AHSTW Planning, Questions & Answers

Good afternoon,

As the health situation in our country continues to change, I have been searching for answers to best help us plan for limited disruption to the education of our students.  I understand that everyone is getting nervous and understandably so.  I hope the information shared in this document will help you in your understanding of our processes and planning.

1.)    Iowa Department of Public Health information:

a.     At this time the Coronavirus is considered a travelers illness and not a community illness.

                                               i.     It is recommended that schools do not cancel at this time.

                                             ii.     The IDPH will inform us if a person has tested positive in our community and will then help us determine the length of time the district should cancel school.

                                            iii.     They will also provide direction, as to the measures necessary for cleaning our environment.

                                            iv.     The Iowa Department of Health will be part of every decision to cancel school.

b.     The CDC is recommending that schools cancel international trips or trips to affected areas domestically.

                                               i.     At this time, we will be canceling all field trips to allow our students to remain local and limit exposure until further notice. 

c.     Students and families returning from travel to areas with exposure to COVID-19 must self-quarantine following guidance from public health.

d.     Events larger than 250 outside attendees should be cancelled.

                                               i.     At this point and time, we have cancelled the following activities:

1.     State Speech

2.     WIC Conference Quiz Bowl {We will maintain the 1 PM out.]

3.     WIC Conference Band Concert

4.     HS Track Meet to Buena Vista and Northwest Missouri State

5.     NHS Blood Drive

6.     We will evaluate other events and determine if the event is able to be held based on estimated attendance of 250 attendees or more.

2.)   AHSTW has not cancelled school at this time based on guidance from the Iowa Department Health Department.  Our calendar proceeding as planned, but the situation is fluid.

3.)   How many hours or days are required by Iowa Code in relationship to the education of students?

a.     Iowa Code requires 180 days or 1080 hours of instruction for a student.  Since this is written in code and not administrative rule Iowa School Districts, at this point and time, will be expected to meet that expectation.

b.     At this time, I am working on the assumption that all days up to 1080 will need to be made up.

c.     A modified calendar will be shared with the board, if this becomes necessary in regards to hours and days above the 1080 and up to 1116 hours.

d.     Guidance from the State may be forthcoming, if these rules are allowed to be modified, but any modification must come from the state and state legislature.

4.)   Is E-Learning an option?

a.     E-learning is currently not an option for Iowa Schools.  Therefore, if e-learning days are completed for hours below the 1080 hours, any hours would be required to be made up.

5.)   What type of materials can be provided?

a.     Our goal is to not promote new instruction, but to provide review work to limit any regression in an extended absence situation.

6.)   Cleaning is required.

a.     Routine and frequent cleaning of frequently touched surfaces are required.

b.     The use of disposable wipes and hand-sanitizers are promoted.

c.     Hand-sanitizer must be at or above 60% alcohol.

7.)   Procedures for staff and students who are sick at school.

a.     Students who become ill while at school are required to be sent home.

b.     We also will make sure that students who are ill are kept separate from students who are not ill until parents are able to pick them up.

8.)   Absenteeism:

a.     Iowa Schools are required to report when absenteeism rates are greater than 10% for illness.

b.     We have also discontinued any perfect attendance policies to promote students staying home when ill.

c.     We also will monitor absenteeism rates to determine when it disrupts the educational setting.

d.     Attendance notifications will continue to be shared and addressed by building principals on an individual basis.

9.)   Informational Sharing:

a.     Information will continue to be shared, as information is shared with our school district.

b.     We want to ensure that everyone has the appropriate facts and information at the appropriate time.  Please know that we are waiting for information at times, as well.

10.)                  Student meals:

a.     AHSTW will work to develop a plan on how to deliver meals to families who wish participate in our school food program over any extended cancellation of school.

b.     Meals will be delivered to our surrounding communities between 11:45 AM and 12:30 PM.

c.     The cost of meals will be deducted from a student’s lunch account.

d.     Menus are being researched at this time.

11.)  Parent Teacher Conferences

a.     We plan to hold our Parent/Teacher Conferences as scheduled.  We understand if you would rather not attend, and our staff will call you during your conference time to ensure you receive information regarding your student’s progress in learning.  Please let either office know in advance of your conference if this method is preferred.

We thank you for the opportunity to work with your students in a safe learning environment.  Unfortunately, situations occur that require us to think outside of the norm.  Please know that we will respond appropriately, continue to monitor the events around us, and will make decisions based on the information presented to us.

Respectfully,

Mr. Darin Jones

Superintendent of Schools

AHSTW Community School District