What learning model will we use for the start of the school year?

From September 8 through at least October 9, BCCS will implement the limited campus hybrid model. In this learning model, most students will learn online off-campus. A limited number of students, in our setting-III special education program, will have the option to learn on-campus. BCCS will make a decision on September 25 for which learning model to implement starting Monday, October 12. 

How will decisions continue to be made?

BCCS will monitor positive cases data from Hennepin County and the cities of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park and Minneapolis on a weekly basis. Ready to Learn scenarios would be evaluated every 4-5 weeks with any change in scenario to take place 10 school days following the announcement. For example, our initial recommendation for the start of the school year will be re-evaluated on September 25 at which time, any change to our learning scenario would be communicated and go into effect on October 12.

Based on guidance received from the Minnesota Department of Health, we will be unable to start the school year on September 8 in a full in-person learning model. Data for Hennepin County on Thursday, August 20 was 23.76 cases per 10,000 people. Please view the chart from MDH below for case thresholds:

Learning Model Option	Range (14-day case rate per 10,000 people)
In-person learning for all students	0 to less than 10
Elementary in-person, Middle/high school hybrid	10 to less than 20
All hybrid	20 to less than 30
Elementary hybrid, Middle/high school distance	30 to less than 50
All distance	50 or more

Should cases decrease to below 10 in Hennepin County, and there are other factors in our immediate community that indicate cases are decreasing, we would consider entering the in-person learning model.

Please note: BCCS will not operate in one model for elementary students and a different model for middle/high school students. We will be in either expanded campus hybrid or limited campus hybrid when cases are between 10-50.

What are the Ready to Learn Plans?

Each BCCS family may select between two learning model options below for the 2020-2021 school year.  

Option #1: Students and families can expect to move between one or more of the following learning scenarios throughout the school year. BCCS will follow the guidance provided by Governor Walz and the Safe Learning Plan to determine the model of learning in the school district using data from Hennepin County, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, and Minneapolis to help us understand the rate of COVID-19 transmission in our immediate community. 

 

• Distance Learning 2.0: All students participate in full-time online learning. Live virtual class sessions with grade-level instruction will take place four days per week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday). One day per week will be dedicated to additional one-on-one virtual support for students.
• Limited Campus Hybrid: Most students in grades K-12 participate in full-time online learning. Select student groups will receive support onsite including students who receive educational support primarily in a special education setting (ex: center-based programs) and others to be determined. Mental health services, resources and other supports will continue to be available onsite for students and families.
• Hybrid: A combination of in-person and online learning, students in grades K-12 will learn onsite two days per week and engage in online learning three days per week.
• In-person Learning: Grades K-12 students attend school every day, with additional precautions including wearing masks and practicing social distancing where possible.

Option #2: Families who want the certainty of full-time online learning with no movement between models may opt into the BC Online learning program. This option does not include any in-person instruction and will operate independently from the other plans.

Click here to learn more about our Ready to Learn Plans.

Can I choose 100% distance learning for my child, even if some in-person school is taking place?

Yes, families can register for BC Online, our full-time online learning program. Click here for more information about BC Online.

What is BC Online?

Families who want the certainty of full-time online learning with no movement between models may opt into the BC Online learning program. This option does not include any in-person instruction and will operate independently from the other plans. In order to ensure appropriate staffing levels, we ask that families who select this option commit to the program for a minimum of nine weeks, or an academic quarter. Registration for first quarter closed Friday, August 21. Registration for second quarter will open later this fall.

Click here to learn more about BC Online.

What if I decide I want to register my student(s) for BC Online after the deadline?

BCCS staff members will work with families on a case-by-case basis to determine a learning model that best meets their family’s needs. Registration for quarter two will open later this fall.

If I choose BC Online, do my children have to stay in it all year?

No, we are asking families to make a commitment to BC Online for the first quarter only. First quarter ends Friday, November 6.

What is the limited campus hybrid model?

In this learning model, most students will learn online off-campus. A limited number of students, in our setting-III special education program, will have the option to learn on-campus. Click here for more information about the limited campus hybrid model.

When will my family meet our teacher?

Families can expect a new back to school experience this year because of restrictions due to COVID-19. Typically, the district would host Open House events at our schools the week before school starts. This year, families will have other opportunities to meet their children’s teachers and get settled into the new school year. 

The week of Labor Day, September 8-11, the focus will be for staff and families to get to know each other. Families will be able to schedule in-person appointments with staff members at school or through a virtual Zoom meeting. Classroom teachers and other staff members will reach out to families about scheduling appointments.

During in-person appointments, staff and families will need to follow health and safety protocols, including wearing a face covering or mask and practice social distancing. 

When does instruction begin?

In order for staff members to be able to focus on building connections and relationships with families, regular instruction will begin on Monday, September 14. This will be done online, as part of the limited campus hybrid. Most students will learn off-campus. Setting-III special education students in our center-based programs will have the option of on-campus learning. This will begin on Monday, September 21. Setting-III students will engage in online learning through Friday, September 18.

What is “synchronous” learning?

In the distance learning 2.0 and limited campus hybrid learning scenarios and for students in BC Online, students will have live interaction with licensed teachers and classmates every day. Many classes will take place in a synchronous manner, meaning all students are expected to log in at a specific time and participate in a virtual classroom through video conferencing. Videos that take place live will also be available as a recording for students to watch.

Will there be teachers available for special education and English language services as well as the intervention and enrichment groups mentioned?

Yes. Special education teachers and English Learner teachers will work directly with their students to ensure they receive the support and instruction they need. 

What technology will be available?

A learning device will be assigned to each student. Students in early childhood programs through grade 2 will receive an iPad. Students in grades 3-12 will receive a Chromebook. Internet connectivity assistance will also be provided. Families and students will receive training for how to use their devices and learning systems at the beginning of the school year. More information will be provided.

What childcare options are available?

Centaur Plus (previously Bright Start) is a fee-based program that provides quality and engaging instruction in a safe and nurturing environment for students in grades Pre-K – 5. All daycare will be provided during Distance and Hybrid learning, along with on-site Distance Learning support. Centaur Plus will be available in all learning scenarios and includes onsite distance learning support.

Who is eligible for childcare?

Tier 1 employees are eligible for a reduced childcare rate. During the school day, Tier 1 employees can receive childcare at no cost. Click here for a list of Tier 1 employees as determined by the Minnesota Department of Health. 

Rates	Tier 1 Employees	Tier 1 Employees Qualifying for Free and Reduced Lunch	Non-Tier One Employees	Non-Tier One Employees Qualifying for Free and Reduced Lunch
Before and after school rates  7:00-7:45 am and/or 2:05-4:30	$10.00/per day	$7.00/per day	N/A	N/A
Day Programming 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.	No cost during school hours (7:45 a.m. – 2:05 p.m.)		$30.00/per day	$20.00/per day

When can I register for childcare?

Families can now register for Centaur Plus for the 2020-2021 school year. The program will be located at our Early College Academy campus this year. We are open for care Mondays – Fridays from 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on school days and non-school days, excluding holidays. We are open to all BC families and staff.

Click here to register for Centaur Plus on our Eleyo website.

Click here for more information about getting started with Eleyo.

Who can I contact for more information about Centaur Plus?

If you have any questions, please contact Jakarta Turner (612) 242-4652 or jturner@bccs286.org.

Click here for a list of frequently asked questions about Centaur Plus.

What technology will be available?

A learning device will be assigned to each student. Students in early childhood programs through grade 2 will receive an iPad. Students in grades 3-12 will receive a Chromebook. Internet connectivity assistance will also be provided. Families and students will receive training for how to use their devices and learning systems at the beginning of the school year. More information will be provided.

When will technology will be issued?

Most students were able to keep their district-issued device from spring 2020 over the summer. Students who do not have their device or need to transition from an iPad to a Chromebook (from grade 2 to grade 3) will receive their device during the week of September 8 at back to school connections appointments with staff. 

I struggled to help my child during distance learning in the spring. How can I learn more about technology?

Staff members will be providing more opportunities for families and students to learn how to use their technology. Stay tuned for more information. 

Who can I talk to about internet access?

Families that need internet assistance can contact their child's teacher or the main office of their school.

Are face masks required?

Yes, for all students in kindergarten through grade 12 and all staff. Exceptions are made for medical reasons. Click here to learn more about the statewide mask mandate. 

What steps will be taken if a student or staff member who has contact with others during the day falls ill and tests positive for the virus?

The district will follow state protocols and work closely with local and state health experts. Students and staff who come in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 are routinely informed. 

Are the ventilation systems in our buildings up to code?

Our HVAC, or ventilation systems, are compliant with all guidelines and standards used by the American Society of Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHREA). 

ASHREA has developed guidelines related to reopening of schools and other buildings to aid in minimizing the risk of spread of COVID-19. Based on these recommendations, BCCS will implement the following procedures to minimize the spread of COVID-19:

1. Keep ventilation systems running for longer periods. Start systems several hours before the start of school and leave running longer at the end of the day.
2. Increase outdoor air ventilation where possible
3. Replace filters with higher efficiency MERV13 filters
4. Keep toilet room exhaust fans running continuously

If you have any questions about our HVAC systems, please contact Jim Langevin, director of operations, at jlangevin@bccs286.org. 

How will students receive meals in the limited campus hybrid model?

Meals will be distributed similar to the spring 2020 routes. Detailed route information is available at www.BCCS286.org/MealDistribution.

How will students' health be protected on buses?
School buses will be limited to 50% student capacity. Students will share seats only with other members of their household. School arrival and dismissal times will be staggered to limit the number of students entering and exiting the building simultaneously. Riders and drivers will wear face coverings. Buses will be disinfected following each route with special attention to high touch areas.