Blooming Prairie Schools In-Person, Masks Optional
Blooming Prairie schools will open the new school year with in-person class five days a week and no mask requirement, though they are recommended. In an email, Superintendent Chris Stahloch says, "Blooming Prairie Public Schools will not provide distance learning as an educational option at this time. Our goal will be to hold classes in person, five days a week, following our normal times and normal school calendar."
Stahloch states, "We understand that there are many different feelings and beliefs of how the pandemic should be handled and what preventative steps are necessary. We have worked hard to respect all as a school district and will continue to work toward that goal."
The email says BP school "recommends that all individuals wear masks in our school buildings, but we will not require it." Masks will have to be worn on busses.
Per Minnesota Department of Health guidance, students should be tested for COVID or see a medical provider if they experience a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, have a cough that gets worse, have difficulty breathing or lose their sense of smell or taste. Families are asked to report positive COVID tests to the school nurse. Families will be told if their student is exposed to a lab-confirmed case.
The first day of class in Blooming Prairie is Tuesday, September 7. See the full academic calendar here. Find more info on COVID preparedness and other school-related topics on the BP Public Schools website.
Stahloch closes, "We will work to continually provide updated information as necessary. It will be import for us to be flexible and work together. I thank you all for the work that you do to make Blooming Prairie Public Schools a great place for our students to receive a high quality eduation. I look forward to the 2021-2022 school year and working with each of you to make it a successful year for all."