On March 15, 2020, Governor Walz issued a mandatory order stating Minnesota Schools must be closed by Wednesday, March 18, 2020 through Friday, March 27, 2020 for the purpose of staff planning to prepare for distance learning for our students for what could be an extended period of time beginning Monday, March 30.

Our District Leadership team has been meeting throughout the day (Sunday), in consultation with state officials and area school districts to prepare our district’s response. ​At this point, Watertown-Mayer School District’s plan in response to the Governor’s order includes the following:

• ●  All schools are closed for students, including all before school, after school, and evening activities beginning​ ​Monday, March 16, extending through a minimum of Friday, March 27,
• ●  All district staff (teachers, paraprofessional and all support) will report to work Tuesday, March 17 through Friday March 20.
• ●  Schools will be opened at some point in the coming week to parents/students to retrieve educational materials and personal items. Please watch for additional information on specific times and details.
• ●  All Community Education, school age and infant & toddler childcare, early childhood family education, and preschool classes are canceled until further notice.
• ●  Beginning Monday, March 16, Kids Company School Age Childcare will be offered for healthcare and emergency workers as per Governor Walz’s order. Healthcare and emergency workers include, but may not be limited to, area hospital and clinic healthcare staff, firefighters and first responders/EMTs. Proof of employment credentials for emergency workers may be required to access the Kids Company service.
• ●  Kids Company will also be offered for school district staff when required to report to work.
• ●  All staff and students will be on spring break the week of March 23 as per the existing school district calendar.

  This continues to be a rapidly changing situation. It is our goal to keep families and district staff informed as events continue to evolve. Please watch closely for additional updates through the district’s regular channels of communication as we continue to communicate information on what could be an extended period of time of distance learning and school closure beginning on March 30.

  As always, the Watertown-Mayer District maintains student safety as a priority in our schools.

  Ron Wilke
  Superintendent of Schools