MARSHALL — Students in Pre-K through fourth grade across Marshall Public Schools and MATEC will be returning to hybrid learning on Monday, while middle school and high school students are still set to go back on Jan. 11, the district announced on Friday.

The initial plan was to stay in distance learning for all levels until Nov. 27, but was extended on Nov. 20 after cases continued to rise. Since then, the numbers, particularly with staff, have improved, according to Superintendent Jeremy Williams.

“Our internal numbers have improved. We’re obviously not down to zero but we’re continuing to watch the numbers daily and with where we’re at with our staffing numbers, we felt comfortable in being able to return the younger kids,” Williams said.

Williams added they had several conversations with public health officials and the Minnesota Department of Health, who looked at the area’s COVID numbers and ultimately approved and supported the return of younger kids to the classroom.

“We’ve been watching those numbers and have had conversations with the Minnesota Department of Health and public health officials and what they recommended was to stagger kids returning to school,” Williams said. “Younger kids are harder to connect to in distance learning, and the MDH and public health were supportive of bringing those kids back so it was a multi-data point conversation.”

Williams added that safety protocols such as mask wearing and social distancing will continue to be implemented and that it’s important for families to follow the protocols, stay home if they are sick and report any illnesses or exposures of COVID to the school.

“It’s important that families continue to practice social distancing and follow the safety protocols and if students and staff are feeling sick that they stay home as well as report any illness and COVID exposure to the school nurse to help us keep track of the numbers so that we can safely make that return for everybody happen.”