COVID-19 Weekly Updates

14-Day Case Report: Updated June 14, 2021

Totino-Grace has received three positive COVID-19 reports in the past three weeks, no community spread, and no one directed to quarantine. 

TG Students, Teachers, and Staff Members,

As we conclude the 2020-2021 school year and head into summer break with the loosening of safety guidelines, it may be challenging to recall what life was like before the pandemic – prior to social distancing, masks, contact tracing, and hand sanitizer.  Over the past 15 months, we've learned how to adjust on the go.  We also have a much greater appreciation for people, especially just being present with others in person.  If we took it for granted in the past, it's been reinforced that above all else it's relationships with people that matter. 

I want to thank our student body.  You've had to adjust.  You've persevered.  You are battled tested.  We think you are pretty incredible. 

Each year, teachers are asked to play many roles and deal with many challenges.  To keep the school going, this year you've had to wear more hats than ever in the past.  I hope you know how appreciated you are.    

To our counselors, coaches, maintenance people, and all our administrative staff members and administrators, please know that your light also shines brightly at Totino-Grace.   

We did it together.  You are all a beacon of hope to me. I pray and hope that our community members have a prosperous and joyful summer. We wish our recent graduates success in their next endeavors and look forward to welcoming new and returning students to campus in August with the energy and the heart to do it all again.

Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker
President

14-Day Case Report: Updated June 7, 2021

Totino-Grace has received two positive COVID-19 reports in the past three weeks, no community spread, and no one directed to quarantine.   

Dear Totino-Grace Community Members, 

Totino-Grace has received two positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks. Although vaccination progress has been made and COVID-19 cases are down in Minnesota, the virus is still impacting our community.  

Current TG mask guidelines will end on our campus Monday, June 14. Our new campus policy is as follows:

• Indoors. Mask use indoors is strongly encouraged for people who are not fully vaccinated.
• Outdoors. In general, people do not need to wear masks when participating in outdoor activities on campus. However, people who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to wear a mask in crowded outdoor settings or during activities that involve sustained close contact with other people who are not fully vaccinated.

It is highly unlikely that vaccinated individuals will be required to quarantine if they are identified as a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case. 

The CDC and MN Safe Learning Plan are expected to update guidance for schools in the coming weeks to inform planning for summer school and the 2021-22 school year. We will continue to communicate campus protocol and academic plans as they develop under the released guidance.

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated June 1, 2021

Totino-Grace has received zero positive COVID-19 reports in the past three weeks, no community spread, and no one directed to quarantine.   

Dear Totino-Grace Community Members, 

Totino-Grace has received zero positive COVID-19 reports in the past three weeks resulting in no community spread or quarantine needs.  

On Sunday, May 30, Minnesota health officials reported less than 300 new COVID-19 cases, which demonstrates a continued trend of less positive cases. 

The latest information shows that Minnesota is 65% of the way to its goal of vaccinating most residents age 16 or older.  Many TG students have already received at least one COVID-19 shot. This number will only increase in the days ahead.

Let's Be Safe

While these numbers continue to look promising, students should not be on campus or participate in TG activities if they are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, especially a fever.   Totino-Grace will continue to follow CDC guidelines and MDH recommendations for quarantine practice following exposure to COVID.  

Please know that we will communicate protocol for summer programming on campus via the TG website and directly with students and parents registered for events at our school.

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated May 24, 2021

Totino-Grace has not received positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks.  

Dear Totino-Grace Community Members, 

Our academic year will soon come to a close. Thank you for your ongoing support and patience as we navigated and implemented health and safety protocol, interpreted of guidance and recommendations from the state, and modified all aspects of the academic experience to best care for our students and staff while continuing to provide real rigor, real relationships, and real learning.

Baccalaureate Mass, Senior Awards, and Commencement for the class of 2021 will take place on June 4 with live streaming options. Congratulations to our seniors!      

If your child has received the COVID-19 vaccination, please notify Mrs. Gail Koshiol in the Health Office at gail.koshiol@totinograce.org. Please include the product name (Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson and Johnson) and the date of vaccination(s) so their immunization record is up to date.  

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated May 17, 2021

Totino-Grace has received one positive COVID-19 report in the past two weeks.  

Dear Totino-Grace Community Members, 

On May 14, Governor Walz signed an executive order to end the current mask mandate in Minnesota. As CDC guidance is not yet clear regarding school settings, the MN Department of Education recommends schools maintain current face covering guidance through the end of the 2020-2021 school year. We continue to consult with the Archdiocese and Minnesota Departments of Health and Education for guidance and direction related to masking and other COVID protocol updates following the release of the order.

To clarify: Totino-Grace will continue to require masks for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors when inside school buildings.

Mask mandates have been lifted by the state high school league for all outdoor student activities. 

Minnesotans age 12 and older are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Contact your primary health care provider or reference the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector for vaccine information and opportunities. Two new Pfizer vaccine clinic opportunities were shared with Totino-Grace to pass along to families. More information and registration links can be found HERE. 

• Thursday, May 20, 12:00 - 6:00 p.m. at The Hylander Center
• Thursday, May 20, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Fridley High School

If your child has received the COVID-19 vaccination, please notify Mrs. Gail Koshiol in the Health Office at gail.koshiol@totinograce.org. Please include the product name (Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson and Johnson) and the date of vaccination(s) so their immunization record is up to date.  

Please continue to practice health and safety precautions to keep our community safe and in person for the remainder of the academic year.

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated May 10, 2021

Totino-Grace has received one positive COVID-19 report in the past two weeks.  

Dear Totino-Grace Community Members, 

Minnesotans age 16 years and older are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Contact your primary health care provider or reference the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector for vaccine information and opportunities.If your child has received the COVID-19 vaccination, please notify Mrs. Gail Koshiol in the Health Office at gail.koshiol@totinograce.org. Please include the product name (Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson and Johnson) and the date of vaccination(s) so their immunization record is up to date.  

Please continue to practice health and safety precautions to keep our community safe and in person for the remainder of the academic year.

• Complete daily health screening.
• Stay off campus and refrain from activity participation when experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19.  
• Follow masking, hand hygiene, and distancing guidelines.

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated May 4, 2021

Totino-Grace has received one positive COVID-19 report in the past two weeks.  

Dear Totino-Grace Community Members, 

As we approach the end of the school year, I ask all Eagles to continue to practice health and safety precautions to keep our community safe and in person.

• Complete daily health screening.
• Stay off campus and refrain from activity participation when experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19.  
• Follow masking, hand hygiene, and distancing guidelines.

Totino-Grace will continue to follow CDC guidelines and MDH recommendations for quarantine practice following exposure to COVID.

Minnesotans age 16 years and older are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Contact your primary health care provider or reference the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector for vaccine information and opportunities.If your child has received the COVID-19 vaccination, please notify Mrs. Gail Koshiol in the Health Office at gail.koshiol@totinograce.org. Please include the product name (Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson and Johnson) and the date of vaccination(s) so their immunization record is up to date.  

Let’s finish the year strong -- TG Strong.  

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated April 26, 2021

Totino-Grace has received five positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks.  Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that three of the cases required community members outside the household to quarantine. 

Dear Totino-Grace Community Members, 

We are less than a month away from our seniors' last day of school on Friday, May 21. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will complete final exams on June 10. Most staff are fully vaccinated and many TG students are receiving the vaccine. As we approach the end of the school year, I ask all Eagles to continue to practice health and safety precautions to keep our community safe and in person.

• Complete daily health screening.
• Stay off campus and refrain from activity participation when experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19.  
• Follow masking, hand hygiene, and distancing guidelines.

Totino-Grace will continue to follow CDC guidelines and MDH recommendations for quarantine practice following exposure to COVID.  

Let’s finish the year strong -- TG Strong.  

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated April 19, 2021

Totino-Grace has received six positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks.  Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that five of the cases required community members outside the household to quarantine. 

Dear Totino-Grace Community Members,

Totino-Grace has received six positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks.  Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that five of the cases required community members outside the household to quarantine.          

Many TG students have already received at least one COVID-19 shot. This number will only increase in the days ahead. 

In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 130 million people 18 or older have received at least one dose of a vaccine, or 50.4% of the total adult population.  Almost 84 million adults, or about 32.5% of the population, have been fully vaccinated.  From the administration’s point of view, the vaccine campaign offers hope for a return to a more normal lifestyle.

Let's Be Safe

I can’t stress this enough: students should not be on campus or participate in TG activities if they are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, especially a fever.  Totino-Grace will continue to follow CDC guidelines and MDH recommendations for quarantine practice following exposure to COVID.  

Our seniors' last day of school is Friday, May 21. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will complete final exams on June 10, eight weeks away.  TG, let’s finish  the year strong -- TG Strong.  

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated April 12, 2021

Totino-Grace has received nine positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks.  Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that six of the cases required community members outside the household to quarantine. 

Dear Totino-Grace Community Members,

Totino-Grace has received nine positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks.  Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that six of the cases required community members outside the household to quarantine.          

Totino-Grace monitors our COVID-19 numbers every day.  We look at internal numbers within TG (i.e., positives tests, community spread, close contacts, etc.) and external numbers (i.e., positive tests, hospitalizations, and deaths in nearby counties).  More recently, we’ve been paying close attention to the new variants that have been spreading.   

Data clearly shows that numbers in counties that serve TG have increased, including Anoka, Hennepin, and Ramsey counties since mid-March.  Every TG community member needs to be committed to staying home when symptoms arise, wearing masks, and social distancing -- whether on or off campus.  I can’t stress this enough: students should not be on campus or participate in TG activities if they are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, especially a fever.  

Totino-Grace will continue to follow CDC guidelines and MDH recommendations for quarantine practice following exposure to COVID.  We know that quarantining students is difficult, particularly now with the onset of spring and end-of-year school activities on the horizon. However, as we pledged at the beginning of the school year, we will implement practices to ensure a safe environment on campus for all of our students and staff.

Our last day of final exams is June 10, nine weeks away.  TG, let’s finish  the year strong -- TG Strong.  

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated April 5, 2021

Totino-Grace has received 7 positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks.  Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that 3 of the cases required community members outside the household to quarantine. 

Dear Totino-Grace Community Members,

Totino-Grace has received seven positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks.  Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that three of the cases required community members outside the household to quarantine.          

As we have all year, Totino-Grace will continue to meet with public health officials and the Minnesota Department of Education to assess COVID-19’s impact at our school.  While access to vaccination has now expanded, and there is expanded optimism for the future, it is clear the pandemic and its impact has not yet ended. COVID case counts in nearby counties have risen significantly since mid-March, a source of concern among TG administration as well as public health officials.  There is clear evidence of the importance of remaining vigilant about strong health and safety practices at home and at school.

Totino-Grace will continue to follow CDC guidelines and MDH recommendations for quarantine practice following exposure to COVID.  We know that quarantining students is difficult, particularly now with the onset of spring and end-of-year school activities on the horizon.  However, as we pledged at the beginning of the school year, we will implement practices to ensure a safe environment on campus for all of our students and staff.

Governor Walz recently announced the expansion of vaccinations to include people age 16 and older, which would include many of our students. Though it likely will take some time for vaccine supply to catch up to vaccine demand, I encourage our families to start planning now for vaccinations if you have not already done so.

The Minnesota Vaccine Connector website is a useful tool to help you to find out when, where, and how to get a COVID-19 vaccine. It is our hope that at least some of our students will have an opportunity to be vaccinated before they return to classes next fall.

Stay Vigilant

As you may have seen over the past couple of weeks, several high school athletic teams were unable to participate in their respective state tournaments, including Hill-Murray’s boys hockey team.  Unfortunately, players on these teams had exposure to other athletes who tested positive.  Our girls basketball team’s season came to a similar halt during the section tournament.  Carrying out these decisions are terrible.  Who wants to deny such experiences to high school age student-athletes?  

Every TG community member needs to be committed to staying home when symptoms arise, wearing masks, and social distancing -- whether on or off campus.  I can’t stress this enough: students should not be on campus or participate in TG activities if they are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, especially a fever.  CLICK HERE to review the Minnesota Department of Health screening and decision tree and contact the school with questions or for guidance regarding your child’s symptoms. 

Let’s finish  the year strong -- TG Strong.

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated March 29, 2021

Totino-Grace has received 8 positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks.  Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that 4 of the cases required community members outside the household to quarantine.       

Dear Totino-Grace Community Members,

Totino-Grace’s caseload remains high.  Totino-Grace has received eight positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks.  Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that four of the cases required community members outside the household to quarantine.   

Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve recommended that students receive a negative test before they return to in-person, on campus learning on March 29, especially students who traveled by plane or found themselves in larger groups of people.  While it is not required, testing will help to ensure fewer positive cases on campus, minimize community spread, and reduce the number of people directed to quarantine.  Because so many young people are asymptomatic when infected, a test is the best way to find out and take action to reduce the spread. 

This LINK will take you to many of the local testing sites that are free and quick.  

Minnesotans 16 and Older Could be Eligible for Vaccinations, Starting March 30

Governor Walz announced last Friday that the state is expanding its COVID - 19 vaccination program.  

According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, 1,475,130 Minnesotans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to date, which represents an estimated 26.5% of the population.  The vaccinations have gone to the highest priority groups, including health care workers, long-term care residents, the elderly and child-care and school employees.

Under the new eligibility policy, the remaining groups who are next in line for the COVID-19 shot are anyone 50 and older regardless of medical condition, people 16 and older with at least one underlying health condition, essential workers that have not been previously eligible and everyone else who hasn't yet qualified.

I encourage parents and guardians to keep on the lookout for more information about who qualifies for a vaccination.  

Stay Vigilant

On Thursday, March 25, Minnesota health officials announced another 1,857 new COVID-19 cases, the highest one-day total since January 9.  New variants appear to be also taking hold.  Even with warmer temperatures and the expansion of vaccines available to more people,  we all need to remain vigilant about living up to the protocols.

Every TG community member needs to be committed to staying home when symptoms arise, wearing masks, and social distancing -- whether on or off campus.  I can’t stress this enough: students should not be on campus or participate in TG activities if they are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, especially a fever.  CLICK HERE to review the Minnesota Department of Health screening and decision tree and contact the school with questions or for guidance regarding your child’s symptoms. 

Let’s finish  the year strong -- TG Strong.

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated March 22, 2021

Totino-Grace has received 13 positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks.  Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that 11 of the cases required community members outside the household to quarantine.

Dear Totino-Grace Community Members,

As I am sure you are aware, just prior to spring break, positive COVID-19 cases among community members spiked, forcing us to quarantine approximately 150 students and revert to an unplanned week of distance learning.  

As of March 22, our caseload remains among the highest numbers we’ve seen all year —  the opposite of what we were hoping to see.  Totino-Grace currently has 13 confirmed COVID-19 reports within the past two weeks.  Fortunately, the number of students asked to quarantine because of exposure is significantly less than prior to break.  

In order to return to in-person, on campus learning as safely as possible on March 29, I strongly request that parents and guardians make sure that their children receive a negative COVID-19 test before they return to school, especially students who  traveled by plane or found themselves in larger groups of people (i.e., meeting with friends, on a crowded beach). While it is not required, testing will help to ensure fewer positive cases on campus, minimize community spread, and reduce the number of people directed to quarantine.  Because so many young people are asymptomatic when infected, a test is the best way to find out and take action to reduce the spread. The best day for students to be tested after spring break is this Thursday or Friday, March 25 and 26.  

THIS LINK will take you to many of the local testing sites that are free and quick.  Below is a list of a few convenient sites. 

Anoka Saliva Testing at the Anoka Armory, 408 East Main St
March 23-27
12:00-6:00 p.m.
mncovidtestingappt.as.me

Brooklyn Park Saliva Testing at Starlite Center, 8085 Brooklyn Blvd
7 days a week
weekdays: 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and weekends: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
mncovidtestingappt.as.me

Minneapolis Saliva Testing at the Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave. South
7 days a week
weekdays: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and weekends: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
mncovidtestingappt.as.me

We want our students to have an enjoyable spring, which includes classes remaining open to in-person learning, conducting a full slate of co-curricular activities, and holding events such as prom and graduation. Every TG community member needs to be committed to staying home when symptoms arise, wearing masks, and social distancing -- whether on or off campus.  I can’t stress this enough: students should not be on campus or participate in TG activities if they are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, especially a fever.  CLICK HERE to review the Minnesota Department of Health screening and decision tree and contact the school with questions or for guidance regarding your child’s symptoms. 

Today is the first day I can recall in months that zero COVID deaths were reported in Minnesota.  I hope and pray that this trend continues.  Every day, more people get vaccinated.  Warmer weather is on the way.  

Our students want and need a return to a usual high school experience.  We can only get there if everyone lifts up these measures with fidelity.  

Let’s finish  the year strong -- TG Strong.

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated March 15, 2021

Totino-Grace has received 16 positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks.  Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that 13 of the cases required community members outside the household to quarantine.

 

Dear Totino-Grace Community Members,

Over the past two weeks, Totino-Grace received 16 positive COVID-19 reports.  Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that twelve of the three cases required community members outside the household to quarantine.  

Spring break could not have come at a better time, as these are the most significant case loads we’ve seen all year.  The decision to utilize a distance learning model for all students this week was the right call as about 150 students were asked to quarantine, not because they tested positive but because they were exposed to someone who had. 

It is not clear why so Totino-Grace saw so many positive cases recently but it is no stretch to believe COVID fatigue has set in with many of us.  While this is understandable, we need to stick to the guidelines and maintain safety to reduce community case numbers and exposure.

Contact tracing has become very challenging.  It is not easy for school personnel to make a phone call to parents to let them know that their children have been identified as high risk close contacts. One of my kids was asked to quarantine on four different occasions this school year, so my family understands first-hand how frustrating this situation can be.  In advance, I want to ask for your patience if you receive such a call.   Keep in mind that the person on the other end has one intention: to follow our school’s outlined protocol — guided by the MDH and MDE — to keep our students, our families, and our staff members safe.

Post-break Remote Learning Week Reminder: March 22 - 26

Totino-Grace will implement a remote learning week for all students following spring break with the intent to give families time to monitor symptoms and possible confirmed case exposure before we return to in-person learning. Students are expected to attend classes remotely March 22-26. We believe this decision will allow Totino-Grace an enhanced opportunity to safely return to campus on Monday, March 29. We ask members of our school community not to make or extend any travel plans for this remote learning week. CLICK HERE to review remote learning week details and student expectations.

2021-2022 School Year

I’ve been asked several times about what I anticipate next fall will look like.  I am optimistic that adult vaccinations will continue to gain momentum and that many high school students will also have an opportunity to be vaccinated over the summer.  Our goal is to return to campus next August with a single learning model: every student in-person and on campus.

MSHSL Events and Prom Update

On March 12, 2021, Governor Walz announced that the MSHSL is planning for more spectators to attend events and tournaments beginning on April 1, 2021. As plans are adjusted and new protocols created, Totino-Grace will keep our families informed, especially if schools are allowed to increase the number of spectators at events.  

Unfortunately, Governor Walz did not cast more light on protocols related to proms and commencements.  The latest edition of Insights shares general information about what TG is planning.

Communicating Test Results

If a student receives a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, even during remote learning weeks or spring break, parents should IMMEDIATELY contact the attendance line (763-586-6300) at any time of day.  Please leave a voice message that includes the student's first and last name, date of positive test result, and date of first symptoms. The attendance line is monitored throughout the school day, evenings, weekends, and during holiday breaks. Your prompt communication will aid Totino-Grace in contact tracing and communicating with high risk close contacts in a timely manner.

Updated Requirements for International Travelers

As the Minnesota Department of Health continues to update their best practices for schools, moving forward we are going to ask all students involved in international travel to follow a quarantine procedure before returning to in-person activities or to school campus. We are requiring students to observe a 7-day quarantine AND for students to have a PCR (not rapid) COVID-19 test taken between days 3-5 of that quarantine. Families can work with Mrs. Weeks in our Attendance Office (763) 571-9116 / (meghan.weeks@totinograce.org) to communicate their travel plans and help determine these timelines before returning to school.

As a reminder, with all travel out of state or gatherings locally, we ask families to check our website and consider if a combination of quarantine and/or COVID-19 testing is necessary before returning in person to campus. We are grateful that so many families have independently made these choices as they helped keep our school open all year. We will continue to strongly recommend quarantine when CDC/MDH guidelines are not able to consistently be met with regards to travel.

Let's Be Safe

It has taken a full effort by everyone in our community to keep our school open for on campus in-person opportunities this school year.  When we get back on March 29, our goal is to return to zero positive cases and remain that way.  Let’s keep vigilant about monitoring symptoms and staying away from school if any exist, especially temperatures.

We’ve had a positive school year in many ways.  Let’s finish April and May strong -- TG Strong.

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated March 8, 2021
Totino-Grace has received nine positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks. Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that eight required community members outside the household to quarantine.

 

Dear Totino-Grace Parents and Guardians,

As you know, the number of positive cases within our in-person community had been low for several weeks; unfortunately, numbers significantly spiked over a short period of time and resulted in a significant number of community members directed to quarantine.  While we were hoping to get to spring break without reverting to a distance learning only model, this is the right decision to mitigate further spread that would impact additional students, staff, and their families.

I want to share a few thoughts about what is happening in many public schools in Minnesota.  Governor Walz recently made it clear that Minnesota’s secondary schools should begin a return to full in-person learning as soon as possible —  as long as they adhere to certain health and safety guidelines.  

Just like TG, many public schools will implement a buffer week following spring break in order to reduce the potential for large scale quarantine.  The MDH recommends this approach to reduce post-spring break COVID spread in the event individuals who may have unknowingly been exposed to COVID manifest symptoms upon their return.

Back in November, Governor Walz signed an Executive Order requiring Minnesota school districts to provide additional preparation time to teachers who have students in multiple learning formats. Many districts provide both in-person and remote learning options for students and provide teachers with additional time each week to support their students and for professional work. It appears that many of our local districts will adopt a similar format that TG has utilized for a portion of the year: one day a week dedicated to extra student support and curriculum preparation. 

I suspect it may take time and effort for at least some of these schools to do what we’ve been doing since the first weeks of school. As we have experienced at TG, students, parents, and staff members must adhere to safety guidelines and hold themselves accountable to keep everyone in our in-person community safe and healthy.  It has taken a full effort by all to keep our school open for on campus in-person opportunities these past seven months.  Not many people know what happens behind the scenes, but it is a dedicated seven days/week effort. 

With the new COVID variant found in Carver County and other counties, my understanding is that at least some of these districts are even wary about returning to campus and the impact on staff and student health and well-being.  The new variant is on our horizon, too.  

Every school and district makes decisions in the best interest of their community with the information and resources available to them.  TG’s announced plan is to resume in-person learning for all students (and distance learning for those who want or need the option) on March 29.  We will continue to evaluate case and quarantine numbers and consider MDH and MDE guidelines to determine the best plan for the remainder of the quarter.  Our goal is to continue to provide on campus learning and modify restrictions as appropriate. We are cautiously optimistic but as we have experienced for a year now, it is not clear how things will play out. 

As I am sure you’d agree, the health and safety of our students is our first priority.

We’ve had a positive school year so far.  Warmer temperatures and more sunshine are on the way.  We are pleased to report 95% of our teachers and staff members have received at least the first round of the vaccine.  Let’s continue to do what we’ve been doing: making good decisions that look out for everyone. 

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever!

Dr, Craig W. Junker, President

 

COVID-19 Testing for Kids and Families

The Minnesota Department of Health announced a recommendation for all school-age youth returning to school, youth sports/co-curricular activities, and their families to get tested every two weeks through the end of the school year. While it is not a requirement, regular testing complements other safety measures already in place, such as masking and social distancing. A number of no cost testing options are available.  Below you will find links to community testing sites and how to obtain a COVID-19 test to take at home.

• COVID-19 Community Testing Sites 
  • You can now schedule appointments for the whole family at the same time. For more information, visit COVID-19 Community Testing.

• COVID-19 Test at Home

Find Testing Locations at local hospitals and clinics or contact your healthcare provider.

International Travel Over Spring Break

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommend no international travel during COVID-19 as this will increase the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. The CDC continues to state throughout its “Travel COVID-19” resource guide that international travel is not advisable.  It also clarifies: All passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens, should have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID19 before they board a flight to the United States. Furthermore, the CDC recommends travelers get a COVID-19 test one to three days before departure.  The reason: to avoid getting sick with COVID on the trip and spreading it to others.

To be clear, Totino-Grace is requiring students traveling internationally to observe a 7-day quarantine AND to have a PCR (not rapid) COVID-19 test taken between days 3-5 of that quarantine.  Families can work with Mrs. Weeks in our Attendance Office (763-571-9116 or meghan.weeks@totinograce.org) to communicate their travel plans and help determine these timelines before returning to school.

Read the CDC’s traveling during COVID-19 and after you travel information.  MDH travel guidance and considerations can be found HERE.

As a reminder, with all travel out of state or gatherings locally, we ask families to check our website and consider if a combination of quarantine and/or COVID-19 testing is necessary before returning in person to campus.  

Remote Learning Week March 22 - 26

Totino-Grace will implement a remote learning week for all students following spring break with the intent to give families time to monitor symptoms and possible confirmed case exposure before students return to campus. Students are expected to attend classes remotely March 22 - 26. We believe this decision will allow Totino-Grace an enhanced opportunity to safely return to in-person learning on Monday, March 29. We ask members of our school community not to make or extend any travel plans for this remote learning week. Click HERE to review remote learning week details and student expectations.

Communicating Test Results

If a student receives a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, even during remote learning weeks or spring break, parents should IMMEDIATELY contact the attendance line (763-586-6300) at any time of day.  Please leave a voice message that includes the student's first and last name, date of positive test result, and date of first symptoms. The attendance line is monitored throughout the school day, evenings, weekends, and during holiday breaks. Your prompt communication will aid Totino-Grace in contact tracing and communicating with high risk close contacts in a timely manner.

Thank you for doing your part to make everyone safe.

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever.

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated March 1, 2021
Totino-Grace has received three positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks. Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that all three required community members outside the household to quarantine.

Dear Totino-Grace Parents and Guardians,

Over the past two weeks, Totino-Grace received three positive COVID-19 reports.  Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that three cases required community members outside the household to quarantine.  

COVID-19 metrics in Minnesota are trending in the right direction, which is exactly what everyone wants to see.  Not only are more people getting vaccinations in Minnesota and throughout the country, but the majority of TG teachers and staff members have received their first vaccination shot, which is great news.

An Unfortunate Example

Student-athletes at a nearby high school recently participated in games with their team while showing COVID-19 symptoms.  As a result, not only was the school forced to quarantine its own team but at least one of the opposing teams was forced to cancel five games. School administrators expressed their frustration and disappointment -- acknowledging that this complete disregard of the school’s policy of not attending school or events if symptoms are being experienced was avoidable. 

In a letter home to parents, it was further noted that the team held a dinner at a parent's home; a direct conflict of the policies set for athletic teams this year.  

I’ve let this situation incubate for a few days and no doubt it is embarrassing for the school and the students and families who made poor choices.  I am confident that no one intentionally wanted to place student-athletes, teammates, or opponents in an uncompromising situation.  

This is a good reminder that the decisions we all make have the potential to impact others.  To my knowledge, our parents are doing an excellent job of keeping their kids home from school if they experience symptoms.  

There is a reason that TG is one of the only schools in Minnesota to have remained open all school year to in-person learning.  I can’t thank our students, parents/guardians, and teachers and staff members for looking out for others.

COVID-19 Testing for Kids and Families

The Minnesota Department of Health announced a recommendation for all school-age youth returning to school, youth sports/co-curricular activities, and their families to get tested every two weeks through the end of the school year. While it is not a requirement, regular testing complements other safety measures already in place, such as masking and social distancing. A number of no cost testing options are available.  Below you will find links to community testing sites and how to obtain a COVID-19 test to take at home.

• COVID-19 Community Testing Sites 
  • You can now schedule appointments for the whole family at the same time. For more information, visit COVID-19 Community Testing.

• COVID-19 Test at Home

Find Testing Locations at local hospitals and clinics or contact your healthcare provider.

Reminder: International Travel Over Spring Break

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommend no international travel during COVID-19 as this will increase the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. The CDC continues to state throughout its “Travel COVID-19” resource guide that international travel is not advisable.  It also clarifies: All passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens, should have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID19 before they board a flight to the United States. Furthermore, the CDC recommends travelers get a COVID-19 test one to three days before departure.  The reason: to avoid getting sick with COVID on the trip and spreading it to others.

To be clear, Totino-Grace is requiring students traveling internationally to observe a 7-day quarantine AND to have a PCR (not rapid) COVID-19 test taken between days 3-5 of that quarantine.  Families can work with Mrs. Weeks in our Attendance Office (763-571-9116 or meghan.weeks@totinograce.org) to communicate their travel plans and help determine these timelines before returning to school.

Read the CDC’s traveling during COVID-19 and after you travel information.  MDH travel guidance and considerations can be found HERE.

As a reminder, with all travel out of state or gatherings locally, we ask families to check our website and consider if a combination of quarantine and/or COVID-19 testing is necessary before returning in person to campus.  

Remote Learning Week Reminder

Totino-Grace will implement a remote learning week for all students following spring break with the intent to give families time to monitor symptoms and possible confirmed case exposure before students return to campus. Students are expected to attend classes remotely March 22 - 26. We believe this decision will allow Totino-Grace an enhanced opportunity to safely return to in-person learning on Monday, March 29. We ask members of our school community not to make or extend any travel plans for this remote learning week. Click HERE to review remote learning week details and student expectations.

Communicating Test Results

If a student receives a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, parents should IMMEDIATELY contact the attendance line (763-586-6300) at any time of day.  Please leave a voice message that includes the student's first and last name, date of positive test result, and date of first symptoms. The attendance line is monitored throughout the school day, evenings, weekends, and during holiday breaks. Your prompt communication will aid Totino-Grace in contact tracing and communicating with high risk close contacts in a timely manner.

Thank you for doing your part to make everyone safe.

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever.

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated February 22, 2021
Totino-Grace has received zero positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks. 

Dear Totino-Grace Parents and Guardians,

Totino-Grace has received zero COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks. Covid metrics in Minnesota are trending in the right direction, which is exactly what everyone wants to see.

Updated Return to TG Requirements for International Travel

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to state throughout its “Travel COVID-19” resource guide that international travel is not advisable.  It clarifies: All passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens, should have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID19 before they board a flight to the United States. Furthermore, the CDC recommends travelers get a COVID test one to three days before departure.  The reason: to avoid getting sick with COVID on the trip and spreading it to others.

To be clear, Totino-Grace is requiring students who travel internationally to observe a seven-day quarantine AND have a PCR (not rapid) COVID-19 test taken between days three and five of the quarantine. Families can work with Mrs. Weeks in our Attendance Office (763-571-9116 or meghan.weeks@totinograce.org) to communicate travel plans and determine a return to school timeline.

As a reminder, with all out of state travel or gatherings locally, we ask families to review TG guidelines HERE and consider if a combination of quarantine and/or COVID-19 testing is necessary before returning in person to campus.

By now, many of our families see it as their responsibility to keep others safe.  If families travel, thank you for acting in a manner that keeps you and others safe.

Remote Learning Week After Spring Break

Totino-Grace will implement a remote learning week for all students following spring break with the intent to give families time to monitor symptoms and possible confirmed case exposure before students return to campus. Students are expected to attend classes remotely March 22 - 26. We believe this decision will allow Totino-Grace an enhanced opportunity to safely return to in-person learning on Monday, March 29. We ask members of our school community not to make or extend any travel plans for this remote learning week. CLICK HERE to review remote learning week details and student expectations.

Communicating Test Results

If a student receives a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, parents should IMMEDIATELY contact the attendance line (763-586-6300) at any time of day.  Please leave a voice message that includes the student's first and last name, date of positive test result, and date of first symptoms. The attendance line is monitored throughout the school day, evenings, weekends, and during holiday breaks. Your prompt communication will aid Totino-Grace in contact tracing and communicating with high risk close contacts in a timely manner.

Thank you for doing your part to make everyone safe.

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever.

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated February 15, 2021
Totino-Grace has received zero positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks. 

Dear Totino-Grace Parents and Guardians,

Totino-Grace has received zero COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks. Covid metrics in Minnesota are trending in the right direction, which is exactly what everyone wants to see.

Updated Return to TG Requirements for International Travel

We’ve heard from several TG students and families that they are considering international travel over the upcoming spring break: March 15 - 19.  With the recent subzero blast of cold weather conditions, it is understandable that families want to escape, many to warmer weather.

Having said this, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to state throughout its “Travel COVID-19” resource guide that international travel is not advisable.  It also clarifies: All passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens, should have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID19 before they board a flight to the United States. Furthermore, the CDC recommends travelers get a COVID test one to three days before departure.  The reason: to avoid getting sick with COVID on the trip and spreading it to others.

To be clear, Totino-Grace is requiring students who travel internationally to observe a seven-day quarantine AND have a PCR (not rapid) COVID-19 test taken between days three and five of the quarantine. Families can work with Mrs. Weeks in our Attendance Office (763-571-9116 or meghan.weeks@totinograce.org) to communicate travel plans and determine a return to school timeline.

As a reminder, with all out of state travel or gatherings locally, we ask families to review TG guidelines HERE and consider if a combination of quarantine and/or COVID-19 testing is necessary before returning in person to campus.

Coming off of Christmas break, Totino-Grace saw a significant spike in positive cases.  One of our entire winter athletic programs was even forced to quarantine for 14 days due to the number of positive cases and fear of community spread.  We want to avoid such spikes in the future. 

By now, many of our families see it as their responsibility to keep others safe.  If families travel, thank you for acting in a manner that keeps you and others safe.

Remote Learning Week After Spring Break

Totino-Grace will implement a remote learning week for all students following spring break with the intent to give families time to monitor symptoms and possible confirmed case exposure before students return to campus. Students are expected to attend classes remotely March 22 - 26. We believe this decision will allow Totino-Grace an enhanced opportunity to safely return to in-person learning on Monday, March 29. We ask members of our school community not to make or extend any travel plans for this remote learning week. CLICK HERE to review remote learning week details and student expectations.

Communicating Test Results

If a student receives a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, parents should IMMEDIATELY contact the attendance line (763-586-6300) at any time of day.  Please leave a voice message that includes the student's first and last name, date of positive test result, and date of first symptoms. The attendance line is monitored throughout the school day, evenings, weekends, and during holiday breaks. Your prompt communication will aid Totino-Grace in contact tracing and communicating with high risk close contacts in a timely manner.

Thank you for doing your part to make everyone safe.

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever.

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated February 8, 2021
Totino-Grace has received two positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks. Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that neither required community members outside the household to quarantine.

Dear Totino-Grace Parents and Guardians, 

Totino-Grace has received two positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks. Neither of these cases included community spread.  Newly reported cases in Minnesota have continued to decline over the past several weeks, as well.  Hopefully, this trend continues as more vaccinations take place for school personnel and contractors who work in schools. 

Updated Return to TG Requirements for International Travel

As the Minnesota Department of Health continues to update their best practices for schools, moving forward we ask all international travelers to follow a quarantine procedure before returning to in-person activities or to our campus. Those who travel internationally are asked to observe a seven-day quarantine AND have a PCR (not rapid) COVID-19 test taken between days three and five of the quarantine. Families can work with Mrs. Weeks in our Attendance Office (763-571-9116 or meghan.weeks@totinograce.org) to communicate travel plans and determine a returning to school timeline.

As a reminder, with all out of state travel or gatherings locally, we ask families to review TG guidelines HERE and consider if a combination of quarantine and/or COVID-19 testing is necessary before returning in person to campus. We are grateful that so many families have independently made these choices as they have helped keep our school open all year. We will continue to strongly recommend quarantine when CDC/MDH guidelines are not able to consistently be met with regards to travel.

Remote Learning Week After Spring Break

Totino-Grace will implement a remote learning week for all students following spring break with the intent to give families time to monitor symptoms and possible confirmed case exposure before students return to campus. Students are expected to attend classes remotely March 22 - 26. We believe this decision will allow Totino-Grace an enhanced opportunity to safely return to in-person learning on Monday, March 29. We ask members of our school community not to make or extend any travel plans for this remote learning week. CLICK HERE to review remote learning week details and student expectations.

Communicating Test Results

If a student receives a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, parents should IMMEDIATELY contact the attendance line (763-586-6300) at any time of day.  Please leave a voice message that includes the student's first and last name, date of positive test result, and date of first symptoms. The attendance line is monitored throughout the school day, evenings, weekends, and during holiday breaks. Your prompt communication will aid Totino-Grace in contact tracing and communicating with high risk close contacts in a timely manner.

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever.

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated February 1, 2021
Totino-Grace has received ZERO positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks. 

Dear Totino-Grace Parents and Guardians,

On behalf of the entire Totino-Grace faculty and staff, I am pleased to share that our school has received zero positive COVID-19 reports over the past two weeks. In fact, newly reported cases in Minnesota have significantly declined over the past several weeks, as well.  Hopefully, this trend continues as more vaccinations take place for school personnel and contractors who work in schools.  

After Christmas break, Totino-Grace saw a spike in the number of reported positive cases. I shared concern that some of our students may have let their guard down, especially when they were off campus.  We reminded our students to appropriately wear face coverings and practice physical distancing on and off campus, and it appears that they doubled down.  

The state of Minnesota has seen numerous student-athletes asked to quarantine due to exposure to positive cases.  Many athletic teams throughout the state have also had their seasons temporarily suspended due to positive cases. Totino-Grace continues to work with our coaches to ensure that we are lifting up the guidelines as demanded by the Minnesota State High School League and MDH.  We want to remain open for in-person learning and continue to provide co-curricular activities and greatly appreciate our students and teams when they do their part to keep everyone safe. Lifting up these important guidelines is not overly taxing and won’t last forever.  

A few reminders: 

• Students should remain home if they or a member of their household have symptoms or have been exposed to an individual with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis,  and are waiting for test results.  Students currently waiting for test results should not come on campus or interact in person with members of the TG community until the test results have been released. 

• If there is any doubt whether a student may have been exposed to a higher risk situation, parents and guardians are asked to have their kids tested and keep them home from school.  Quarantining for 14 days following high risk exposure is the safest precaution. Scheduling a COVID-19 test 5-7 days after initial exposure and staying home until a negative result is obtained is the next best precaution for our community as a whole. 

• Please feel free to contact Mrs. Gail Koshiol in the TG health office for any assistance in making screening decisions or for help finding a COVID-19 testing site:  763-571-9116 ext.202 or gail.koshiol@totinograce.org. 

Communicating Test Results

If a student receives a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, parents should IMMEDIATELY contact the attendance line (763-586-6300) at any time of day.  Please leave a voice message that includes the student's first and last name, date of positive test result, and date of first symptoms. The attendance line is monitored throughout the school day, evenings, weekends, and during holiday breaks. Your prompt communication will aid Totino-Grace in contact tracing and communicating with high risk close contacts in a timely manner.

School Personnell COVID-19 On-site Testing Program

Under the auspices of the governor’s Safe Learning Plan, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is required to offer testing for all on-site staff members in schools who provide some form of in-person learning.  Totino-Grace teachers, staff members, and contractors who work in our school were provided with testing on Friday, January 29.  To my knowledge, there were no positive test results.

Teacher Vaccinations

Like many of our public school counterparts, some of our teachers have started to receive the first round of vaccines, which is great news.  We believe more of our teachers will have the same opportunity in the days ahead.

Let's Be Safe

Every day I find myself thanking God for some segment of the Totino-Grace school community and it’s always a person or persons.  I see so much goodness in our students, the adults that work with them, and our families that it makes me both proud and happy.   

This week marked the end of the first semester. Many of our students felt a bit more anxiety dealing with final assessments and projects.  While we will be especially attentive to our students’ emotional needs, please do not hesitate to call us if your child has a special need. 

 

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever.

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated January 27, 2021
Totino-Grace has received three positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks. Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that two of the five cases required community members outside the household to quarantine.

 

Dear Totino-Grace Parents and Guardians,

Semester 2 of the 2020-2021 academic year has begun with in-person, on campus learning.

Please continue your support of our students, staff, and all our Eagle families through the following guidelines:

• Students should remain home if they or a member of your household have symptoms or have been exposed to an individual with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and are waiting for test results. 

• Students who have been tested and are currently waiting for the test result should not come on campus or interact in person with members of the TG community until the test results have been released. 

• If there is any doubt whether a student may have been exposed to a higher risk situation, parents and guardians are asked to have their kids tested and keep them home from school.  Quarantining for 14 days following high risk exposure is the safest precaution. Scheduling a COVID-19 test 5-7 days after initial exposure and staying home until a negative result is obtained is the next best precaution for our community as a whole. 

Along with social distancing and appropriately disinfecting, these steps are critical for us to remain open.  Please feel free to contact Mrs. Gail Koshiol in the TG health office for any assistance in making screening decisions or for help finding a COVID-19 testing site:  763-571-9116 ext.202 or gail.koshiol@totinograce.org.   

I am emphasizing these guidelines again because there is evidence that some of our students have let their guard down in recent days, especially when they are off campus, and avoid wearing masks when in large groups.  We all have a personal decision to make when it comes to face coverings and social distancing away from school and I understand how old the pandemic has gotten for all of us.  However, lifting up these important guidelines is not overly taxing and won’t last forever.  I can’t thank you enough for doing your part to keep everyone safe. 

Communicating Test Results

If a student receives a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, parents should IMMEDIATELY contact the attendance line (763-586-6300) at any time of day.  Please leave a voice message that includes the student's first and last name, date of positive test result, and date of first symptoms. The attendance line is monitored throughout the school day, evenings, weekends, and during holiday breaks. Your prompt communication will aid Totino-Grace in contact tracing and communicating with high risk close contacts in a timely manner.

Community Testing Site Reminder

A reminder that testing is available to all Minnesotans at any time. There are over 20 no-barrier community testing sites run by the state of Minnesota. Testing is open to everyone with – or without insurance. You can make an appointment or walk-in same day.

Let's Be Safe

Every day I find myself thanking God for some segment of the Totino-Grace school community and it’s always a person or persons.  I see so much goodness in our students, the adults that work with them, and our families that it makes me both proud and happy.   

This week marks the end of the first semester. Many of our students may feel a bit more anxiety as they deal with final assessments and projects.  While we will be especially attentive to our students’ emotional needs this week, please do not hesitate to call us if your child has a special need.  

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever.

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated January 18, 2021
Totino-Grace has received five positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks. Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that four of the five cases required community members outside the household to quarantine.

 

Dear Totino-Grace Parents and Guardians,

On behalf of the entire Totino-Grace faculty and staff, it was heartwarming to welcome our students back to campus for in-person, on campus learning last week.  We are fortunate to have so many wonderful young people enrolled in our school 

Totino-Grace has received five positive COVID-19 reports over the past two weeks.  Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that four of the five cases required community members outside the household to quarantine.  

As I’ve said many times, we plan to remain open for in-person classes as long as possible, hopefully through the end of the school year.  For that to happen, much has to continue to go our way:

• Students should remain home if they or a member of your household have symptoms or have been exposed to an individual with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and are waiting for test results.  Students who have been tested and are currently waiting for the test result should not come on campus or interact in person with members of the TG community until the test results have been released. 

• If there is any doubt whether a student may have been exposed to a higher risk situation, parents and guardians are asked to have their kids tested and keep them home from school.  Quarantining for 14 days following high risk exposure is the safest precaution. Scheduling a COVID-19 test 5-7 days after initial exposure and staying home until a negative result is obtained is the next best precaution for our community as a whole. 

• Along with social distancing and appropriately disinfecting, these steps are critical for us to remain open.  Please feel free to contact Mrs. Gail Koshiol in the TG health office for any assistance in making screening decisions or for help finding a COVID-19 testing site:  763-571-9116 ext.202 or gail.koshiol@totinograce.org.   

I am emphasizing these guidelines again because there is evidence that some of our students have let their guard down in recent days, especially when they are off campus, and avoid wearing masks when in large groups.  We all have a personal decision to make when it comes to face coverings and social distancing away from school and I understand how old the pandemic has gotten for all of us.  However, lifting up these important guidelines is not overly taxing and won’t last forever.  I can’t thank you enough for doing your part to keep everyone safe. 

Communicating Test Results

If a student receives a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, parents should IMMEDIATELY contact the attendance line (763-586-6300) at any time of day.  Please leave a voice message that includes the student's first and last name, date of positive test result, and date of first symptoms. The attendance line is monitored throughout the school day, evenings, weekends, and during holiday breaks. Your prompt communication will aid Totino-Grace in contact tracing and communicating with high risk close contacts in a timely manner.

Winter Sports Update

Totino-Grace is following the guidance of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) regarding winter activities.  Most importantly, the MSHSL mandated that students, managers, and coaches in most activities (including basketball, hockey, dance team, etc.) wear face coverings at all times, from the time they enter buildings until the time they depart, including competitions.  (Wrestling, swimming, and diving have special exceptions due to the nature of the sport). Failure to abide by these guidelines not only puts both the health of our teams and opponents at risk but it also jeopardizes the ability for our student athletes to practice and play.  As some of our teams over the course of the year have already learned, it is not fun to have to self-quarantine and temporarily suspend participation in the activity you love.   

I am asking our parents and guardians to remind their kids about these expectations. Our coaches will also address expectations. 

School Personnel COVID-19 On-site Testing Program

Under the auspices of the governor’s Safe Learning Plan, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is required to offer testing for all on-site staff members in schools who provide some form of in-person learning.  The testing was supposed to have taken place on January 15. Unfortunately, the MDH was not able to meet that date.  We hope to have the opportunity rescheduled sometime soon.  The testing is being offered to all TG’s employees and contractors who work with our students.

Community Testing Site Reminder

A reminder that testing is available to all Minnesotans at any time. There are over 20 no-barrier community testing sites run by the state of Minnesota. Testing is open to everyone with – or without insurance. You can make an appointment or walk-in same day.

Let's Be Safe

 

Every day I find myself thanking God for some segment of the Totino-Grace school community and it’s always a person or persons.  I see so much goodness in our students, the adults that work with them, and our families that it makes me both proud and happy.   

This week marks the end of the first semester. Many of our students may feel a bit more anxiety as they deal with final assessments and projects.  While we will be especially attentive to our students’ emotional needs this week, please do not hesitate to call us if your child has a special need.  

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever.

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated January 11, 2021
Totino-Grace has received six positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks. Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that two of the six cases required community members outside the household to quarantine.

 

Dear Totino-Grace Parents and Guardians,

Today marks our return to in-person, on campus schooling -- in conjunction with our distance learning option. Most of our students have not been on the TG campus since December 18, so it was a joy to welcome them back this morning.  Totino-Grace has received six positive COVID-19 reports over the past two weeks.  Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that two of the six cases required community members outside the household to quarantine.  

TG’s game plan has not wavered since the beginning of the school year: we plan to remain open for in-person classes as long as possible, hopefully through the end of the school year.  For that to happen, much has to continue to go our way.  In particular, students need to remain home if they or a member of your household have symptoms or have been exposed to an individual with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and is waiting for test results.  Students that have been tested and currently waiting for the test result should not come on campus or interact in person with members of the TG community until the test results have been released.  

Along with social distancing and appropriately disinfecting, these steps are critical for us to remain open.  

If there is any doubt whether a student may have been exposed to a higher risk situation, parents and guardians are asked to have their kids tested and keep them home from school.  Quarantining for 14 days following high risk exposure is the safest precaution. Scheduling a COVID-19 test 5-7 days after initial exposure and staying home until a negative result is obtained is the next best precaution for our community as a whole. Please feel free to contact Mrs. Gail Koshiol in the TG health office for any assistance in making screening decisions or for help finding a COVID-19 testing site:  763-571-9116 ext.202 or gail.koshiol@totinograce.org.   

I can’t thank you enough for your adherence to these guidelines.

Communicating Test Results

If a student receives a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, parents should IMMEDIATELY contact the attendance line (763-586-6300) at any time of day.  Please leave a voice message that includes the student's first and last name, date of positive test result, and date of first symptoms. The attendance line is monitored throughout the school day, evenings, weekends, and during holiday breaks. Your prompt communication will aid Totino-Grace in contact tracing and communicating with high risk close contacts in a timely manner.

Winter Sports Update

As has already been communicated, Totino-Grace is following the guidance of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) regarding winter activities.  Practices for many activities resumed on January 4; competitions start this week, on January 14.  Each activity has its own set of directives from state government and health officials regarding several areas, including but not limited to: the number of regular season contests, number of contests per week, number of fans allowed in buildings to cheer on the team, carpooling, equipment sharing, locker room use, cleaning and sanitizing, etc.  Most importantly, the MSHSL mandated that students, managers, and coaches wear face coverings at all times, from the time they enter buildings until the time they depart, including competitions.  (Wrestling, swimming, and diving have special exceptions due to the nature of the sport). As with all athletic programming this year, we may need to shift and adjust plans and protocols throughout the season.  My point is that we are going to offer winter activities under the direction of the MDH and MSHSL and hopefully our teams remain healthy and safe.  Totino-Grace reserves the right to make any change deemed necessary to ensure the safety and health of students, families, and teachers and staff. 

From the students I have spoken with, the respective protocols are being followed. They are getting used to the masks, even during aerobic training.  Our students seem to understand that this is the world we live in right now and are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that they can continue to play with their teammates. 

Thank you for your patience and support as we navigate our winter athletic season.

School Personnel COVID-19 On-site Testing Program

Under the auspices of the governor’s Safe Learning Plan, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is required to offer testing for all on-site staff members in schools who provide some form of in-person learning.  The testing is supposed to take place every two weeks beginning January 4, 2021. Totino-Grace’s first testing date is January 15.   The testing is being offered to all TG’s employees and contractors who work with our students.

Community Testing Site Reminder

A reminder that testing is available to all Minnesotans at any time. There are over 20 no-barrier community testing sites run by the state of Minnesota. Testing is open to everyone with – or without insurance. You can make an appointment or walk-in same day.

Let's Be Safe

I am grateful to our community for their commitment to helping others remain safe. I am looking forward to a great winter and spring. 

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever.

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated January 4, 2021
Totino-Grace has received zero positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks. What a nice way to start the new year!

Dear Totino-Grace Parents and Guardians,

Happy New Year!  I hope you were able to enjoy a peaceful and healthy Christmas season with your families.  I am pleased to share that over the past two weeks, Totino-Grace received zero positive COVID-19 reports.  What a great way to begin the new year!    

As you know, today marks the first day of one week of distance learning.  While the administration will continue to monitor numbers this week, this letter is to confirm our plan to return to in-person, on campus learning on Monday, January 11.  If something occurs -- such as a sudden increase in positive cases -- we will let you know and act accordingly.   

While Totino-Grace looks at various data sets, one of the most important factors when making a determination about staying open to on campus schooling is the data from the internal community --  from our school itself.  The current number of positive cases declined after Thanksgiving and has remained low for the past few weeks. In addition, community spread has been very limited.  While this could change as people get test results over the next few days, we are hopeful that parents will remain vigilant in keeping their children home if there is any doubt about exposure to the virus. 

Keep in mind: parents always have the option of keeping their children home and accessing classes via our remote learning options. 

Planning for a Safe Return to In-Person Learning on January 11, 2021

The purpose of the current one week of distance learning is to provide families with time to monitor symptoms coming off of Christmas break.   If your child or a member of your household has symptoms or has been exposed to an individual with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and is waiting for test results, that person should not come on campus or interact in person with members of the TG community until the test results have been released. 

Communicating Test Results

If a student receives a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, parents should IMMEDIATELY contact the attendance line (763-586-6300) at any time of day.  Please leave a voice message that includes the student's first and last name, date of positive test result, and date of first symptoms. The attendance line is monitored throughout the school day, evenings, weekends, and during holiday breaks. Your prompt communication will aid Totino-Grace in contact tracing and communicating with high risk close contacts in a timely manner. 

Reminders to Parents

We are asking for students to remain home and utilize our distance learning option if any of the circumstances listed below apply. 

In the past 14 days, if your child has:

• Attended social gatherings or spent time in spaces with large numbers of people outside the household (i.e., weddings, funerals, holiday parties, sporting events, religious ceremonies, casinos, restaurants/bars,  etc.)

• Traveled internationally

• Been exposed to individuals who have not practiced health and safety protocols -- including social distancing and mask wearing

If there is any doubt whether a student may have been exposed to a higher risk situation, parents and guardians are asked to have their kids tested and keep them home from school.  Quarantining for 14 days following high risk exposure is the safest precaution. Scheduling a COVID-19 test 5-7 days after initial exposure and staying home until a negative result is obtained is the next best precaution for our community as a whole. Please feel free to contact Mrs. Gail Koshiol in the TG health office for any assistance in making screening decisions or for help finding a COVID-19 testing site:  763-571-9116 ext.202 or gail.koshiol@totinograce.org.    

This is a critical time for community members to act in the best interest of their teachers, peers, and their families. It has never been easier to participate in remote learning and if that is the best and most responsible choice for your child at this time, please communicate with our attendance office as soon as possible: 763-586-6300.

International Travel Guidelines

According to the CDC, travel increases the chance of contracting and spreading COVID-19.  If students participate in any international travel, parents should have their child do the following prior to returning to Totino-Grace from international travel:

• Get tested five days after travel AND stay home for seven days after travel.

• Even if a test is negative, stay home for the full seven days.

• If the test is positive, students should isolate to protect others from getting infected.

• If the travel was especially high risk or if a test is unavailable, it’s safest to stay home for 14 days after international travel.

• Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not.

• Always follow state and local recommendations or requirements related to travel.

New Quarantine Guidelines

Per the new MDH close contact guidelines, Totino-Grace students who have one close contact experience may be considered for an earlier return date to school if they meet certain criteria. CLICK HERE to learn how Totino-Grace will implement these new guidelines. We ask that families review the information now so they have awareness of the options and expectations should their child be identified as a close contact.

Winter Sports Update

January 4 is the date for the return of in-person high school sports and activities. Totino-Grace is following the guidance of the MDH and MSHSL to implement guidelines as appropriate for our school community and in the best interest of our student participants and coaches/moderators. All participants must actively share the responsibility of reducing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping themselves and others safe and healthy.  The League has mandated that students and coaches in several sports wear masks and practice social distancing as much as possible, including: entering/departing facilities, during practices and competitions, and at team meetings. 

All individuals entering our campus -- students, coaches, parents/guardians -- must scan the health screen QR code before entering the building. The QR code and additional screening information is posted on the front doors of the school.

Students: upon completion of the screening form, report directly to the practice location. Those waiting for a ride after practice may do so in the commons, following standard distancing protocol.

Parents/Guardians: spectators are NOT allowed in the building to observe practices or to wait for their student participant.  

As with all athletic programming this year, we may need to shift and adjust plans and protocols throughout the season. We look forward to getting our students back in action and appreciate your patience and support as we navigate our winter athletic season.

Our understanding is that the League will be providing additional direction this week.  Stay tuned.

Let's Be Safe

Totino-Grace was one of the only high schools in the state of Minnesota to remain open for the first four months of the school year.  It is our intention to remain open to in-person, on campus learning for as long as possible, hopefully the remainder of the school year.  A lot has to go our way to remain open.  If every student, teacher, and staff member adheres to the below MDH guidelines, we have the best opportunity to do so:    

• Stay at home when sick, especially with a fever of 100 degrees or greater.  Additional symptoms include: cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, fatigue, congestion, or loss of taste or smell.

• Wear a mask, conduct hand hygiene, and practice physical distancing as much as possible.

• Avoid large group gatherings.

• Do not come to school when waiting for a test result. 

Let’s all do our part and make good decisions to limit exposure to ourselves and others, which gives us the best opportunity to remain open.   Thank you for your support. 

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever.

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

Merry Christmas!

14-Day Case Report: Updated December 21, 2020

Totino-Grace has received three positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks.  Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that one of the zero cases required community members outside the household to quarantine.   

Dear Totino-Grace Community Members,

Over the past two weeks, Totino-Grace received three positive COVID-19 reports.  Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that zero of the three cases required community members outside the household to quarantine.  Obviously, this is great news as we head closer to Christmas.  

Co-Curricular Activities During Christmas Break

By now, parents and students involved in the Minnesota State High School League winter co-curricular season should have heard from their coaches/advisors.  In Executive Order 20-99, Governor Walz established Monday, January 4, 2021, as the date for the return of in-person high school and youth sports. Sports programs will initially be limited to practice only; competition details are yet to be determined.  

At its December 4, 2020, meeting, the Minnesota State High School League’s Board of Directors approved a flexible model to begin winter sports when permitted by the State of Minnesota. In alignment with the Executive Order, and in using the approved model created by the Return to Participation Task Force, Minnesota State High School League winter seasons will begin as follows:

• Gymnastics, Girls and Boys Basketball, Girls and Boys Hockey, Wrestling, Boys Swimming and Diving, Girls and Boys Nordic Skiing and Girls and Boys Alpine Skiing may begin in-person practice on Monday, January 4, 2021.
• The Dance season may resume in-person practice on January 4, 2021.
• Adapted Floor Hockey may begin its training season on January 4, 2021.

While Totino-Grace will be in a Distance Learning model from January 4 - 8, our programs will begin practice on January 4, 2021.  

The opportunity to participate in sports and activities also comes with great responsibility. It is critical that all our students and coaches maintain the highest standards of health and safety both in and outside of school. Everyone must actively share the responsibility of reducing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping themselves and others safe and healthy.  This means that our students and coaches will be asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing as much as possible, including: entering/departing facilities, during practices and competitions, and at team meetings.  Coaches/Advisors will provide further clarity as January 4 approaches. 

The MSHSL will continue its work with the Minnesota Department of Health and the MSHSL’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee in the upcoming days to review and update the Sports and Activities Guidance and Information which will further clarify, reinforce, and implement a commitment to providing a safe environment for all involved.  Again, our plan for Totino-Grace is to implement these guidelines as appropriate for our school community and in the best interest of our student participants and coaches/moderators. 

Campus Closed

Totino-Grace High School will be closed Saturday, December 19, 2020, through Sunday, January 3, 2021 -- with few exceptions. 

Messages left on the main voicemail (763-571-9116) and attendance line (763-586-6300) will be checked regularly.

Admissions staff is available Monday, December 28 - Thursday, December 31, from 8:00 a.m. - noon. Please call 763-350-0515 for immediate assistance from the admissions office.

Advancement staff will also be available Monday, December 28 - Thursday, December 31, from 8:00 PM - 4:00 PM.  Please call 763-586-6335 for immediate assistance.   

Regular office hours will resume on Monday, January 4, 2021. 

Christmas Break Distance Learning Week Reminder

We want to give families time to monitor symptoms and possible confirmed case exposure before their kids return to school after Christmas break.  Therefore, we will once again implement one week of remote learning for all students: January 4 - 8, 2021. We believe this decision will allow Totino-Grace an enhanced opportunity to safely return to campus on Monday, January 11, and remain open with in-person, on campus learning. CLICK HERE for details about the post-Christmas Break Distance Learning Week.   (https://www.totinograce.org/2020-2021/distance-learning).

Totino-Grace Implements New MDH Quarantine Guidelines

Both the CDC and MDH have provided updated quarantine guidelines.  CLICK HERE (https://www.totinograce.org/2020-2021/quarantine-guidelines) to learn how Totino-Grace will implement these new guidelines. We ask that families review the information now so they have awareness of the options and expectations should their  child be identified as a close contact. 

Gatherings and Travel

Given the current high level of COVID-19 spread, and the likelihood that members of our community will travel and gather with individuals outside the household during the Christmas break, we ask that parents/guardians and students review Totino-Grace’s gatherings and travel guidelines and return to school practices.  CLICK HERE for more information.  (https://www.totinograce.org/2020-2021/gatherings-and-travel). Anyone traveling internationally will need a negative COVID-19 test before returning to on campus learning or activities. 

Communicating Test Results During Christmas Break and Post-Break Distance Learning Week 

In order to best keep community members safe, Totino-Grace would like to track COVID-19 cases within our school community during students’ time away from campus. This will allow us to continue to monitor community impact and aid in future decision making regarding on campus in-person learning. If your child tests positive for COVID-19 or must quarantine due to exposure — at any point during Christmas break or the following remote learning week  — parents/guardians are asked to please leave a message on the attendance line with the student’s first and last name, date of positive test, and date of first symptoms. If your child is quarantining, leave the last date of exposure. The attendance line will be monitored throughout the break. 

Let’s Continue Our Success 

In order for Totino-Grace to have the best opportunity to remain open, it is important that every student, teacher, and staff member adhere to MDH guidelines and TG protocols to keep staff, students, and their families safe:   

• Stay home when experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Follow the appropriate MDH decision tree path based on more common and less common symptoms.
• Wear a mask, conduct hand hygiene, and practice physical distancing as much as possible.
• Avoid large group gatherings.
• Do not come to school when waiting for a test result. 

Please feel free to contact Mrs. Gail Koshiol in the TG health office for any assistance in making screening decisions, for help finding up a COVID-19 testing site, or other questions:  763-571-9116 ext.202 or gail.koshiol@totinograce.org. 

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated December 14, 2020

Totino-Grace has received seven positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks.  Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that one of the seven cases required community members outside the household to quarantine.                 

Dear Totino-Grace Community Members,

Over the past two weeks, Totino-Grace received eight positive COVID-19 reports.  Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that one of the eight cases required community members outside the household to quarantine.  While Totino-Grace saw more parents keeping their kids home and utilizing our  distance learning option, we did not see a spike in positive cases coming off of Thanksgiving break, which is what we were hoping for.  

There is a reason why Totino-Grace is one of very few high schools in the state of Minnesota that has remained open this year: people are adhering to the stated protocols and lifting up safety practices. On behalf of our administrative team, I am grateful for the effective partnership between families and our school.  

Post-Christmas Break Distance Learning Week

As we all know, travel and gatherings outside the household increase the risk of COVID-19 exposure. Case numbers continue to rise across the country and we anticipate that students and staff will likely travel and gather with family members and others outside of the household during Christmas break.

We want to give families time to monitor symptoms and possible confirmed case exposure before their kids return to school after Christmas break.  Therefore, we will once again implement one week of remote learning for all students: January 4 - 8, 2021. We believe this decision will once again allow Totino-Grace an enhanced opportunity to safely return to campus on Monday, January 11, and remain open with in-person, on campus learning. CLICK HERE for details about the post-Christmas Break Distance Learning Week.  

Totino-Grace Implements New MDH Quarantine Guidelines

Both the CDC and MDH have provided updated quarantine guidelines. CLICK HERE to learn how Totino-Grace will implement these new guidelines. We ask that families review the information now so they have awareness of the options and expectations should their  child be identified as a close contact. 

Gatherings and Travel

Given the current high level of COVID-19 spread, and the likelihood that members of our community will travel and gather with individuals outside the household during the Christmas break, we ask that parents/guardians and students review Totino-Grace’s gatherings and travel guidelines and return to school practices.  CLICK HERE for more information. Anyone traveling internationally will need a negative COVID-19 test before returning to on campus learning or activities. 

Communicating Test Results During Christmas Break and Post-Break Distance Learning Week 

In order to best keep community members safe, Totino-Grace would like to track COVID-19 cases within our school community during students’ time away from campus. This will allow us to continue to monitor community impact and aid in future decision making regarding on campus in-person learning. If your child tests positive for COVID-19 or must quarantine due to exposure — at any point during Christmas break or the following remote learning week  — parents/guardians are asked to please leave a message on the attendance line with the student’s first and last name, date of positive test, and date of first symptoms. If your child is quarantining, leave the last date of exposure. The attendance line will be monitored throughout the break. 

Let’s Continue Our Success 

In order for Totino-Grace to have the best opportunity to remain open, it is important that every student, teacher, and staff member adhere to MDH guidelines and TG protocols to keep staff, students, and their families safe:   

• Stay home when experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Follow the appropriate MDH decision tree path based on more common and less common symptoms.

• Wear a mask, conduct hand hygiene, and practice physical distancing as much as possible.

• Avoid large group gatherings.

• Do not come to school when waiting for a test result. 

Please feel free to contact Mrs. Gail Koshiol in the TG health office for any assistance in making screening decisions, for help finding up a COVID-19 testing site, or other questions: 763-571-9116 ext.202 or gail.koshiol@totinograce.org. 

Final Thoughts 

On behalf of our entire school community, I am grateful that we’ve been able to offer in person, on campus learning all school year. Our protocols, the support of our community, and ability to offer two different learning options has paid off. Although we have faced many challenges, it is a blessing to have been on campus for as long as we have. Let’s all continue to do our part and make good decisions to limit exposure to ourselves and others, which gives us the best opportunity to remain open. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated December 7, 2020

Totino-Grace has received six positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks.  Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that one of the six required community members outside the household to quarantine. 

Dear Totino-Grace Families,

IF YOUR CHILD OR A MEMBER OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD HAS SYMPTOMS OR HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A CONFIRMED COVID-19 DIAGNOSIS AND IS AWAITING TEST RESULTS, THAT PERSON SHOULD NOT COME ON CAMPUS OR INTERACT WITH MEMBERS OF THE TG COMMUNITY UNTIL TEST RESULTS HAVE BEEN RELEASED.  

The Minnesota Department of Health has been working with communities to make sure everyone can get tested. Click HERE for testing information and locations.

Communicating Test Results

If a student receives a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, parents should IMMEDIATELY contact the attendance line (763-586-6300) at any time of day.  Please leave a voice message that includes the student's first and last name, date of positive test result, and date of first symptoms. The attendance line is monitored throughout the school day, evenings, weekends, and during holiday breaks. Your prompt communication will aid Totino-Grace in contact tracing and communicating with high risk close contacts in a timely manner.

Reminders to Parents

We are asking for students to remain home and utilize our distance learning option if any of the circumstances listed below apply. 

In the past 14 days, if your child has:

• Attended social gatherings or spent time in spaces with large numbers of people outside the household (i.e., weddings, funerals, holiday parties, sporting events, religious ceremonies, casinos, restaurants/bars,  etc.)

• Traveled internationally

• Been exposed to individuals who have not practiced health and safety protocols -- including social distancing and mask wearing

• Or if your children or a member of your household have COVID symptoms and are awaiting a test

If there is any doubt whether a student may have been exposed to a higher risk situation, parents and guardians are asked to have their kids tested and keep them home from school.  Quarantining for 14 days following high risk exposure is the safest precaution. Scheduling a COVID-19 test 5-7 days after your exposure and staying home until a negative result is obtained is the next best precaution for our community as a whole. Please feel free to contact Mrs. Gail Koshiol in the TG health office for any assistance in making screening decisions or for help finding a COVID-19 testing site:  763-571-9116 ext.202 or gail.koshiol@totinograce.org.   

This is a critical time for community members to act in the best interest of their teachers, peers, and their families. It has never been easier to participate in remote learning and if that is the best and most responsible choice for your child at this time, please communicate with our attendance office as soon as possible: 763-586-6300.

International Travel Guidelines

According to the CDC, travel increases the chance of contracting and spreading COVID-19.  If students participate in any international travel, parents should have their child do the following prior to returning to Totino-Grace from international travel:

• Get tested five days after travel AND stay home for seven days after travel.

• Even if a test is negative, stay home for the full seven days.

• If the test is positive, students should isolate to protect others from getting infected.

• If the travel was especially high risk or if a test is unavailable, it’s safest to stay home for 14 days after international travel.

• Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not.

Always follow state and local recommendations or requirements related to travel.

Let's Be Safe

In order for Totino-Grace to have the best opportunity to remain open, it is important that every student, teacher, and staff member adhere to the below MDH guidelines to keep staff, students, and their families safe:   

• Stay at home when sick, especially with a fever of 100 degrees or greater.  Additional symptoms include: cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, fatigue, congestion, or loss of taste or smell.

• Wear a mask, conduct hand hygiene, and practice physical distancing as much as possible.

• Avoid large group gatherings.

• Do not come to school when waiting for a test result. 

Let’s all do our part and make good decisions to limit exposure to ourselves and others, which gives us the best opportunity to remain open.   Thank you for your support.

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated November 30, 2020

Totino-Grace has received two positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks.  Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that one of the two required community members outside the household to quarantine. 

Dear Totino-Grace community,

The health and safety o four community members is of paramount concern, which is why this week Totino-Grace pivoted to a distance learning model. This one week of remote learning will allow all community members additional time to monitor symptoms and possible exposure from gatherings and travel during the holiday break and arrange for a COVID screening test before returning to in-person learning on campus.  The following are some activities that put people at higher risk for COVID-19.

• Going to a large social gathering like a wedding, funeral, or party.

• Attending a mass gathering like a sporting event or religious ceremony. 

• Being in crowds like in restaurants, bars, fitness centers, or movie theaters.

• Being in airports/traveling nationally by plane.

• Taking public transportation like trains or buses.

• Traveling on a cruise ship.

If there is any doubt whether a student may have been exposed to a higher risk situation, parents are asked to have their kids tested and keep them home from school.  Quarantining for 14 days following high risk exposure is the safest precaution. Scheduling a COVID-19 test 5-7 days after your exposure and staying home until you get a negative result is the next best precaution for our community as a whole. Please feel free to contact Mrs. Gail Koshiol in the TG health office for any assistance in making screening decisions or for help finding up a COVID-19 testing site:  763-571-9116 ext.202 or gail.koshiol@totinograce.org.   

Totino-Grace will continue to keep an eye on how things play out between now and December 7.  If it is determined that a second week of distance learning is in our community’s best interest, we will do so.  However, barring a serious turn of events, Totino-Grace is planning to return to in-person, on campus learning on Monday, December 7.

International Travel Guidelines and Return to School Procedures

According to the CDC, travel increases the chance of contracting and spreading COVID-19.  If students participated in any international travel, parents should have their kids do the following prior to returning to Totino-Grace from international travel:

• Get tested five days after travel AND stay home for seven days after travel.

• Even if a test is negative, stay home for the full seven days.

• If the test is positive, students should isolate to protect others from getting infected.

• If your travel was especially high risk or you aren’t able to get tested, it’s safest to stay home for 14 days after international travel.

• Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not.

• Always follow state and local recommendations or requirements related to travel.

Communicating Test Results

If your student receives a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, please IMMEDIATELY contact the attendance line (763-586-6300) at any time of day. Leave a voice message that includes the student's first and last name, date of positive test result, and date of first symptoms. The attendance line is monitored throughout the school day, evenings, weekends, and during holiday breaks. Your prompt communication will aid Totino-Grace in contact tracing and communicating with high risk close contacts in a timely manner. 

Let's Be Safe

In order for Totino-Grace to have the best opportunity to remain open, it is important that every student, teacher, and staff member adhere to the below MDH guidelines to keep staff, students, and their families safe:   

• Stay at home when sick, especially with a fever of 100 degrees or greater.  Additional symptoms include: cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, fatigue, congestion, or loss of taste or smell.

• Wear a mask, conduct hand hygiene, and practice physical distancing as much as possible.

• Avoid large group gatherings.

• Do not come to school when waiting for a test result. 

Over the next two weeks, public health officials throughout Minnesota and the rest of the country will be monitoring to see if the number of positive cases spike.  Totino-Grace will be doing the same within our own school community.  Let’s all do our part and make good decisions to limit exposure to ourselves and others, which gives us the best opportunity to remain open.   Thank you for your support.

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

14-Day Case Report: Updated November 23, 2020

Totino-Grace has received eight positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks.  Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that six of the eight required community members outside the household to quarantine. 

Dear Totino-Grace community,

Totino-Grace has had about 60 days of school since August. We’ve made it to Thanksgiving without having to make an extended pivot to distance learning. What an achievement!  

However, as was shared last week, we believe many families will likely travel and gather with family members and others outside of the household.  Case numbers continue to rise across the country, including in many nearby counties, including: Anoka, Hennepin, and Ramsey.  Because of these reasons, the administrative team decided to implement a school-wide remote learning program during the week of Monday, November 30 - Friday, December 4. This is the week directly following Thanksgiving break.  

• This decision is currently not based on the number of positive tests our community has seen.  Rather, this one week of remote learning will allow all community members additional time to monitor symptoms and possible exposure from gatherings and travel during the holiday break and arrange for a COVID screening test before returning to in-person learning on campus.  Parents will be given the time -- an extra week -- to monitor for symptoms and decide for themselves if it is prudent to have their child tested. If there is any doubt, parents are asked to have their kids tested and keep them home from school.

• Totino-Grace will continue to keep an eye on how things play out between now and December 7.  The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is our partner. If it is determined that a second week of distance learning is in our students’ and teachers/staff members’ best interest, we will do so.  

• When considering whether to revert to distance learning, TG will consider the following factors:

  • Number of positive cases within a two week period in counties that serve TG, possibly to include the numbers in the high school age group.

  • School numbers within two week period: number of positive cases, number of people asked to quarantine, number of students kept home by parents as a caution.

  • Number of teachers/staff members unavailable to teach/work in person, on campus.

  • Community spread.

  • MDH Health and safety protocols.

Please feel free to contact Mrs. Gail Koshiol in the TG health office for any assistance in making screening decisions:  763-571-9116 ext.202 or gail.koshiol@totinograce.org.   

Governor Walz Executive Order 

On Wednesday, November 18, Governor Walz announced new COVID-19 restrictions — that include all organized youth and high school sports and activities — for the next four weeks. Due to the new executive order, in-person Totino-Grace co-curricular programming will pause from Saturday, November 20, through Friday, December 18.  Winter co-curricular activity participants should have received communication from their respective coaches and advisors.    

• To be clear, any Minnesota State High School League Sponsored (MSHSL) sponsored co-curricular activity, competition or practice scheduled through December 18, is NOT permitted. All team competitions, practices, tryouts, student-led practices or gatherings, and in-person workouts are cancelled, beginning Saturday November 21 and running through December 18. Totino-Grace will treat non-MSHSL sponsored events in the same spirit as sponsored events and lift up the executive order. 

• While coaches may not have in-person contact with students, they may meet with students participants and teammates using virtual platforms for practice, rehearsal and team meetings. Coaches may not require participants to take part in individual workouts or skills training.  Likewise, students may not require or suggest groups of participants gather. 

• In the course of the coming days we expect to receive further clarification from the state and Minnesota State High School League regarding these new restrictions and will  share more detailed information about how this executive order will impact Totino-Grace programming.

Important Community Reminders

The information below was provided on November 16, which includes holiday travel guidelines and distance learning expectations to students and parents. 

COVID-19 Holiday Travel Guidelines and Return to School Procedures

Totino-Grace has been able to navigate through these first few months of school with COVID-19 challenges by creating an open partnership among our families, students, and school staff. More than ever, it is clear that our individual decisions have an impact on the whole community.

As families plan for gatherings with individuals outside the household and potential travel over the holiday season, please be mindful of these guidelines: 

If  your family gatherings or travel plans place you in an environment where CDC guidelines are not or cannot be followed, we want to make it as easy as possible for community members to self-quarantine. We know that absence from in-person classes and campus events can be difficult, but when students quarantine, they do not put their classmates, teachers, and others at risk. We are grateful when families partner with us to implement this important step in reducing the risk of spread. 

International Travel: If you are returning from any international travel, we ask that your student receives a lab-tested negative COVID-19 result prior to returning to campus or TG events.  

Best practice, of course, is to continue to follow recommended guidelines:

• Stay home when experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Follow the appropriate MDH decision tree path based on more common and less common symptoms.
• Wear a mask, conduct hand hygiene, and practice physical distancing as much as possible.
• Avoid large group gatherings.
• Stay home if you or a member of your household is waiting for a test result. 

If you feel like your holiday plans or travel should require a student to quarantine for an extended period of time, please communicate with Mrs. Weeks in our attendance office at meghan.weeks@totinograce.org.

If you have specific health or COVID-19 questions, please contact TG Health Aid, Mrs. Koshiol at gail.koshiol@totinograce.org.

Communicating Test Results

If your student receives a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, please IMMEDIATELY contact the attendance line (763-586-6300) at any time of day. Leave a voice message that includes the student's first and last name, date of positive test result, and date of first symptoms. The attendance line is monitored throughout the school day, evenings, weekends, and during holiday breaks. Your prompt communication will aid Totino-Grace in contact tracing and communicating with high risk close contacts in a timely manner. 

Remote Learning Expectations for Students

• The Asynchronous Learning Day on Wednesday, December 2, will take place as previously scheduled. 
  Students are expected to attend homeroom each day.
• Students are expected to be on time to class.
  • Anyone logging in late will be marked tardy.
• Students having technical difficulties should immediately contact Mr. Nicholas Hoang or Mr. Paul Cleary to resolve these issues.
• Students should attend class from a suitable study area in their homes.
  • Students should not be in their beds.
  • Students should be dressed appropriately for class.
• Parents are encouraged to take cell phones from their students while they are attending class. 

School Counseling

Our school counselors continue to meet virtually with students one-on-one and in small groups for academic, social and emotional support. This continues whether we are in person or fully remote. Seniors are meeting regularly with their counselors to stay on track with college applications. While the November 1 deadline has passed, many students are working on applications that have future deadlines. Counselors will continue to support each student as they work to achieve their post-secondary goals. 

In person or remote, students are encouraged to connect with their school counselor for needed support during times of personal or academic difficulty. 

Faith Formation

We learned last spring that while our faith formation programming is different in a distance learning environment, it will continue and in some ways expand. Prayer will continue to be a part of students' daily experience through homeroom time, classrooms, morning reflection groups, weekly morning Mass, faith sharing groups, virtual service projects, and mission-based speaker series. When our students are facing challenges and adversity, it is important that their faith is a bedrock of foundational support.

Co-curricular Activities During Remote Learning Week

School administers, the activities department, and coaches are constantly monitoring state and community data to make decisions in the best interest of students participating in TG co-curricular programs. Athletics, activities, and performing arts programs will continue to meet in person unless communication is shared otherwise. Please note that coaches and moderators will provide updated mask protocol specific to the activity with students and parents/guardians.

Let's Be Safe

The best way to mitigate further viral spread is to lift up the the following: 

• Stay home when experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Follow the appropriate MDH decision tree path based on more common and less common symptoms.
• Wear a mask, conduct hand hygiene, and practice physical distancing as much as possible.
• Avoid large group gatherings.
• Stay home if you or a member of your household is waiting for a test result.  THIS CANNOT BE OVERSTATED.   

As communicated in the past, it may not be our practice to send email alerts to every family every time we are notified of a positive COVID-19 test result from a member of our community. The Contact Tracing Team will continue to alert parents/guardians of students and other individuals if they have been identified as someone who may have had high-risk close contact with the confirmed case. 

Student Attendance Reminder

A student's in-person attendance is expected unless the parent/guardian has contacted Mr. Dan Vandermyde to arrange an online learning option or the student is in quarantine. Online learning on a day-to-day basis is not optional. Contact Ms. Meghan Weeks in the attendance office with questions. 

14-Day Case Report: Updated November 16, 2020

Totino-Grace has received eleven positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks.  Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that five of the eleven did not require community members outside the household to quarantine. 

Dear Totino-Grace Families,

Case numbers continue to rise across the country and students and staff will likely travel and gather with family members and others outside of the household during Thanksgiving break.  

Because of the increased risk, we want to give community members time to monitor symptoms and possible exposure before returning to school. Therefore, we will implement one week of remote learning for all students, Monday, November 30 - Friday, December 4. We believe this decision will allow Totino-Grace an enhanced opportunity to safely return to campus on Monday, December 7, and remain open with in-person, on campus learning through Friday, December 18, before our Christmas break.

The daily online academic schedule and student expectations are outlined below. Parents and guardians, please review these expectations with your child.

The goal of the additional week of distance from our facilities is to provide extra caution and care for all TG students, staff, and their families after social gatherings and travel so we can return to in-person, on campus learning in a safer way. 

Thank you for your support.

Craig Junker, President & Cheri Broadhead, Principal

COVID-19 Holiday Travel Guidelines and Return to School Procedures

Totino-Grace has been able to navigate through these first few months of school with COVID-19 challenges by creating an open partnership among our families, students, and school staff. More than ever, it is clear that our individual decisions have an impact on the whole community.

As families plan for gatherings with individuals outside the household and potential travel over the holiday season, please be mindful of these guidelines: 

If  your family gatherings or travel plans place you in an environment where CDC guidelines are not or cannot be followed, we want to make it as easy as possible for community members to self-quarantine. We know that absence from in-person classes and campus events can be difficult, but when students quarantine, they do not put their classmates, teachers, and others at risk. We are grateful when families partner with us to implement this important step in reducing the risk of spread. 

International Travel: If you are returning from any international travel, we ask that your student receives a lab-tested negative COVID-19 result prior to returning to campus or TG events.  

Best practice, of course, is to continue to follow recommended guidelines:

• Stay home when experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Follow the appropriate MDH decision tree path based on more common and less common symptoms.
• Wear a mask, conduct hand hygiene, and practice physical distancing as much as possible.
• Avoid large group gatherings.
• Stay home if you or a member of your household is waiting for a test result. 

If you feel like your holiday plans or travel should require a student to quarantine for an extended period of time, please communicate with Mrs. Weeks in our attendance office at meghan.weeks@totinograce.org.

If you have specific health or COVID-19 questions, please contact TG Health Aid, Mrs. Koshiol at gail.koshiol@totinograce.org.

Communicating Test Results

If your student receives a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, please IMMEDIATELY contact the attendance line (763-586-6300) at any time of day. Leave a voice message that includes the student's first and last name, date of positive test result, and date of first symptoms. The attendance line is monitored throughout the school day, evenings, weekends, and during holiday breaks. Your prompt communication will aid Totino-Grace in contact tracing and communicating with high risk close contacts in a timely manner. 

Remote Learning Expectations for Students

• The Asynchronous Learning Day on Wednesday, December 2, will take place as previously scheduled. 
  Students are expected to attend homeroom each day.
• Students are expected to be on time to class.
  • Anyone logging in late will be marked tardy.
• Students having technical difficulties should immediately contact Mr. Nicholas Hoang or Mr. Paul Cleary to resolve these issues.
• Students should attend class from a suitable study area in their homes.
  • Students should not be in their beds.
  • Students should be dressed appropriately for class.
• Parents are encouraged to take cell phones from their students while they are attending class. 

School Counseling

Our school counselors continue to meet virtually with students one-on-one and in small groups for academic, social and emotional support. This continues whether we are in person or fully remote. Seniors are meeting regularly with their counselors to stay on track with college applications. While the November 1 deadline has passed, many students are working on applications that have future deadlines. Counselors will continue to support each student as they work to achieve their post-secondary goals. 

In person or remote, students are encouraged to connect with their school counselor for needed support during times of personal or academic difficulty. 

Faith Formation

We learned last spring that while our faith formation programming is different in a distance learning environment, it will continue and in some ways expand. Prayer will continue to be a part of students' daily experience through homeroom time, classrooms, morning reflection groups, weekly morning Mass, faith sharing groups, virtual service projects, and mission-based speaker series. When our students are facing challenges and adversity, it is important that their faith is a bedrock of foundational support.

Co-curricular Activities During Remote Learning Week

School administers, the activities department, and coaches are constantly monitoring state and community data to make decisions in the best interest of students participating in TG co-curricular programs. Athletics, activities, and performing arts programs will continue to meet in person unless communication is shared otherwise. Please note that coaches and moderators will provide updated mask protocol specific to the activity with students and parents/guardians.

Let's Be Safe

The best way to mitigate further viral spread is to lift up the the following: 

• Stay home when experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Follow the appropriate MDH decision tree path based on more common and less common symptoms.
• Wear a mask, conduct hand hygiene, and practice physical distancing as much as possible.
• Avoid large group gatherings.
• Stay home if you or a member of your household is waiting for a test result.  THIS CANNOT BE OVERSTATED.   

As communicated in the past, it may not be our practice to send email alerts to every family every time we are notified of a positive COVID-19 test result from a member of our community. The Contact Tracing Team will continue to alert parents/guardians of students and other individuals if they have been identified as someone who may have had high-risk close contact with the confirmed case. 

Student Attendance Reminder

A student's in-person attendance is expected unless the parent/guardian has contacted Mr. Dan Vandermyde to arrange an online learning option or the student is in quarantine. Online learning on a day-to-day basis is not optional. Contact Ms. Meghan Weeks in the attendance office with questions. 

14-Day Case Report: Updated November 9, 2020

Totino-Grace has received twelve positive COVID-19 reports in the past two weeks.  Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that nine of the twelve did not require community members outside the household to quarantine. 

Totino-Grace Community Members,

While many high schools in public districts surrounding Totino-Grace have announced their intention to transition to distance learning within the next week or so, Totino-Grace will remain open for in-person, on campus learning as long as it is safe to do so.  We will continue to rely on the Minnesota Departments of Health and Education for guidance in COVID-19 planning and procedures.  

As an independent school, Totino-Grace has the autonomy to develop and implement our own protocol and practices, unless the governor issues an executive order and mandates all schools pivot to distance learning.  If Totino-Grace should transition to distance learning at any point during the school year, we have confidence in a smooth adjustment as all students participated in a remote learning practice week early in the school year.  Ideally, Totino-Grace would provide at least one week’s notice if exclusive remote learning were necessary. 

As county and state positive case numbers rise, the MDE encourages schools to consider the following data when exploring a  move to fully remote education:  

• County infectious rates.

• Number of cases within a school community.

• Community spread. 

Based on current reports, we believe that the positive cases at TG have not significantly spread within our school. Our efforts with contact tracing and health and safety protocols seem to be having the intended effect.  As the state’s numbers continue to increase, we anticipate additional positive case reports, but we are hopeful that our efforts and the partnership and support of TG students, staff, and families will continue to prevent internal community spread.

Let’s be Safe

We recently learned that nine percent of COVID-19 diagnostic tests are now positive in Minnesota, a warning to state health officials that the infectious disease is spreading rapidly.  Infections are reported in every part of the state. 

The coronavirus is still a mystery.  Scientists can’t say for certain why it’s debilitating in some people but has virtually no effect in others. They don’t know exactly how long immunity lasts or whether or when a vaccine will stop its spread and bring this horrible problem to a close.   

However, scientists do know this: the virus spreads most rampantly between people who gather indoors, in close quarters, to talk or laugh or sing, without wearing masks.  Experts say the wave of outbreaks now sweeping Minnesota and much of the nation has been caused by precisely these types of social gatherings. 

The best way to mitigate further viral spread is to lift up the the following: 

• Stay home when experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Follow the appropriate MDH decision tree path based on more common and less common symptoms.

• Wear a mask, conduct hand hygiene, and practice physical distancing as much as possible.

• Avoid large group gatherings.

• Stay home if you or a member of your household is waiting for a test result. 

As communicated the past two weeks, it may not be our practice to send email alerts to every family every time we are notified of a positive COVID-19 test result from a member of our community. The Contact Tracing Team will continue to alert parents/guardians of students and other individuals if they have been identified as someone who may have had high-risk close contact with the confirmed case. 

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

 

Totino-Grace Community Members,

Totino-Grace relies on guidance from Minnesota’s Departments of Health and Education for COVID-19 planning and procedures but has the autonomy — a blessing and occasionally, a challenge — as an independent school to develop and implement our own protocol and practices. Throughout the summer and in the first nine weeks of the school year, TG school leaders have planned, revised, and fine-tuned elements of our back to school plan to best serve our students and staff and to keep all members of our community safe and well-informed. 

As I communicated last week, it may not be our practice to send email alerts to every family every time we are notified of a positive COVID-19 test result from a member of our community. The Contact Tracing Team will continue to alert parents/guardians of students and other individuals if they have been identified as someone who may have had high-risk close contact with the confirmed case. 

This modification included a new plan: to list the total number of active cases — reported COVID-19 cases that result in the need for students or staff outside the individual’s household to quarantine — on the weekly update page on the school website. After further discussion, we have decided to post a weekly update of all reported COVID-19 cases, including those that do not have impact outside the household. With this change, a clear picture of all community cases — regardless of the quarantine impact — will be shared. 

Some background to clarify the shift: As of November 2, TG received nine positive COVID-19 reports in the past 14 days. Of these cases, internal contact tracing determined that five of the nine did not require community members outside the household to quarantine. As a result, those five cases were not deemed “active” and did not require community messaging.   

Let’s Be Safe

The nationwide surge in coronavirus cases is forcing many school districts to pull back from in-person instruction, including many in our metropolitan area.  Nineteen Minnesota counties are on the verge of closing their K-12 public schools for the foreseeable future due to case growth (The Pioneer Press, October 23, 2020).  The very difficult trajectory of cases has undoubtedly cast many school districts in a tough spot as they try to juggle the needs of their students, the safety of their communities, and frustrated parents.

Over the past couple of weeks, Totino-Grace has learned of several parents who kept their children home from school when they were experiencing even mild symptoms.  They played it safe because they did not want to risk other people getting sick.  We cannot thank these parents enough for their thoughtful response. 

We know that our school will continue to be impacted by positive cases, especially with the rising case numbers in our state and winter weather approaching. It remains imperative that all students, parents/guardians, and staff members act on the side of caution, always refer to the MDH Decision Tree when symptoms are present, and quarantine if any member of the household is tested and awaiting results.  This cannot be overstated. 

In order for Totino-Grace to have the best opportunity to remain open, it is important that every student, teacher, and staff member abide by these critical MDH guidelines to keep those in our building and their families safe:   

• Stay home when experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Follow the appropriate MDH decision tree path based on more common and less common symptoms.

• Wear a mask, conduct hand hygiene, and practice physical distancing as much as possible.

• Avoid large group gatherings.

• Do not come to school when waiting for a test result. 

If we all consistently lift up these protocols, we have a greater opportunity to keep our community healthy and stay open.  That’s what we want; that’s what we are aiming for.  Thank you for your continued support.

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

Totino-Grace Community Members,

We have completed eight weeks of the 2020-2021 school year, in-person and on campus.  On October 19, the last group of our students and staff members asked to quarantine as a high-risk close contact with someone in our community who previously tested positive for COVID-19 was free to return to school.  

On Friday, October 23, we were notified of another confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and took immediate action to identify and contact high-risk close contacts and inform our school community.

We know that our school will continue to be impacted by positive cases but with the rising case numbers and winter season approaching, it is vitally imperative that all students, parents/guardians, and staff members act on the side of caution, always refer to the MDH decision tree when symptoms are present, and quarantine if tested or if a household member is tested and awaiting results.  This cannot be overstated. 

Confirmed Case Community Notification Moving Forward

While Totino-Grace has kept community members informed about positive cases, moving forward it may not be our practice to send email alerts to every family every time we are notified of a positive test result. A member of the Contact Tracing Team will alert parents/guardians of students and other individuals if they have been identified as someone who may have had high-risk close contact with the confirmed case.  

For future information about case statistics within the Totino-Grace community, we encourage you to monitor the COVID-19 weekly update page  on our website.  The page will list the total number of active cases — individuals who have received a  positive COVID-19 test and are in isolation. 

Anoka County

With increasing numbers of positive COVID-19 cases in Anoka County, the Minnesota Department of Health’s Regional Support Team is working closely with public school districts in the county to evaluate and prepare for a potential change in learning models for secondary schools.

The Minnesota Department of Education’s Safe Learning Plan recommends that when the positivity rate in the community of a public school district reaches 30 positive cases per 10,000 residents, students in secondary schools are to transition to full-time distance learning. As of October 22, Anoka County’s positivity rate was 33.16.  Based on current levels of the spread of COVID-19, and the uncertainty of the spread of the virus during the next few weeks, some of these public high schools have been communicating with and informing their secondary school families to prepare for a potential transition to full distance learning. 

Totino-Grace has no plans to transition to full distance learning and will maintain in-person on campus learning for as long as possible. Remote learning — for those in quarantine and those who have an agreement with the academic office — will continue to be offered. 

Let’s Be Safe

In order for Totino-Grace to have the best opportunity to remain open, it is important that every student, teacher, and staff member adhere to the MDH guidelines below to keep staff, students, and their families safe:   

• Stay at home when sick, especially with a fever of 100 degrees or greater.  Additional symptoms include: cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, fatigue, congestion, or loss of taste or smell.

• Wear a mask, conduct hand hygiene, and practice physical distancing as much as possible.

• Avoid large group gatherings.

If we all consistently lift up these protocols, we have a greater opportunity to keep our community healthy and stay open.  

 

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

Totino-Grace Families,

Last week marked the 7th week of the 2020-2021 school year.  All students and staff members who have been asked to self-quarantine due to a close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 are now free to return to school, which is great news.  

The MDH protocols we have been following to mitigate communal spread have been having the intended effect.  In particular, students and staff members have been staying home when they display symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, fatigue, congestion, or loss of taste or smell.  Community members have also consistently been wearing masks and maintaining social distance as much as possible.  Away from campus, we hope that  everyone is doing the same, including avoiding large groups.  If we all consistently lift up these protocols, we have a better opportunity to stay open.  

Our intention is to avoid “mitigation fatigue” in the days ahead, especially as numbers in Minnesota have worsened.  On Friday, October 16, 2,297 new positive tests were reported, a single day record.  Cases are rising across the state, including in the counties where most of our students reside, rather than being concentrated in certain areas. 

Our understanding is that while increased testing might be picking up more mild asymptomatic cases that weren’t detected earlier, health officials have said that the latest figures suggest an increase in viral spread.  One reason for the concern is that falling outdoor temperatures will drive people indoors, where transmission risk is the highest.

This is a big week as public health officials continue to keep an eye on the numbers. Let’s make sure that everyone takes responsibility for following the guidelines so we give ourselves the best chance to remain open. 

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

Dear Totino-Grace Families,

As has already been communicated, we learned on October 9 that a third community member informed us of a positive COVID-19 test.  This individual has been in isolation for the past several days and taking the necessary cautions.  The appropriate letters were sent to parents of students who have been identified as “close contacts” as well as a general letter to the community.  

According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), a close contact includes household members, intimate contacts, or caregivers of a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case; an individual who was within six feet of the confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case for more than 15 minutes, even if wearing a non-medical face covering; or having unprotected contact with infected person’s body fluids (for example, being coughed or sneezed on).

I want you to know how grateful we are that parents are increasingly understanding how important it is to keep their children home from school if any of the below symptoms exist, even mildly:     

• Fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, fatigue, congestion, or loss of taste or smell. 

Speaking personally, one of my kids displayed a single symptom earlier in September.  In past years, my wife and I would have assumed this was just a cold.  Out of responsibility to keep others safe, we called our doctor who recommended coronavirus testing, which eventually came back negative.  In the interim, we followed MDH guidelines by self-quarantining at home, as a family.  (Thankfully, our modem could accommodate all five of us at once.)  Our kids engaged in distance learning.  While it was upsetting to our kids to miss their after school games and practices, it was the right thing to do.  Several parents have shared with us that they’ve made the same decision.   

While this message is likely getting old, if we want to remain open for in-person, on campus classes, we ask that our students and teachers:

• Adhere to health screening protocols

• Faithfully wear masks

• Maintain social distance as much as possible 

• Lift up hand hygiene

• Avoid large groups

Totino-Grace will continue to follow all COVID-related safety procedures as outlined in our Return to School Road Map.  In addition, Totino-Grace will not hesitate to revert to distance learning if numbers suggest we do so.  Any decision regarding whether to remain open for on campus classes will be made in conjunction with the MDH.  

Get Tested for COVID-19

A free COVID-19 testing opportunity sponsored by the City of Anoka, Anoka County, and Minnesota Department of Health is open to everyone, with or without symptoms. No insurance or ID is needed and results are expected within 72 hours. Click HERE to watch a video about the process.

DATES: Tuesday, October 13; Wednesday, October 14; Thursday, October 15

TIME: 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

LOCATION: National Guard Armory, 408 Main Street, Anoka, MN 55303

The welfare of students, faculty, and staff is at stake when we decide how and when to operate during a global pandemic.  Thank you for your patience as we navigate these uncharted waters, and thank you for trusting your sons and daughters to Totino-Grace.

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President      

 

Dear Totino-Grace Families,

By now, you know that Totino-Grace received notification on Friday, October 2, that a community member tested positive for COVID-19. We made it five weeks into the school year before our first positive case. 

Our understanding is that the individual in question followed the requested guidelines leading up to the positive test and followed the necessary protocols to inform the school.  This is an example of practicing the right precautions and still testing positive.  I am grateful that this family quickly contacted the school, so we could then get word out to protect other community members and mitigate the spread. Families of high risk students were all contacted no later than Saturday, October 3, and are now self-quarantined.  No doubt, these were tough phone calls to receive. We encourage everyone to be mindful of the impact of our personal reaction to this information and to be empathetic and respectful to those affected

Having positive COVID-19 cases in our school is neither a surprise nor a cause for alarm.  When we opened the school for in-person classes, we anticipated these circumstances.  There is nothing more important to Totino-Grace than the safety and health of our students, our staff, and their families.  We will continue to watch the rates of infection for our own school as well as our local communities. Totino-Grace is prepared to revert to remote learning in the future if circumstances warrant doing so. Parents and students should have great confidence that TG can provide effective synchronous instruction. Our track record is very strong here.  

The Midwest continues to see increases in new coronavirus cases, which is why it is more important than ever that parents health screen their kids prior to letting them attend school on campus and keeping them at home if they have a temperature or any symptoms.  Just as important, with the exception for lunch, we all need to wear masks when inside the school, practice physical distancing as much as possible, and adhere to good hand-hygiene.   Our plan is to offer in-person instruction as long as possible.  

Finally, I want to acknowledge just how difficult it has been to navigate the pandemic.  Many high schools in our area have not returned to in person classes or even hybrid forms of instruction, yet.  Many remain entirely remote.  Totino-Grace has asked a lot from our teachers--to attend to both in person and remote instruction, build relationships with students, provide for students’ mental health and physical safety, etc.  

Last week I shared that our teachers are our front line workers. Through their professional practice, they are the most impactful resource leading to student success, and I think they are doing a great job.  If you get an opportunity, I encourage you to reach out to one or two of your child’s teachers and recognize their efforts to create engaging lessons and joyful experiences.  They would be happy to hear from you.

Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever! 

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

Dear Totino-Grace Families,

With the news of new coronavirus cases and the fear of students going back to school, I am pleased to share that Totino-Grace is not aware of any student or staff member who has tested positive for the coronavirus, which is obviously welcome news.  

While we understand that things can change quickly, what we are doing is working.  In particular, parents are doing a great job of health screening their kids prior to letting them attend school on campus and keeping them at home if they have a temperature or any symptoms.  Further, several families and students have made the unselfish decision to self-quarantine when a perceived close contact with someone who has tested positive or displayed symptoms has taken place.  Our students want to be in school, and they want to participate in their co-curricular activities, so choosing to isolate or quarantine in order to keep others safe is an unselfish act.  Thank you. 

Moving Forward

It has become clear that until we have a safe and effective vaccine, we don’t know what the rate of infection will be in our communities.  We do know that we can affect that rate by practicing proven prevention actions such as mask wearing, hand washing, and social distancing.  We will continue to watch the rates of infection for our local communities, and those rates tell us how to deliver instruction while keeping our students and staff safe.  Our plan is to offer in-person instruction as long as possible.  

The guidance Totino-Grace relies upon from the CDC and MDH is based on the appropriate response to the incidence of virus in a community, and proper safety equipment and behavior is key. This is not about politics any more than wearing a seat belt, not smoking, or not taking a stroll in a lightning storm is about politics.  We are about the safety of our students and staff, and we will provide guidance to ensure that safety based on our very best scientific evidence.

Our teachers are our front line workers. Through their professional practice, they are the most impactful resource leading to student success, and I think they are doing a great job.  We pledge to you that a safe environment is of paramount importance.  We will accept nothing less for our students and staff; and we respectfully ask for your continued support. 

New Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Guidelines

To access the most up-to-date decision tree from the MDH, refer to the image below.  As you will see, a significant addition to the protocol as a result of this new decision tree is that we are now asking students and staff to stay home from school when there is illness that meets the decision tree threshold by any member of the household.  Please contact Mrs. Gail Koshiol in the TG health office for any assistance in making screening decisions.  763-571-9116 ext.202 or gail.koshiol@totinograce.org. 

Conclusion 

I hope you enjoy the crisp fall mornings as we move into fall.  I personally love the smell, look, and feel of autumn and enjoy getting outside as much as possible.  I hope you are able to take time to find your space and enjoy it.  

Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We have successfully completed three weeks of school. Congratulations to our students for diligently following our new safety protocols, to our teachers for patiently navigating the challenges of teaching in this new format and to our staff who work so hard behind the scenes to make in-person learning possible. We look forward to seeing everyone back in school on Monday, September 21. 

During this week of remote learning, we made some changes to our plan and facilities improvements to make the learning experience even better. Over the course of this week we added several new internet access points around the school to improve students’ ability to remotely connect to class. While access was pretty good during the first few weeks of school, there were certain times of the day when things slowed down. We hope to see dramatic improvements.

Beginning on Monday, we will provide more opportunities for students to go outside. When the weather cooperates, we will allow students in one grade to eat on the lawn. We will rotate by grade each day. This will give students more opportunities to connect with each other, but still remain socially distant.  Teachers will also be able to take their classes outside when appropriate. During these class times, students will be expected to keep their masks on. 

After school, we were asking students to leave campus if they did not have an after school activity or needed to wait for a ride. What happened is that students began gathering in large groups outside the front doors. We are now going to ask students to either wait inside, seated at a table in the commons, or wait outside, but with their masks on. Please help us communicate that to your children. 

Thank you for your support in following the Covid-19 Decision Tree. We are glad to see that parents are keeping their students home when they are ill. With our remote learning option, this makes staying home easy. Please continue to follow the guidelines for symptoms and reach out to us if you are ever in doubt about your decision to stay home. 

I wish you a restful and sunny weekend. 

Cheri Broadhead, Principal

During the third week of the semester, September 14-18, remote classes will be held for all students to experience distance learning and prepare to be their best synchronous learners if implementation is needed at any point during the academic year. The schedule is outlined below.

• Monday, September 14: Day B
• Tuesday, September 15: Day A
• Wednesday, September 16: Day B
• Thursday, September 17: Day A
• Friday, September 18: No School

School is not in session on Friday, September 18, as it is a professional development day for staff.

On Monday, September 21, students will return to on campus in-person learning, following the Day A / Day B Schedule.

President's Message

September 11, 2001 Remembrance

Today is the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks on our country. It has been 19 years since passenger jets hijacked by terrorists slammed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pa. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost, some 2,700 of them in New York, in the deadliest attack in our country’s history.  

At the time, I was President of Cotter Schools, a Catholic school located in Winona, Minnesota.  I will never forget the images of what transpired on that day, as the World Trade Center buildings came down.  Although we watched the events on screens, the suffering was palpable.  Many of Cotter’s 600 students looked to their teachers for comfort.  And what did those teachers do?  They prayed.  They prayed to God to be present to those suffering, including the innocent victims, their families, and the emergency responders. 

Today as we go about our day, it is important that we keep in our prayers the lives that were lost, the lives that are still mourning, and the healing that continues to take place.  God bless all these people and God bless the United States. 

Pandemic Update #2 

I am pleased to report that Totino-Grace is not aware of any student or staff member who has tested positive for the coronavirus, which is obviously great news.

Today marks the end of our second week of school, where both online classes and in person classes have been taking place.  Our teachers and students have done a great job of managing such a different learning model.  Next week, we will adopt a one week period of synchronized (remote) learning -- in order to allow our new students to become familiar with how virtual teaching works at TG and troubleshoot any problems. We will resume our current model on Monday, September 21, and continue to offer in person classes as long as possible.    

No doubt the pandemic has forced Totino-Grace to change many aspects of our daily culture.  For example, TG is all about bringing people together, never leaving anyone out.  With social distancing a key safety priority, it’s been contrary to who we are to ask our students to not get too close to one another.  That has felt odd to us.  So while our school protocols are different, what the pandemic has not taken away from us is our shared values about building community with students.  Education is about relationships, so we have been working harder and more creatively to make sure students feel welcomed, valued, and wanted.  Next week, our students will need to attend class via Google Meets and participate virtually.  Parents can count on TG to center on the needs of our students so that meaningful learning and accountability take place. 

A Story of What Not To Do

A Catholic high school in the Twin Cities recently shared that a student attended school with a temperature of over 100.4 on two consecutive days.  Shortly thereafter, this student tested positive for COVID-19.   The result of the student being in school with a temperature of over 100.4 present, needlessly exposed the school community to the coronavirus; approximately 45 students were asked to quarantine for two weeks; and several also tested positive.  Not only were these students not able to attend school with their classmates but they also could not participate in any of their co-curricular activities.  They also exposed their families to the virus as they remained home.   The situation caused a lot of disruption and anxiety for the entire school community.  Had the parents kept their child home when they knew of the temperature, this would not have happened. 

Continued Safety Precautions

Everyone has a contribution to make as we move deeper into the fall; we all have a responsibility to keep one another safe.  This may be getting old but I want to again lift up that we want students to:

• Health screen before they arrive at school.

• Stay at home if they have a temperature of 100.4 degree or or have COVID-19 symptoms.

• Wear a mask in the building at all times, except while eating lunch.

• Practice physical distancing as much as possible.

• Conduct routine hand-hygiene.

Our students have done a great job of supporting what we’ve asked of them. Let’s keep it up.  

Final Note

Last week, I shared that having positive cases in our school community will neither be a surprise nor a cause for alarm.  With hundreds of people in our building daily, we anticipate having positive cases at some point, hopefully well into the future.  Our goal is to mitigate the spread of the virus on campus.   

New Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Guidelines

To access the most up-to-date decision tree from the MDH, refer to the image below.  As you will see, a significant addition to the protocol as a result of this new decision tree is that we are now asking students and staff to stay home from school when there is illness that meets the decision tree threshold by any member of the household. Please contact Mrs. Gail Koshiol in the TG health office for any assistance in making screening decisions.  763-571-9116 ext.202 or gail.koshiol@totinograce.org. 

Conclusion

Relationships matter, safety matters, and a climate of expectation for strong teaching and learning conditions matter.  Totino-Grace is grateful for the opportunity to teach your children. Thank you for your support of Totino-Grace.  

 

Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President

 In-Person Flexible Hybrid Learning Begins
Totino-Grace students and staff successfully completed the first week of our In-Person Flexible Hybrid Learning Model for the 2020-2021 academic year. Students were on campus, attending in classrooms and in common learning spaces, and those who selected remote learning joined us virtually. We are grateful for the partnership of our community members to follow our plans and protocol to keep students and staff safe and healthy. We are proud of the significant amount of planning and preparation by administrators, teachers, staff members, and so many others to get us to a place where we could successfully bring students back on campus. This is a challenging and uncertain time but being together allows us to better foster relationships, provide support, and build community with each other. Thank you, TG parents and guardians, for trusting us to educate your sons and daughters and prepare them for a future full of possibilities. We are in this together! Please pray for the Totino-Grace community as we begin a new school year.

  

President's Message

Dear Totino-Grace Families,

We welcomed almost 700 students back to school this week.  After not seeing our students since March 12, it was a joy to have so much energy and joy back in the building.  

One of our priorities this week was to set a tone for the year.  Many of our students and families have experienced anxiety due to COVID-19 but also due to the social unrest that has been especially heightened over the past three months.  It is very important to us that each of our students know that they count, that they have a voice, and that we want each of them at TG.  This has been TG’s mantra since our doors opened in 1966, and it remains one of our core principals today.  

A second priority this week was to communicate safety precautions to our students.   Specifically, we want students to:

• Health screen before they arrive at school.

• Stay at home if they have a temperature or have COVID-19 symptoms.

• Wear a mask in the building at all times, except while eating lunch.

• Practice physical distancing as much as possible.

• Conduct routine hand-hygiene.

Our students have done a great job of doing what we’ve asked of them. 

 

Weekly Response to Pandemic Update

Totino-Grace will provide a weekly update regarding our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. I am pleased to report that we are not aware of any student or staff member who has tested positive, which is obviously great news.

Eventually, having positive cases in our school community will neither be a surprise nor a cause for alarm.  While we hope to hold off as long as possible, we anticipate having positive cases at some point, and our goal is to mitigate the spread of the virus on campus.  Totino-Grace will continue to follow and promote all COVID-related safety procedures as outlined above and in our Return to School Road Map. 

As more cases are confirmed across the state, including in our community, we must continue to be vigilant. 

 

New Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Guidelines

 The MDH released a more nuanced decision tree this week for families and schools to discern when a student should stay home from school, when to receive further evaluation or testing, and when to return to campus. We are asking families to review and use these updated guidelines to inform their health screening decision making.

A significant addition to the protocol as a result of this new decision tree is that we are now asking students and staff to stay home from school when there is illness that meets the decision tree threshold by any member of the household.  Please contact Mrs. Gail Koshiol in the TG health office for any assistance in making screening decisions. 763-571-9116 ext.202 or gail.koshiol@totinograce.org 

 

When Totino-Grace is Notified of a Lab-Confirmed Case of COVID-19

Finally, I want to share that Totino-Grace High School will take the following measures when we are notified of a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19:

 Communicate and Protect Privacy

• Report the case to Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

• Inform all members of the school leadership team and prepare to consult with MDH.

• Inform faculty, staff, and school families that our school has received a report of a lab-confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and is engaged in a consultation process with MDH to determine next steps.

• Be in close communication with the community or those impacted regarding next steps after consultation with MDH.

• Protect the privacy of the student, employee, or family with COVID-19 diagnosis by withholding names in any public communication.

Clean and Disinfect

• Identify, clean, and disinfect all classrooms and spaces used by the individual with the lab-confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis using MDH procedures.

Consult with Minnesota Department of Health

• Consult with MDH to determine the most prudent way to continue educating students after a confirmed COVID-19 case in the school. MDH does not recommend changing plans for in-person learning before consulting with them.  

• Collaborate with MDH to identify close contacts and inform families, if needed.

• Review and reinforce our health and safety protocols.

 Require Households with COVID-19 to Stay Home

• Require all individuals who are sick to stay home.

• Require all individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 to stay home until no longer at risk for spreading the disease.

• Require all household members to stay home if there is a case of COVID-19 in the household or if a household member is awaiting test results.

• Offer learning options for students who are well enough to learn when they are home. 

On behalf of TG teachers and staff members, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you and your family, especially as we face this challenging situation together. Thank you for your support of Totino-Grace.  

Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever!

Dr. Craig W. Junker, President