Updates

Dear Groves Parents and Guardians,

The Close of the 2019-2020 School Year

We began the 2019-2020 school year as we’ve done in the past- from welcoming new students and parents to the Groves community in August to the annual Groves Ski Day in February, with many events that brought us together in between.

With the impact of COVID-19, on April 1, we transitioned from meeting together on campus to connecting virtually through Zoom. Our mission of creating transformative learning experiences for our students and a commitment to maintaining strong relationships were at the center of our planning and teaching during the months of April through June. We experienced success, faced challenges, updated schedules, and altered plans. We witnessed Groves’s entire community using our values of authenticity, collaboration, compassion, discovery, and tenacity throughout our experience. We did this, together.

Thank you, Groves parents and guardians! We could not have made such an enormous shift without your support, feedback, and trust.

Graduation and Student Award Ceremonies:

View Groves Academy’s end of the year virtual ceremonies by clicking HERE . Videos will be uploaded at the designated dates and times:

• Lower School – Tues 6/2, 4:00pm
• Graduation and Senior Video – Tues 6/2, 7:00pm
• Middle School – Wed 6/3, 4:00pm
• Upper School – Wed 6/3, 4:00pm

Planning for the 2020-2021 School Year

As the current school year closes, we must accelerate the detailed planning necessary for the 2020-2021 school year. What makes this especially challenging is the evolving nature of COVID-19. In many ways, we will embark on planning with a number of unknowns– when additional peaks with the virus will occur, the availability of a vaccine or treatment protocol, the local and federal government response, etc. Nevertheless, the necessity for thoughtful planning could not be more important. We are committed to striking the balance between the health and safety of our students, faculty, and families with a robust and powerful education opportunity.

The guiding principles for this essential work are:

• • Creating plans, procedures, systems, and protocols aligned with our mission–We build confidence, success, and purpose through transformative learning experiences– and executed through our values–authenticity, collaboration, compassion, discovery, and tenacity.
  • Delivering on the value proposition (relationship, continuity, preparation) to our entire Groves community (students and their families, faculty, and staff) that we are doing everything in our power to make their health and safety our TOP priority.
  • Planning for not “going back” to operating as usual. The hybridization of in-person/online delivery of instruction and services will need to be part of our experience for the foreseeable future. We must continue to normalize change and be the pioneers in LD delivery models.

Taskforce Groups
To accelerate and inform our plan, four task force groups are being formed:

• • Curriculum Task Force (Focus: technology, scheduling, the scope of the curriculum, social/emotional/mental health care/ wellness, research and delivery of best pedagogical practices for our students)
  • Medical/Health and Safety Task Force (Focus: protective equipment protocols for stakeholders, ncleaning protocols, onsite testing/temperature check policies, research best practice)
  • Facilities Task Force ( Focus logistics– social distancing configurations, cleaning and sanitizing protocols, outdoor traffic during dropoff and pickup, research best practice)
  • Communications Task Force (Focus: connects with each task force–execute various stakeholder communication needs, conduct surveys of stakeholders, monitor federal, state and local pandemic-related legislation and executive actions that may affect the research best practice)

* We will also offer opportunities for parents to participate in a parent forum as well.

Tentative Timeline:

• June 8 – June 26: Each task force will develop plans relevant to their specific area
• June 29 – July 10: Finalize the plan
• Week of July 13: Share the plan with the entire Groves community

* If you have any questions, please contact me or Dan.

Enjoy the warmth of the summer months and continue to stay safe!

All the best,

Kim Peeples
Head of School

Dear Groves Summer Families,

We hope this email finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy.  We are looking forward to seeing your child this Summer for much needed in-person learning! The Groves Safety Task Force is currently developing a COVID-19 response and safety plan for the Summer Program experience that encompasses procedures and protocols for arrival/dismissal, social distancing practices in the building, readiness, and response for a COVID-19 case, and cleaning procedures. We are closely monitoring guidelines from the Office of Governor Walz, CDC, and WHO in order to develop a comprehensive plan for a great Summer at Groves.

Below is an update on our payment deadline and answers to some frequently asked questions.  We will continue to communicate with you as our planning continues.  As always, please do not hesitate to email us directly at summerschool@grovesacademy.org

Key Dates:

You will receive a communication about our safety plan for Summer 2020 on June 15th, 2020
The payment deadline has been extended to June 22nd, 2020

FAQ’s: Payments, Refund Policies, and Safety Plans

Q: What is the Groves refund policy if the program is canceled?
A: If the Summer Program is canceled, all families will receive a refund for program fees. The $40 application fee is nonrefundable.

Q: What if the program is held and I decide to withdraw my child due to health and safety concerns?
A: If the program is not canceled and a family requests to withdraw after the payment deadline of June 22nd, 2020 Groves will offer a refund in the amount of 50% of the payment before July 1st. After July 1st, no refunds will be made. 

Q: Will Groves offer other services if the program is canceled or I decide to withdraw due to health and safety concerns?
A:  In all cases, Groves will work with you and your family to ensure that your child gets the summer services that they need! We do offer 1:1 tutoring and speech-language services and can work with you individually to determine the best fit for your child. 

Q: What is the safety plan for the Summer Program?
A: The Groves Safety Task Force is currently developing a COVID-19 response and safety plan for the Summer Program.  We will communicate the details of that plan with all families on June 15th, 2020.

Again, thank you for planning your Summer with Groves.  We are looking forward to seeing you!

Warm Regards,

Nancy Segreti and Kristina Schatz

These challenging times give us new opportunities to understand how we can deliver on our mission to provide transformative learning experiences. While we continue to learn just how capable and creative our students and teachers are, we recognize the enormity of the challenge COVID-19 presents to our current and potential families.  Our hope is that finances are not a barrier to an education at Groves in the 2020-2021 school year. Thus, we created a Groves Student and Family Emergency Fund which will offer additional need-based tuition relief to as many families as possible, above traditional financial aid.

As a nonprofit organization, we are seeking the generous support of our donors and anyone in a position to contribute to this cause. If you are in a position to give, please connect with Groves’ Director of Advancement, Lynn Giovannelli, giovannellil@grovesacademy.org  All gifts will offer some measure of security to Groves families and will allow our incredible teaching team, the true heroes of Groves, to continue providing a world-class education to the unique and amazing learners we see every day.

After thoughtful discussions with families, teachers, and our community, our leadership team has made the very difficult decision to move Groves 2020 Summer Programs from June to July.

Our current plan is to gather for Summer Programs in person at Groves from July 13 – August 7, 2020.

We had hoped to see our halls filled with Groves summer students soon, but we know that it is our collective responsibility to safeguard the health of our students, families, and staff. However, we are excited that we have a plan to serve you this summer with the same high-quality programming that we are known for.

We will continue to monitor the recommendations from public health officials and we will work to ensure that we have a safe and secure learning environment in July. We will keep you updated as we hear more from Governor Walz, the MN Department of Health, and the CDC on summer program operations and safety.

New Details:

Grades 2-8 Academic Program 
July 13 – August 7
9:00am-12:00pm
Monday – Friday

Enrichment Programming – Cancelled
We have made the decision to cancel all Enrichment Programming for Summer 2020. We believe that this is the best decision for the safety and well being of families and staff.

Grades 6-8 Writing and Executive Function Program 
July 13 – August 7
12:30-3:30pm
Monday – Friday

Before Care & After Care – Cancelled
We have made the decision to cancel Before and After Care for Summer 2020. We believe that this is the best decision for the safety and well being of families and staff.

How to Cultivate Brilliance in Your ADHD Middle Schooler: A Survival Guide For Parents – Moving to online Zoom Meeting
Session Dates June 16, June 23, June 30, July 7
Time 6:30 – 8:00pm
Zoom information will be emailed to you prior to the class start date.

Thank you for your patience and commitment throughout this ever-changing COVID-19 outbreak. We remain focused on providing a safe learning environment for our Groves community.

Groves Academy Continues Our Journey

Extension of Distance Learning

With the current impact of COVID-19 in our region and out of an abundance of care for our students, teachers, and the greater Groves community, we will follow the governor’s extension of distance learning through the end of our school year. We know that for our students, distance learning cannot replace the in-person transformative experience of a Groves education. Know that Groves teachers, administrators, and leaders remain driven to create the best experiences for our students.

Our Commitment as We Continue Our Journey

Inclusive Communication. Our communication with Groves families will remain consistent and informative. Groves teachers, division directors, and leadership team members will keep families informed of changes in scheduling, student progress/challenges, and upcoming events. We will also continue to seek your feedback through conversations and surveys.

Dedication to Our Students. As stated by one of our middle school teachers, “We are attuned and responsive to students’ academic, social and emotional needs.” Relationship-building activities include one-on-one check-ins between students and teachers; creating opportunities for students to connect with each other outside of class through faculty/counselor- lead zoom gatherings; regular meetings among teachers, division directors, and administrators about our students.

Creating Transformative Learning Experience. First and foremost, our teachers are devoted to maintaining high expectations for our students that are realistic and attainable. Thoughtful lesson planning that prioritizes essential concepts and skills guide our synchronous and asynchronous approach. Finally, teachers will persist in reaching out to students who are struggling and co-develop a plan for improvement.

The Plan Moving Forward

Teacher planning time. We will schedule two additional days of planning time for teachers to prepare for continued distance learning. Dates will be announced in advance. End of the Year Ceremonies and Awards. Although we will not be able to meet in person, Groves plans to honor our students for all their hard work and perseverance through a very difficult time. As our plans solidify, we will share dates and details with you.

Graduation. We have been meeting with our seniors, members of the faculty, and staff to create a plan for honoring the Class of 2020. Those plans include both immediate and future ways to acknowledge this important rite of passage. We should be ready to share the plan in greater specificity in the coming weeks and may ask a senior parent or two to lend their talents in celebrating our seniors!

Other considerations. We will send future communications about picking up personal items from the school, returning laptops/textbooks/school equipment.

In closing, thank you, Groves Academy parents and guardians. Your support, partnership, and trust helped us to reach this point in our distance learning journey. Let’s continue our travels together!

Be well.

Kim Peeples
Head of School

Dan Morgan
President

Currently, Groves aims to run Summer Programming as planned. Our intent is to deliver the same quality service that we have always delivered for summer 2020!

However, the safety and well being of our families is of the utmost importance to us so we are also working through contingency plans. We will update families as soon as possible if we need to move to a contingency plan.

Thank you.

Dear Groves Family,

We hope this communication finds you safe, well, and finding moments of joy with your family.  On Wednesday, March 25, Governor Walz announced Minnesota schools will continue to be closed and offer distance learning until May 4. Groves Academy intends to follow this guideline as well.

Our execution of distance learning will utilize the following cycle:

• March 30-31:
  These days will be used for teaching planning, preparation, and professional development–no instruction for students
• April 1-17:
  Distance learning following the schedules established in each division
• April 20-21:
  These days will be used for teacher planning, preparation, and professional development–no instruction for students
• April 22- May 1:
  Distance learning following the schedules established in each division
• Monday, May 4:
  School is scheduled to open

We will continue to be in communication with the Groves community as adjustments to our current plan may be needed.

Be well.

Kimberly Peeples
Head of School

Dan Morgan
President

Commitment to Our Mission 
The mission of Groves Academy is to build confidence, success, and purpose through transformative learning experiences.

March 27th, 2020
Dear Groves Learning Center Family,

I hope this communication finds you safe, well, and finding moments of joy with your family. On Wednesday, March 25, Governor Walz announced Minnesota schools will continue to be closed and offer distance learning until May 4. The Learning Center at Groves Academy intends to follow this guideline as well. Please see the details of the plan for our services below. As we continue to monitor the state and national recommendations for health and safety, this plan may change. We will continue to communicate with you.

Diagnostic and Speech-Language Evaluations: If you have a testing appointment scheduled prior to May 4th, we will be in contact with you to keep the evaluation process moving forward. Up until April 17th, we will be able to start your child’s diagnostic assessment process with a virtual clinical interview and we will be in touch to confirm that appointment. After April 17th, there may be an opportunity to continue with your in-person evaluation appointment at Groves. We will contact you individually to discuss this potential opportunity.

Diagnostic and Speech-Language Evaluation Feedback Meetings: These services will continue to be held via an online platform. You will be given instructions for how to join the virtual meeting with your service provider.

Tutoring and Speech-Language Sessions: These will continue to be held via an online platform where appropriate.

Summer Programs: We will continue to accept and process applications. We are excited to see families this Summer and continue to monitor the state and nationwide recommendations for health and safety. We will send communication if the manner in which we deliver our Summer Program experience changes.

May 4th: The Learning Center at Groves is scheduled to reopen for all in-person meetings and learning at this time. If you would like to continue online services for tutoring and speech-language therapy, please speak with your provider.

We will continue to be in communication with the Groves community as adjustments to our current plan may be needed.

Be well,

Nancy Segreti
Director of The Learning Center

Dan Morgan
President

Dear Groves Community,

I am thinking about you all and hope you and your loved ones are doing well.  I have heard from many of you recently and the stories you’ve shared are heartwarming and heartening during these weeks of weirdness.

Today, I am specifically writing to tell you about some adjustments we are making with the plan for gathering materials and working from the building given Governor Walz’s announcement to stay at home, which begins on Friday night.  Below are the relevant points:

• Tomorrow (Thursday, 3/26) the building will be open from 7am – 4:30pm for you to gather and prep materials
• Friday, 3/27, the building will be open from 7am – 11am for the same purpose.  There is a hard-stop at 11am when you must leave the building
• On Friday, from 12pm to 5:30pm, Lower School parents will be allowed to drive up to the building to retrieve materials.  They will not enter the building.
• John, Colin, and Curtis will support the parent pickup

There are a few non-negotiable parameters you must all follow in order to get this done with as much caution as possible:

• Gloves will be available to everyone who enters the building.  Please use them at all times
• Disinfectant wipes will also be available.  Please use them in your room, at the copier, at the printers, etc.
• Please confine yourself as much as possible to your room or office; limit your movement in the building only to the areas you need to access; avoid common areas like the teacher’s lounge or staff spaces.
• Some rooms will be sealed off.  Please avoid them.
• We would like you to use specific entrances based on your division:
  • Lower School–Front Entrance
  • Middle School–Northeast entrance/old main entrance
  • Upper School–PBL Room/Northwest Entrance
• Administrative/all others–back entrance by the parking lot in front of the playground
• If I reached out to you to inform you that you may have had contact with the Groves person who had a positive COVID-19 test result, then you are not to come to the building.  You can make arrangements with your supervisor who will support you.
• If you are currently sick, displaying any symptoms, or believe you had contact with someone who has COVID-19, then please inform your supervisor right away, and do not come to the building
• Todd Olson and his team spent much of this week on a very deep cleaning of the building–THANK YOU TODD and TEAM!

Because of the stay at home order, the building will be completely closed from this Friday evening through April 10th, barring any changes in the Governor’s mandate.  I know this makes this process a bit more burdensome and I appreciate your attention to the details above.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me, or to Kim Peeples.

As always, you have my sincere gratitude for all your hard work and dedication.  I wish you a calm and quiet rest of spring break, and I am eager to see you soon.

Best,

Dan Morgan
President

Dear Groves Partner School leaders,

I hope the end of this week finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy.  The past two weeks were incredibly challenging for all of us, and I want to thank you for your flexibility and for your support as we pulled together the plan to balance everyone’s safety with the strong desire to continue our powerful partnership.  I also want to extend my deep gratitude to your staff, as well as to Katharine Campbell, and all the Groves coaches who worked tirelessly to prepare for virtual coaching and communication–a new process for them, but one I know will prove useful in the coming weeks.  Katharine and the team will provide ongoing communication about instruction, technology, and coaching support so please be on the lookout for that. I ask for your continued grace and support when we launch online communication and coaching. The Groves team is dedicated to delivering powerful instruction, and it will be great, but there will be times when it isn’t perfect. We hope you understand and partner with us as we discover how to make this an impactful experience.

Thank you again for your continued support.  Our partnership with you is a unique opportunity in the world of education to make revolutionary change in literacy teaching, and in outcomes for students.  I am so incredibly thankful to be on this journey with you. I wish you all a calm and healthy few weeks.

With deep appreciation and gratitude,

Dan Morgan
President

Dear Groves Families,

I hope the end of this week finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. The past two weeks were incredibly challenging for all of us, and I want to thank you for your flexibility and for your support as we pulled together the plan to balance everyone’s safety with the strong desire to continue a powerful Groves education.  I also want to extend my deep gratitude to all instructors, tutors, and staff at Groves who worked tirelessly to prepare for virtual instruction and communication–a new process for them, but one I know will prove useful in the coming weeks.

Moving forward, I also want to provide a couple of reminders:

1. There will be more communication about schedules, instruction, tech, etc forthcoming so please be on the lookout for that
2. Nancy Segreti and the Learning Center team are available to connect with you about any financial questions you may have pertaining to adjusted schedules
3. I ask for your continued grace and support as we launch online communication and teaching. The Groves team is dedicated to delivering powerful instruction, and it will be great, but there will be times when it isn’t perfect. We hope you understand and partner with us as we discover how to make this an impactful experience

Thank you again for your continued support. Groves would not be what it is today without our incredible families working together to create an environment of love and excellence. I wish you all a calm and healthy few weeks.

With deep appreciation and gratitude,

Dan Morgan
President

Distance Learning Priorities and Expectations

Thanks to the support of our technology team at Groves and in partnership with the division directors and faculty, we have prepared an outline for distance learning. This plan includes schedules, resources, and communication structures for 2nd through 12th-grade students.

Overview of the Groves Academy Distance Learning Plan

Groves Gala Rescheduled to Wednesday, July 15th

As we all navigate these unprecedented times, our focus is on the health and safety of our guests, our families, ourselves and our greater community. Following guidelines from the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health, in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19, we have decided to postpone the 43rd Annual Groves Gala until Wednesday, July 15th.

There is much that is still unknown about how the Coronavirus (COVID-19) will affect our community and we will continue to monitor the situation as the new date approaches.

We hope you will join us in celebrating Groves on July 15th!

Thank you for your steadfast support and flexibility. Please reach out if you have any questions, suggestions or want to talk through anything by contacting Becky Busselman at busselmanb@grovesacademy.org or 952-210-1856.

Please visit our Groves Gala webpage.

March 16th, 2020

Dear Groves Partner Schools,

The Groves coaching team met this morning to brainstorm and develop a distance learning model that will meet the needs of our partner schools. Recognizing that each school may define distance learning a little differently, based on the needs of their students, families and teachers, we discussed the need for flexibility in our model. I want to reiterate that meeting the needs of your teachers is our top priority. We want teachers to feel supported by their Groves coach during this time of e-learning.

We will be using Zoom technology for video conferencing and Google Classroom as our coaching platform. On a weekly basis, the Groves coach will provide a videotaped lesson for each of your teachers involved in the literacy partnership. In addition to the lesson, coaches will include supporting workbook and reader pages for each lesson. These lessons will address PA, Phonics, Fluency and Handwriting. The lessons may extend longer than 30 minutes, to allow for the additional workbook, handwriting or fluency instruction. It is up to your teachers whether to include the complete lesson to students, but we wanted to make those components available, since any of those might be addressed this time of year in an on-site coaching visit. This lesson will help your teachers with the pacing of the lessons and concepts, as we realize that pacing may vary in a distance learning model. I have also asked each team member to schedule a daily 2 hour block via Zoom as office hours, to make sure all teacher, administrator, and curriculum questions are answered.

Your monthly team meetings will continue, using Zoom video conferencing. Your Groves coach will work with you and your teachers to schedule the March meeting prior to the transition to distance learning at the end of the month. Coaches will also continue to schedule monthly administrator meetings. Later in April, we will schedule our Logistics meeting via Zoom, to prepare for a strong launch in the fall, under much more normal circumstances. If you don’t have Zoom, it is being offered free of charge to K-12 schools.

https://zoom.us/docs/ent/school-verification.html?zcid=1231&_ga=2.228851412.995105 639.1583699918-735451631.1546545079

Several teachers have already asked whether to send home workbooks with children. This is a school decision. If you decide to send them home with students, it will be helpful as students complete lessons. We will include PDF’s of all workbook pages appropriate to lessons on Google Classroom. We have a limited supply of Groves Method workbooks if you need to purchase additional workbooks when students return in April or May. We do not stock PAF workbooks.

Coaches will be reaching out this week to you and your teachers to learn more details of your distance learning model. We know that you are still in the process of working out your plans.

Currently, we are putting together a list of literacy resources for parents and will include that list on Google Classroom when complete.

As we navigate this new model of learning together, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Warm regards,

Katharine Campbell
Director of Groves Literacy Partnerships

Commitment to Our Mission
The mission of Groves Academy is to build confidence, success, and purpose through transformative learning experiences.

March 15th, 2020 

Dear Groves Partner Schools, 

We are facing unprecedented and challenging times that can cause justifiable uncertainty and anxiety. We all are having our own personal reactions to coronavirus that ranges from calm to fear, and everything in between. Let us remember this: there is no right or wrong way to experience this; we can only do our best to stay calm, make the best decisions we can with the available information, and support and trust in each other. Keeping this in mind, you’ll find the plan for Groves Literacy Partnerships as discussed all weekend with the Leadership Team, based on the most recent updates from MDE and the Governor. 

Please know that should further information become available, this could change: 

1. Beginning tomorrow, March 16, coaches will not be in partner schools providing coaching. We feel it is important that as your school begins planning for distance learning, your coach be a resource that supports your teachers as they develop their classroom model for literacy instruction, during a school closure. Our planning begins tomorrow, in anticipation that teacher requests will begin on Tuesday.
2. On Monday and Tuesday, all coaches will receive training in online instruction and meetings. Supporting our partner schools this spring is our top priority. Providing GLP team members with training in online learning will help your Groves coach continue to support your teachers, using the distance learning model in place in your school.
3. If your school moves to a distance learning model later in March, your Groves coach will continue to provide coaching support to your teachers, virtually, based on your school’s model.

Please know that we strive to balance the passion we have working with schools to ensure all children learn to read, with the wider goal of keeping everyone safe and healthy in a truly trying time. 

Once again, thank you for your ongoing support and patience as we traverse this unknown path together. 

Warmest regards, 

Katharine Campbell
Director of Groves Literacy Partnerships

Dan Morgan
President 

Commitment to Our Mission
The mission of Groves Academy is to build confidence, success, and purpose through transformative learning experiences. 

Dear Learning Center Families,

We are facing unprecedented and challenging times that can cause justifiable uncertainty and anxiety. We all are having our own personal reactions to coronavirus that ranges from calm to fear, and everything in between. Let us remember this: there is no right or wrong way to experience this; we can only do our best to stay calm, make the best decisions we can with the available information, and support and trust in each other. Keeping this in mind, you’ll find the plan for The Learning Center at Groves Academy as discussed all weekend with the Leadership Team, including feedback from many parents, faculty, staff, and based on the most recent updates from Governor Walz.

On Wednesday March 18th, CAMPUS IS CLOSED.
Please see below for details. Please know that should further information become available, this could change: 

• We will remain open on Monday the 16th and Tuesday the 17th. Staff and faculty will receive training during this time in online instruction and meetings. This may require your meeting or session to be rescheduled. Office Manager, Meagen Sundstrom, will reach out if that is the case.
• We will shift to online learning and meetings from Wednesday March 18th – April 17th. Please note this is subject to change as we learn new information.
• Diagnostic and Speech-Language Evaluations: These services will be canceled and rescheduled. Office Manager, Meagen Sundstrom, will be in contact with you individually to discuss a plan that best fits your family. We understand that this causes a disruption in the educational planning for your child. We will make every effort to reschedule your evaluation appointment as soon as possible. During this time our team is here to provide additional conversation and discussion about your child’s needs. If you would like to  consult with a member of our team, please reach out to Office Manager, Meagen Sundstrom, at sundstromm@grovesacademy.org
• Diagnostic and Speech-Language Evaluation Feedback Meetings: These services will be held via an online platform called Zoom. You will receive a calendar invite with an easy to click link to join these meetings.
• Tutoring Sessions: These will be held via an online platform called Zoom where appropriate beginning March 18th. Your tutor will be in touch with you regarding your child’s tutoring schedule and will provide you with an easy to click link in a calendar invite for each session.
• Speech-Language Sessions:
  • For Students in Our School: Our School is operating on a half day schedule Monday the 16th and Tuesday the 17th. If your child has a session prior to 1pm, that session will continue as planned. For students who have sessions after 1pm on these days, they will not have services. Conferences will be held as planned on Wednesday the 18th and Thursday the 19th via an online platform or via phone. Please coordinate with your child’s Speech-Language Pathologist. Our School will observe Spring Break from Wednesday March 18 – March 31st. Speech-Language sessions will resume on April 1st via online learning.
  • For Families in Our Community: Planning and preparation for your child to have a quality learning experience is our priority. We will continue offering sessions at Groves on Monday the 16th and Tuesday the 17th as schedules allow. Speech-Language Providers will use Wednesday March 18th – Friday March 20th to learn the online platform and prepare lesson plans and materials to ensure we are prepared to offer services that will continue to foster growth for as long as we need to. There will not be sessions Wednesday March 18th – Friday March 20th. Your student’s speech-language pathologist will be in touch regarding your student’s schedule over the next few weeks. Online speech-language therapy sessions for students in our community will resume on Monday March 23rd.
• Summer Programs: Applications will continue to be processed without interruption or delay.

Tips for a successful online meeting or educational session: 

1. Dedicate a consistent, distraction-free space (no TV, radios, etc.) in your home for students. Preferably, this would include a cleared counter or desk and a chair.
2. If able, provide the following for your child in their work space: headphones to eliminate distraction, writing utensils, and paper.
3. Establish a routine around preparing for tutoring and speech-language sessions.
4. When possible, we recommend that a parent or guardian join the first online session and be available for future sessions to support their child as needed.

If you have meetings or sessions scheduled in The Learning Center on Monday the 16th or Tuesday the 17th and you are concerned about coming in, please let us know and we will do everything we can to reschedule your appointment or schedule it to occur online. You can reach out to Meagen Sundstrom at sundstromm@grovesacademy.org

In closing, Groves Learning Center Families, please know that we strive to balance the passion we have for the unique type of student and instruction we deliver, with the wider goal of keeping everyone safe and healthy in a truly trying time.

Once again, thank you for your ongoing support and patience as we traverse this unknown path together.

Warmest regards,

Nancy Segreti
Director of The Learning Center

Dan Morgan
President

Commitment to Our Mission
The mission of Groves Academy is to build confidence, success, and purpose through transformative learning experiences.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are facing unprecedented and challenging times that can cause justifiable uncertainty and anxiety. We all are having our own personal reactions to coronavirus that ranges from calm to fear, and everything in between. Let us remember this: there is no right or wrong way to experience this; we can only do our best to stay calm, make the best decisions we can with the available information, and support and trust in each other. Keeping this in mind, you’ll find the plan for Groves Academy as discussed all weekend with the Leadership Team, including feedback from many parents, faculty, staff, and based on the most recent updates from Governor Walz.

Please know that should further information become available, this could change:

• We will remain open on the early release schedule Monday and Tuesday only to allow for training on our virtual learning plan as well as for parent conference prep.
• We will officially stop school instruction on Wednesday and the building will close to students.
• Parent conferences will occur as scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday but will be conducted virtually or via phone. Communication will be sent tomorrow with directions.
• New dates for Spring Break: Wednesday, March 18 through Tuesday, March 31.
  We will shift to full virtual learning at this point that will begin with students on 4/1/20 and continue until 4/17/20 (unless we receive new information). More details are forthcoming.

Care for Children of Families of Emergency Workers:
In accordance with Governor Walz’s request and the Minnesota Statutes 2019, section 12.21, subdivision 3(11), Groves will provide child care for currently enrolled students 12 and under who are children of emergency workers critical to the State’s response to COVID-19.

• Dates for Care: Wednesday, March 18 and Thursday, March 19.
  You must contact Amy Luffey – luffeya@grovesacademy.org by Tuesday, March 17.
• Healthcare staff as described below:
  • Health care providers and systems, including hospitals and clinics
    Post-acute and long-term care facilities, including nursing and assisted living facilities
  • Other health systems and organizations, such as:
    Home Care workers or Personal Care Assistants
    Ambulance/emergency
    Direct Care and Treatment
  • Other emergency staff, including:
    First responders
    Firefighters
  • Personnel providing correctional services
    Essential Court personnel
    Minnesota State Veterans Homes staff
    State and local public health agency employees
    MNsure Navigators
    County financial/eligibility workers
    County case managers
    Or any county staff in emergency management or health and human services

We fully understand that some families may be concerned about having their students come to school tomorrow. Please know that we will follow all the advice laid out by GovernorWalz and his team today, and will do everything we can to mitigate opportunities for exposure and transmission, but we know that there is inherent risk involved in simply being in public. If you decide that you are not comfortable with your student coming to school, please send an email to Amy Luffey — luffeya@grovesacademy.org — and let the homeroom teacher or advisor know as well.

In closing, Groves Parents and Guardians, please know that we strive to balance the passion we have for the unique type of student and instruction we deliver at Groves, with the wider goal of keeping everyone safe and healthy in a truly trying time.
Once again, thank you for your ongoing support and patience as we traverse this unknown path together.

_______________________ ________________________
Kimberly Peeples
Head of School

Dan Morgan
President

Commitment to Our Mission
The mission of Groves Academy is to build confidence, success, and purpose through transformative learning experiences

Commitment to Our Mission and Contingency Planning

The mission of Groves Academy is to build confidence, success, and purpose through transformative learning experiences. We are committed to fostering those experiences as well as planning for instances where alternative instructional delivery methods warrant exploration.

With the evolving nature of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States, particularly in our neck of woods, the Groves Academy leadership team is actively monitoring the spread of the virus and is keeping abreast of recommendations from health authorities. As a precautionary measure, we are also in the process of developing a contingency plan to best prepare ourselves for prolonged absences and/or school closures.

Our Next Step

*IMPORTANT UPDATE* We will be using Monday March 30th as a training day for our staff. If you have an appointment on that day, we will be in contact with you if we need to reschedule your appointment. If you have any questions, please contact Office Manager, Meagen Sundstrom, at sundstromm@grovesacademy.org

Groves Learning Center Staff will use Monday, March 30 as a planning and professional development day to solidify our systems and procedures. We realize this will impact your schedule, however, we appreciate your patience, understanding, and partnership as we navigate these unusual waters. As noted above, the schedule for this day is currently being solidified and we will be in contact with families and staff if we need to reschedule your appointment in order to allow for staff training. If you do not have internet access at home, please contact us at learningcenter@grovesacademy.org

Below is a description of three levels of protocol. We are developing systems and procedures for each Learning Center service while keeping in mind student and family well-being, safety, and academic needs when the conditions for teaching and learning aren’t like anything we’ve experienced before:

THE LEVEL I SCENARIO: The Learning Center IS OPEN.
INCREASED ABSENCES.
In Level 1, the Learning Center is open and there are increased absences. Students and adults are absent more frequently and in greater numbers. Diagnostic and Speech-Language
feedback meetings will be held via video conference. When you schedule your appointment with our Office Manager, you will receive instructions on how to join that meeting with your Psychologist or Speech-Language Pathologist. This will begin after staff training on Monday, March 30th.

THE LEVEL 2 SCENARIO: The Learning Center IS OPEN.
SIGNIFICANT AND PROLONGED ABSENCES.
In Level 2, we are trying to find creative ways to support families who are more vulnerable and may need to stay home, those who may be quarantined but otherwise able to participate in school assignments, and those who are recovering from illness and want to get back on track. We will work with you to determine the best way for your student to participate in ongoing services like Tutoring and Speech-Language therapy. Feedback meetings for Diagnostic testing and Speech-Language evaluations will continue to be held via video conference beginning after staff training on Monday, March 30th.

THE LEVEL 3 SCENARIO: CAMPUS IS CLOSED.

• Diagnostic and Speech-Language Evaluations: These services will be canceled and rescheduled.
• Diagnostic and Speech-Language Evaluation Feedback Meetings: These services will be held via an online platform.
• Tutoring and Speech-Language Sessions: These will be held via an online platform where appropriate.
• Summer Programs: Applications will continue to be processed without interruption or delay.

We recognize that virtual learning and testing is not a substitute for the in-person, multisensory instruction our students receive in The Learning Center. Given the needs for 1:1 Diagnostic and Speech-Language testing, we will reschedule those services if we move to Scenario 3 (Campus is Closed). Groves will make every effort to provide students with the opportunity to continue Tutoring and Speech-Language sessions using a virtual instruction model should the campus close.

We are currently finalizing the technology and training components for shifting to teaching completely online. We appreciate your patience and grace in giving us space to do this well. It’s worth mentioning again that we can all work together to help mitigate the spread of illnesses like coronavirus, flu, and colds by staying home if you are sick, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning and disinfecting common spaces, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

If you believe that you or someone in your family is at risk for coronavirus, please stay home and contact us at Groves immediately so we can create a plan for you. Should this continue to be a concern as we head into the summer months, we will evaluate the needs keeping the health and safety of our families and staff top of mind. We will communicate with staff and families as needed regarding any updated plan for the Summer Program as necessary.

For further thoughts on prevention consult the CDC website, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Thank you for your continued support of Groves and our mission. We so value your partnership and your understanding.

Nancy Segreti
Director of The Learning Center

Dan Morgan
President

Following up on yesterday’s communication (attached), I want to provide an update concerning our ongoing contingency planning:

Groves will dismiss at 1:00pm next week – Monday, March 16 through Thursday, March 19.  This will allow the necessary time for our faculty/staff to receive training and planning for virtual learning. Like a typical Wednesday, aftercare will be available until 5:30 for families that need it. Please RSVP.

Parent/Teacher Conferences will continue as scheduled, Wednesday, March 18, 1:30pm-7:00pm and Thursday, March 19, 1:30pm-6:30pm.

CHANGE: We will host conferences remotely via Zoom and/or phone rather than in person. More details and instructions will be sent out early next week. As a reminder, the conference scheduling system will close tomorrow March 13 at 11:55pm. 

Travel Plans for Spring Break:  Whether you are staying local or traveling abroad, it is important to stay apprised of updates and information on COVID-19. We recommend the following sites for direct communication and information:

COVID-19 Situation Summary – Centers for Disease Control

Travel Health Notices – Centers for Disease Control

Travel FAQs – Centers for Disease Control

Travel Advisories – U.S. Department of State

Information for Travelers – Centers for Disease Control

Health Alert Network – Centers for Disease Control

The Minnesota Department of Public Health states that it is the responsibility of public health officials to manage and enforce quarantines for travelers going to countries the CDC has identified as “Warning Level 3” and “Alert Level 2”. However, families anticipating a visit to these regions, including flight layovers, should expect public health officials to request a 14-day self-quarantine based on current travel advisories. If you believe your student will experience an extended absence due to a required or self-imposed quarantine following spring break, please contact your classroom teacher (LS) or advisor (MS/US) to make a plan for homework and instruction.

References:

Commitment to Our Mission and Contingency Plan 

Prevention, Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) _ CDC.pdf

What you need to know about COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease.pdf

Weiman_Kow_Artwork_Coronavirus_.pdf

We at Groves Academy wish to thank you for your ongoing support and patience as we traverse this unknown path together.

Warmest regards,

Kim Peeples
Head of School

Dan Morgan
President

Dear Groves Family,

As I am sure you are well aware, the coronavirus continues to present a potential challenge.  At Groves, we are monitoring the situation closely as we want to take precautions with our organization to ensure that everyone is safe and healthy.  We continue to refine Groves’ Crisis Management Plan for infectious agents.  For coronavirus specifically, we will follow the guidelines defined by the CDC, and the process of Minnesota Public Schools.  In the recent past, action plans were implemented both for SARS as well as Swine Flu (H1N1) so this process will be similar.

In the event of an outbreak, anyone who is considered to be a medium risk will be asked to stay home for two weeks.  If there are opportunities to virtually support their education or their work at Groves, we will explore that individually.  In our building, we always work to ensure that our spaces are clean and sanitary.

We can all work together to help mitigate the spread of illnesses like coronavirus, flu, and colds by staying home if you are sick, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning and disinfecting common spaces, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.  If you believe that you, or someone in your family is at risk for coronavirus, please stay home and contact us at Groves immediately so we can create a plan for you.  For further thoughts on prevention, you can consult the CDC website, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

More information will be forthcoming as we monitor the situation, but please know that all steps will be taken to keep our community safe.  Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Kind Regards,

Dan Morgan
President