District News: An E-Newsletter for Roseville Area Schools Staff and Families

News for January 19, 2022

From the Superintendent
January 19, 2022
Good Afternoon Roseville Area Schools Families and Staff,
I hope that the transition to short-term distance learning was as smooth as possible for your students this week. While the number of COVID-19 cases in our community continues to be alarmingly high, health officials still believe that the post-holiday/omicron peak will occur next week, and then drop off sharply.
I want to again thank you for your understanding as we have shifted to meet our staffing challenges. Below are some data points that illustrate the challenges our schools have faced since winter break, which you may find interesting.
I’d also like to thank our staff who are supporting our emergency worker families who are in need of childcare this week and next, and who are providing important social and emotional support to students who may be struggling during this period of distance learning.
As I said in my last message, the decision to shift to distance learning was a difficult one, and we fully intend to return to in-person learning at the end of the month. Please, continue to follow the guidance of health officials by wearing a mask, getting vaccinated and boosted, and getting tested regularly. Through collective action, we will get through this difficult time.
Jenny Loeck, Ed.D
Superintendent
COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 by the Numbers in Roseville Area Schools
  • 301 - The number of new COVID-19 cases among Roseville Area Schools students in the first week back from winter break. 
    • In September and October, numbers of weekly new cases were in the teens and 20s. That means the first week of January saw between 10 and 20 times more infections than we were seeing in the beginning weeks of this school year.
  • 55 - The number of new COVID-19 infections among staff in the first week back from winter break.
    • Or, one-third of all staff infections this school year in just one week.
  • 9 of 17 - The number of classroom teachers out sick in one elementary school last week.
  • 50 - The percentage of our health services staff districtwide who have been either out sick themselves or out because their children were sick since January.
  • 25 - The percentage of teacher absences we were able to cover with substitutes last week.
    • Prior to the pandemic, we would be able to fill 85% of daily teacher absences with substitute teachers. This fall, that number has been under 50%.
Free COVID-19 Tests
The federal government has announced that every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests are completely free and can be ordered online
Vaccines Available Now for Ages 5 and Up, Booster Shots Recommended for all Minnesotans 12 years of Age and Older
Vaccines are the strongest tool we have to prevent serious disease and death from COVID-19. Vaccines are now available for Minnesotans ages 5 and older at no cost. All Minnesotans age 12 and older are recommended to get a booster shot. The timing of your booster shot depends on the vaccine you received for your initial vaccine series. See details on boosters.
  • Use the state’s Vaccine Locator Map to find a vaccine provider near you.
  • Check for vaccine appointments at vaccines.gov, where you can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer). 
  • Contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.
  • Walk in to or make an appointment at one of Minnesota’s COVID-19 Community Vaccination sites.
  • Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline: 1-833-431-2053, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.  
Weekly General COVID-19 Notifications
Due to the amount of community spread of COVID-19, schools may begin sending general notifications of COVID-19 at school weekly in their regular Thursday communication to families. Please visit our COVID-19 Dashboard for the latest data about COVD-19 spread in our community, including information about schools with five or more confirmed cases of COVID-19 in students or staff who were in the building while infectious during a two-week reporting period.
News and Views From Around the District
School Nurse Openings
Are you interested, or do you know someone who is interested in working as a school nurse? School nursing can be both challenging and extremely rewarding. We have openings for school nurses in Roseville Area Schools.
Applications are posted on the 623 job webpage. Go to Student Services for school nurse applications. 
Licensed school nurse positions require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. You can be in the process to get your LSN license. Experience is preferred, but not required. New school nurses will mentor with an experienced school nurse, and receive support from the whole nurse team.
For more details, please email one of our licensed school nurses:
  • Deb Legan, RN, LSN at deborah.legan@isd623.org
  • Ann Depaolis-Jones, RN, LSN at ann.depaolis-jones@isd623.org
RAHS students leaving campus after school last Thursday, heading into two weeks of distance learning.
Resources for Families
Five-Day Meal Packages Pick-Up Schedule
Nutrition Services will continue to provide meals at no cost to students during distance learning as well as for students who attend onsite childcare. Five-day breakfast, lunch and snack bundles will be available for pick up at the meal pick-up locations and times below. No sign-up is required for these pickups, you can simply pull up to the front doors of the school.  
Pick-Up Location
Dates 
Times 
Roseville Area Middle School 
Thursday, Jan. 20
Tuesday, Jan. 25
Thursday, Jan. 27
4 - 6 p.m.
9 - 11 a.m. 
4 - 6 p.m.
Roseville Area High School
Wednesday, Jan. 19
Monday, Jan. 24
Wednesday, Jan. 26
4 - 6 p.m. 
9 - 11 a.m.
4 - 6 p.m.
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