COVID-19 and School Closure Information

By Michelle Barsness

Dear Parents and Guardians:

We have been monitoring the reports related to the COVID-19 pandemic closely and watching this very fluid situation.

Following the announcement of Governor Walz and the recommendation of the Archdiocese, St. John’s School will be closed for all students, preschool through grade 8, through March 27th.  On Monday, March 23rd, staff will report to St. John’s to finalize a distance learning plan for our K-8 students. This learning plan will begin on Wednesday, March 25th for our students. We will communicate the distance learning plan to families as soon as possible. This plan will include times to pick up any resources or textbooks that may be needed to complete the work. St. John’s preschool will be closed the week of March 23rd with no distance learning planned for the week.

We will continue to provide J-care this week as scheduled, and we will be notifying you by Wednesday, March 18th regarding our plans for providing childcare for the week of March 23rd. Please use J-care only if absolutely necessary.

Finally, we know this news is certainly unsettling for many. Some will find great comfort in knowing that we are being proactive to this health emergency; others may feel we are responding too dramatically.  We hope that all can trust we are making the best decisions possible with the ever-changing narrative that is presented to us through the MN Department of Health, the CDC, and under the direction of the Archdiocese and Governor. The health and welfare of our students and staff is extremely important. Thank you for your patience as we continue to develop the best course of action. This will require flexibility, calmness, and an abundance of prudence from all of us.  We will continue to communicate with you regarding our plans.

In the meantime, continue to enjoy your Spring Break and pray for each other and all those affected by COVID-19.

Sincerely,
Fr. Paul Shovelain and Ann Laird