Art by Maggie Klaers.
Below are the stories I directly wrote for Echo's coverage of COVID-19. There is more content available on our website, and soon both a podcast and an informational video will be posted.
Park health officials, administration develop plan for handling COVID-19District stocking schools with emergency supplies
Posted at 2:56 March 12.
As COVID-19 spreads, Director of Communications and Community Relations Sara Thompson said the district is outlining a plan to respond to COVID-19, should it spread to Park schools. |
“The district has coronavirus response plans in draft form. It’s not available to the public for public release, but it’s something we’re working on,” Thompson said. “We refer back to what we have experienced in the past and to advice from the CDC, Minnesota Department of Health and the county.”
Thompson said the district is considering nuances of how the virus is spread in order to plan more specifically what measures need to be implemented should St. Louis Park be affected.
“The next phase we’ll be working on, assuming that this takes the next level, is ‘what do we need to consider next? In terms of, do we need to talk about limiting public events? Do we need to talk about school functions?’ So, we’re starting to have those conversations now,” Thompson said.
Thompson said the first part of the plan is prevention of contracting the disease through general hygiene practices.
“The very first step is really prevention. As of right now, cover your coughs, cover your sneezes, stay home if you’re sick,” Thompson said. “We’ve deployed additional resources into all of our schools, such as additional hand sanitizer and making sure all of our restroom facilities are fully stocked with soap.”
According to Meyers, the school has been working to ensure there are supplies including paper towels and soap in bathrooms. Additionally, the district has stocked schools with emergency cleaning supplies, such as sanitizing wipes.
“Students are noticing that supplies are limited in restrooms, things like that tell either a custodian directly or let us know here in the main office,” Meyers said.
Meyers said the school has planned a deep clean of the school with the use of bleach products. Deep cleans have been used in the past as a response to the flu, and the last deep clean was over winter break, according to Meyers.
“We always prioritize common areas. You know student based areas. And then we get to some of the offices,” Meyers said.
According to Thompson, Minnesota school administrators have weekly calls with the Minnesota Department of Health, who have not suggested closing school due to the virus as of March 4.
“We have weekly phone calls with the Minnesota Department of Health. So there’s a group of administrators who participate in weekly calls and what we’re hearing from the Minnesota Department of Health right now, is that they’re making no recommendations for close,” Thompson said.
According to band director Steven Schmitz, school trips, including the band trip to Chicago over spring break, are likely suspended for the rest of the year.
“I got pulled into a series of meetings during first hour, they are likely suspending travel in the district for the rest of the school year. Chicago will very likely not happen,” Schmitz said. “If you are not a traveler, know there is a lot of sadness in the room… Just know this is happening to everyone, around the country and around the world and there is nothing we can do about it.”
Meyers said he hopes conversations surrounding the virus stay factual to avoid the spread of misinformation.
“Communication about this should be really fact-based because there’s some big implications like closing school if we didn’t have to would be really unfortunate,” Meyers said.
Thompson said the district is considering nuances of how the virus is spread in order to plan more specifically what measures need to be implemented should St. Louis Park be affected.
“The next phase we’ll be working on, assuming that this takes the next level, is ‘what do we need to consider next? In terms of, do we need to talk about limiting public events? Do we need to talk about school functions?’ So, we’re starting to have those conversations now,” Thompson said.
Thompson said the first part of the plan is prevention of contracting the disease through general hygiene practices.
“The very first step is really prevention. As of right now, cover your coughs, cover your sneezes, stay home if you’re sick,” Thompson said. “We’ve deployed additional resources into all of our schools, such as additional hand sanitizer and making sure all of our restroom facilities are fully stocked with soap.”
According to Meyers, the school has been working to ensure there are supplies including paper towels and soap in bathrooms. Additionally, the district has stocked schools with emergency cleaning supplies, such as sanitizing wipes.
“Students are noticing that supplies are limited in restrooms, things like that tell either a custodian directly or let us know here in the main office,” Meyers said.
Meyers said the school has planned a deep clean of the school with the use of bleach products. Deep cleans have been used in the past as a response to the flu, and the last deep clean was over winter break, according to Meyers.
“We always prioritize common areas. You know student based areas. And then we get to some of the offices,” Meyers said.
According to Thompson, Minnesota school administrators have weekly calls with the Minnesota Department of Health, who have not suggested closing school due to the virus as of March 4.
“We have weekly phone calls with the Minnesota Department of Health. So there’s a group of administrators who participate in weekly calls and what we’re hearing from the Minnesota Department of Health right now, is that they’re making no recommendations for close,” Thompson said.
According to band director Steven Schmitz, school trips, including the band trip to Chicago over spring break, are likely suspended for the rest of the year.
“I got pulled into a series of meetings during first hour, they are likely suspending travel in the district for the rest of the school year. Chicago will very likely not happen,” Schmitz said. “If you are not a traveler, know there is a lot of sadness in the room… Just know this is happening to everyone, around the country and around the world and there is nothing we can do about it.”
Meyers said he hopes conversations surrounding the virus stay factual to avoid the spread of misinformation.
“Communication about this should be really fact-based because there’s some big implications like closing school if we didn’t have to would be really unfortunate,” Meyers said.
Trump to declare national state of emergencyAnnouncement set for 3 p.m. March 13
Posted 12:10 p.m. March 13.
President Donald Trump is expected to declare a national emergency March 13 to provide faster and more direct relief surrounding COVID-19, according to NBC Universal. “I will be having a news conference today at 3:00 P.M., The White House. Topic: CoronaVirus!” Trump said in a tweet. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as of noon March 12 there were 1,215 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States. Declaring a national emergency could help free up funding to help fight the pandemic. Additionally, in a tweet March 13 the Minnesota Senate DFL said Governor Tim Walz and Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcom will announce a COVID-19 mitigation plan for Minnesotans. |
St. Louis Park Public Schools communicates regarding COVID-19
After school events, trips, gatherings cancelled through April 6
Posted 2:43 p.m. March 13.
In an online announcement March 12, Superintendent Astein Osei said the district is following information released by the Minnesota Department of Health and Department of Education.
On March 12, the Minnesota Department of Health released a report encouraging schools to not cancel yet because of COVID-19.
St. Louis Park Public Schools is cancelling all school field trips, all out-of-state field trips, all after-school and evening school events.
Additionally, they are reconsidering all gatherings of 100 or more students, staff or community. Community Education classes are not cancelled.
School sports will continue practices unless the Minnesota State High School League cancels.
The district is considering the plan for continuing education off-site if there is a need to close school
On March 16, custodians will begin a disinfecting treatment of common areas such as health offices, cafeterias and gyms.
Echo will continue updating as the situation develops.
In an online announcement March 12, Superintendent Astein Osei said the district is following information released by the Minnesota Department of Health and Department of Education.
On March 12, the Minnesota Department of Health released a report encouraging schools to not cancel yet because of COVID-19.
St. Louis Park Public Schools is cancelling all school field trips, all out-of-state field trips, all after-school and evening school events.
Additionally, they are reconsidering all gatherings of 100 or more students, staff or community. Community Education classes are not cancelled.
School sports will continue practices unless the Minnesota State High School League cancels.
The district is considering the plan for continuing education off-site if there is a need to close school
On March 16, custodians will begin a disinfecting treatment of common areas such as health offices, cafeterias and gyms.
Echo will continue updating as the situation develops.
District pursues plans for COVID-19
Administration looks to solve possible issues
This story is accurate as of 12:55 p.m. March 13.
As COVID-19 continues its spread, Superintendent Astein Osei said the district persists with its planning, including daily disinfecting by custodians, limiting volunteers in buildings and barcoding Chromebooks for student use.
“We’re doing a lot of things to make sure we can have continuity in learning for students, and we can make sure what we consider mission-critical functions are able to continue to occur,” Osei said.
According to Osei, one of the first steps the district implemented is specific times for students to wash their hands.
“We’ve all heard the best way to try to prevent this or to mitigate it is to wash our hands (and) cover our coughs and sneezes,” Osei said.
“What we’re requiring is that schools implement daily handwashing breaks and expectations for all students and staff at least two to three times today.”
According to Osei, staff members are working together to use technology to make online education accessible.
“We’re making sure that as a teaching staff and as a group of adults, we’re strengthening our muscle and our proficiency around the online tool that we have access to so that we can make sure we can communicate with students and families via those tools,” Osei said.
Osei said the district participates in the National Food Program in the summer, where students can go to Central Community Center to get free breakfast and lunch.
“We’re working with nutrition services staff now to replicate a similar type of program,” Osei said.
The Minnesota State High School League said it is canceling the remainder of winter sports state championships.
Park is working on labeling and barcoding devices as an option for students to loan in case they don’t have access to technology at home.
“The primary way that will facilitate learning is through technology, and we’re going to make school district technology resources available to students in the case of (closing),” Osei said.
“That’s the current gap because we have students that live all across the metro area, and as a school district here in St. Louis Park.”
According to Osei, the district is unsure how the possible cancelation will affect teachers, but because school districts receive revenue based on the number of days students attend school, they are unsure how revenue will be affected.
“We’re going to work to make sure that we are being supportive and taking care of staff and students during this time,” Osei said. “Also, recognizing that may mean we have to add days on at the end of the year.”
Osei said there are no recommendations to close or cancel school in Minnesota, rather to continue working on prevention.
“What we’ve gotten from the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health is they’re not recommending that we close,” Osei said. “What they’re recommending is that we implement the mitigation strategies like the required hand washing (and) cancelation of events that are bringing large groups of people together.”
According to Osei, the situation is ever changing and hard to plan for, but the district is following state recommendations.
As COVID-19 continues its spread, Superintendent Astein Osei said the district persists with its planning, including daily disinfecting by custodians, limiting volunteers in buildings and barcoding Chromebooks for student use.
“We’re doing a lot of things to make sure we can have continuity in learning for students, and we can make sure what we consider mission-critical functions are able to continue to occur,” Osei said.
According to Osei, one of the first steps the district implemented is specific times for students to wash their hands.
“We’ve all heard the best way to try to prevent this or to mitigate it is to wash our hands (and) cover our coughs and sneezes,” Osei said.
“What we’re requiring is that schools implement daily handwashing breaks and expectations for all students and staff at least two to three times today.”
According to Osei, staff members are working together to use technology to make online education accessible.
“We’re making sure that as a teaching staff and as a group of adults, we’re strengthening our muscle and our proficiency around the online tool that we have access to so that we can make sure we can communicate with students and families via those tools,” Osei said.
Osei said the district participates in the National Food Program in the summer, where students can go to Central Community Center to get free breakfast and lunch.
“We’re working with nutrition services staff now to replicate a similar type of program,” Osei said.
The Minnesota State High School League said it is canceling the remainder of winter sports state championships.
Park is working on labeling and barcoding devices as an option for students to loan in case they don’t have access to technology at home.
“The primary way that will facilitate learning is through technology, and we’re going to make school district technology resources available to students in the case of (closing),” Osei said.
“That’s the current gap because we have students that live all across the metro area, and as a school district here in St. Louis Park.”
According to Osei, the district is unsure how the possible cancelation will affect teachers, but because school districts receive revenue based on the number of days students attend school, they are unsure how revenue will be affected.
“We’re going to work to make sure that we are being supportive and taking care of staff and students during this time,” Osei said. “Also, recognizing that may mean we have to add days on at the end of the year.”
Osei said there are no recommendations to close or cancel school in Minnesota, rather to continue working on prevention.
“What we’ve gotten from the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health is they’re not recommending that we close,” Osei said. “What they’re recommending is that we implement the mitigation strategies like the required hand washing (and) cancelation of events that are bringing large groups of people together.”
According to Osei, the situation is ever changing and hard to plan for, but the district is following state recommendations.
Governor Walz declares peacetime state of emergency
State officials answer questions about precautions, schools, plan
This story is accurate as of 3 p.m. March 13.
In response to the spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota, state officials addressed the public at 1 p.m. March 13. During the conference, Gov. Tim Walz declared a peacetime state of emergency for Minnesota. “I’ve just signed Executive Order 20-01 declaring a peacetime state of emergency for the state of Minnesota, dealing with the coordinating of Minnesota strategy to protect Minnesotans from COVID-19,” Walz said. According to Walz, he is not requiring all schools to be closed, a decision guided by school and health officials. “These are some of the practical questions we’re needing to work through with our colleagues in education and in contact with school officials directly,” Walz said. Walz said the medical profesionals he has talked to encouraged him not to cancel schools because of the possible effects on parents of school-aged children — especially those that work in medical fields, since 35% of the nursing staff has school-aged children. “So when I call the healthcare CEOs, they’re telling me ‘don’t do that, because the implications are on this side.’ So we’re weighing these things as suggestions. We’re weighing them against a set of criteria that is science based,” Walz said. When asked why the recommendation of social distancing and limiting gatherings of more than 250 people does not apply to schools, Walz responded by saying it’s a unique situation that has no perfect solution. “I want to go back to the issue around school because we have spent considerable time and I think I am probably as well positioned to talk about this as anybody. I understand when we put out social distancing, as a classroom teacher of 43 kids in a classroom that should have had 20, you cannot social distance in there,” Walz said. According to Walz, though the state is not calling for the closure of schools, it is recommended that districts start making a plan. “I would encourage school officials and parents to start thinking in that direction about what would this look like if we do that. We will make this decision and talk in collaboration,” Walz said. “I would encourage Minnesotans who are listening to start preparing for that to start doing what you can do so that we are able to continue to educate our children.” Walz said in an attempt to limit the 14 confirmed cases in Minnesota, the government has made other several recommendations. “Now we’re talking about creating a covert emergency fund, removing some of the financial barriers for Minnesotans who need to be tested, expanding the use of paid sick time and providing long term care facilities with more resources,” Walz said. According to Walz, it’s important for Minnesotans to be careful, not just for themselves, but for those around them who may be in a high-risk community. “We are asking them, this is not a suggestion to wash your hands, wash your hands so you don’t kill your neighbor who has an underlying thing,” Walz said. “I can’t stress it in so many terms that we need to really start trying our best and trying to strike that balance of allowing society to function.” |
Benilde-St. Margaret’s moves to online instruction
Local school closes due to COVID-19
Posted at 6:55 p.m. March 13.
As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rises to 14 in Minnesota March 13, Benilde-St. Margaret’s, a private Catholic school located less than two miles from Park, announced it will be moving to online instruction through April 3. President Adam Ehrmantraut, senior high Principal Susan Skinner and junior high Principal Rikki Mortl said in a letter to parents and guardians that although the state is not recommending cancelation of schools, Benilde-St. Margaret’s is able to go completely online. “BSM is in the unique position of being able to deliver curriculum via Extended Online School in a highly effective manner,” according to the letter. The building will be open March 16 and 17 to allow students to pick up materials they may need for school. Staff will be in professional development March 16 and 17. The letter also said that school counselors will be available to support students during the period of online school. Teachers will be screencasting to students regularly to help continue the education. In light of the recommendation to practice social distancing, Benilde-St. Margaret’s asks that students and staff not gather in large groups while the students are doing online school. |
Staff Editorial: Park must keep students informed of COVID-19Posted 11:35 a.m. March 14.
As the COVID-19 virus continues to spread around the United States, schools are taking action to combat the pandemic. According to the Star Tribune, there have been 14 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota, including one confirmed in St. Louis Park. Students and staff alike have been anxious to hear Park’s plan regarding COVID-19 as the virus continues to spread, potentially to our school. |
Superintendent Astein Osei sent out an email March 12 regarding the districts plan concerning COVID-19. The subject line of the mass email was “3-12-2020 Parent-Guardian-Staff Coronavirus Update'' and was not sent to any of the students directly.
The Echo Editorial Board believes this lack of communication with students is an issue. The student body is mature enough to be part of the preparations for COVID-19.
However, the Board understands it is reasonable that district administrators have not yet come to a decision on the suspension of classes, as there are some students who rely on school for their food and would need to find another source while school is closed. Not only that, but for the other schools within the district, students’ parents would have to find other forms of childcare and may be forced to take unpaid leave from work to take care of their children. Some students also may not have internet at home, and that would also be an issue the school would need to address if it shuts down.
We advise that the administration should start planning online options for classes and making hard copies of materials for students as well. We urge the school to begin having clear, constant communication with the students. More preventative measures should be taken and the school should be fully prepared for potential obstacles that come along with shutting down the school, even before these situations arise.
The Echo Editorial Board believes this lack of communication with students is an issue. The student body is mature enough to be part of the preparations for COVID-19.
However, the Board understands it is reasonable that district administrators have not yet come to a decision on the suspension of classes, as there are some students who rely on school for their food and would need to find another source while school is closed. Not only that, but for the other schools within the district, students’ parents would have to find other forms of childcare and may be forced to take unpaid leave from work to take care of their children. Some students also may not have internet at home, and that would also be an issue the school would need to address if it shuts down.
We advise that the administration should start planning online options for classes and making hard copies of materials for students as well. We urge the school to begin having clear, constant communication with the students. More preventative measures should be taken and the school should be fully prepared for potential obstacles that come along with shutting down the school, even before these situations arise.
St. Louis Park Public Schools announce school closure March 17 through March 27Park schools will plan for technology options
This story is updated as of 11:30 a.m. March 15.
In a phone blast, St. Louis Park Public Schools announced schools will stay open March 16 for students and teachers to prepare for the closure which will begin March 17. Teachers and staff will report to school March 17 to prepare for distance learning. |
“We value connectedness in a time of isolation. The St. Louis Park Public Schools’ mission is to energize and enhance the spirit. It is paramount that we all work together at this time to ensure the greater health of our community,” the call said.
According to the message, all after-school athletics and clubs will be canceled indefinitely and students will not be academically penalized if they stay home March 16.
Earlier March 15, Governor Tim Walz announced the closure of all Minnesota schools by March 18.
“We cannot wait until the pandemic is in our schools to figure things out. That’s why Executive Order 20-02 that I just signed will begin the process of closing our schools,” Walz said. “Schools will be closed by Wednesday, through March 27, this time period is to allow our school districts to adapt to prepare for additional learning.”
The number of COVID-19 cases in Minnesota has increased from 21 to 35 between March 14 and March 15, according to Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcom.
“It would be naive of us to think we’re not going to have community spread,” Malcom said. “Of the now up to 35 cases we’ve seen, there are not major clusters anywhere. The demographics are spread out”
Mary Cathryn Ricker, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education, said it is still unclear what will happen to standardized testing later in the year, but state officials will continue to update the public as they learn more.
“We’ve also been in communication with International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement testing companies to also determine what their plans are,” Ricker said. “As we continue to get more information, we’re going to continue to share it.”
Schools will be closed for at least 20 days as the mandated closure rolls into spring break, according to the call.
According to the message, all after-school athletics and clubs will be canceled indefinitely and students will not be academically penalized if they stay home March 16.
Earlier March 15, Governor Tim Walz announced the closure of all Minnesota schools by March 18.
“We cannot wait until the pandemic is in our schools to figure things out. That’s why Executive Order 20-02 that I just signed will begin the process of closing our schools,” Walz said. “Schools will be closed by Wednesday, through March 27, this time period is to allow our school districts to adapt to prepare for additional learning.”
The number of COVID-19 cases in Minnesota has increased from 21 to 35 between March 14 and March 15, according to Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcom.
“It would be naive of us to think we’re not going to have community spread,” Malcom said. “Of the now up to 35 cases we’ve seen, there are not major clusters anywhere. The demographics are spread out”
Mary Cathryn Ricker, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education, said it is still unclear what will happen to standardized testing later in the year, but state officials will continue to update the public as they learn more.
“We’ve also been in communication with International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement testing companies to also determine what their plans are,” Ricker said. “As we continue to get more information, we’re going to continue to share it.”
Schools will be closed for at least 20 days as the mandated closure rolls into spring break, according to the call.