Osseo Schools Shift To Remote Learning As Staff Absences Spike

MAPLE GROVE, MN — Students in Osseo Area Schools are set to learn virtually for the next two weeks, with the district dealing with an “extremely high number” of students and staff out sick, according to officials.

Some schools in the district have as much as a quarter of their staff members out sick, making it impossible to “sustain ordinary, in-person operations for the short term,” Superintendent Cory McIntyre said in a message to district families.

That is forcing the district to temporarily revert to virtual learning, with middle and high schools to move to online classes starting Tuesday. Elementary schools will shift to virtual learning Wednesday.

McIntyre said the district is planning for students to return to in-person classes Monday, Jan. 24.

“This news is understandably challenging for families and not one our district was hoping to make,” McIntyre said in an update to families.

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Schools in the district will follow their regular daily schedules as much as possible, with start and end times to remain the same during the virtual learning period, McIntyre said. Teachers will provide some live instruction during school days.

Students who cannot access the internet at home can come to school to participate in classes, but parents and guardians should “only use this option if it is absolutely necessary,” McIntrye said.

The district is set to provide free meal bags that can be picked up between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. at students’ schools. Meal bags will include one breakfast and one lunch.

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High school co-curricular and afterschool activities will continue, despite the move to online learning, with participants asked to follow coronavirus-related health and safety measures, the superintendent said.

Kidstop and Four Star Express are due to be closed until Jan. 24 while classes are online.

“I genuinely appreciate all that you and your family have been doing to support our schools and remain flexible during this challenging time,” McIntyre said. “Please continue to be vigilant in mitigating COVID-19 in our communities. It is a very important step in getting our school operations closer to normal more quickly.”