More metro school districts offer virtual learning amid ICE takeover

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    Some school districts now offering e-learning as ICE enforcement increases in Minnesota 

At least two more school districts are following the lead of Minneapolis Public Schools, offering online options for families who fear coming to school amid the ongoing surge of immigration agents in the Twin Cities metro.

Minneapolis schools canceled classes on Thursday and Friday of last week and offered a temporary remote option after Border Patrol agents deployed chemical agents in a scuffle outside Roosevelt High School on Wednesday.

St. Paul Public Schools and the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District (District 196) both announced on Wednesday they will begin offering online learning.

“In recent weeks, we have been navigating difficult times and emotions,” District 196 said in a message to families. “We recognize the grief, confusion, and fear present in our community. We acknowledge that not everyone feels safe right now. Some families and staff fear leaving their homes, driving to school or work, or participating in school activities fully because of federal immigration agents in our area.”

RELATED: Minnesota educators call for ICE to stay away from schools

For SPPS families, registration for the virtual option opens on Thursday, and virtual classes are scheduled to begin on Jan. 22. Classes will be canceled on Tuesday and Wednesday to prepare for the transition.

It’s unclear how long SPPS plans to offer virtual classes.

For Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan students, they will be able to access their schoolwork online beginning on Tuesday. The district emphasized that this is not the same as distance learning and said staff will check in with students to “help them stay on track.”

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