Spectrum families,

Please see the attached communication for important and time sensitive updates.

Thank you,

Dan DeBruyn

Executive Director

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor required all public schools to offer a distance learning option for students during the entire 2020-2021 school year. Spectrum was glad to continue providing quality education to our families and their students through the distance learning format.

Since the peacetime emergency ended in June 2021, the distance learning requirement and option ended. Spectrum, along with many other school districts and charter schools, requested that the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) provide an opportunity for us to continue offering a distance learning option for our students and families. Last week, MDE announced that it had created a provisional expedited approval process for online and blended learning so that districts and charter schools may continue to meet the needs of all students and families through a distance learning option. Spectrum will be completing the application process by MDE's August 2 nd deadline.

Spectrum administration is working through the details of what such an option will look like this year and how it will differ from the distance learning options provided during the 2020-2021 school year. The final product will likely be an asynchronous option only (no requirement for students to be present in real time while classes are in session) with required submissions each school day. As we finalize our application, we need to understand how many families would avail themselves of an asynchronous distance learning option if it was available to them for the 2021-2022 school year. As a result, we are asking that parents follow the link below and complete one survey per student by Wednesday, July 28. Please note that this will not be a final commitment. That will come after Spectrum receives approval from MDE to proceed. However, the number of parents/guardians expressing interest for their students will have an impact on the design of the program submitted. We apologize for the short notice and appreciate your attention to this matter allowing us to meet the short timeline provided by MDE.

DISTANCE LEARNING INTEREST SURVEY LINK

Due Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Spectrum Community,

As you may know from watching the news, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has begun providing guidance to schools regarding implementation of COVID protocols for fall semester. Based on that guidance, there are two requirements that will remain in place - (1) masks must be worn on public transportation (such as school buses) and (2) COVID cases must be handled, tracked, and reported in a similar manner to last year, including quarantining.

MDE is recommending that schools align with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for teachers, staff, students, and visitors to wear masks regardless of their vaccination status. While the school will continue to follow other CDC recommended safety protocols,  masks will continue to be optional in the buildings at this time.

We are hopeful that this information, along with a more clearly defined distance learning program that will be going out late next week, will be helpful to families when making final choices about whether their student(s) will remain on campus for the 2021-2022 school year.

Thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding as we continue to navigate our course and do our best to meet the needs of our community.

Sincerely,

Dan DeBruyn

Spectrum received confirmation that our provisional application to provide distance learning for the 2021-2022 school year will be approved. As a result, we are proceeding with our plan to provide asynchronous distance learning for 1 st semester. It is important to note that synchronous learning (where students access their classes via Zoom or Google Meet while off campus in real time during the school day) will not be available at this time.

Attached to this communication, you will find some additional information about asynchronous distance learning expectations. Please review the information in order to make an informed decision for your student(s).

You are being asked to make a decision for the entire first semester at this time. We understand that this decision is based on the current optional status for masks and vaccines. If either of these change, Spectrum will provide another opportunity for parents/guardians to change the learning model for their student(s) (even if it is prior to the school year or during the semester).

Please complete the Learning Model Decision Survey here by Monday, August 9.

A number of Spectrum families recently expressed concerns related to the Social Studies Standards being revised by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). Standards are required to be taught by all charter and traditional public schools. Spectrum received the following information from MDE and is passing it on for any interested families.

MESSAGE FROM MDE

The  second draft of the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards is available for public comment (thru August 16). A questions and answers document is also available, which provides information about the standards review and revision process, and updates in the second draft.

Minnesotans can use the public comment survey to provide feedback on the second draft. The survey allows you to provide comments on individual standards and benchmarks, and/or on the draft as a whole. If you are unable to use the survey, you can also send your comments via email or postal mail.

Spectrum Families,

Please review the attached communication with important updates about the upcoming school year.

Please see the attached document for important Open House Information.

Open House will take place on Thursday, Aug. 26 (5-7 p.m.)

*A-L attend 5-6 p.m.  and M-Z attend 6-7 p.m.

We're looking forward to seeing you!

Spectrum families,

This communication addresses four important items:

(1) Reminder - student schedules are now available on Infinite Campus Parent Portal here.

(2) The "Ready for School" Guidelines/Protocol (attached to this communication) have been updated for the 2021-2022 school year. Please review and follow the instructions if your child is sick or has received a positive COVID test.

(3) The legislature passed a law this summer requiring schools to inform parents about the school policy regarding release time for religious instruction. Spectrum's policy can be found on Spectrum's website here.

(4) Information on Open House was sent last week. We look forward to seeing you at your designated time this Thursday, August 26!

Please see the attached communication regarding Covid-19 and dress code updates for Monday, August 30. 

Spectrum Community,

Please see the file here with communication regarding Spectrum's learning plan for the fall.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Dan DeBruyn

Executive Director

Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year!

As you might imagine, we'll be doing things a little differently to kick off this school year. We've been diligently working over the summer to prepare for such a time as this. Thank you for your continued grace, support, and partnership in the education of Spectrum's students. We are truly honored that you have chosen Spectrum for the education of your children. 

The information linked here is extremely important as it takes you step by step through what you need to do prior to attending Open House. In addition, you may anticipate a second communication today that will walk you through step by step on how to sign up for student pictures. The date/time you choose for student pictures will drive when you attend Open House. 

As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help!

Thank you.

Spectrum Parents/Guardians,

Bus stop information is now available on Infinite Campus Parent Portal. If you requested a bus stop (AM, PM, or both) for the days your student is on campus, you can find the information by going to Infinite Campus Parent Portal on the website here. Click on "More" on the left-hand side. Then Click "Transportation". Please note that, due to the 50% capacity limitation, bus stop assignments are only for the days students are scheduled to be on campus for first quarter. If you have any questions about your student's bus stop, please stop by the Transportation Table at Open House tonight or Thursday.

Lockers have also been assigned and can be found on Infinite Campus Parent Portal right above "Transportation". Please have your student find their locker when they are at Open House while they also familiarize themselves with the location of their classrooms.

We're looking forward to seeing you at Open House!

It was great to see so many of you at Open House this week! Thank you so much for working with the school to follow requirements from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Health in order for our students to return to school on Monday.

Please see the attached communication for what to expect on the first day of school, Monday, August 31st.

In addition, the school will be sending out a communication tomorrow with 3 important items - (1) mask/shield wearing options and protocols; (2) bus protocols; and (3) health protocols (or what parents will need to do before school each day to ensure their child is ready for and able to attend school).

Please see the attached document that lays out all of the requirements for riding on Northstar buses during Spectrum's hybrid program.

Spectrum Parents/Guardians,

As promised, the student face covering requirements are attached to this communication. Please review and double check your student's face covering to ensure it meets the requirements.

Soon after you receive this communication, two additional items will follow - School Bus Requirements and the "Ready for School" Checklist.

Thank you, as always, for working with us to ensure Spectrum is able to continue with our hybrid learning plan.

Dan DeBruyn

Executive Director

Please see the attached document for a checklist for parents to use each day students are scheduled to be on campus to ensure the student meets the "Ready for School" requirements to attend on campus.

Spectrum Middle/High Picture Make-up Day!
Monday, September 14, 2020

8:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Spectrum High School Stage
17796 Industrial Circle NW
Elk River, MN 55330

Once again, Lifetouch Studios will be on site to photograph student pictures for those who were unable to
do so in August.

Due to the continued COVID-19 pandemic and the requirement to be compliant with the 50% building
capacity mandate, a specific appointment time will need to be booked – one for each student. Please
note: This Picture Make-up Day is taking place on Monday, September 14, 2020, which is a distance
learning day for all students. All pictures, regardless of grade, will be taken on the stage of the high
school building. Younger students and those who do not yet drive will need to make arrangements for
transportation.

• To schedule a specific picture time (remember, each student needs their own time), please click
  on the following link: https://spectrumhighschool.setmore.com/bqwwwl

After you have scheduled the picture time, online ordering may begin and will be open 48 hours
following the picture day, which will be September 16, 2020, at Lifetouch. All orders and payments are
handled by Lifetouch – not Spectrum. To order and pay for pictures CLICK HERE and enter in the
picture code: EVT3874F7.

Finally, please note that this date IS NOT for picture retakes – they will take place on Monday, October
19, 2020.

If you have questions regarding signing up for a picture appointment, please contact Dawn Sorenson at
dsorenson@spectrumhighschool.org for more information.

PDF copy available here

Spectrum families, 

As families begin to settle into routines for the school year, Spectrum is extending the deadline to purchase Chromebook insurance for your student/s devices. If you have not purchased insurance yet, you may do so until Wednesday, September 23.  Chromebook insurance is $30 for the school year (or $15 per semester) with a $50 maximum for families with multiple students.  Please see the 1:1 Chromebook User and Procedure Guide for coverage information.

To purchase Chromebook insurance, login to Campus Parent and follow the instructions found on the PDF attached here. Purchase options are listed below:

1.     "Chromebook Insurance - 1 Student" - $30/School Year

2.     "Chromebook Insurance - 1 Student" - $15/Semester  *You may adjust the amount from $30 to $15 once the item is in your cart.

3.     "Chromebook Insurance - Family" - $50 Max/School Year

FOOTBALL AND VOLLEYBALL REGISTRATION

The MSHSL has approved fall seasons for football and volleyball. Practices and try-outs for each sport will begin on Monday, Sept. 28. Students must be in grades 7-12 with a current physical within the past three years. We will announce at a later time whether tackle bar football will be offered for middle school. All registration is online and payment must be received before the student may begin to practice. The current high school volleyball camp will be concluding at the end of this week. Current participants will receive a credit for the final week of the camp that may be applied toward future athletic registrations. Be sure to contact the athletic department if you have questions.
FOOTBALL AND VOLLEYBALL REGISTRATION LINK:
https://spectrumhs-ar.rschooltoday.com/

Spectrum Families,

This message is intended to eliminate any confusion regarding next week's (10/12 - 10/14) schedule. The schedule is as follows:

Monday: 

* ALL student will attend virtual Advisory at 10 am

Tuesday: 

**Tuesday/Wednesday student group will attend school in-person

**Thursday/Friday student group will attend school virtually

Wednesday:

**Tuesday/Wednesday student group will attend school in-person

**Thursday/Friday student group will attend school virtually

There is no school on Thursday, October 15th and Friday, October 16th due to MEA break.

Have a relaxing extended weekend!

Spectrum Administration

Please read the attached message regarding the learning model for 2nd quarter at Spectrum and respond by Tuesday, October 20 ONLY if you want your student to switch to a different learning model for second quarter.

Spectrum Families,

This message is intended to eliminate any potential confusion regarding Spectrum’s school schedule for the week of November 23rd. Since our in-person (hybrid) Tuesday/Wednesday students had the opportunity to be at school in-person prior to MEA, we want to give our Thursday/Friday in-person (hybrid) students the same opportunity prior to Thanksgiving Break. As a result, we are making a slight adjustment to our typical weekly schedule.

The schedule will be as follows:

Monday, November 23 (A Day: Periods 1-4)

• Students who typically attend school in person on Thursday/Friday will attend school in-person
• Students who usually attend school in person on Tuesday/Wednesday will attend school virtually and should plan to join their classes on line according to their regular A Day schedule
• Full distance learning synchronous students will need to plan on attending their A Day classes on line according to their regular A Day schedule
• Buses will be running the regular Thursday routes

Tuesday, November 24 (B Day: Periods 5-8)

• Students who typically attend school in person on Thursday/Friday will attend school in-person
• Students who usually attend school in person on Tuesday/Wednesday will attend school virtually and should plan to join their classes on line according to their regular B Day schedule
• Full distance learning synchronous students will need to plan on attending their B Day classes on line according to their regular B Day schedule
• Buses will be running the regular Friday routes

There is no school for students on Wednesday, November 25th - Friday, November 27th due to Thanksgiving break.

Have a relaxing holiday!

Spectrum Administration  

Please see the attached communication for information on the following:

1. A change in the school calendar for next week;

2. Information on Virtual Conferences;

3. Results of the 2nd Quarter Learning Model Survey; and

4. The process for determining a change in learning model moving forward.

Parents/Guardians,

As indicated in the communication sent about second quarter, Spectrum will be updating our community when the school is made aware of positive cases of COVID-19 within the community (whether employees or students). Since people do not attend school when they are symptomatic, students are not typically considered close contacts and there will be no action required. If they are, parents/guardians will be notified and given further direction. Please see the attached COVID-19 case update for this week.

Spectrum Community,

Please see the attached communication for updates on (1) a no credit option for first semester, (2) open employment positions at Spectrum, and (3) Board approved calendar changes for the week of January 18-22. 

Spectrum Community,

As you know, Spectrum's Leadership Team has been gathering data in order to make an informed decision regarding the learning model for 2nd semester. The last piece of the process is to work with our Regional Support Team (comprised of representatives from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Education) to review the data and formalize the plan. Unfortunately, that was not possible this week, but we are hopeful to meet with them early next week. We apologize for the delay. Once the decision is made, we will communicate with you as soon as possible.

Thank you for your understanding.

Dan DeBruyn

Executive Director

Spectrum Middle School and Spectrum High School

Spectrum Parents/Guardians,

Please see the attached information on the learning model decision for 2nd semester, starting January 20.

Spectrum Parents/Guardians,

Student schedules for 2nd semester are now available on Infinite Campus  (including the learning model chosen and assigned days of the week for those who will be attending on campus). Please log in here and review the schedule with your student. Questions regarding student schedules or learning models should be directed to your student's School Counselor here.

Reminders:

(1) If you indicated a need for transportation, route information will be available by Monday, Jan. 18.

(2) Tomorrow is the end of 1st semester. It's a good time to check in with your student to ensure all assignments are turned in.

(3) Schedule next week: Mon. (no school for students), Tues. (no school for students), Wed. (advisory only), Thurs. (full school day-A Day), and Fri. (full school day-B Day)

Spectrum is excited to welcome back 70% of our students in person 2nd semester. In preparation, we are providing reminders about and updates to the Ready for School and face covering requirements. Please review the attached communication before students return to school in person next week.

Spectrum Parents/Guardians,

Please see the attached updates to the return to campus plan, including the following: (1) Adjustment to Grade Levels Returning on Campus; (2) Calendar Clarification; (3) Protocol Clarifications; and a (4) Survey Reminder (due February 4 by 8:00 a.m.).

Attached here is information provided by the State of Minnesota regarding the new Vaccination Connector system.

Spectrum Parents/Guardians,

Please see the attached letter with an update on attendance policy implementation.

Spectrum Parents/Guardians,

Please see the attached communication containing information (from MDE) on free COVID-19 testing for students and families.

Please see the attached communication for important updates on the following:

• The latest COVID-19 Information and its Impact at School;

• The Strategic Planning Process and Feedback Needed;

• A (Board-approved) Change in Calendar for the Last Week of School; and

• An Update on Graduation Planning.

Thank you staff and parents who responded regarding the possibility of Spectrum moving to four days on-campus and one day off-campus (asynchronous) for the 2021-2022 school year. Your feedback was both thoughtful and insightful.

The responses were split almost 50/50. As a result, administration will not be proposing the 4/1 plan for next school year. Instead, the proposal will be to proceed with the previously Board-approved delayed start on Mondays that were originally intended for the current school year. In addition, in order to accommodate the need for professional development and planning time, while also allowing for full in-person learning, six additional professional development (non-student) days have been added to the calendar proposal. This will all be accomplished while continuing to exceed the statutorily required student hours for the school year.

The school board will be reviewing and approving the 2021-2022 school calendar at their meeting this Thursday.

Thank you again for your continued involvement. Your feedback is invaluable as we work to balance the needs of our families, students, and staff.

Dan DeBruyn

Executive Director

Attached to this communication, you will find the School Board-approved  2021-2022 School Calendar. We hope this is helpful as you begin to plan for next school year.

As you know, the School Board was contemplating Monday asynchronous school days. After receiving feedback from over 100 people (staff and parents), it was determined that Spectrum will not be pursuing this change for next school year. Instead, the school will be moving forward with late start Mondays, which were originally scheduled to begin in the 2020-2021 school year. The Board was also able to add a number of professional development days for staff to complete work (mostly on Mondays). They were able to accomplish both of these goals while also maintaining the statutorily required student hours and keeping large breaks similar to the local school district calendar (as a convenience to Spectrum families and staff).

Student hours on late start Mondays will run from 8:40 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.  (Staff will be in meetings from 7:10 to 8:30 a.m.)  Busses will run at regular times, meaning students riding a bus will arrive by 7:40 a.m. and monitored spaces will be provided for students until school begins at 8:40 a.m. Students not riding a bus may choose to arrive any time between 7:10 – 8:40 a.m. on late start Mondays.

Please see the attached PDF for registration information and schedules of Spectrum's 2021 summer athletic camps. 

Spectrum Families,

You may have heard that the CDC and federal government are recommending an end to the requirement of mask wearing for fully vaccinated people. As a result, last night Minnesota's Governor announced an end to the statewide mask requirement. It is expected that Executive Order 21-23 will go into effect later today. Minnesotans who are not fully vaccinated are being strongly encouraged to wear face coverings indoors.

This is welcomed news! However, the CDC has not yet provided clear guidance for school settings, but has stated that they expect to update guidance for students in school and summer camps soon. As a result, Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan, including the existing face covering guidance for schools, remains in effect through the end of the 2020-2021 school year (last teacher contact day). This means that face coverings must continue to be worn by everyone inside school buildings or on a school bus (which includes graduation).

Thank you for working together to ensure Spectrum is meeting these requirements (for 8 more on-campus school days).

Dan DeBruyn

Executive Director