Planning for fall
Hello, families of Blue Earth Area Schools! I missed writing Health Matters blog posts during the spring! During the springtime, I felt like the only topic I could cover was Coronavirus, and frankly, I never felt I could do justice to the ever-changing situation. I felt like the minute I’d share information, it would be outdated by the latest data and research. I’m glad to be “back” writing a Health Matters blog post and want to update you on what we at BEA are working on for the fall.
A group of BEA staff members including myself, administration, and department leaders have been meeting bi-weekly since late May. We have formed sub-committees that include teachers, administrative assistants and social workers, among many others. When the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Education released their planning guidance for the fall, we began closely aligning our plans with all three of their scenarios. Scenario 1 is a full reopening, Scenario 2 is a hybrid option, and Scenario 3 is full distance learning.
We are thinking about a lot of contingencies. Our plans run the gamut from how best to screen the health of students and staff every day, to how to distribute lunches to every student, and how to run bus routes if buses can only operate at 50% capacity (Scenario 2). We discuss use of space, cleaning routines, and technology. We are thinking of these things while also keeping in mind the many unique situations of our students, as well as their academic and social-emotional needs.
We felt it was important to update the families of BEA to assure you that we are working hard to make the fall, whatever it may look like, be the best it can be. In the meantime, enjoy the summer and please do your part to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. We can do this!
Required vaccines for Kindergarten & 7th graders
When you take your child for his/her well-child visit or sports physical this summer, please remember to ask about any vaccines your child may receive.
Kindergarten students need to have final booster doses of polio, diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis, measles/mumps/rubella and varicella (chicken pox). If you have questions about whether your child is up to date for entry to kindergarten, please email me.
Incoming 7th grade students have required vaccines for 7th grade (Tdap booster & meningitis vaccine). This information was mailed to families in May. If you have questions, please email me.
Our incoming 12th grade students also have a needed vaccine: the meningitis vaccine booster. This vaccine was going to be required for entry into 12th grade this fall, but the Coronavirus changed plans at the state level, so this is not required for entry into school at this time. Once a child is 16, he/she can get this vaccine booster.
United Hospital District Clinics in Blue Earth, Wells and Fairmont are all open for appointments.
Human Services of Faribault & Martin Counties have immunization clinics available at the following dates/times at the Blue Earth location:
Wednesday, July 15 from 12:30-4:00
Tuesday, July 21 from 12:30-4:00
Wednesday, July 29 from 12:30-4:00
Please call to make appointments with your providers as soon as possible!
I hope you’re having a great summer!
-Nurse Crofton