Return to Learn meeting the needs of students and staff; Wednesdays will remain off-campus learning days through end of first semester

With Postville Community Schools having been in session since August 24, Superintendent of Schools Tim Dugger reports that the “Return to Learn Plan” is meeting the needs of the students and staff as they continue in-person learning four days each week. Wednesdays, while the students are learning at home, the facilities receive deep cleanings. Following the board meeting held on Monday, September 14, it was decided the district will continue with off-site learning on Wednesdays for the balance of the first semester.

He said, “The district is continuing to clean, sanitize, and observe social distancing. Each day our staff and students use common sense and continue to wear masks in busy areas of the school.”

The administration commented that the students have accepted the mask policy and the school has seen very little resistance.

Principal Brendan Knutdtson added, “All office staff, and school nurse Katie Livingood are doing a tremendous job of keeping track of our kids and keeping them safe. Glen (Lansing), all the custodians and the additional paraprofessionals are sanitizing classrooms each day along with the deeper cleaning on Wednesdays.”

He noted, “Absentee rates are low; however we are sending staff and students home who are not feeling 100%. We continue to take temperatures at the beginning of each school day. Students in grades 7-12 have their temperatures taken at the door, while students in grades PreK-6 have their temps taken in the classroom. We are receiving positive feedback regarding keeping ill students/staff home until they are feeling better.”

Lunch and recess schedules for elementary students have been spread out in an effort to limit the number of students in the lunch room and/or on the playground at one time.  Only one elementary grade level is the lunchroom at a time. Some grade levels are eating in their classrooms and recess is spread out with a small window of overlap.

Mr. Dugger said, “Lunch is spread out from 10:20 a.m. to 1 p.m. and with this schedule the lunchroom is much calmer and easier to navigate. We will seriously consider keeping some of these changes beyond the pandemic.”

The children were able to begin using the new playground equipment on September 3 which is a great addition to the school campus.

After three weeks of in-person learning, Mr. Dugger concluded by saying, “We have had 17 days of school and zero COVID cases for students and staff. Although it will happen eventually, this is a pretty remarkable start. The top goals for learning, socialization and social/emotional health are falling in line as we continue to have school. This is all happening while we are focusing on keeping everyone healthy and safe.”