2020 has not been kind to any of us, especially our students. COVID cases are on the rise in Washington County and all over the state of MN. Numbers on the rise means officials need to make decisions, decisions not everyone will agree with or like. South Washington School district officials are in their positions to do just that, make tough decisions. As you read this, understand, there is no one that likes the situation we are in, everyone is tired of it. Everyone. Yes, even folks that do not like people are tired of not seeing people. But what is the right answer? Some say open it up! Others say lock it down! Some are in the middle.

The ones most affected by this are our students, from new students in kindergarten to seniors, our kids are paying the price, so to say. Messed up learning schedules, no play dates, no fans at some games, limited fans at others, no choir/band/orchestra concerts, no plays. That list could go on and on could expand to the parents missing out on all those things listed, businesses struggling, etc. This article is about the kids.

According to Activities Director Philip Kuemmel for Park of Cottage Grove, Washington County is already planning on full distance learning for secondary students (grades 6-12) starting November 16th until at least December 22nd, when the students go on Winter Break.

That also means there will be no school for secondary students on Friday, November 13th so the teachers can utilize that day to finalize their lesson plans for full distance learning. Distant Learning

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As of right now, community education, after school activities and facility rentals are going to be allowed, but that could change. Another change that is a possibility is for the younger kids. The younger grades are now in danger of having to go to full distance learning if the numbers in Washington County do not stop going up. Social interaction is so vital to all students, even more so at the younger ages, so these kids need to be in school and around their friends.

The bottom line is this has always been a possibility based on how things were handled over the summer, and the numbers being used to make the decisions are going up. It is up to us to control what we can to help keep our kids in the not only the best possible learning environment they can have, but the safest. We can and need to do better for them, or we are going to take many steps backwards.

Cottage Grove Senior High School students will be moving to distance learning on November 16th, which will last at least until December 22nd. Teachers will have Friday, November 13th to convert lesson plans to distance learning so there will be no school for secondary students that day.Photo by Bruce Karnick