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SPORTS: Shrinking rosters of refs are growing problem PAGE 11
Mask debate: ‘No easy answers’ BY SHANNON GRANHOLM LEAD EDITOR
When students return to Centennial Schools next week, they will not be required to wear masks while in school. However, school officials recommend that they do so. That could change, as the pandemic remains a “fluid” situation, explained Board Chair Suzy Guthmueller. At the last school board meeting, the board considered a resolution adopting health and safety measures for the 2021-22 school year. The resolution gives Interim Superintendent Jeff Holmberg the authority to make changes to COVID protocols and mitigation efforts as deemed necessary, while continuing to follow the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). Per the resolution, all staff, students and visitors to the district are recommended to wear a mask regardless of their vaccination status.
Back to school
Filling the Learning Gap It’s that time of year when students are heading back to school. Press Publications asked four school districts, including the Centennial School District, about challenges in learning gaps among students in their district and how schools plan to respond to these challenges during the 2021-22 school year.
Centennial School District Q. With the challenges of teaching last year during a pandemic, some are reporting learning gaps of 30% or more in math and possibly other subjects. Do you anticipate learning gaps among students? If so, how will your schools know which students need additional instruction and which students do not? A. As the previous school year was a challenge for some of our students, we anticipate some learning gaps. Our educators will work with our students as they return this fall to determine students’ academic levels and determine additional support as needed, as has been the custom in the Centennial School District.
As a district, we will focus on welcoming and re-engaging all students in their schools and their learning. As teachers assess students through assessment tools and getting to know their students, teachers will continue to differentiate instruction as they had for students before last year and offer support to help the student reach their highest potential. Q. Is your school district making any curriculum changes as a result? A. Our teachers continue to improve, enhance, and utilize curriculum resources to meet the needs of our students. We will continue to connect with our students, help our students
SEE CENTENNIAL SCHOOL BOARD, PAGE 10
to achieve their highest potential, and prepare students for their future. Q. What advice do you have for students or parents to fill in any gaps and make the most of the new school year? A. Developing strong relationships between teaching staff, students, and parents is critical to student success. We encourage parents to express their concerns to the student’s teacher/s as soon as possible to allow the teacher to work with the parent and student to provide support as needed. Q. Do you anticipate any changes in Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments, or MCA tests this year? A. As a district, we will continue to work
Meet new Lino Lakes Ambassadors
Jeff Holmberg Interim Superintendent
with the Minnesota Department of Education regarding the upcoming MCA tests in the spring and implementing any new procedures as required for a successful testing experience for students. The Centennial School District will continue to prepare the students to do
Kenley Smith, Morgan Lesch and Rachel Strantz have been selected as the next Lino Lakes Ambassadors. Eight candidates vied for three spots. The Miss Lino Lakes Ambassador program was established in 2004 as part of Blue Heron Days. The ambassadors will represent the city at various parades, coronations, volunteer events and fundraisers throughout the Twin Cities. The goal of the program is to empower young women by giving them the opportunity to be leaders, strengthen their communication skills and build their confidence. The Quad Community Press recently interviewed the three young women to learn more about them and introduce them to the community.
SEE BACK TO SCHOOL, PAGES 8-9
SEE AMBASSADORS, PAGE 7
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