Minneapolis Review

Minneapolis Public Schools issued the following announcement on Aug. 27.

As we grapple with yet another week of police violence and civil unrest, we are reminded of all that our students, families, and staff will be carrying with them when school starts in two weeks. Our website includes information on mental health services to support members of our community, as well as resources for how families can support students.

In these times of uncertainty and tragedy, our goal is for our schools to remain safe and welcoming places for all—even virtually.

This update includes information on:

• Updates from schools

• Schools supplies for those in need

• Spectators at athletic events

• Completing the census

• Free COVID-19 testing

REMINDER: Back to School 2020

MPS will start the new school year through distance learning for pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. Grades 1-12 start Sept. 8, and PreK and K start Sept. 10. Visit b2s.mpls.k12.mn.us to learn more and view our Back-to-School Resource guide created just for families.

REMINDER: School meal box pick up begins Sept. 8 for MPS students

All MPS students are eligible to participate in the MPS school-meal-box pick up that will begin on Sept. 8. Please continue to visit the CWS website for the most up-to-date information.

REMINDER: Video resources for families

MPS is producing regular video updates on a variety of topics. Watch them for everything from handwashing and hygiene tips to distance learning updates. This week's video covers emergency childcare, early childhood education, culturally specific student and family resources, and grading.

Watch for information from your school

Until the first day, your school should be reaching out to check on your family’s needs, including for laptops and iPads, as well as providing regular updates. Some schools are hosting back-to-school events that comply with district guidelines and health and safety protocols. Soon, all teachers’ daily schedules and contact information will be available via schools’ online directories.

Be sure to watch for calls, emails, or texts from your school, and also check your school’s website. If you haven’t heard from your school or teacher, please contact your school directly.

School supplies available for those in need

All students will need basic school supplies for the year, even in distance learning. Thanks to generous donors and partners, MPS has school supplies available for students in need. Please contact your school directly if your student needs supplies.

Athletics update: No spectators allowed

In an effort to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus and in accordance with the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) guidelines, indoor fall sports will not be allowed to have spectators. This would include Swimming and Diving for MPS. For outdoor fall sports, there will be no spectators allowed during Boys and Girls Soccer contests or during home Cross Country and Girls Tennis events.

Complete the Census by September 30!

The 2020 Census will help determine financial resources and legislative representation for our communities for the next decade, including for our schools. Be counted. Fill out your census at my2020census.gov or by calling 844-330-2020.

Free COVID-19 testing from the City of Minneapolis

Minneapolis is offering free COVID-19 testing Aug. 28 and Sept. 11, 12, 19 and 26. All are welcome. The test is at no cost to you, and you do not need insurance to be tested. If you are unable to attend one of these testing events, you can use this directory to find a testing location near you. If you need medical care but don’t have health insurance, the Minnesota Department of Health offers resources to find low-cost health care or health insurance.

• Friday, Aug. 28: Noon-7 p.m. at New Salem Baptist Church, 2507 Bryant Ave. N. Tests given to people on foot. Register here.

• Friday, Sept. 11, and Saturday, Sept. 12: Noon-4 p.m. at Shiloh Temple, 1201 W. Broadway Ave. N. Register onsite.

• Saturday, Sept. 19, and Saturday, Sept. 26: Noon-5 p.m. at Abubakar As-Sadique Islamic Center, 2824 13th Ave. S. Register onsite.

Original source can be found here.