Important update from MPS

Dear MPS Families,

We’d like to thank you for your patience and support as we had to make the difficult decision to close schools due to safety concerns. In light of the fear, concern, and pain in our community this week, on top of what many have been experiencing for some time, MPS reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that every student has access to a safe and welcoming learning environment. We continue to partner closely with the City of Minneapolis and other partners to coordinate responses to what’s happening in our city.  

We want to recognize that this is a long email that contains a lot of information.  However, we ask that you closely read all of the information as it is critical to understanding the educational options available to your students through February 12, 2026.  If you have any questions, please contact your principal.

All MPS schools are welcoming students back to school on Monday, January 12.  As we prepare to welcome students back in-person on Monday, January 12, we wanted to share that events scheduled over the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) will continue as planned, which includes the School Finder Fair and athletic events. 

We’d like to provide some reminders and guidance about how MPS is supporting our students and families at this time, and share about an optional online learning opportunity for families who may need it.

General Safety Reminders

• Our Emergency Management Safety Security (EMSS) team supports safety efforts across the district. Our normal safety protocols require exterior doors to remain closed and locked and all visitors are required to be vetted. 
• During this time of heightened safety precautions we ask that guests limit unplanned visits unless for a specific purpose. During pick up and drop off, please move as swiftly as possible. This helps to ensure the safety of our students and staff and reinforces our goal of securing MPS property from unknown visitors.
• We encourage students and families to use the HelpMe App and website to access resources and make reports. Reports can be shared anonymously. 

Responding to Potential Immigration Enforcement Action

• MPS has a process in place to respond if immigration agents come to a school, including verification of identity and possession of a judicial warrant. 
• The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of student education records and restricts the sharing of personally identifiable information without parental consent or a lawfully-issued subpoena or court order.
• MPS does not collect or maintain information about the immigration status of any student or their family members.
• MPS has a resource webpage with more details and information. 

Traveling to and from school 

• If you have concerns about getting to and from school safely, you can contact the school to explore alternative transportation options.
• For students who use MPS transportation, our drivers are trained and in the event that they feel the drop-off location is unsafe for any reason, they will keep your student on the bus and we will contact you to make alternative arrangements.
• When possible, we encourage students to travel to and from school in groups, as well as to remain observant and aware.   

Attendance

• As always, we support our families to make the best decisions for their students. Our hope is that students will always come to school, but in the event that students will not come to school, we ask that you follow our attendance procedures including notifying the school of any planned absence. 
• We have resources and support for students who are having challenges with attendance and we encourage you to contact your school if you’d like to learn what resources are available to you. 

Temporary Online Learning Option

All schools are welcoming students back to school on Monday, January 12.  It is important to note that in-person instruction will continue to operate as safe and welcoming places for all of our students. All building staff will be in-person at our schools, and prepared to provide students with their regular and specialized education services. 

In addition, given recent safety concerns due to the increased presence and action of federal law enforcement in Minneapolis, MPS will be offering a temporary online instruction option for families who are interested in participating.

For middle and high school students, the online option will be available beginning on Monday, January 12. For elementary schools, this temporary online instruction option will be available beginning on Tuesday, January 13. The temporary online instruction option will be available for all students through February 12, 2026.

For those who are interested in the temporary online instruction option:

• All students will remain enrolled at their current school, but the way they access their learning will be different.
• Once a student opts-in to temporary online instruction, they will continue for the duration of the temporary learning model. Requests to make changes will be considered on a case-by-case basis and considering individualized student needs.
• This option is designed to ensure students can continue accessing their education. Once the time period ends, all students will be expected to return to in-person learning.
• Information about access to meals for students participating in the online learning option will be shared at a later date. 
• Once families complete the form, please allow time for processing.
• For those children receiving special education services whose parents select the temporary online model, your school will be in contact with you to discuss and ensure that your child can receive all necessary educational and related services in the chosen model.

If you are interested in participating in this temporary option, complete this form by noon (12:00pm) on Sunday, January 11, 2026. You will also receive an email with a link to the survey to the email address that MPS has on file for you.  Requests received beyond the deadline will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may delay processing.

Elementary Instructional Model (K-5 and all grades at Seward)

MPS will use the information gathered via this form to assign some teachers to teach online-only classes, as determined by student need. Based on demand, some teachers will be assigned to online instruction, while others will teach in-person-only classes. 

Although MPS will work to avoid disruptions, this may mean that your elementary student has a different teacher during the length of this temporary online instruction option. Information about any temporary class changes will be communicated with elementary families on Monday, January 12.  Our schools will be sure to be planful and supportive to ease any transitions for your students.

PreK will also offer a temporary online learning option that will be coordinated by the Director of PreK. Caregivers can expect information coming from their child's PreK teacher later today.

Secondary Instructional Model

At the secondary level, teachers will provide live, in-person instruction to students on their assigned rosters while simultaneously delivering synchronous instruction to students from the same roster who are participating online. Teachers will also be responsible for posting assignments online for students who have opted into online learning.

Next Steps

Please complete this form if you are interested in participating in temporary online instruction no later than Sunday, January 11, at noon (12:00pm).  

We want you to know that we care about you, we are here to support you and we will continue to operate with students at the center of our work. If you have any questions, please contact your school.