Elementary school starts; secondary delayed again

After much deliberation due to a recent spike in the number of positive tests for COVID-19 in Lyon County, Minneota Public School administrators decided to allow students in grades 1-6 to report to school on Tuesday, Sept. 1, while secondary students will continue with distance learning, just as they did last year from March until the end of the school year.
"This morning I had a conference call with the command team assigned to our region of the state," said Minneota Superintendent Dan Deitte on Monday. "This command team includes people from the Minnesota Department of Health. Given the situation with the recent outbreak of positive COVID-19 numbers, this is our plan moving forward this week."
The school will continue with the elementary plan as long as the outbreak doesn't get worse, Deitte noted.
Elementary Principal Jen Mahan-Deitte and High School Principal Jeremy Frie sent additional information to parents with students later on Monday. An email was also sent to secondary families inquiring which students will need breakfast/lunch.
"We need to stay in this model until the outbreak starts to improve, and the overall two-week numbers come down," said Dan Deitte. "Although this is not how we wanted to start our school year, we must continue to follow the guidelines that ensure we are providing a safe environment for all students and staff.”
A new update will be shared on Thursday, September 3 for the following week.
The distance learning for secondary students also affects the Canby/Minneota boys and girls cross country teams.
"Since Minneota is in the distance learning model, they will be conducting virtual/at home training until they are able to be back in school," said head coach Allyson Pesek. "This means no competitions for them as well. Canby runners, however, are eligible to compete still."
The cross country team opened the season on Tuesday, Sept. 1 in Cottonwood.
"It is an unfortunate situation," said Pesek. "But hopefully we will have Minneota back with us soon."