AHSTW Learning Models & Attendance

 AHSTW Learning Model Mid-Year Updates

School districts across the state of Iowa have been very fortunate this year to be able share their classrooms in a virtual manner.  This certainly has helped students stay up-to-date while ill or quarantined due to the COVID-19 virus, overall health concerns, or due to parental choice.  We are excited that both students have been able to participate and stay up-to-date on their learning.
At this time our current distance learning options will remain an option through at least the completion of the 2020-2021 school year.  With that in mind, we want to promote the continued health and well-being of all children and would like to review scenarios associated with COVID-19 or other illness that may become a concern through the winter months.

Health Scenarios and Associated Options:

Scenario #1:  Students wake up ill and are unable to attend school. [Illness during a normal year]

• Attending remotely is not an option during normal sick days, as distance learning requires pre-approval and time for preparation.

• We also want to allow time for your student to recover and is then healthy enough to return as soon as possible.

• Participation in after-school activities during a regular sick day are not allowed.  Attending virtually would not provide an opportunity to do so, as the students regular attendance model is in-person learning.

Scenario #2:  Illness due to COVID-19 or Quarantine

• Again, we want students to rest and recover when ill.  Please know there is no expectation for participation when a student is showing signs and symptoms of COVID-19.  However, we certainly want and expect students to participate in our virtual classes, if a student is only required to quarantine or has recovered from symptoms and remain in isolation for the duration of the 14 or 10-day period of time.

• Regular homework policies will be in place if the absence is due to illness.

• Completion dates will follow classroom expectations if absences are due to quarantine.

• We ask you to please contact the AHSTW Schools if your exposure has come from outside of school.  Planning for on-line attendance will begin upon the initial contact.

• AHSTW Schools will be in contact with you on how to begin participation in our on-line learning model if exposure and tracing started through school.

• Students are expected to participate in classes as soon as possible.  Please know that this could take up to 2 days for preparation and ensuring all the appropriate supports are in place for the on-line setting to begin.

Scenario #3: Virtual Learning

• Families may also request to transition to our virtual model for learning.  This change in programming is a long-term attendance request due to health concerns and or concerns with contracting the virus while thinking of the safety of other family members.

• Participation in our full virtual learning model requires approval from District Administration and Mr. Darin Jones.  

• All expectations regarding attendance and work completion are the same as if your student would be participating in-person.

We hope this helps you in your planning for second semester and overall understanding of the varied options and processes due to general illness or COVID-19.  Please feel free to contact AHSTW Administration, if you would like to discuss any of the above options.

Respectfully,

Mr. Darin Jones
Superintendent
AHSTW Community School District.