Tri-County News

Friday update: April 10, 2020


COVID-19 Federal, State, and Local Level Updates

Across the country, many states are making the decision to finish the academic year with distance learning. In recent news briefings, Governor Walz has also hinted there is a “slim chance” that students would be returning to school buildings this year.

School districts across the country are also waiting to see if U.S. Department of Education Secretary DeVos will seek congressional approval to waive some of the prescriptive measures of the federal special education law. A waiver would provide school districts with flexibility to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act while we combat the coronavirus pandemic. A waiver would provide our special education staff with new timelines for evaluating students and relief from the stringent rules required to make adjustments to individualized education plans.

After completing two weeks of Distance Learning, we continue to collect and analyze feedback from the Distance Learning Feedback Survey that helps us refine and improve this new model of delivering instruction. While we’re doing our best to deliver remote learning opportunities, let’s not forget this is a new experience for all of us, and we’ll continue to monitor and adjust accordingly.

At this point, we’ve analyzed, sorted, and distributed the first week of constructive feedback to our grade levels, departments, and administrative team members. We’ll continue to do our best and accommodate the varied learning styles, remote work stations, and educational needs of our EV-W students. Please be patient while we work through this new model of instruction and learning.

Obviously, we are facing uncertain times, adults might be worried about job security, finances, and the health of their loved ones. But many children and teens are dealing with different stresses – like missing out on important activities, social connections, and milestones. Take time to check out this blog from CentraCare’s Dr. Susan Heidal-Schiltz. She outlines strategies to help students address disappointment and coping. This is an important process to understand when so many exciting activities and events are being cancelled or postponed.

As a reminder, the school district’s website www.evw.k12.mn.us will serve as our central host site for all of the COVID-19 news, updates, and school related contact information. Please reference the News Tab frequently to stay connected and informed. I’m confident our dedicated staff will continue to answer the call and serve our students and community in an exemplary fashion.

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact me at your convenience.

Becoming a Better Person in 2020

As we continue to reflect upon becoming a better person in 2020, I’d like to share strategy #9, Live with Integrity, from the “12 Actions You Can Take to Become a Better Person” by Deep Patel, VIP Contributor for the Entrepreneur.

Personal integrity is a cornerstone of who we are and what we stand for. Integrity is part of our moral foundation: the principles and ideas we value and hold dear. Integrity is your personal compass, and it will shape the kind of person you become over time.

Living with integrity means being true to your ideals. It means that your outward actions reflect your inner beliefs and values. It means making the choices that are necessary to live up to your standards. Mark sure you take the time to understand what integrity means to you, and how your decisions align with your values and vision for your life.

Eden Valley Food Shelf

I’ve been asked to pass along the following Food Shelf information from Eden Valley. The Food Shelf will be open on Wednesdays from 1:30-4:30 p.m. and everyone is welcome. You will be asked to stay in your car and check a list of available groceries that will be packed and then delivered to your car. The Eden Valley Food Shelf is located on Brooks Street between the Assumption Church parking lot and The Church of God.

Quote of the Week

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16

Are you a chain or are you a link? Either way, we need you to stay engaged and connected.

youtu.be/o_L7JmKCML4

Happy Easter. Wishing you and your family peace, joy, and happiness. We’re facing some difficult times and struggles, but remember, without the struggles we would never realize the strength that lies within us. Have a wonderful day and stay well, I miss you. ☺

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *