Mankato Area Public Schools to switch to distance learning

Students in Mankato Area Public Schools will switch to full distance learning as COVID-19 cases continue to ramp up in the region.

The announcement was made Wednesday by Superintendent Paul Peterson, who called the decision difficult, saying it likely creates additional stress and challenge for students, staff, and families.

“Student and staff health and safety have been and will continue to be our top priority, and while I would like nothing more than to return our students and staff to a traditional school year, local COVID-19 data prevents this from happening right now,” said Peterson’s email.

Secondary schools (Central, East, West, Dakota Meadows, and Prairie Winds) will shift to distance learning beginning on Wednesday, November 18.

Elementary schools will shift to distance learning on Monday, November 30. Kindergarten through 5th Grade will have their last in-person day of instruction on Friday, November 20.

Here is a schedule provided by the district:

Middle and High Schools
Thursday, November 12 — Last Regular “B” Day
Friday, November 13 — No School (End of Quarter)
Monday, November 16 — Last Regular “A” Day
Tuesday, November 17 — No School (Teacher Transition Day)
Wednesday, November 18 — Distance Learning Begins

Elementary Schools
November 12-20 — Students will remain in their current learning model
November 23 — No School (Teacher Transition Day)
November 24-25 — No School (Conferences)
November 30 — Distance Learning Begins

More information on distance learning will be shared by individual schools in the near future, according to the release. Meanwhile, fall activities for high school students are planned to continue until the end of the season.