
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with each of your families during this challenging time. Please know you can reach out to us at anytime, we want to support you.
With much love,
Mrs. Norman
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. ~ Romans 8:28
Covid-19 Update #5
This information was sent to families on 3/26/2020
Distance Learning Required through May 5th
The Governor announced Wednesday that all Minnesota school districts must implement a Distance Learning Period from March 30 to May 4. At Magnuson, we have been ahead of the curve, implementing review and instruction that began Monday. We have an amazing group of teachers committed to your children and we miss them so much!
What this means for our school is the following:
We will continue our Distance Learning Program until May 4th (unless otherwise directed by Governor Walz).
Tomorrow from 1 to 2 pm families with students in Kindergarten, Second Grade and Third Grade need to pick up the additional packets for their students.
In response to the state-wide Stay at Home Executive Order effective Friday, March 27th at 11:59 pm to Friday April 10th all of our staff will be working remotely. While our teachers have already been working from home, administrative staff will not be on campus until after the order is lifted.
If you have questions, please let us know via email. I will continue to check our voicemail on a regular basis and respond to needs.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Norman, Principal
Mrs. Lemke, Health Aide
Covid-19 Update #4
This information was sent to families on 3/16/2020
Dear Parents,
We wanted to update you on our current plan here at Magnuson Christian School to provide for your children while schools are not in session. As we look forward to distance learning programs we request that all of our parents fill out the following survey by tomorrow at noon. We want to ensure that your children can complete the work we will be sending home and have access to the resources that each of our classroom teachers will provide.
Over the next two days our teachers will be compiling student packets for students to complete at home from March 23rd through March 27th. Classroom teachers will also be contacting parents via email with an outline of their plan over the next week. If the school closure time is extended, we will arrange for a second pick up pending updates from the federal and state government.
On Thursday, March 19th, and Friday, March 20th, we will have a drive through to pick up the packets for students on the west entrance of the building (the Extended Day door) for families to pick up. Pick up times will be as follows:
Thursday: 3 pm to 5 pm
Friday: 1 pm to 3 pm
For those of you who need to borrow a Chromebook, please be sure to complete the survey prior to this pick up time. You will need to sign a waiver prior to taking a Chromebook home if you request the use of one for your child. Devices are limited so we ask that you only request a device if you have a need. Students in grades second through Middle School will be expected to complete coarse work on devices.
Details about pick up:
We ask that the parents coming to pick up remain in their car.
Please note that the only students that will be allowed in the building are Middle School students who need to open their lockers to get their books. This is to ensure the safety of both the students and the staff.
If you have any questions for your child’s teacher please utilize email. Teachers will not be onsite during the packet pickups on Thursday and Friday.
As things continue to change we will keep in communication with all of you. We recognize that we are in uncharted territory and want to be here for you in any way we can. Feel free to send questions to Mrs. Norman or Mrs. Lemke as you have them.
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. ~ 1 Peter 5:7
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will lead your paths straight. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6
Sincerely,
Mrs. Norman, Principal
Mrs. Lemke, Health Aide
Covid-19 Update #3
This information was sent to families on 3/15/2020
Dear Parents,
Governor Walz have just announced the closing of all schools through March 27th. This decision has been made in an effort to protect both the staff and students. We know that you have many questions, we will send more information tomorrow outlining our next steps as a school. Please know that we will provide excellent education for your children as our staff and teaching team prepare, plan, and ensure that this time is utilized for the educational needs for our students.
Please continue to pray with us for all our families during this time.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Norman
Mrs. Lemke
Covid-19 Update #2
This information was sent to families on 3/13/2020
School Closed – Monday & Tuesday
MCS Closed 3/16 and 3/17
We have just received the following communication from the White Bear School District:
“Due to additional planning and preparation needed related to the COVID-19 situation, White Bear Lake Area Schools is extending the district’s Spring Break by two days, with students returning to school on Wednesday, March 18. The district will be closed to students on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17.
At this time, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) are recommending that districts remain open until further notice. It is expected that school will be back in session for students starting Wednesday, March 18.”
As you know Magnuson Christian School follows the decisions and guidelines of the White Bear School district. MCS will also use these two additional days of spring break in order to prepare for students to return.
While we do not anticipate this impacting any of our MCS families we also would like to send you the following MDH guideline:
“To slow the spread of COVID-19, the CDC and MDH are recommending that travelers who return from a country with a Level 3 Advisory stay home from school and work for 14 days. A list of these countries can be found here. If symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) appear within these 14 days, we encourage you to call your doctor and report symptoms and travel history.”
If this guideline applies to your family, please let both your teacher and Mrs. Norman know. We will work alongside any families that may fall under this guideline for needing additional time home.
At Magnuson we are family. During this time we need to work together for the health and safety of everyone. If you, your family, or your children have been exposed to COVID-19, we need you to communicate this to us. We will continue to notify you with any changes or developments.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Norman
Mrs. Lemke
Covid-19 Update #1
This information was sent to families on 3/3/2020
Good Afternoon Parents,
We wanted to send a special communication to our families regarding the growing concerns about the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). As of Friday, February 28th, the Minnesota Department of Health stated that, “at this time, the risk of becoming sick with COVID-19 is low, including for people in Minnesota schools.” Please take a moment to review the statements and updates given from the Minnesota Department of Health and the White Bear School District by clicking here.
We have been in communication with the White Bear district about the situation and they will continue to inform us of any updates and changes to the status of this outbreak. We will also implement any action plans they recommend should changes become necessary.
In the meantime, we would like to remind parents of the importance of keeping your child home if they are not well enough to go to school. Click here for the guidelines. Especially important during this already busy flu season are the following guidelines:
Keep your child home if:
They have a FEVER (≥ 100°). Students must stay home until they have been fever free for 24 hours without the aid of fever reducing medication. Measure your child’s temperature before giving medications to reduce fever.
They are VOMITING (two or more episodes). Students must stay home for 24 hours after last episode.
They have ANY RASH that may be disease related, or the cause is unknown. Check with your child’s physician before returning to school.
Finally, if you are interested in reading the guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health to our schools, please click here.
As we continue to receive updates from the WBL district, we will continue to communicate with parents should there be any implemented changes in the district.
Sincerely,
Heather Norman, Principal
Tiffany Lemke, Health Aide