FAQs

• All building mechanical systems are set to maximize fresh air intake, with increased run times.
• Building air filters are set for maximum filtration.
• HEPA filters are in place in all classrooms, health offices and other educational spaces.
• Edina Public Schools air and ventilation systems meet Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control standards.

Yes, the HEPA filters are being replaced for the coming school year. The ionization button does not need to be on for the filtration system to be effective. Air is still moving through the filtration system and is being filtered.

From the EPA.gov website:

Bipolar ionization (also called needlepoint bipolar ionization) is a technology that can be used in HVAC systems or portable air cleaners to generate positively and negatively charged particles. Provided manufacturers have data to demonstrate efficacy, manufacturers of these types of devices may market this technology to help remove viruses, including SARS-2-CoV, the virus that causes COVID-19, from the air, or to facilitate surface disinfection of surfaces within a treated area. This is an emerging technology, and little research is available that evaluates it outside of lab conditions. As typical of newer technologies, the evidence for safety and effectiveness is less documented than for more established ones, such as filtration. Bipolar ionization has the potential to generate ozone and other potentially harmful by-products indoors, unless specific precautions are taken in the product design and maintenance. If you decide to use a device that incorporates bipolar ionization technology, EPA recommends using a device that meets UL 2998 standard certification (Environmental Claim Validation Procedure (ECVP) for Zero Ozone Emissions from Air Cleaners).

Edina Public Schools has looked at this and spoken with our mechanical engineers about it. Edina Public Schools has not ruled out the possibility of doing this. However, it is a substantial investment across the entire district, and to date we have invested resources in the purchase of HEPA filtration systems and annual replacement of the filters.

Unlike for the 2020-2021 school year, the Minnesota Department of Education does not require districts to develop a hybrid or distance learning model for the 2021-2022 school year. EPS seeks to have students in-person five days per week with limited quarantine disruptions as possible throughout the school year.

It is most important for us to know where students are in key curricular areas as they return to school this fall. All students in grades K-8 will be assessed this fall regarding their development of reading and math skills:

• Fastbridge testing will occur for reading and math in grades K-6 within the first three weeks of school. This data will provide the district with a universal screener for reading, and will provide teachers with an instructional starting point for math and reading.
• The Fastbridge assessment will be followed with a MAP test for reading and math starting in late September. MAP data will help us set normative growth goals for each grade level. Results of these assessments will be reviewed with sites and presented to the School Board after these assessment windows close. Monthly meetings with principals will monitor student learning and progress.

Yes! Edina Virtual Pathway (EVP) is an online learning experience that utilizes the excellence of Edina staff and curriculum. We provide a fully standards-aligned pathway with the flexibility to meet the unique needs of every student and family situation. Edina Virtual Pathway provides students with the same excellent Edina education as in-person students receive, including specialist and advanced classes, and intervention or special education support as determined by need and assessment.

For more information, please visit the EVP website, send us an email,  or call us at (952) 848-4050.

Masks are optional for all students, but students/families may make a choice about masking for their student. Masks are strongly recommended for those who have had a known exposure to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. The Edina Health Services department will also monitor the CDC COVID-19 Community Level and make additional masking recommendations consistent with the CDC’s guidelines.

Masks are optional for all teachers and staff. Masks are strongly recommended for those who have had a known exposure to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. 

Please contact your child’s school if you are interested in lunchroom accommodations for your student.

The Edina Virtual Pathway (EVP) is open to any Minnesota resident student. Please contact virtualpathway@edinaschools.org to contact the EVP team or visit the Edina Virtual Pathway webpage for more information about EVP registration and enrollment.

We will allow for more volunteers in classrooms and lunchrooms at the discretion of building administration and teachers. Volunteers are included in the masking optional protocol. For the safety of students and staff, we strongly encourage any volunteer who has had a known COVID exposure to wear a mask and test before coming to school.

It is important for families to have a conversation with their students so there is an understanding of the expectation. At the elementary level, families can let their teacher know of their desire for their student to continue to mask, and teachers will do their best to support that family. But ultimately, students will be responsible for wearing a mask if desired. At the secondary level, it is not possible for teachers to keep track of this, making the family conversation most important. Know that staff will do their best to remind students, but the focus at school will be on creating a supportive and accepting culture so that all students feel comfortable with their masking choices.

We’ve learned throughout the pandemic that COVID conditions change and new variants develop. What will not change is the goal we set at the beginning of the school year - to keep students safe and learning in-person, with as little interruption as possible. We will adapt mitigation strategies, including masking, as needed in response to changes in COVID conditions in order to keep students in their classrooms.

Masks are strongly recommended for those who have had a known exposure to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. The Edina Health Services department will also monitor the CDC COVID-19 Community Level and make additional masking recommendations consistent with the CDC’s guidelines.

Since implementing the CDC shortened isolation protocol in January, we have successfully partnered with families to reinforce the need for masking with a well-fitting face covering. We will continue with this partnership to ensure student safety. 

If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, the health services team will determine whether the person was on-site during their infectious period. Confirmed cases will be reported to the Minnesota Department of Health per Minnesota Rule 4605.7070. 

If there was a possible exposure at school, health services staff will distribute a COVID-19 exposure notification to the exposed classroom (E-5) with a maximum of 2 notifications per classroom per month; additional notifications will be sent in consultation with the district COVID-19 Coordinator as appropriate. Families in grades E-5 and 6-12 may also visit the district’s COVID-19 Dashboard for weekly case rate information at the early ed/elementary and secondary levels. 

Face-coverings and COVID-19 testing will be strongly recommended for all exposed students and staff, regardless of vaccination status. High-quality face coverings (KN95 masks) and at-home test kits will be available in the health office upon request for all exposed students and staff at E-12 school sites while supplies last. 

Masking is optional for all members attending meetings. Alternatives for family attendance will be considered on a case by case basis. EPS urges students, staff, and families to follow the CDC’s recommendations for How to Protect Yourself & Others, including staying up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines, maintaining physical distance from others whenever possible, and wearing a mask if indicated by the COVID-19 Community Level metrics. 

At this time, there are no regulations regarding gathering size. EPS urges students, staff, and families to follow the CDC’s recommendations for How to Protect Yourself & Others, including staying up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines, maintaining physical distance from others whenever possible, and wearing a mask if indicated by the COVID-19 Community Level metrics. 

• Cohorts are no longer recommended, per CDC guidance. 

• Lunch service will resume in the school cafeterias for all grade level dining.

• Additional school spaces may be used to allow for physical distancing upon request.

COVID-19 Vaccinations are not mandated under emergency use authorizations (EUAs). The Minnesota Department of Education has not added the COVID-19 vaccination to its list of required immunizations.

Edina Public Schools follows the guidance of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is also endorsed by the Minnesota Department of Health.   COVID-19 Vaccinations are not mandated under emergency use authorizations (EUAs). The Minnesota Department of Education has not added the COVID-19 vaccination to its list of required immunizations.

The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for all children, if eligible (COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens). Visit the CDC website for more information about variants.

The CDC has information about what to consider when getting vaccinated for COVID-19, including guidance for people who may have natural immunity.