By Kurt Menk
Editor

Local schools and schools across the state closed earlier this week due to an order by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Schools were ordered to close by Wednesday, March 18.

Sibley East
Public Schools
The Sibley East Public Schools had a two-hour late start on Monday, March 16, according to Superintendent Jim Asmden. All staff and support staff reported to the school auditorium at 7:45 a.m. Monday, March 16. Students were encouraged to attend school that day and receive instructions from staff for moving education forward in the coming weeks. The students also had the opportunity to pick up all text books, electronic devices, and take home personal property. Preschool was closed. Cub Care will remain open for registered families through this week. Additional information regarding child care will follow during the week.
The Sibley East Schools will be closed beginning Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, March 27. Student learning will resume on Monday, March 30 through Distance Learning.
All school athletic practices and community education activities were cancelled until further notice beginning Monday, March 16.
St. Paul’s
Lutheran School
St. Paul's Lutheran School had a full day of school on Monday, March 16. The school staff began distance learning assignments beginning Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, March 27, according to Principal Eric Kaesermann.
Students in grades K-8 received specific instructions and assignments from staff on Monday, March 16.  The staff  prepared the students for continuing their education at home using textbooks, project-based assignments, and electronic devices. The preschool was closed.
St. Paul's will be closed beginning Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, March 27.
The Board of Education and administration will reevaluate the situation on March 27. They will discuss learning plans and see what the local district plans to do, along with recommendations from government officials for the future of this school year.  All school events will be cancelled until further notice beginning Monday, March 16 through Sunday, March 29.  
Green Isle
Community School
The Green Isle Community School will be closed effective Monday, March 16 through  Friday, March 27 due to Governor Tim Walz and the Department of Health’s mandate, according to Director Brandy Barrett.
School leaders will work on plans to implement distance learning the week of March 16. These methods will be tested the week of March 23 to work out any technical issues. Student learning will resume on Monday, March 30.
There was an informational meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 17 where parents were able to collect their students’ personal items so that school officials are better able to clean and sanitize the building as a safety precaution. There was also information handed out as to what the immediate future will look like for GICS students and families.

The Clover Kids Child Care  will remain open and operating as usual. GICS will follow all state requirements regarding COVID-19 as it moves forward. The school will be communicating with families as needed.

Find more information in the March 19, 2020 edition of the Arlington Enterprise.