Students return to MPS classrooms Tuesday
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Tuesday morning, students in Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) returned to class for the first time in three weeks after the teachers union approved a new contract agreement with the district over the weekend, effectively ending a strike.
Excited teachers wrote welcome back messages for students and families in chalk outside of Pillsbury Elementary.
However, the impact of lost classroom time will be felt through the end of the school year.
Parents say it has been tough not knowing how to plan, and that confusion continued Tuesday morning as the rest of the year is still up in the air.
The Minneapolis School Board will discuss changes to make up for lost classroom time Tuesday night. Depending how the board votes, students and families may have to plan around an extended day – by about 42 minutes – starting April 11, and also extend the school year by two weeks until June 24.
“Harriet is in tutoring after school, and we are already pulling her out 10 minutes early, so now we have to decide if we want her to miss more school, or stop tutoring for a while,” said MPS parent Nicole Feest.
MPS teachers wrote welcome back messages to students and families. Students are returning to class for the first time in thee weeks Tuesday. Credit: KSTP/Andrea Lyon
“I’m more worried about our kids’ schools have air conditioning, but I’m worried about other schools who don’t. Remember how hot it was last June? I’m worried about the health of kids in buildings without air conditioning,” said fellow MPS parent Dylan Flunker.
Parents are also worried about elementary-aged kids who will have to sit through longer days without additional breaks.
Ed Graff, the superintendent for Minneapolis Public Schools, welcomed students and families back at Cityview Elementary Tuesday morning.
