Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order on Thursday, April 23, that ordered all Minnesota schools to continue distance learning through the end of the school year. In Deer River, that means distance learning will continue through June 2.

We have learned a lot in the first 4 weeks of distance learning and plan to build on that as we finish the year.

Other important items to note:

• May 1st and May 4th have been set aside as planning days for teachers. There will be no distance learning on these days.

• Food drops will continue through June 3rd, with the exception of Memorial Day, May 25th. Food will be provided on May 1 and May 4.

• School-aged childcare for workers connected to COVID response will continue through June 3rd, with the exception of Memorial Day, May 25th. Care will be provided on May 1 and May 4.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order on Sunday, March 15, that ordered all Minnesota schools to temporarily close beginning on Wednesday, March 18 and continue through Friday, March 27.

The current closure is in place to allow time for schools to create a Distance Learning Plan. There will be no instruction given between March 18 and March 27. Teachers, administrators, and all school staff are using this time to develop a learning plan to prepare for the possibility of a longer school closure.

At this time, instruction will resume on Monday, March 30. We do not know if this will be in the form on distance learning or not. The situation is continuously changing and updating.

We will continue to communicate updates to all families as we learn more. The safety of our students, families, staff and communities, are our top priority. We want to support you and keep you informed.