As Superintendent, it’s my responsibility to ensure that our district provides educational equity and
opportunities for all of our students. It’s also my job to make sure that our staff feel supported while they
provide instruction. Teachers, paraprofessionals, administration, coordinators, custodians, and support staff work together to ensure that students receive what they need in order to succeed.
Since we were made aware of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it would begin to affect our country— our daily lives, jobs, loved ones and families, basic needs, and education (just to name a few)— we knew we had to pull together all resources in order to adapt to a new way of life.
School districts across the state have been working countless hours to prepare for online distance learning in order to continue to meet the needs of students, families and communities. Our Governor knew this was a big ask; but as educators, volunteers and active community members, we began to organize to provide structure and resources.
Our strategic directions of high expectations matched with high support for both students and staff is central to how we operate at St. Anthony-New Brighton (SANB). Even during this time of uncertainty and change, we are coming together and rising to the challenge.
At SANB, I have watched our staff tirelessly shift their daily tasks to a completely new way of providing support to each other and learning for students. Over spring break, advisors and coaches, administrative team members, Community Services staff, and custodians met the challenge head-on, without reluctance or hesitation.
Since March 15, our dedicated staff have rallied and pulled together the following:
● Instructional coaches and advisors prepared an online distance learning model for teachers and
students.
● Administration provided guidance and information to staff in order to prepare for online distance
learning.
● The IT Department began to prepare and provide technology for students (internet access options and
Chromebooks sanitized and readied) distributed March 23-27.
● Nutrition Services staff organized and began preparing grab-and-go meals (breakfast and lunch) for all
children, ages 18 and younger.
● Teachers began preparing online lesson plans to begin on March 30.
● Teachers provided staff development for colleagues regarding online learning tools.
● Community Services staff providing emergency child care for tier one and two families.
● Custodial staff cleaning and disinfecting all buildings.
● The Business Office continues to ensure the bills are paid and staff pay/benefits continue.
● Communication team ensures that staff, families and the community continues to have up-to-date and
accessible information.
● The School Board is providing trust and governance for all staff to do their new jobs effectively.
At SANB, we also value strong communication and relationships with our families and community. We are committed to staying in communication through various ways — voicemails, emails, texts, videos— you name it, we’ve done it. We not only educate our children, but will also provide childcare, meals, and resources. We will continue to be here for all of our families, and our SANBE community.
Thank you to all of the staff— you are not just my coworkers and friends—you are my family. I appreciate each and every one of you! And to all my students, families and community members— we are SANBE strong! We will get through this, together.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Dr. Renee Corneille