Letter to Families

 Hello everyone,

You may have noticed that health numbers continue to rise across the State of Iowa and that we are also experiencing an increase in illnesses in our communities.  Due to these two factors, I continue to evaluate our health information and our current mode of instructional delivery. Couple this with the uncertainty of the future and I would say that today we are much closer to modifying our methods of delivering instruction.  So, if you have not had the opportunity to develop alternate plans, I would encourage you to do so at this time.

Our number of absences due illness and quarantine are higher than normal.  At the end of last week, we could see a decrease in our absentee numbers on the horizon as many would be returning to school over the course of this week.  This is positive as when members of our school community have quarantined due to in-school exposure very few have then developed symptoms requiring extended leaves.  Our anticipated lower absentee rates are always based on the assumption that no additional illnesses will present, but we understand that during this time of year symptoms and illnesses will likely continue.

With different viruses continuing to surface, it very important to remain diligent in our efforts.  I feel very confident in our mitigation efforts and appreciate our custodial staff’s efforts to maintain a clean environment.  Furthermore, we must continue to monitor our data to assist in our decisions and timing of change.  

We appreciate your efforts in monitoring the health of your children, as you truly are the frontline of defense in mitigating the spread of the virus.  As we move forward, we continue to ask you to be sensitive to symptoms and have your students stay home if ill or if primary exposures have occurred outside of the school.  These efforts along with frequent hand washing and wearing of masks will assist limiting the virus. 

Additionally, our teachers are working incredibly hard to deliver quality in-person instruction, as well as preparing on-line content for families and students who elected or are required to attend virtually. I applaud them for their continued efforts.  They are doing so, while also understanding our primary model of delivery may need to change at any time.  Their preparation is occurring as they experience the same anxieties you are experiencing for their families, students, as well.

We continue to talk with Pottawattamie County Public Health to monitor the health data of our communities and area.  Their assistance has been very much appreciated in our efforts.  At this time there has been a change in procedure and you will be receiving calls regarding quarantine information from AHSTW Community Schools.  These calls will be made after collaboration with public health.

Please know that we will work to provide you with as much notice as possible when a change is needed, but change may come quickly based on our health information.

Respectfully,

Mr. Darin Jones

Superintendent

AHSTW Community School District