Dear Parents,

Welcome to the 2021-22 school year. It is hard to believe we will be starting classes in just over a week but we are prepared to make this a safe and productive school year.  I wanted to update you on a few things that will be different this year in regard to previous COVID 19 protocols.

As always, our first priority is keeping the students and staff safe, we want to keep the buildings open. In that regard, we will continue working with the Iowa County Health Department, Iowa Department of Education, and the local medical community.

As a district we are committed to the following precautionary measures:

• Sanitation stations throughout the school
• Increased focus on hand washing
• Hands free water bottle filling
• Sanitizing classrooms with approved COVID cleaning solutions
• Masks allowed for those who choose
• Decreased student numbers at recess through staggered times
• Encouragement of social distancing when possible
• Student information and teaching opportunities
• Increased time for school nurse in district
• Frequent collaboration with Iowa County Health & Compass Memorial Hospital
• Strict implementation of COVID protocol for ill students

In addition, there will be a few specific changes at the elementary.  Recess will return to mixed groups, all specials will be held in their regular locations, students will be able to use the water fountains or provide their own water bottles, field trips and guest speakers will be encouraged, and lunch will once again be served in the cafeteria. We also welcome volunteers and adults/parents into the building.  Our students have been wonderful with the many challenges they have faced over the past two years.

One thing to note, due to elementary breakfast continuing to be served in the main hallway by the office, parents will be asked to leave their children at the door in the mornings in order to cut down on traffic in the hallways. Parents are welcome to sign in with the office to visit their children’s classrooms at any time.  We will continue to offer the side window in the office for quick transactions!

The high school will be returning to holding breakfast and lunches in the cafeteria. We will continue to serve grab and go breakfast. Students will be able to use the water fountains or provide their own water bottles. Parents and visitors are welcome to the building. We will continue to hold assemblies and welcome guest speakers. This is always subject to change based upon future developments with the pandemic.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or to either building principal with any questions.

Thanks,

Curt

Curt Rheingans

563-210-4948