All practices, activities, and other uses of all district facilities will be cancelled from Sunday, January 16th through Tuesday, January 18th. All buildings will be closed, and no staff will be in district buildings.

The Red Lake School District is experiencing the same COVID wave that is causing staffing problems in many school districts and businesses. Our district’s ability to maintain the capacity to operate our schools and facilities as usual is heavily strained. Staffing issues can be attributed to COVID-19, influenza, the common cold, and other sickness. Due to the staffing shortage concerns across the district, and the high increase of student absences, the Red Lake School District has called for an emergency COVID-19 closure on Tuesday, January 18th to allow a four-day period for staff, teachers, and students to rest, recover, and return to school safely on Wednesday, January 19, 2022.

All practices, activities, and other uses of all district facilities will be cancelled from Sunday, January 16th through Tuesday, January 18th. All buildings will be closed, and no staff will be in district buildings.

The overall goal of the lengthened break is to provide the time necessary for students and ISD 38 staff to rest, recover and return to school healthy. Transportation, food service, custodians, paraprofessionals, and other support staff are all facing staffing challenges. The additional issue is that there is a lack of substitutes to fill positions when staff are absent.

We encourage all children ages 5 and up and family members to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if they have not already. The vaccination clinic in Red Lake will be open on Tuesday, January 18th, this would be a great opportunity to take your students in to be vaccinated.

It is important to get your vaccine when you are able. It is also very important to remain home if you feel sick. It is important not to assume that it’s a cold or allergies with the current COVID-19 surge.

We encourage students, family members, and staff use the next 4 days to stay home, rest up, and recharge your batteries so that you are better prepared to make it through the “winter illness” season. As always, the district appreciates the support of our staff, students, families, and community.