Good Afternoon, Park Rapids Area Families!

A few items for you this afternoon:

• I would like to thank all families for their diligence in completing self-screening measures prior to sending students to school. The nursing staff are seeing minimal students symptomatic during the school day. Again, thank you for following protocols and helping our school community remain safe.
  
  
• On the homepage of the District website is a dashboard with school related Covid statistics. The dashboard is updated Friday mornings and represents a snapshot of data through the previous week. Take a look! 

• The District Covid Leadership team met today and decided on the following Learning Model Plans:

 Through December 22^nd:

• Grades PK-5 will remain in the In Person Learning model
• Grades 6-12 will remain in the Distance Learning model

Tentative plan for January 4^th:

• Grades PK-5 will remain in the In Person Learning model
• Grade 6 will return to the In Person Learning model
• Grades 7-12 will return to the Hybrid Learning Model

Tentative plan beginning January 18^th:

• Grades PK-12 will transition to the In Person Learning model

As per the governor’s executive order, we will continue to have modified schedules on Fridays through March 4^th.

Currently, we remain cautiously optimistic.  We are seeing county Covid cases trend downward, a vaccination program being developed and our school community, through protocols, procedures and contact tracing, continues to minimize cases. However, please be prepared, especially for fluid changes to the learning models.

Again, a big thank you goes out to all families for helping us through these challenging times. It is our goal to ensure the best academic opportunities and experiences for all students while maintaining a save environment for all.

Please contact me or one of the offices if you have questions.

Lance Bagstad

Good Afternoon, Park Rapids Area Families!

I want to thank everyone for your patience and diligence in helping all of us combat the effects of the Covid virus. Even with positive Covid cases continuing in our county and ZIP codes, the school community currently has two positive cases. We have scheduled one more week of Distance Learning for grades 6-12 and In Person for PK - 5.

Next Tuesday, the District Covid Leadership Team will meet and review the current data and situation to make a decision for the following two weeks. We remain optimistic that through our protocols, procedures and contact tracing, we can return to a less restrictive learning model soon.

I would like to share two new webpages for families. We have set up a Covid Information and Updates resource page that has specific information related to Covid, Learning Plans and Distance Learning Resources. Additionally, we have heard from families seeking assistance in helping their children. The Help My Child page has information and resources for meeting the challenges associated with mental health, academic and behavior support during this time.

Again, I want to thank all families for your patience and support of our school and students. Please contact me or one of the school offices if you have questions.

Thank you and have a great weekend!
Lance Bagstad 

To our Panther teachers, staff, families, and community members: 

The holiday season is upon us, and even in these challenging times, there’s much to be thankful for in our district – starting with you. We have come a long way this year, and I appreciate your continued support. 

I want to share an update regarding school facility planning. On Nov. 30, board members  reflected on the Nov. 3 referendum, which lost by 112 votes, and discussed the possibility of  going back to voters in spring of 2021. 

As we decide how to move forward, the school board is keeping these considerations in mind:
   1.  Students and staff need buildings that support today’s education.
   2.  Area employers need graduates ready to meet the demands of the modern workforce. 
   3.  Local taxpayers deserve the best value for their dollars, and interest rates are currently very low.

Last year, our district began an important community conversation about the long-term needs  of our students and our schools. We’re still engaged in that discussion, and as I talk with and listen  to residents, it’s obvious that people care about our district’s future. We want to keep the conversation going and build on that momentum. 

The school board could propose a referendum to voter in April or May of 2021, and we will make a final decision in December or January. In the meantime, I'd welcome any feedback or questions you have. Please share your thoughts by contacting me at 218-237-6501 or lbagstad@parkrapids.k12.mn.us.

Thank you,

Lance Bagstad, Superintendent