Goodhue County Education District COVID-19 Updates and FAQ
The safety of our students and staff is our priority. We will provide updates and resources in an effort to help families reduce the risk in their home and community.
GCED is following the MDH Guidance for Schools to ensure that we are providing safe and healthy workplaces. Currently, our building is closed. Both prior to closure and upon return, we will be adhering to this guidance. Our goal is the safety of our community.
We are adhering to guidance from Goodhue County Health and Human Services (GCHHS), the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We are closely monitoring updates. Guidance is changing frequently due to local and global developments.
Distance Learning Plans
Learning at home and/or online is a different educational experience than what we are used to within our schools. We are dedicated to creating meaningful learning as effectively as possible in this situation, given the tools available. We also recognize our staff, students, and families may be facing unprecedented challenges during this time. We all need to be patient, supportive, and understanding.
Flexibility and communication is key as we navigate the coming months. Thank you!
Distance Learning Plan for RBEC REACH Students
Distance Learning Plan for RBEC Pathways Students
Parents and staff with questions, please click here to complete a Q&A and we will get your questions answered to the best of our ability. Answers that contain private data will be handled with direct contact back to the individual asking the question. Click here for links to resources for staff and families during remote learning.
Why are GCED/RBEC Schools Closing Now? While our goal would be to have doors open, the health and safety of our students, staff and school communities remain our top priority. The District is following direction from the Governor’s office and the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). We first suspended classes through March 27th and then implemented Distance Learning on Monday, March 30th. Distance Learning will continue through at least Thursday, April 30th. Unless the Governor’s Office and the MDE extend the Distance Learning period, students would return to buildings on Monday, May 4th.
Will the district provide online learning while schools are closed? GCED/RBEC will have alternative learning plans that will give students academic activities they can do at home and methods for connecting with school staff beginning on March 30th and continuing until we are authorized to return to our school buildings. When needed, paper copies of these alternative learning plans will be mailed out or delivered to households. All students have been provided access to a device. We appreciate the efforts of local telecommunications companies who have worked with us to assure all students have internet access.
Will my child continue to receive support services (OT, speech therapy, etc.)? All support services will resume during the week of Monday, March 30th. Staff will connect with households to create a plan and assure that any needed materials are made available.
How can I help my child cope with changes resulting from COVID-19? Our children look to adults for guidance on how to react to stressful events. We have included links to parent resources to help you with supporting your child emotionally and with learning. We will continue to add additional resources so please check back.
How will GCED/RBEC handle student absences due to COVID-19 when school resumes? Families know what is best for their children and we will honor your decision to keep your child home from school. Some children and family members may be at higher risk for severe illness because of underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system. We are asking parents to make the best decision for their families. Currently, GCED/RBEC is excusing all health-related absences, including those who have a fear of exposure to COVID-19. Your child does not need to have symptoms to receive an excused absence and does not need a note from a doctor. Please let your child’s school know if you will be keeping them home and send a parent note when they come back to school.
How will families, employees and the community be notified of updates? GCED/RBEC Communications will continue to provide updates through School Messenger and updates will be posted on our website.
GCED is following the MDH Guidance for Schools to ensure that we are providing safe and healthy workplaces. Currently, our building is closed. Both prior to closure and upon return, we will be adhering to this guidance. Our goal is the safety of our community.
We are adhering to guidance from Goodhue County Health and Human Services (GCHHS), the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We are closely monitoring updates. Guidance is changing frequently due to local and global developments.
Distance Learning Plans
Learning at home and/or online is a different educational experience than what we are used to within our schools. We are dedicated to creating meaningful learning as effectively as possible in this situation, given the tools available. We also recognize our staff, students, and families may be facing unprecedented challenges during this time. We all need to be patient, supportive, and understanding.
Flexibility and communication is key as we navigate the coming months. Thank you!
Distance Learning Plan for RBEC REACH Students
Distance Learning Plan for RBEC Pathways Students
Parents and staff with questions, please click here to complete a Q&A and we will get your questions answered to the best of our ability. Answers that contain private data will be handled with direct contact back to the individual asking the question. Click here for links to resources for staff and families during remote learning.
Why are GCED/RBEC Schools Closing Now? While our goal would be to have doors open, the health and safety of our students, staff and school communities remain our top priority. The District is following direction from the Governor’s office and the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). We first suspended classes through March 27th and then implemented Distance Learning on Monday, March 30th. Distance Learning will continue through at least Thursday, April 30th. Unless the Governor’s Office and the MDE extend the Distance Learning period, students would return to buildings on Monday, May 4th.
Will the district provide online learning while schools are closed? GCED/RBEC will have alternative learning plans that will give students academic activities they can do at home and methods for connecting with school staff beginning on March 30th and continuing until we are authorized to return to our school buildings. When needed, paper copies of these alternative learning plans will be mailed out or delivered to households. All students have been provided access to a device. We appreciate the efforts of local telecommunications companies who have worked with us to assure all students have internet access.
Will my child continue to receive support services (OT, speech therapy, etc.)? All support services will resume during the week of Monday, March 30th. Staff will connect with households to create a plan and assure that any needed materials are made available.
How can I help my child cope with changes resulting from COVID-19? Our children look to adults for guidance on how to react to stressful events. We have included links to parent resources to help you with supporting your child emotionally and with learning. We will continue to add additional resources so please check back.
How will GCED/RBEC handle student absences due to COVID-19 when school resumes? Families know what is best for their children and we will honor your decision to keep your child home from school. Some children and family members may be at higher risk for severe illness because of underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system. We are asking parents to make the best decision for their families. Currently, GCED/RBEC is excusing all health-related absences, including those who have a fear of exposure to COVID-19. Your child does not need to have symptoms to receive an excused absence and does not need a note from a doctor. Please let your child’s school know if you will be keeping them home and send a parent note when they come back to school.
How will families, employees and the community be notified of updates? GCED/RBEC Communications will continue to provide updates through School Messenger and updates will be posted on our website.