On Aug. 10, the Westonka School Board approved Westonka Public Schools' Safe Learning Plan for the 2020-21 school year. Based on current health data, Grandview Middle School plans to begin the year in the Hybrid Learning Model.

As directed by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), schools in the hybrid model must limit the overall number of people in school facilities and on transportation vehicles to 50% maximum occupancy. Schools must also ensure sufficient social distancing in the school building with at least 6 feet between people at all times.

Westonka’s hybrid learning model incorporates best practices of blended learning instruction. In-person teacher instruction is blended with the use of technology tools to provide opportunities for deeper student engagement and learning.

A Distance Only Option is available to enrolled students who may be medically vulnerable or who are otherwise unwilling to return to in-person learning, as well as students who cannot be physically present in the classroom due to illness or exposure to COVID-19. Full-time distance learners will experience teacher-facilitated remote learning 5 days a week. While we will work with students to complete a schedule that is as close to their registration requests as possible, certain elective courses may be significantly modified in the Distance Only Option.

The Grandview COVID-19 Safe Learning Plan web pages provide an overview of the school's plans for all three educational models outlined by the state—hybrid learning, distance learning and in-person learning. Check back often, as these pages will continue to be updated in the coming days and weeks.