This information is intended to provide updates on Alexandria Public Schools' response plan to the outbreak of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. The situation is evolving and information and recommendations are changing daily as new information becomes available.

Please refer to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the latest updates regarding COVID-19.

Schools closed through April 30 - Updated March 25, 2020

Governor Tim Walz has announced the extension of the closure of schools in response to COVID-19. Beginning March 30, Alexandria Public Schools will move to a distance learning environment through April 30, 2020. Per the Governor’s plan, school staff will then have May 1 and May 4 to prepare their classrooms for the return of students on Tuesday, May 5. The schedule is subject to change based on COVID-19 circumstances with guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

Distance learning includes daily interactions using technology tools and a variety of learning experiences. Students will interact with teachers and one another and complete their work from home. Students and families will receive more information later this week in preparation for distance learning to start on March 30. This information will include plans for student attendance, grading, school to home communication and more.

As a school district we are committed to providing at-home learning opportunities and resources for our students to support their education while our school buildings are closed. Our teachers have been working hard to finalize our District Learning Plan.

We recognize that there are unique circumstances in every home that may impact a student’s ability to learn during this unprecedented situation. As always, if you have specific questions about your student’s education, please contact the appropriate staff member (e.g. teacher, principal, counselor, etc.) at your child’s school. Contact information is available on our Staff Directory webpage.

Childcare
We are providing care for children (ages 4-12) whose parents are part of the Tier I and Tier II categories as identified by the Minnesota Department of Education, or who work for Alexandria Public Schools. Child care is organized to promote social distancing as much as possible. Sign up through ELEYO, our registration system. 

Meal Distribution
During school closure, we will continue providing free meals to any child age 18 and under. Meals will include a lunch as well as breakfast items for the following day. We will have meals to accommodate all families who have responded to our initial request, and will adjust the number of meals as we better understand the need. Meals can be picked up curbside at Woodland Elementary Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The district’s transportation department can deliver meals to those families needing that service. Contact the Food & Nutrition Services office staff between 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m., M-F with questions – phone: (320) 762-3315; email: hgalstad@alexschools.org.

School events, activities, athletics & student trips
All school events, athletics and activities are suspended now through April 30, 2020.

Our teachers and staff look forward to connecting with our students and are grateful for your continued partnership with our APS.