Safe Learning Plan

Please contact our Technology Helpline at 952-975-7094 to schedule an appointment.

• Elementary school students will continue to be organized in groups (aka “pods”).
• Classrooms will have -- to the extent possible -- three feet of social distance between students or student pods. Three feet of social distance is recommended, but not required, by the Minnesota Department of Education.
• Eden Prairie Schools will continue to contact trace and notify individuals if staff know there was an exposure to COVID-19. Notification to all students/families in a classroom will be communicated only as needed.
• Breakfast and lunch will be provided in cafeterias, with cleaning between lunch periods. Based on recent federal action, for the 2021-22 school year meals will be free for any in-person dining only.

• Based on recent federal action, free breakfast and lunch are available to all students learning in person. This is available to all students in our buildings, no financial qualification is required.

• If you need more food, contact PROP (952-937-9120) or the Family Resources Program.

If you are in a position to donate to others, we recommend contacting PROP or the food bank of your choice.

Child care is available through Eagle Zone.

During the state and national response to COVID-19, families who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch may be eligible for certain programs. Families can apply anytime. An online application can be accessed through the Parent Portal. Once logged in, click on More, then Meal Benefits in the left sidebar. 

The application is also available to download, print and submit via mail.  A letter approving/denying benefits will be mailed to your home address after the application has been processed.

Eden Prairie Schools Preparedness Plan

Eden Prairie Schools 2021-22 Covid-19 Cleaning Procedures

Last year, Eden Prairie Schools pioneered the use of electrostatic sprayers in school cleaning routines. These sprayers distribute disinfectant more evenly. The germ-killing particles cling to surfaces in order to exceed contact time for sanitation. Electrostatic sprayers are proven to disinfect many different surfaces, including fabric upholstery. Please read below for the 2021-22 Updated Covid-19 Cleaning Procedures:

COVID-19 School Occupancy Loads

Eden Prairie Schools has always met or exceeded industry standards for educational institutions with our air handling systems. High-filtration air filters continue to be used in our air handling systems. Eden Prairie Schools uses filters that meet or exceed industry (ASHRAE) guidance. We have increased intake of fresh air and accelerated filter changes following guidance from Centers for Disease Control and the Minnesota Department of Health. Every school maximizes the fresh air flow into the building and minimizes recycled air so that our classrooms have new, fresh air every eight to 10 minutes.  

In general, visitors will be welcomed at Eden Prairie Schools. There will be days and circumstances where schools and sites limit visitors. It is best to talk with your school/site COVID Coordinator before planning an extended visit to school.

The following will be required of visitors and volunteers:

• Visitors are required to wear a face covering if they cannot maintain six feet of social distance from students. Face coverings are recommended for visitors who are fully vaccinated, and required for visitors who are not yet fully vaccinated.
• Volunteers will be required to complete Eden Prairie Schools’ Sharing Inspiration Program before starting their service. Your school or site will provide more information at the start of the school year.
• Each visitor will be required to provide a state-issued identification before entering school for the first time this year. This helps with school safety and contact tracing. 

Eden Prairie Schools will be deep cleaned by custodians while the district is closed and during distance learning. 

The practices recommended to prevent spread of COVID-19 are the same ones we use with influenza and the common cold:

• Practice social distancing.
• Wash hands with warm water and soap. Our students are given time to wash their hands regularly throughout the school day. Hand sanitizer is an acceptable alternative and is effective against COVID-19.
• Cover your cough: Cough into your sleeve or elbow and not your hands.
• Stay home if you or your family have symptoms of illness. Continue to report absences at each school's attendance line.
• Avoid touching your face, especially your nose, eyes and mouth.
• Do not share water bottles, cups/glasses, food, lip balm, etc.
• Clean frequently-used surfaces (door handles, countertops, etc.)
• Numerous hand sanitizer stations will remain posted throughout schools.
• If your student has flu-like symptoms, or or is ill, it is important the student stays home, and you to contact your school attendance line, nurse or COVID-19 Coordinator.

For up to date information on COVID-19 in Minnesota visit the Minnesota Department of Health webpage.

For a helpful resource about talking with your children about COVID-19, read this article.

Eden Prairie Schools follows guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health to assist with contact tracing if a staff member or student has a positive case of COVID-19. Close contact is defined as someone who, within 48 hours before the onset of symptoms, was less than six feet from the individual with COVID-19 for a period of 15 minutes or longer (the 15 minute time frame is cumulative over 24 hours). With mandatory face coverings and social distancing, the risk of exposure to people who are not close contacts is no greater than the risk of contracting the virus in the general community.

With a vaccination, the need to quarantine following a close contact may not be needed, but this exception will depend on the specific situation.

COVID-19 (coronavirus) is a viral respiratory illness with symptoms ranging from a mild cold to severe illness. Eden Prairie Schools is closely monitoring information and recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). You can find comprehensive information at the MDH COVID-19 webpage. If you have additional questions about the virus, please contact the MDH COVID-19 Hotline at 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504, Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Elementary school students will continue to be organized in groups (aka “pods”).
• Classrooms will have -- to the extent possible -- three feet of social distance between students or student pods. Three feet of social distance is recommended, but not required, by the Minnesota Department of Education.
• Eden Prairie Schools will continue to contact trace and notify individuals if staff know there was an exposure to COVID-19. Notification to all students/families in a classroom will be communicated only as needed.
• Breakfast and lunch will be provided in cafeterias, with cleaning between lunch periods. Based on recent federal action, for the 2021-22 school year meals will be free for any in-person dining only.

School staff may ask about your student and family vaccination status on a need-to-know basis when it is essential to ensure the health of other students or staff. This information will remain private and confidential and is not part of a permanent record.

Rapid COVID-19 Testing is now available at no cost through myHealth for Teens & Young Adults. More information can be found by clicking below:

COVID-19 Testing information