Owatonna Schools extend distance learning

Distance learning in the Owatonna Schools will continue longer than expected.
Last week administrators determined it would be necessary to remain in the distance learning model through at least Thursday, Jan. 7 for the “continued safety of our students, staff and community,” said Superintendent Jeff Elstad.
The announcement doesn’t come as a complete surprise as COVID-19 has been raging throughout Steele County. There have been several hundred new cases each week since early November, including a record of 384 cases in one week. There has also been one death in Steele County each week over the past five weeks. 
When school officials switched from in-person to distance learning in mid-November, they said the distance learning would go until this Friday unless COVID conditions worsen. 
In making the decision to continue with distance learning, Elstad said his team has been consulting with representatives of both Steele County Public Health and the Minnesota Department of Health. 
“The transition back to the previous learning models (grades E-5 all in person and hybrid for grades 6-12) on Monday, Jan. 11 will be contingent upon improvement of the public health conditions within our community,” Elstad said. 
As per the order of Gov. Tim Walz, all activities will be delayed until at least Dec. 18 or when it is deemed safe for our students, coaches, and advisors to return. The district will base the date of return to winter activities on COVID-19 data shared by the local and state public agencies and/or other state agencies.
Meal bundles are available for free for all children ages 1-18 until June 30, 2021. During distance learning, meals can be picked up between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Dec. 2, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, and Jan. 4, 5, and 7 at Lincoln Elementary, McKinley Elementary, Wilson Elementary, Owatonna Middle School, and Owatonna High School. Visit the school’s website at www.isd761.org for more information or call 507-444-8616 with any questions.
Childcare services are also available through Owatonna Public School-Age Care for students in grades K-5. Visit www.owatonnacommunityed.org for more information or to enroll. or call 507-444-7900 with questions regarding childcare.