The Anoka-Hennepin School District is pushing back the start of classes by one week. The week of Labor Day will now be used for orientation for students. Meanwhile, as preparations for the new school year kick into high gear teachers still have some concerns about plans for learning this fall.
Members of the teachers union, Anoka-Hennepin Education Minnesota, have expressed many concerns since District 11 officials announced their decision to start the school year with a hybrid learning model. Hybrid learning involves a combination of distance learning by computer and in-person instruction.
A recent survey of teachers showed that over half of the respondents favored distance learning, and 80 percent believe online learning is the safest option. Some of the teachers have concerns over safety in school, and being able to enforce mask and social-distancing requirements. The Anoka-Hennepin teachers union president, Valerie Holthus said the teachers are concerned about their personal safety and their children’s safety.
Last Friday, Anoka-Hennepin Schools Superintendent, David Law, called on the teachers union to invite them to be part of a committee, which would include buildings and grounds officials to discuss air-quality concerns.
The Anoka-Hennepin teachers union plans to hold a socially distant, in-person rally next week. According to their Facebook page they’ll be here at the Sandburg Education Center on August 24 at 5:30 p.m. The rally will be held prior to the Anoka-Hennepin School Board meeting. At Monday night’s meeting the Anoka-Hennepin School Board will make their final decisions as to what education will look like for fall and the teachers want to attend to have their voices heard.
