As you read this article about Beacon Academy’s Safe Return to School Plan, you’ll learn about the steps the school is taking to safeguard students’ health and education:

• Returning to an in-person model
• Implementing rigorous hygiene practices

Beacon Academy is proud to provide education to the children of Crystal, MN. In these unprecedented times, we’re also dedicated to safeguarding our students’ health. Children under 16 are among the largest unvaccinated groups in the U.S., which means they’re at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19.

Fortunately, there are steps we can take to protect our students from this disease. As we near the 2021-2022 school year, the Beacon Academy School Board has developed a Return to School Plan that balances students’ need for a nurturing learning environment with the public’s health needs.

Return to School Plan

The Return to School Plan is a comprehensive outline of Beacon Academy’s approach to the 2021-2022 school year. We’ve created guidelines for both students and staff, taking into account the most current information from the CDC and other health experts.

100% In-Person Model

Beginning on September 7, 2021, Beacon Academy will return to the 100% in-person model. All students will attend classes in person with no virtual options offered. In-person learning provides students with more hands-on learning and individual attention, making it more effective.

COVID-19 Precautions

Beacon Academy follows all requirements issued by the Crystal, MN, authorities as well as state and federal orders. As of August, social distancing will no longer be required among students, allowing them to interact freely. However, we understand that the spread of COVID-19 is still an issue, which is why our Return to School Plan has several precautions in place.

Health Screenings

One of the most important things we can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home when we feel sick. To help parents determine whether or not their child is well enough to go to school, we’ve created a series of three questions:

• Has anyone you’ve been in close contact with tested positive for COVID-19? Contact is considered “close” if you’ve spent more than 15 minutes within six feet of someone.
• Are you or your child waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test?
• Is your child experiencing COVID-19 symptoms? These symptoms include runny nose, nasal congestion, severe headache, fatigue, muscle pain, chills, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, sore throat, loss of smell or taste, cough, shortness of breath, and a fever exceeding 100.4 degrees.

Hygiene Practices

Hand-washing will be required at scheduled times. Students will be instructed on effective handwashing and provided with antiviral soap. Additionally, staff will sanitize surfaces to minimal viral spread.

Face Coverings

Masks and other face coverings can limit the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings that cover the mouth and nose will be required all summer and during the 2021-2022 school year, and they are required for buses and other forms of transportation. Both staff and students have the option of wearing any of the following as face coverings:

• Face shield
• Religious head covering
• Bandana
• Scarf
• Disposable mask

Other Precautions

We won’t require spot quarantining for the 2021-2022 school year, but any student or staff who feels ill at school will be sent home. We will be on the lookout for COVID-19 symptoms.

We’re happy to welcome back our students and the larger Crystal, MN, community. The past year has been difficult for everyone, and the chance to offer a safe, positive learning environment has us excited for the 2021-2022 school year. To learn more about or questions on our COVID-19 return plan, give us a call at 763-546-9999 or contact us online.

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