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Serving Northern St. Louis County, Minnesota

Distance learning extended at ISD 696

Students could return to school on April 12

Keith Vandervort
Posted 4/7/21

ELY - The Ely school district administrative team late last week extended distance learning for all students in grades 6-12 until Monday, April 12, due to the continued spiking of positive …

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Distance learning extended at ISD 696

Students could return to school on April 12

Posted

ELY - The Ely school district administrative team late last week extended distance learning for all students in grades 6-12 until Monday, April 12, due to the continued spiking of positive coronavirus cases.
‘We expected to have the Memorial students return on April 6, dependent on evidence that the spread of COVID-19 in our school community had subsided,” said ISD 696 Superintendent Erik Erie. “This decision was made to help stem the spread of COVID-19 that is still with us.”
Ely students in grades K-12 remain in distance learning until at least Monday, April 12.
Another case was reported last Wednesday, which increased the number of reported cases of COVID-19 to 28 in the Ely school community between March 15 and March 31. The school count increased again last Thursday with the report of another COVID-19 case.
A total of 29 cases, 23 in the Memorial building, and six in the Washington building, were reported from March 15 thru April 1.
“With positive test status changing after ten days in isolation, some of the cases from March 15 - March 21 may no longer be considered ‘active cases,’” Erie said. The cumulative positive test count is 44 for the school year.
According to St. Louis County Public Health more than 76 percent of all COVID-19 positive cases reported in Northern St. Louis County are from the Ely area.
“They also report that Ely has also accounted for 15 percent of the cases for the entire county,” Erie said.
With the move to distance learning, a pause in extracurricular activities is also being observed.
“These activities are expected to resume on April 12 as we realize their importance to our students and families as part of the school experience and the benefits they provide,” Erie said.
Megan Anderson, Ely 6-12 principal, reminded parents to continue to share all COVID-19 test results with school nurse Mary Schwinghamer.
“Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 becomes ‘exempt’ from future quarantines for the next 90 days,” she said.
Students should have all their learning materials at home already.
“You may also email Holly at hsherman@ely.k12.mn.us and she will gather any needed materials for your child,” she added. “I assure you these are not easy decisions, and I’m hopeful this will be our last transition.”
“We realize the hardships on students, families and teachers that come with distance learning, so we have every intention of returning to in-person learning as soon as we believe we can do so safely for all those involved,” Erie said. “Your patience, understanding and precautions you are taking are greatly appreciated in getting us all back together on the Ely Public Schools campus.”
For questions or feedback, contact Erie at eerie@ely.k12.mn.us or 218-750-4564.