March 17, 2020

To: District Patrons, Minot Public Schools

From: Mark Vollmer, Superintendent

RE: Recent Updates

“In the midst of every crisis, lies a great opportunity.” Albert Einstein

We were notified of an additional COVID-19 diagnosis in Ward County today, and a case confirmed in Eastern North Dakota. This is not the news we wanted to hear. We continue to rely on advice from the Center for Disease Control, the North Dakota Department of Health, the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction the First District Health Unit and the Governor Burgum’s office. Despite all of this, we have so many wonderful things happening in our community.

Community Partners Make a Difference

We are blessed with many community partners who have offered their time, talents, and energy to assist families while our schools are closed. Thanks to all who have volunteered to watch children while parents work, have supplied meals, and have donated items to assist families in need. Souris Valley United Way is currently working on a plan to get “Backpack Buddies” supplies to families that receive this service. This is proof that . . . Together we get better!

School Nutrition Program

Today, Minot Public Schools served nearly 500 meals to students in our community. Meal service will continue for the remainder of the week at Longfellow, Washington, Sunnyside, Perkett, Roosevelt, and Magic City Campus, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. In addition to curbside service at these schools, MPS will also be delivering meals to specific attendance areas in the district. A map of delivery areas will be posted on our website on Wednesday, March 18. Watch for a MPS school bus in your area. Meals will also be delivered on the Minot Air Force Base beginning tomorrow. Drivers from Yellow Fin Bus Company and employees from Minot Public Schools will deliver meals on Minot Air Force Base from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Again, each student will receive a free lunch and breakfast for the following morning. All students are eligible and encouraged to participate.

A Plan for Distance Learning

Our teachers have been busy preparing for distance learning for students in the event we are not able to open on March 23rd. If school closures are extended, we are well equipped to continue education for our students. School principals will contact families with information about accessing the school to pick up books, personal items such as band instruments, and in some instances, technology to support student learning.

Social Distancing

We hear a lot about social distancing. The concept of social distancing is not new. Simply put, this means we avoid large groups in the hopes of preventing the spread of a disease. All health organizations are currently recommending social distancing to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The graphic below describes what social distancing might look like for your family: The only thing that is “certain” is “uncertainty”. We are hoping for a quick return to a regular schedule, but also planning for a possible extended school closure. Our main goal is to ensure our community remains healthy. We will continue to communicate information as it is made available to us. Updates will be posted on our district website. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Thank you –