As PCSD completes second month of total in-person learning, few problems detected

As the school year is nearing the final 12 weeks of the academic year, five day a week in-person learning has been in place since school resumed after the winter break. This milestone has been accomplished with much cooperation by students and staff alike.  Mask wearing, hand sanitizing and social distancing has become a way of life for everyone.

When COVID-19 began to ravish the country last spring, schools in Iowa, shut down for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year and the outlook for the 20-21 school year was in limbo. Each school in the state submitted a “Return to Learn” plan and much emphasis was placed on hygiene, sanitization, mask wearing and much more. For the first semester of the school year students in Postville attended classes four days a week, learning virtually on Wednesdays as the buildings received extensive cleaning midweek.

Since resuming complete in-person learning, the learning environment has remained very stable. Superintendent of Schools Tim Dugger said, “There are currently zero COVID-19 cases in our district and less than six students and staff are quarantined. The student absenteeism rate today (February 19) was 15 which is normal for this time of year.”

Mr. Dugger further noted that teachers and staff have had the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine under Tier IB of the vaccination distribution plan which began on February 1. He said, “All the staff who wished to be vaccinated, have received their first dose of the Moderna vaccine and will receive the second dose Friday, March 19.”

When asked about year-end activities such as spring sports, graduation and prom, Dugger saw no problem with proceeding with upcoming activities. He said, “We have just completed successful winter activities and, as things continue to progress in a positive manner, all activities will proceed as scheduled, including prom and graduation.”

Even though school has not been interrupted due to COVID-19 concerns, Mother Nature has caused some school closures when blizzard conditions brought in-person learning to a halt. The days missed in January and February were considered snow days rather than virtual learning days as these days were built into the master calendar. However, any missed days going forward will be considered distance learning days with students being assigned home studies if and when school is shut down due to weather.

Currently, the final day of the 2020-21 is set for May 28, 2021.