Safe Learning Plan

Isolation procedures

Updated 4/18/22

For everyone, regardless of vaccination status, if you test positive for COVID-19:

Stay home for 5 days (day zero is the first day of symptoms or the day of a positive saliva or nasal swab test)
If you have no symptoms, no fever, and your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, students and staff can return to school. They must wear a well-fitted face covering for 5 additional days.

If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.

Face coverings

Updated 4/18/22

The use of face coverings is recommended at all grade levels and may be required for a set period of time in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Our district leadership team will continue to regularly review COVID-19 case rates in the district, in our local communities and across Minnesota. In general, COVID-19-related health and safety measures are communicated in the Parent Post and on this page.

Vaccinations available for ages 5 and up

Vaccinations
The best way to prevent COVID-19 is with one of the safe and effective vaccines. Eden Prairie Schools recommends, but does not require, COVID vaccinations for students and staff who are eligible (currently, ages 5 and up). To avoid prolonged quarantines that keep students out of school, families should consider vaccination for everyone in their household who is eligible.

Every Minnesotan age 5 years and older is now eligible to get their shot. The Minnesota Department of Health has asked all schools to continue sharing information about the Vaccine Connector app.

District staff are not initiating vaccination with students or staff.

Helpful resources provided as a courtesy on behalf of Hennepin County: Plan your child's vax, COVID-19 response page

Questions? Call Hennepin County Navigation 612-348-8900.

Keep your student home if they have symptoms of illness

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with the following symptoms may have COVID-19:

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

Find more information, including a symptom self-checker, from the Centers for Disease Control.

Quarantine procedures

ESSER (Elementary & Secondary Schools Emergency Relief) Funds

COVID-19 Dashboard

Family supports and Resources

Our iLearn@EP (technology) parent/guardian Help Line is 952-975-7094 | helpline@edenpr.or g

Eden Prairie Schools Resources

Food support

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

Free / reduced-price lunch benefits

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.

Cleaning procedures

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:

Facility Cleaning Methods and Considerations

Cleaning Considerations

Eden Prairie Public Schools has prepared in-depth cleaning practices to prevent the exposure of COVID-19. Key elements include:
•   Staff will utilize Oxivir Five, which is an approved disinfectant on EPA List N.
•   The dwell time of product is 5 minutes.
•   The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) states that no Personal Protective Protection, (PPE) is required during use.
•   The SDS is available to staff on the Facilities and Safety webpage on the Eden Prairie Schools website
•   The containers are pre-labeled with GHS compliant labels.
•   Staff have received training on good cleaning practices and Employee Right-to-Know. Records are in the district office.

When technology items are needing to be cleaned, isopropyl alcohol will be utilized to prevent damage to the equipment.

Routine Cleaning

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend routine cleaning and disinfection occur to assist in prevention of the virus spread. The District accomplishes this through routine cleaning of high touch points as listed below, per CDC guidelines.

Internal custodial staff who complete routine cleaning follow these recommendations:

Wear chemical-resistant gloves.
If the surface is visibly dirty, clean using soap & water.
Disinfect surfaces using disinfectant provided and paper towels and or disposable scrub pads. The product needs to remain wet on the surface for the designated amount of time.
Use a garbage bag for your waste. When full, place garbage in dumpster.
Remove gloves, then wash hands thoroughly with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.

Air filtration systems

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.

Visitors & Volunteers Protocols

Health Resources & Information

COVID-19 Testing

As long as they are available, you may request at COVID-19 test from your school or site by contacting the main office.

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

COVID-19 Testing information

A list of translated instructions for at-home BinaxNOW Covid-19 tests from the University of Minnesota can be found below. Languages include

English | Arabic | ASL | Burmese | Dari | French | Kirundi | Maay Maay | Nepali | Pashto | Spanish | Somali | Swahili | Vietnamese

Preventing spread of disease

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.

Minnesota Department of Health

Talking With Children About COVID-19

COVID-19 Overview

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.