EPS COVID-19 Update

TO: Members of the Board, Staff, Students, and EPS Families
FROM: Mr. Michael Kaiser, Superintendent
SUBJECT: Fall 2020 Reopening Planning
DATE: July 2nd, 2020

Many people are wondering what school will look like starting this fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first day of school for EPS is Tuesday, August 25th, 2020. We currently don’t know how schooling will look when we start. However, we’ll strive to have school as normal as possible while following guidelines from the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, Governor Burgum, Dickey County Department of Health, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Below is information regarding what we know at this time.

• Survey data will be collected from families and staff regarding school and safety to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Surveys will be sent out via the school’s notification system and are due Monday, July 13th.
• Around July 15th, the Governor’s Office and the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction will be releasing the ND Smart Restart K-12 Plan for the 2020-2021 school year.
• The North Dakota High School Activity Association will also be releasing Return to Competition recommendations mid-July.
• The administration team is collaborating to develop our restart plan.
• We have ordered additional cleaning and disinfection supplies and will be training staff on the recommended protocol.
• As soon as we have more information, we’ll communicate it to you to prepare for the start of the 2020-2021 school year.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 701-349-3232 or michael.kaiser@ellendale.k12.nd.us. Have a Happy and Safe Independence Day!

 

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May 18, 2020

Dear EPS Families,

Ellendale Public Schools will continue distance learning for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year due to COVID-19.   The last day of school and meal service is Thursday, May 21st, 2020.  Below are several important updates:

• EPS has developed a process for students to return school owned property (technology devices, textbooks / classroom materials, instrument rentals, library books, and sports uniforms) on Wednesday, May 20th.  For more details, check out the school website or call the office.  

• Ellendale High School will be holding a graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 24th at 2:00 PM in the North Gym.  For the health and safety of the graduates and their families, we have made the difficult decision to limit attendance.  Please see the EHS Graduation Plan 2020 for details.  For those who are unable to attend, the ceremony will be livestreamed on Facebook @EHSCards.  

• Ellendale Public School is offering drivers education this summer.  There is a mandatory drivers ed parent meeting on  Wednesday, May 20th at 6:00 PM via zoom.  The classroom portion will begin on June 1st and will be a blend of online and face-to-face instruction.  With frequently cleaning and other precautions, we are now able to offer the behind-the-wheel portion too.  For more information about drivers education contact Carissa Monatukwa at carissa.monatukwa@ellendale.k12.nd.us. 

• We are making plans for Summer School options starting in June.  More details to come.  

Have a Great Summer Break!

Sincerely,

Michael Kaiser, Superintendent
Ellendale Public School

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May 11th, 2020

Dear EPS Families,

Ellendale Public Schools will continue distance learning for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year due to COVID-19.   The last day of school and meal service is Thursday, May 21st, 2020.  Below are several important updates:

• Principals have released information regarding end of year plans for their respective buildings.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Girard or Mr. Herman.  

• Our team has developed a Textbook and Technology Turn-In process for students to return school owned property on Wednesday, May 20th.  Students are organized by LAST NAME.  If you have multiple last names in your family, please choose one-time slot.  This process is created for the health and safety of all, so please be prompt in the process.  If you are feeling ill, please stay home.   Turn-in will occur at Ellendale Public School.  See the chart below for details:

A “last chance” Turn-In option will also be available on Thursday, May 21st. If the designated times do not work for you please call the office at 701-349-3232.  

 

• Ellendale High School will be holding a graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 24th at 2:00 PM in the North Gym.  This was made possible with guidance from Governor Doug Burgum and the ND Smart Restart High School Graduation Ceremony Guidance from the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction.  Specific guidelines will be shared with graduates and will be posted on the school’s website after consultation with local health officials and school board approval.  

• NDDPI has partnered with the Governor’s Office, Forum Communications and Microsoft to produce a virtual Celebration of the North Dakota Class of 2020. The live celebration will take place on Saturday, May 30 at 2 p.m. Central time and will be broadcast on ABC statewide in North Dakota, including WDAY, WDAZ, KBMY and KMCY. It will also be available to stream on the InForum, Grand Forks Herald, Jamestown Sun and Dickinson Press websites. (Forum Communications is making this available to everyone regardless of subscription status.)  This statewide celebration will honor graduates from 181 high schools and Microsoft Teams will enable guest speakers, including Governor Burgum, a performance by Tigerlily and a nationally recognized North Dakota native.

• Ellendale Public School is offering the classroom portion of drivers education this summer.  The classroom portion will begin on May 26th and will be online.  Unfortunately, we were just informed that the behind-the-wheel portion is not allowable at this time due to school closures and social distancing guidelines.  We will continue to monitor the possibility of offering behind the wheel throughout the summer.  If we are unable to hold the driving portion of the course prorated reimbursements may be issued.  Please register your child by Friday, May 15th by calling the office (701-349-3232). 

Thank you for your support and efforts as we work together to get past the COVID-19 pandemic.  We will do our best to finish the 2019-2020 school year strong with the Distance Learning Plan. 

Sincerely,

Michael Kaiser, Superintendent
Ellendale Public School 

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May 4th, 2020

Dear EPS Families,

Ellendale Public Schools will continue distance learning for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year due to COVID-19.   The last day of school is Thursday, May 21st, 2020.  Below are several important updates:

• Gov. Doug Burgum issued an executive order on May 1st directing all K-12 schools in the state to provide distance learning for the remainder of the school year to help slow the spread of COVID-19.  Click here for the full press release.  

• The last day of Grab-and-Go meal service will be May 21st.  

• Please look for a follow up announcement as to how we will collect work and devices as we close out this school year.

• Per the 2019-20 school calendar, May 24th is currently the date for Graduation.  However, we are waiting for additional guidance from the Department of Public Instruction and the Governor’s office on graduation ceremonies.  We will provide an update when more information is available. 

• The North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA) Board of Directors unanimously voted to cancel the remaining 2020 NDHSAA winter postseason basketball tournaments, spring sports seasons and championships, and spring fine arts region and state contests. Click here for the full press release.    

• Ellendale Public School is offering drivers education this summer.  The classroom portion will begin on May 26th and will be online, unless restrictions are eased or changed.  We are still working out the logistics of the behind-the-wheel portion of the course.  Please register your child by Friday, May 15th by calling the office (701-349-3232). 

• We are exploring summer school opportunities for children who may need additional support as a result of the school closure.   Stay tuned for updates. 

Thank you for your support and efforts as we work together to get past the COVID-19 pandemic.  We will do our best to finish the 19/20 school year strong with the Distance Learning Plan. 

Sincerely,

Michael Kaiser, Superintendent
Ellendale Public School

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April 27th, 2020

Dear EPS Families,

Ellendale Public Schools will remain closed to students due to COVID-19 until further notice.  Distance learning plans are in place to allow students to continue their education while school-buildings are closed.  Below are several important updates for the week of April 27th – May 1st.   

• Ellendale Public School will remain closed through April 30th.  This closure aligns with the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for American, known as “30 Days to Slow the Spread.”  We anticipate more information from the Governor’s Office regarding school closures by or before May 1st.  If the school is allowed to reopen, we will provide advanced notice so families can prepare.  

• At this point in time, the plan is to follow our regular school schedule which makes May 21st, 2020 the last day of school.    

• Last week, school administration met with the Junior and Senior Class regarding prom and graduation.  Several options were discussed but we are waiting to make a final decision until we have more information regarding the school closure and social distancing guidelines.

Thank you for your support and efforts as we work together to get past the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sincerely,


Michael Kaiser, Superintendent
Ellendale Public School

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April 20th, 2020

Dear EPS Families,

Ellendale Public Schools will remain closed to students due to COVID-19 until further notice.  Distance learning plans are in place to allow students to continue their education while school-buildings are closed.  Below are several important updates for the week of April 20th – April 24th. 

• Ellendale Public School will remain closed through April 30th.  This closure aligns with the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for American, known as “30 Days to Slow the Spread.”   Ellendale Public School we re-evaluate the school closure at the end of the month. One thing we know is that a safe restart is contingent on continuing positive trends and avoiding a spike in COVID-19 cases.  

• While we do not know for sure, it is unlikely that Ellendale School will be able to have a graduation ceremony as normal.  Ellendale Public School is examining all of the options and will make an announcement regarding graduation in the coming weeks.  

• As a point of clarification, the school closure includes the playground equipment.  Closing school playground equipment aligns with CDC guidelines.  Using playgrounds might lead to the spread of COVID-19 because:

• They are often crowded and could easily exceed recommended guidance for gatherings.

• It can be challenging to keep surfaces clean and disinfected.

• The virus can spread when young children touch contaminated equipment and then touch their hands to their eyes, nose or mouth.

Thank you for your support and efforts as we work together to get past the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sincerely,


Michael Kaiser, Superintendent
Ellendale Public School

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April 13th, 2020

Dear EPS Families,

Ellendale Public Schools will remain closed due to COVID-19 until further notice.  Below are several important updates for the week of April 13th – April 17th.  

• In order to provide resources to families, Ellendale Public School has created a community resource guide.  The resource guide is a collection of resources and phone numbers for services available to residents in our area.  The resource guide is not an exhaustive list of all area providers. It is simply meant as a guide or starting point for individuals and families in need of support during this challenging time. The Community Resource Guide can be found below and in the all forms folder on the school website.  

• The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) has created a COVID-19 Updates and Guidance website here. 

• The North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA) has extended the indefinite suspension of Spring Sports in accordance with Governor Burgum’s Executive Order 2020-10 requiring the closure of all public and non-public K-12 school facilities indefinitely, as well as Federal social distancing guidelines. Winter Basketball State Tournaments and Fine Arts contests also remain suspended indefinitely. The NDHSAA will re-evaluate on May 1, 2020 the resumption of Spring Sports, Winter Basketball State Tournaments, and Fine Arts Contests to be considered only if a return to in-person K-12 instruction is imminent.

 Thank you for your support and efforts as we work together to get past the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sincerely,
Michael Kaiser, Superintendent
Ellendale Public School

Emergency Services
Ambulance/Fire/Sheriff/Police			911		In an emergency, dial 911
Non-Emergency Sheriff			701-349-3249 ext. 1		309 N 2nd Street, Ellendale, ND
Non-Emergency Ellendale Police			701-349-2093		724 5th Ave North, Ellendale, ND
Dickey County Emergency Manager			701-320-6299		309 North 2nd Street, Ellendale, ND
Poison Control			800-222-1222		Find and report MDS number on label when calling.
Crisis Line at South Central			701-253-6304		24-hour crisis line
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline			800-273-8255		24-hour free and confidential support
Crisis Help – Referral and Resources			211 / 898-211 text line		24-hour free and confidential support
Road Report			511		Travel information
Ellendale Medical Services
Avera Clinic of Ellendale			701-349-3666		240 Main Street, Ellendale, ND
Cotter Dental			701-349-3636		210 Main Street, Ellendale, ND
Sanford Health Ellendale Clinic			701-349-3331		141 Main Street,. Ellendale, ND
Ellendale Support Services
Ellendale Community Food Pantry			701-349-3312		504 2nd Ave North, Ellendale, ND Open the 2nd and 4th Saturday from 10:00 -12:00
Kedish House			701-349-4729 / 701-349-4118 (24 Hour Crisis Line)		509 1st Street North, Ellendale, ND
Dickey County Resources
Dickey County Extension			701-3409-3249 ext. 2		309 N 2nd Street, Ellendale, ND
Dickey County Health District			701-349-4348		205 15th Street North, Ellendale, ND
Dickey County Housing Authority			701-349-3249 ext. 131
South Country Human Service Zone (Social Services)			701-349-3271		205 15th Street North, Ellendale, ND / PO Box 279
WIC – Dickey and LaMoure Counties			701-883-5179		2nd Ave NE, LaMoure, ND

 Therapy and Mental Health Services

Abound Counseling	800-985-7942	3911 20th Ave S, Fargo, ND		Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota.  Has a location in Jamestown and telehealth services are available.
Anne Carlsen Center	800-568-5175	814 13th St NE, Jamestown (Comm. Svc) 311 1st Ave, Suite 11, Jamestown (Early Int)		Community based services and early intervention services.
Avera Psychiatric Associates	605-622-2545	201 S Lloyd St, Aberdeen SD		Provides psychological and psychiatric services.
Avera St. Luke’s Mental Health	605-622-5000	305 S State St, Aberdeen, SD		Provides inpatient mental health care to individuals experiencing acute psychological distress and requires assessment and short term inpatient care.
Awakening Counseling Services	605-725-2701	202 S Main St, #516, Aberdeen, SD		Counseling services in Aberdeen.
Breakthrough Psychological Services	605-725-5505	404 S. Lincoln St, Suite 11, Aberdeen, SD		Professional mental health counseling and assessment.
Head Start Program	701-252-1821	PO Box 507, Jamestown, ND		Serves the counties of Eddy, Foster, Stutsman, Barnes, LaMoure, and Dickey.
Dakota Counseling Group	605-725-9565	121 4th Ave SW, Suite 2, Aberdeen, SD		Provides a variety of interventions and services.
Footsteps Counseling	605-725-2155	419 Moccasin Drive, Aberdeen, SD		Mental health services to individuals ages 10 and up.
Hart Counseling	701-952-8277	300 2nd Ave NE, Suite 214, Jamestown, ND		Provides a variety of services to Jamestown and the surrounding area.
James River Special Education	701-252-3376	PO Box 1896, Jamestown, ND		Serves Edgeley, Ellendale, Kulm, LaMoure, L-M, Medina, and Montpelier schools.
Jamestown Counseling Center	701-490-3281	311 1st Ave, Suite 10, Jamestown, ND		Counseling center in Jamestown.
Lutheran Social Services – Aberdeen	800-584-9248	110 6th Ave SE, Suite 200, Aberdeen, SD		Behavioral health services in Aberdeen.
Northeastern Mental Health	605-225-1010	14 S Main St, Aberdeen SD		Provides multiple treatment options.  A service provider sees kids at Ellendale School one day a week.
Northern Plains Psychological Associates	605-225-3622	405 8th Ave NW, Suite 333, Aberdeen SD		Therapists specialize in many areas of behavioral health services.
St. Thomas Counseling Center	701-952-7555	108 1st Ave S, Suite 300, Jamestown, ND		Offering both mental health and substance abuse treatment. ADHD testing.
South Central Human Service Center	701-252-6300	520 3rd St NW, Jamestown, ND		Serves core population in Stutsman, Barnes, LaMoure, Dickey, Logan, and McIntosh.
The Village	800-627-8220	2701 12th Ave. S, Fargo, ND 1201 25th St. S, Fargo, ND		The Village has 6 offices in ND and they provide services through the internet, phone and affiliate providers.  EPS employees have access to an Employee Assistance Program through the Village.
Valley Christian Counseling Center	701-232-6224	108 1st Ave S, Suite 100, Jamestown, ND		Faith based counseling center with a location in Jamestown.
*** The list provided is not an exhaustive list of all area providers.  It is simply meant as a guide or starting point for individuals and families in need of support.  Please call Ellendale School for corrections/ changes. Last updated 4.14.2020.

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April 3rd, 2020

Dear EPS Families,

Ellendale Public Schools will remain closed due to COVID-19 until further notice.  Below are several important updates for the week of April 6th – April 10th:

• Ellendale Public School’s approved Distance Learning Plan can be found on the school website. EPS will continue to utilize distance learning to educate our students for the duration of the school closure.   

• We understand this change in learning has already brought and will continue to bring challenges.  The EPS staff is ready to work with you as our partners in education as we navigate this new learning style.  Thank you for working with us in this endeavor.  

• Parents and trusted adults play an important role in helping children make sense of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Check out Parents Lead for lots of great resources for parents and caregivers.  Some of the new resources available include Co-parenting During a Pandemic and Social Interaction while Social Distancing.  

• Online classes will not be in session on April 10th as it is a Holiday.  Online classes will resume on April 13th as it is a Storm-Make Up Day.  

• The Grab-and-Go meals signup for next week is due Monday, March 6th at 9:00 AM.  Click here to signup.  There will be no Grab-and-Go meals distributed on Friday, April 10th.  Instead, meals for Friday will be included in your Thursday pickup.  

• Prom is postponed indefinitely due to CDC social distancing guidelines.  At this point in time, a new date has not been selected. We will update students and families as more information becomes available.  

Thank you for your support and efforts as we work together to get past the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sincerely,

Michael Kaiser, Superintendent
Ellendale Public School

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March 30, 2020

Dear EPS Families,

Ellendale Public Schools will remain closed due to COVID-19 until further notice.  Below are several important updates for the week:

• In an executive order, Governor Burgum directed all school districts to develop age-appropriate distance learning plans based on guidance from The Department of Public Instruction.  I am pleased to let you know that Superintendent Baesler and Governor Burgum have reviewed and approved Ellendale Public School’s distance learning plan.  Approval means that we can continue to provide educational services online during the school closure.  Moreover, we will not need to make up time missed as a result of the current school closure. Ellendale’s distance learning plan can be found on the school website.

• During the school closure, office hours are Monday – Friday 9 AM – 1 PM.

• In order to support technology needs during the school closure, the Technology Office is open Monday – Thursday 9 AM – 1 PM and by other times by appointment.

• You can now check out books from the EPS Library.  To get a book, fill out the book request form on the school website by 9 am for same-day drop off.  If after 9 am, books will be available the next day (Monday-Friday). Books will be delivered to the same place and time as the Grab-and-Go meals.

• Our school counselor is now available to provide virtual school counseling through online platforms.  Go to the school website for more information.

• Lastly, as per Governor Burgum “schools are closed indefinitely” and only essential personnel are allowed access.  Indefinitely means “for an unlimited or unspecified period of time”. We will continue to update the community regarding the school closure as more information becomes available.

Thank you for your support and efforts as we work together to get past the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sincerely,

Michael Kaiser, Superintendent
Ellendale Public School

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March 27, 2020: Tips & Tricks For Managing Google Classroom & Emails

 

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March 23, 2020

Dear EPS Families,

North Dakota schools have been given the opportunity to provide distance learning to students during the school closure prompted by COVID-19.  An important component of the Ellendale Public School’s distance learning plan is equal access to technology, the internet, and other resources.  Therefore, Ellendale Public School will be deploying internet connected devices and other resources to students on Tuesday, March 24th.

Pickup Process-Tuesday, March 24: Our team has designed a pickup process that will allow ALL students and families to pick up devices and other required learning materials.  Families are organized by LAST NAME and will have two options for pickup. This process is created for the health and safety of all, so please be prompt in the pickup process. See chart below for your time slot to stop at the school. If you have multiple last names in your family, please choose one time slot. If the listed times do not work, please contact the school office to reschedule.  We encourage you to bring a backpack or bag to haul materials and supplies home.

Elementary: Parents must be present to verbally agree to the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) in order to pick up a school issued device.  If you are not in need of a device, you must still come and get other learning materials as issued by your child’s teacher.

High School Devices:   May be picked up by students or parents as parents have already agreed to the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).  All devices need a policy update to allow online video conferencing.  If your school issued device is at home, you must bring it to the school to be updated.

Pick Up Locations: Devices will be issued on the North side of the building.  Grades K-3 will we be distributed near the north Elementary playground door (door #14). Grades 4-6 will be distributed at the parking lot in between the Elementary and the new gym.  Grades 7-12 will be distributed near the north gym entrance (door #8). Deployment will occur outside of the school building as access into the school building is restricted by order of the Governor of North Dakota. 

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March 22, 2020

Dear EPS Families,

Ellendale Public School’s grab-and-go meal program has been a huge success. On Thursday, March 19th we served 25 breakfasts and 45 lunches.  On Friday, March 20th we served 89 breakfasts and 91 lunches. A huge shout out to all the staff members who made this possible. It should also be noted that the grab-and-go meal program is the result of a partnership with the USDA and the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction.

Information about the grab-and-go meal program:

• Free meals are available to all children, including children from other communities and children not enrolled in school (age 1 and older).

• Meals are grab-and-go, meaning they are to be consumed off-site.

• Pick up will occur once daily (Monday-Friday) with two meals available – lunch and the next day’s breakfast.

• Grab-and-go meal pick up times and locations:

  • Ellendale Public School Door #17 – 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

  • Westside Trailer Court – 11:30 am – 11:40 am

  • TBC Ray Ulmer Field House – 11:30 am – 11:40 am

  • Fullerton Ranch House – 12:00 – 12:10

  • Monango Gym – 12:00 – 12:10

• Additional sites may be added depending upon demand.

• Food will be provided for the duration of the school closure.

To receive FREE MEALS for all children ages 1 – 18:

• Complete this form here, by 9:00 AM Monday for meals for the week.  If you need assistance with the form or have questions, contact the office at 701-349-3232.

• Please complete the form each week during the closure to ensure accurate meal counts.  Meal counts are critical so that everyone gets served.

Thank you for your patience and support as we have been getting this new program up and running.

Sincerely,

Michael Kaiser, Superintendent
Ellendale Public School

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March 19, 2020 – 6:00 PM

Dear EPS Families,

Ellendale Public School will remain closed until further notice. This closure was ordered by North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Gov. Burgum announced the closure in a press conference today, Thursday, March 19, 2020. See the full press conference here.

Ellendale Public School administrators and teachers are currently making plans to transition to online or remote distance learning by or before April 1st, 2020 so that education may resume while the building is closed. More information will be released as it becomes available.

Ellendale Public School is now able to offer free grab-and-go breakfast and lunch to all children ages 1-18 years. Please submit a form by 9:00 am for each day of service for accurate meal counts. Grab-and-go bags will contain lunch and the next day’s breakfast. Click here to sign up for lunch and breakfast tomorrow.

We will continue to follow CDC and North Dakota Department of Health guidelines and recommendations.

Sincerely,

Michael Kaiser, Superintendent
Ellendale Public School

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March 18, 2020 – 8:00 PM

Dear EPS Families,

Starting on Thursday, March 19, Ellendale Public School Lunch Program will provide grab-and-go meals due to the current school closure. Meals will be provided using a pick-up process at certain sites in Ellendale.

Grab-and-go bags will contain lunch and the next day’s breakfast. Students do not need to attend the pickup sites to receive a meal. For example, a child or parent can pick up food for their school-aged siblings or children. Due to current restrictions, meals are not allowed to be consumed on site.

A limited number of meals will be produced as determined by the school closure survey conducted earlier this week. If you didn’t sign up for meals you can still stop by as extra meals will be prepared. Please contact the office if you would like to begin receiving meals regularly.

Grab-and-go meal pick up locations:

Ellendale Public School Door #17 (MPR entrance) – 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Ray Ulmer Field House @ Trinity Bible College – 11:45 am – 12:00 pm
Westside Trailer Court – 12:05 pm – 12:20 pm
Meals will be available Monday-Friday (except Holiday’s) until school reopens. Food will be charged to lunch accounts at regular lunch prices with free and reduced rates applied as usual.

Due to the need for deep cleaning and sanitizing at Ellendale Public School, the administration is asking students/parents to pick up all personal items from his/her locker and gym locker. Clean up times are as follows:

Thursday, March 19, 2020 from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Friday, March 20, 2020 from 7:00 am – 12:00 pm
If these times do not work for you, please contact the school.

Sincerely,

Michael Kaiser, Superintendent
Ellendale Public School

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March 15, 2020 – 9:00 PM

Ellendale Public School will be closed Monday, March 16th – Friday, March 20th. The closure was ordered by North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced the closures in a press conference earlier tonight. See the full press conference here.

Burgum said, “The strategy around the school closing is to reduce the rate of infection to allow us to have a week to plan, not just for how we deliver school services, but for us to plan to make sure that our health care system can take care of those that are most vulnerable.”

More information will be released as it becomes available.

Sincerely,

Michael Kaiser, Superintendent
Ellendale Public School

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March 14, 2020 – 7:00 AM

Dear EPS Families,

In an effort to keep factual and timely communication about Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19), Ellendale Public School will ultimately follow CDC and North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) guidelines.
At this time, school and the MOST afterschool program will continue as normal. Based on guidance from the CDC, Governor’s Office, NDDoH, and the ND Department of Public Instruction, it is not appropriate to close school for the following reasons:

● Services, like nutrition and special education, still need to be met
● Online classes are not accessible for all students
● Children might stay with grandparents, or more vulnerable age populations, if schools were to close, if parents need to work
● There is no evidence of community spread in North Dakota
● Though universities and colleges are closing campuses, K-12 does not need to close as children are not identified as a vulnerable age population
● The ND Department of Health will give us guidance if schools need to be closed. If cases are not in a community, school closures are not recommended.

Please see the full press release from the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction for more detailed information. You can also watch a recording of the press conference here.
The North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA) has postponed indefinitely all fine arts and spring sports seasons, including games and practices until further notice. See the full press release here. As a result, Ellendale School has suspended all activities. We will continue to monitor the situation on a day-by-day basis as the situation evolves constantly. More information will be released as it becomes available.

Sincerely,
Michael Kaiser, Superintendent
Ellendale Public School