In the interest of archiving a chronological list of available resources for our members, MASA and MASE are collaborating to provide resource pages online. We will post information as we receive it, in chronological order with the most recent information first. We will monitor the situation continuously and update this information as we receive it. Please contact the MASA/MASE team if you have questions or concerns.
New Requirement for Head Start Staff Vaccination and Universal Masking The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is issuing new Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) Visit disclaimer page to outline the masking and COVID-19 vaccination requirements for grant recipient staff, and the timelines, exceptions, and exemptions for each. Consistent with other HSPPS, these standards will apply to Head Start, Early Head Start, Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership, and American Indian and Alaska Native, and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start programs. The Interim Final Rule with Comment Period (IFC) is now posted in the Federal Register. Read the full article here.
White House: President Biden Announces New Actions to Protect Americans Against the Delta and Omicron Variants as We Battle COVID-19 this Winter
New Actions Aim to Get Americans Boosted for Even Greater Protection Against the Delta and Omicron Variants, Keep Schools and Businesses Open, and Help Quickly Respond to Surges if Needed During the Colder Months. Find the information here.
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Important Resources: Cleaning, Disinfection and Ventilation in Schools US Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5 (IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI), December 2020 View Here
Face Shields Clarification December 24, 2020 The Safe Learning Plan has been updated to reflect new changes in the Minnesota Department of Health’s 2020 - 2021 Planning Guide for Schools. School districts and charter schools are strongly encouraged to require staff operating in-person or hybrid learning to wear face masks and face shields together whenever possible during the school day as an important additional health and safety precaution to prevent against the spread of COVID-19 in our school communities. Districts and charter schools will receive additional masks and shields from the state and school leaders must provide them to staff. The face covering requirements under Executive Order 20-81 remain in effect.
MDE: Safe Learning Plan Clarifications December 21, 2020
The clarifying language is highlighted in gray throughout theSafe Learning Plan in the following areas: Implement a Rolling Start (p. 10-11) Additional Mitigation Strategies (p. 11) Transition Time (p. 11-12) Face Coverings (p. 16)
Downloadable Signage and Template LettersDigital templates for signage are now available for you to download and print out. The signs share information about masking, social distancing, hand hygiene, and COVID-19 symptoms. Please use them in highly visible areas in your school buildings.
In the event that there is a confirmed case of COVID-19, your school will receive additional support from MDE and MDH through Regional Support Teams. In addition, to help you prepare, we are also including two message templates for you to use:
