BCCS to evaluate entering new learning model on September 25

Friday, September 18, 2020 – BCCS implemented the limited campus hybrid model for the start of the school year through at least Friday, October 9. On Friday, September 25, district leaders will reevaluate cases in our community and other factors to determine if the district will shift to a learning model with more students learning on-campus starting on Monday, October 12.

Analyzing cases in our community 

The Minnesota Department of Health created the below chart for recommended learning model options based on 14-day case rate range in a community.

As of Thursday, September 17, cases in Brooklyn Center were 20.7 cases per 10,000 people; and 15.1 cases per 10,000 in Hennepin County. If cases in our community remain in this range, we would consider shifting to a learning model that has more students learning on-campus starting Monday, October 12.

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. 

Changes to Adopted Scenario

We will monitor positive case 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 Monday, October 12. Please view the below chart for planned dates of when we will evaluate our learning model:

 Recommendations to shift to distance learning from a hybrid or in-person model due to health and safety reasons may be made, communicated and implemented rapidly by the superintendent. Shifting toward more students learning on-campus will require more time to ensure the health and safety of our community.

For the foreseeable future, it’s important for families, students and staff members to understand the need for flexibility. The district’s number one priority in making decisions about which learning model to follow is the health and safety of our community. In order to maintain this commitment, unplanned decisions may need to be made and the community will need to quickly pivot. 

Other considerations in the learning model decision:

• Staffing will continue to be a challenge in BCCS and school districts across the state through this fall and winter, and it may become more challenging if case counts rise
• Moving to more students learning on-campus requires more time for data gathering and readiness assessment than changing from in-person learning models to the full distance learning model
• Case counts will fluctuate this fall and winter
• BCCS will make clear and consistent decisions across buildings and programs

In addition to reviewing case data in Hennepin County and the cities of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park and Minneapolis, BCCS will also consider the following factors:

• Staffing needs
• Instructional readiness
• Operational readiness, including custodial, nutrition and transportation services
• Health and safety protocols
• Childcare readiness
• Consultation with MDE, MDH and Hennepin County

How will a decision be communicated?

Families can expect to receive a phone call/voicemail message, text message and email. Information will also be posted on our website, social media accounts and mobile app. Staff members can expect to receive an email.