Columbia Heights Public Schools (CHPS) continues to monitor the developments with the coronavirus disease, now being called COVID-19.

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus that has not been found in people before. COVID-19 is not caused by the same coronavirus that caused Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 2012. However, it is in the same family of viruses. Because this is a new virus, there are still things we do not know, such as how severe the illness can be, how well it is transmitted between people, and other features of the virus. More information will be provided when it is available through the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

We want CHPS students, families, and staff to know that we are in communication with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) to have the most up-to-date information and to implement district and school protocols as needed.

Some of the actions CHPS is currently taking include stepped-up cleaning of our building with a focus on cleaning frequently-touched surfaces (door handles, water fountains, handrails, etc.) with disinfectants.

It is important for all of us to engage in everyday, preventative measures to prevent the spread of germs and avoid illness, such as:  

• Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. (If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers)
• Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed hands
• Avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick
• Staying home when sick, and keeping kids home from school when they are sick

April 24, 2020 Message from the Minnesota State High School League
In response to Executive Order 20-41 issued today by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Minnesota State High School League, under direction of the League’s Board of Directors, has declared, effective immediately, all activities and athletics that occur during the spring season have been cancelled for the 2019-2020 school year.

View the full release.

April 23, 2020 | Weekend Meals for Students
Columbia Heights Public Schools continues to serve meals to students in the community (age 18 and under) as school closures in Minnesota continue. Starting Thursday, April 23, the Food Services Department will provide weekend meals in addition to their normal weekday provisions.

Students will now receive double meals on both Thursdays and Fridays to provide them with meals for Saturdays and Sundays. This will continue as part of our weekly program as long as needed.

If students need to be in class during the most convenient pick-up time, there are a few options for securing meals.

• A parent or guardian may pick up their meals for their student
• A student can pause their class to pick up their meals
• Meals can be picked up after all class times have ended | 3-3:20 p.m. at the Hylander Center

For more information about food sites, including locations and the menu, visit colheights.k12.mn.us/FoodSites.

Las comidas para el fin de semana para los estudiantes

Las Escuelas Públicas de Columbia Heights continúan sirviendo comida a los estudiantes de la comunidad (menores de 18 años) mientras continúen cerradas las escuelas en Minnesota. A partir del día jueves 23 de abril, el Departamento de Servicios de Alimentos proporcionará comidas para el fin de semana además de las comidas de lunes a viernes.

Los estudiantes ahora recibirán comidas dobles los jueves y viernes para proporcionarles comidas los sábados y domingos. Esto continuará como parte de nuestro programa semanal mientras sea necesario.

Si los estudiantes necesitan estar en clase durante el horario de recogida de comida más conveniente, hay algunas opciones para asegurar las comidas:

• Un padre o guardián puede recoger la comida en lugar de su estudiante.
• Un estudiante puede dejar sus estudios por unos minutos para recoger la comida.
• Puede recoger la comida después de que las clases hayan terminadas a las 3:00 pm hasta las 3:20 p.m. en frente del Hylander Center.

Para más información incluyendo un mapa e itinerario del programa de distribución de comida gratis, visite el sitio web colheights.k12.mn.us/FoodSites.

April 9, 2020 Update
On April 8, Governor Walz issued Executive Order 20-33 extending the Stay at Home period through May 3. This order does not affect the original return-to-school date of May 5. This return date may be subject to change by the Governor. The District will continue to monitor  the evolving information and recommendations surrounding COVID-19.

April 3, 2020 | CHPS Food Delivery Update
Dear CHPS Families,

Since next week includes two originally-scheduled no school days,* the food delivery schedule will be a bit different than in the past few weeks.

Monday, April 6
Breakfast and lunch will be served as normal. Additional food for the weekend (normally given out on Fridays) will be included with Monday’s normal meals.

Tuesday, April 7
Breakfast and lunch for both Tuesday and Wednesday will be handed out.

Wednesday, April 8
Meals for Thursday and Friday (no school days) will be handed out.

Thursday, April 9
No school.* No food distribution.

Friday, April 10
No school.* No food distribution.

If students need to be in class during the most convenient pick-up time, there are a few options for securing meals.

• A parent or guardian may pick up their meals for their student
• A student can pause their class to pick up their meals
• Meals can be picked up after all class times have ended | 3-3:20 p.m. at the Hylander Center

For more information about food sites, including locations and the menu, visit colheights.k12.mn.us/FoodSites or contact Food Service Manager Maggie Maggio.

*April 9 and 10 are no school days. Students are not expected to engage in distance learning on these days.

Distribución de Comida Gratis

Estimadas familias de Columbia Heights,

No hay escuela el 9 y 10 de abril, 2020. Así que la distribución gratis de desayunos y almuerzos cambiará un poco la próxima semana. El itinerario está abajo: 

lunes 6 de abril
El desayuno y el almuerzo se distribuirán normalmente. Los alimentos enlatados adicionales que normalmente se entregan para el fin de semana se incluirán el lunes.

martes 7 de abril
El desayuno y el almuerzo se distribuirán normalmente.

miércoles 8 de abril
El desayuno y el almuerzo se distribuirán suficiente para tres días.

jueves 9 de abril
No hay escuela. No hay distribución de comida.

viernes 10 de abril
No hay escuela. No hay distribución de comida.

Si los estudiantes necesitan estar en clase durante el horario de recogida de comida más conveniente, hay algunas opciones para asegurar las comidas:

• Un padre o guardián puede recoger la comida en lugar de su estudiante.
• Un estudiante puede dejar sus estudios por unos minutos para recoger la comida.
• Puede recoger la comida después de que las clases hayan terminadas a las 3:00 pm hasta las 3:20 p.m. en frente del Hylander Center.

Para más información incluyendo un mapa e itinerario del programa de distribución de comida gratis, visite el sitio web colheights.k12.mn.us/FoodSites o mandar un correo electrónico a Maggie Maggio al MaggioM@colheights.k12.mn.us.

March 30, 2020 | Distance Learning Kicks Off Monday!
Columbia Heights Public Schools (CHPS) students and teachers will begin distance learning this coming Monday, March 30, 2020.

Teachers and staff have been working hard to ensure CHPS students will receive high-quality and engaging instruction during this time. Staff are excited to connect with students each school day. 

Students engaging in distance learning will have access to appropriate educational materials and receive daily interaction with their licensed teachers. CHPS will provide instruction and educational materials online, via phone, or in paper format to support the equitable access of distance learning for all students.

View the Distance Learning section of the website, browse online learning links, check out FAQs and more!

Aprendizaje a Distancia 

Los estudiantes y maestros en las Escuelas Públicas de Columbia Heights (CHPS) comenzarán el aprendizaje a distancia el lunes 30 de marzo, 2020.   

Los maestros y el personal han estado trabajando arduamente para garantizar que los estudiantes reciban instrucción de alta calidad durante este tiempo. Los maestros y personal están listos para conectarse con los estudiantes cada día escolar. 

Durante el aprendizaje a distancia, los estudiantes tienen acceso a materiales educativos apropiados y reciben interacción diaria con sus maestros. Las Escuelas Públicas de Columbia Heights proporcionará instrucción y materiales educativos en línea, por teléfono, o en formato de papel para apoyar el acceso equitativo de la educación a distancia para todos los estudiantes.

¡Vea la sección de aprendizaje a distancia del sitio web, navegue por los enlaces de aprendizaje en línea, consulta las preguntas frecuentes, y más!

March 25, 2020 | Message to CHPS Families
On March 25, Governor Walz issued an executive order that distance learning for all school districts and charter schools will begin March 30 through May 4 with the intention pf students returning to school sites May 5. This return date may be subject to change by the Governor.

Columbia Heights Public Schools will continue meal distribution and school-aged care for emergency and healthcare workers during this period per Governor Walz’s executive order. Stay safe, be well and enjoy your learning.

March 17, 2020 | Columbia Heights Food Sites During School Closure
Beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, March 18, 2020, Columbia Heights Public Schools (CHPS) will deliver meals for students at various locations around the community. Children age 18 and under will be offered a bagged lunch and breakfast at each hub, free of charge. Per regulations, children must be present to receive a meal.

CHPS students living in Minneapolis CAN received food at sites set up by Minneapolis Public Schools. View Minneapolis food sites and related information here.

LEARN MORE HERE

A partir del miércoles 18 de marzo de 2020, las Escuelas Públicas de Columbia Heights entregarán los alimentos a los estudiantes en varios lugares de la comunidad. A los niños de 18 años y menores se les ofrecerá un almuerzo y un desayuno por persona, de forma gratuita.

Según las regulaciones, los niños deben estar presentes para recibir los alimentos. Desplácese hacia abajo para encontrar el sitio más cercano a usted.

Los estudiantes de CHPS que viven en Minneapolis PUEDEN recibir los alimentos en sitios establecidos por las Escuelas Públicas de Minneapolis | Ver los sitios y la información relacionada.

March 16, 2020 | Meal Delivery for Students During School Closure
Columbia Heights Public Schools will deliver meals for students starting Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at various locations around the community. Children 18 years and under will be offered a bagged lunch and breakfast at each hub, free of charge. Per regulations, children must be present to receive a meal. More details on the meal distribution plan will be released Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

March 15, 2020 | CHPS Closed March 16-27
In an abundance of caution and in response to Governor Walz’s announcement, Columbia Heights Public Schools will be closed from Monday March 16 through Friday, March 27 in order to prepare Distance Learning. This includes all early childhood programs, afterschool programs and all childcare programs.

The District will continue to closely monitor the rapidly evolving information and recommendations surrounding COVID-19.

Feb. 28, 2020 | A Message to CHPS on the Coronavirus
Columbia Heights Public Schools (CHPS) is monitoring the developments with the coronavirus disease that is now being called COVID-19.

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus that has not been found in people before. COVID-19 is not caused by the same coronavirus that caused Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 2012. However, it is in the same family of viruses. Because this is a new virus, there are still things we do not know, such as how severe the illness can be, how well it is transmitted between people, and other features of the virus. More information will be provided when it is available through the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

We want CHPS students, families, and staff to know that we are in communication with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) to have the most up-to-date information and to implement district and school protocols as needed.

For Minnesotans, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low. Note that current circumstances suggest it is likely that this virus will cause a global outbreak. In that case, the risk assessment would be different.

At this point, the recommendation is as with other respiratory infectious viruses such as influenza.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
• No facemask use is recommended for well people in the U.S. currently.
• No preparation steps for parents/guardians or staff are being advised regarding school closures at this time

In the event that COVID-19 becomes an issue that impacts the school day, schools will use the communications systems in place to widely share information with the public and staff.

The District will coordinate with state and county resources on an infectious disease mitigation plan if it is deemed necessary. Columbia Heights Public Schools is committed to protect the safety of students and staff.

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