- Westonka Public Schools
- COVID-19 In-Person Learning Plan
In-Person Learning
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In the in-person learning model, students attend school in person 5 days a week, Monday-Friday.
Schools will create as much space between students and teachers as is feasible during the day, but are not held strictly to enforcing 6 feet of social distancing. Westonka schools will follow all requirements outlined by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).
Students will have high-quality, research-based and engaging teacher-led instruction every day. The first few weeks will have a strong focus on building relationships, identifying learning gaps, and helping students feel engaged and connected to their school.
Primary Schools:
- Staff will give extra attention to helping young students adjust to being back in school, interacting with friends and strengthening academic skills.
Middle School and High School:
- Students will experience the best of blended learning instruction that incorporates direct teacher instruction enhanced by the use of technology tools like Schoology, our grades 3-12 learning management system, to engage students and deepen the learning of the content in their classes
Distance Only Option
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We understand that fully in-person or hybrid learning may not be what’s best for every student and family. A Distance Only Option will be available to enrolled students who may be medically vulnerable or who are otherwise unwilling to return to in-person learning.
Families choosing 100% distance learning through Westonka Public Schools will be asked to commit to this model on a quarterly basis. Distance Only registration for quarter 3 is open in Skyward Family Access Dec. 17-Jan. 6.

Health & Safety Protocols
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Health and safety of students and staff is at the forefront of our work, and Westonka Public Schools continues to utilize the most up-to-date guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
Recommendations for safety protocols are expected to be continuously evolving and the protocols below will be modified as needed based on current guidance, research and best practices.
Prevention Practices
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Staying Home When Sick
Staff and students must stay home if:
- They have tested positive for or are showing COVID-19 symptoms, until they meet criteria for return (MDH Decision Tree)
- They have recently had close contact with a person with COVID-19, until they meet criteria for return (COVID-19 Quarantine Process)
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Daily Self-Screening
All students and staff who will be learning/working in person will conduct a daily required self-screen at home (series of questions).
COVID-19 Daily Self-Screening Checklist
The health check consists of checking for temperature or cough before attending school, as well as asking routine questions as suggested by the Minnesota Department of Health and CDC.
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Masks and Face Coverings
Per the Governor's Executive Order 20-81, all K-12 students, staff, and other people present in school buildings and district offices or riding on school transportation vehicles are required to wear a cloth face mask or face covering, unless they have a disability, medical or mental health condition, following public health guidance. A physician's note will be required for face mask exemptions. Early learning students will be encouraged, but not required, to wear face coverings. Additionally, staff present in school buildings are recommended to wear a face shield in addition to their face covering whenever possible during the school day.
Refer to Policy 5808: COVID-19 Face Coverings
Types of allowable face coverings include: cloth face mask, paper or disposable mask, scarf, bandanna, religious face covering.
- Every K-12 student will receive one cloth face mask
- Every school staff member will receive one cloth face mask
- Schools and buses will have extra masks for students who forget them
- Being mindful of social distancing, face coverings or face shields may be removed when eating or drinking and in other situations, as outlined by MDH.
- Consistent with Executive Order 20-103, face coverings must be worn at all times during indoor physical activity (e.g., when exercising in a gym, fitness center, or during recess), regardless of the level of physical exertion.
Face Shields
- A face shield (a clear plastic barrier that covers the face) is primarily used for eye protection for the person wearing it. It also allows visibility of facial expressions and lip movements for speech perception. Staff present in school buildings are recommended to wear a face shield in addition to their face covering whenever possible during the school day. Schools will have a supply of face shields for students and staff. A face shield may always be used in addition to a face mask or face covering. A face shield may be used as an alternative to a face covering in the following situations, as outlined by MDH:
- Among students in Kindergarten through grade 8, when wearing a face covering is problematic for the student (requires a physician's note or determined by the school on an individualized, case-by-case basis).
- By teachers (all grades), when wearing a face covering may impede the educational process (determined by the school on an individualized, case-by-case basis).
- For staff, students, or visitors who cannot tolerate a face covering due to a developmental, medical, or behavioral health condition (requires a physician's note).
- For staff providing direct support student services, when a face covering impedes the service being provided.
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Handwashing & Hygiene
Students and staff will be educated on and reminded of proper prevention techniques, including:
- Handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol can be used.
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, throwing used tissues in the trash and washing hands immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
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Social Distancing
Any time students and staff are in school buildings, they are expected to abide by all social distancing requirements, as outlined by MDH.
- In the hybrid learning model, all students and staff are expected to maintain a 6-foot social distance between each other. In the in-person learning model, students and staff will maintain as much space as is feasible during the day.
- Students will be cohorted in smaller groups whenever possible to limit mixing.
- Students are expected to go directly to their classrooms upon arriving at school and avoid congregating in hallways throughout the day.
- Students and staff should pay attention to all social distancing signs, floor markings and reminders.
School Safety Practices
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District COVID-19 Health Coordinator
- The Westonka Public Schools COVID-19 Health Coordinator is District Nurse Kelly Mattson, BSN, RN, LSN.
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School COVID-19 Coordinators
- Each school will designate a school-level COVID-19 coordinator and create a building-specific plan
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Staff Training
- All staff will be trained on COVID-19 awareness and the proper use of cleaning materials
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Visitors and Volunteers
- Nonessential visitors, volunteers and activities involving external groups or organizations will be restricted.
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Large Group Gatherings
- Schools will discontinue activities that bring together large groups of people or activities that do not allow for social distancing, including assemblies, in-person field trips, etc.
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Transportation
- In order to plan for bus capacity, ALL families must indicate whether or not their student(s) will be using bus transportation for the 2020-21 school year in Skyward Family Access no later than Aug. 17.
- Skyward Registration Instructions:
- Westonka Bus Service will ensure 6 feet of distancing between the driver and all riders.
- We will create as much space between riders as possible. In the hybrid model, we will ensure 50% maximum occupancy on transportation vehicles.
- Buses will load from back to front
- Siblings will be asked to sit together whenever possible
- Parents are strongly encouraged to drive their child(ren) to and from school if they have the ability to do so. Fewer riders will help limit potential exposures to COVID-19 and allow more room for those who are in need of transportation.
- In order to plan for bus capacity, ALL families must indicate whether or not their student(s) will be using bus transportation for the 2020-21 school year in Skyward Family Access no later than Aug. 17.
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Arrival and Dismissal
- Staff will monitor arrival and dismissal to curtail congregating and ensure students go straight from vehicle to their classroom.
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Social Distancing Reminders
- Schools will have new signage, floor/seating markings, spaced out or removed furniture in common areas, and clear barriers in reception areas to promote social distancing.
- In the hybrid model, schools will ensure 6 feet social distancing in school buildings
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Classroom Seating
- Classroom seating arrangements will be created according to state guidelines.
- In the hybrid learning model, classrooms will be arranged to maintain 6 feet social distancing at all times (see example below). Alternative indoor spaces (e.g., MWHS Little Theater) and outdoor areas will be used if social distancing is not possible in a particular classroom.
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Healthy Hygiene Reminders
- Hand sanitizer stations will be placed at school entry points and high-traffic locations (e.g., lunch lines)
- Hand sanitizer will be available in every classroom
- Teachers will encourage students to frequently wash their hands during the school day
- Signs will be placed around the school to remind students to practice healthy habits that prevent the spread of germs
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Food Service
In-Person Model
- Schools will follow the MDH Restaurant Guidance
- Students will eat in cafeteria, classrooms and other spaces. Outdoor eating areas will be utilized when appropriate.
- Primary school students will remain in classroom cohorts during lunch.
- Meals will be available to students participating in distance learning via curbside pick-up. Visit the Westonka Foodies page for more details.
Hybrid Model
- Schools will ensure sufficient social distancing during lunch with at least 6 feet between people at all times.
- Students will eat in cafeteria, classrooms and other spaces. Outdoor eating areas will be utilized when appropriate.
- Primary school students will remain in classroom cohorts during lunch.
- Meals will be available to students for distance learning days. Visit the Westonka Foodies page for more details.
Distance Model
- Meals will be available to students via curbside pick-up and bus stop delivery. Visit the Westonka Foodies page for more details.
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Passing Times
- At the middle school and high school, passing times may be staggered and traffic patterns revised in order to reduce the number of students in hallways at the same time.
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Lockers
- Grades 5-12 students will not use school lockers in the hybrid model. Locker use may be staggered at other grade levels or in the in-person model.
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School Materials
- Students will be discouraged from sharing items that are difficult to clean or disinfect, and classroom practices will be modified to minimize sharing.
- Some furniture, equipment and commonly shared items will be removed from use
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Water Fountains
- Schools will encourage students to bring their own water bottles as opposed to using drinking fountains. Bottle refill stations will be available.
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Ventilation
- Facilities staff, along with technicians and engineers, have reviewed and will continue to inspect school ventilation systems to ensure they operate properly and will increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible
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Recess
- Outdoor areas such as playgrounds will be open. Students will be encouraged to spread out. Student cohorts will be used to limit mixing. Additional cleaning will take place on hard surfaces.
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Alternate Learning Spaces
- Alternate indoor spaces and outdoor areas will be used to the extent possible in order to enhance physical distancing. Outdoor classrooms, fields, courts and open areas will be used as additional learning spaces when appropriate.
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CARES Act Funding for Additional Safety Measures
- A portion of federal dollars is available for additional health and safety-related purchases related to COVID-19.
- Educators will provide input on purchases that will be most helpful in their schools and classrooms.