Iowa-Grant's Panther Press
August 2020 / IGSD NEWSLETTER
From the Office of Stephanie Hubbard: Reopening
IG Panthers,
The Iowa-Grant School Board approved plans to offer two options. In August, parents will register their children for 5 days a week in person instruction or virtual instruction. This decision is complicated by factors which are unknown such as:
Will the Governor’s mask mandate remain in effect?
How long are we going to be a red state?
How long will our schools be able to remain open before we have to shut down because of an outbreak?
What if the Governor Evers prohibit in-person classes statewide?
Arranging for as many of the unknowns as possible is stressful for parents, teachers, administrators, and also students. These roles are all harder and more complicated than ever. This too shall pass, but we need to be empathetic and flexible. Hang in there and give yourself and others credit. I find it helpful and energizing to remember that we are all trying to do what is best for kids. This common denominator of our student unites us and reminds us that we are still all in this together.
Stay Strong,
Stephanie Hubbard
Stephanie Hubbard, Superintendent, Iowa Grant School District
Office: 608-943-6311 ext 3018 Email: shubbard@igs.k12.wi.us
Help Wanted
7th Grade Girls Basketball Coach (Anticipated)
The Iowa Grant School District is seeking a highly motivated, dedicated individual to Coach 7th Grade Girls Basketball.
Must be knowledgeable about the sport of basketball.
Experience as a basketball coach or athlete preferred.
Must be able to connect with adolescent youth and work to build positive relationships.
Must be able to communicate with student-athletes, parents, and administration effectively.
Interested persons can apply at: https://wecan.education.wisc.edu/#/Vacancy/87493. Applications are due: (11:59 p.m. Central): 08/30/2020
Iowa-Grant School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or handicap.
Vaccination Reminder
A note was recently mailed home reminding those parents who have children needing required immunizations before school starts in the fall. With our current pandemic, we need to be diligent with getting our kids immunized for the vaccine preventable childhood diseases.
Iowa County Health Dept, area clinics, and health care facilities are reminding parents to stay on track with vaccines during this time. They are taking appointments to make sure your child(ren) receives their school required vaccinations, as well as vaccines required during infancy. They have many protocols and policies in place to keep you and your child safe and healthy when you enter their facility.
They are encouraging parents to call now to make these appointments to avoid the late summer rush.
Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns,
Sharon Friederick RN
School Nurse
RETURNING TO SCHOOL AFTER COVID-19 - Information for Parents and Guardians
COVID-19 is still spreading in Wisconsin communities—which means it is still a
threat to your health. We care about you and your family’s health. So while the virus is still new, we worked with our state, local, and federal partners to give you the best information we have.
As we learn more about the symptoms of COVID-19, we continue to update the
list. For the most up-to-date list of symptoms, visit www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/
covid-19/symptoms.htm.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Fever (at least 100.4°F)
Chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty
breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
What steps can I take to prevent my student from getting COVID-19?
You can talk with your student about taking everyday steps to prevent getting sick:
Help them wash their hands often.
Help them avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your
own home.
Remind them to stay 6 feet apart from other people.
Cover mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when they are around others,
if health or racial biases are not a concern.
Teach your students to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
daily.
Help your student monitor their health—look for symptoms and take their
temperature daily.
For more detailed information about protecting your student from COVID-19 visit: www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/protect.htm.
How long does it take for symptoms to start?
It can take up to 14 days for people with COVID-19 to start showing symptoms.
Some people have very mild symptoms, some people become really sick, and
some people with COVID-19 don’t have any symptoms at all.
Why does my student need to stay home?
Your student should stay home if they have symptoms of COVID-19, have been
tested for COVID-19 (while waiting for results), or have been exposed to
someone who tests positive for COVID-19.
Keeping ill students, and students who have been exposed to COVID, away
from others, we can stop the spread of the virus. It is possible for people who
do not have symptoms to spread the virus to others.
What does isolation and quarantine mean?
These are terms that public health scientists use to describe why someone
needs to stay home. They are public safety tools that have been around for
centuries to stop the spread of germs.
Isolation means keeping sick people away from healthy ones. This usually
means that the sick person rests in their own bedroom or area of your home
and keeps away from others as best as possible.
Quarantine means separating people who were exposed to a sick person away
from others. Because someone can spread COVID-19 before they have
symptoms, quarantine stops them from accidentally spreading the virus to
other healthy people. Usually people who are in quarantine stay at home and
avoid being around others.
How do I know if my student was around someone who was sick?
Your local public health department has a system to tell whether someone
should stay at home. Local public health staff will call you if your student falls
into that group.
How long does my student need to stay home if they tested positive OR a
doctor said they likely have COVID-19?
If your student has symptoms they should stay at home and away from others
as much as possible until all three of the following have happened:
1. At least 10 days have passed since their symptoms started and;
2. They haven’t had a fever (100.4°F or greater) in at least 72 hours without
using any medication to lower fever and;
3. Their cough or breathing problems get better.
What if my student tested positive for COVID-19, but doesn’t show symptoms?
They should stay home 10 days after the day they were tested and keep away
from other people as much as possible. This is because even if they don’t have
symptoms, they can still spread the virus.
What if my student becomes sick but isn’t tested for COVID-19?
They should stay home, in isolation, until they are feeling better and all the
following have happened:
Their cough or breathing problems get better.
1. At least 10 days have passed since their symptoms started and;
2. They haven’t had a fever (100.4°F or greater) in at least 72 hours without
using any medication to lower fever and;
3. Their cough or breathing problems get better.
What if my student becomes sick but tests negative for COVID-19?
They should stay home until they are feeling better and they have not had a
fever for 24 hours without using any medication to reduce fever.
If they visit a doctor and they tell you your student has something other than
COVID-19 (like the flu or hand, foot, and mouth) then you should follow the
doctor’s guidelines for exclusion requirements for that disease. Review the
Wisconsin Childhood Communicable Diseases Wall Chart, P-44397 for
additional information.
What is a “Close Contact”?
Casual contact like passing someone in the grocery store is low risk for
spreading COVID-19.
Close contact with someone with COVID-19 makes you at higher risk for
getting sick or spreading COVID-19. Examples of close contact are being within
6 feet of someone with COVID-19 for more than 15 minutes, sharing a drinking
glass or eating utensil, physically touching the person or things that may have
their germs on them like dirty tissues, or being coughed or sneezed on.
What if my student came in “close contact” with someone who has COVID-19?
They should stay home for 14 days since the last time they were around that
person to see if they develop symptoms. If they do get symptoms, then:
1. Call their doctor.
2. Ask to get tested.
3. Follow their instructions for staying home while you wait for the test results.
If there are other children in our home, who do not have symptoms should
they stay home, too, or continue coming to school?
No, your other students may continue to go to work and school. If the child
who was in close contact gets sick, then your other students should stay home.
What if we live with someone who has COVID-19?
People who live together usually have close contact with each other. Everyone
you live with should stay home until the all of following have happened:
1. The sick person gets better:
a. At least 10 days have passed since their symptoms started and;
b. They haven’t had a fever (100.4°F or greater) in at least 72 hours without
using any medication to lower fever and;
c. Their cough or breathing problems get better.
2. PLUS 14 days have passed since the sick person was better to see if other
people in your home get symptoms.
What if my student that had “close contact” with someone with COVID-19
and gets sick but isn’t tested COVID-19?
Your student should stay home and away from others as much as possible until
they get better and all the following have happened:
1. At least 10 days have passed since their symptoms started and;
2. They haven’t had a fever (100.4°F or greater) in at least 72 hours without
using any medication to lower fever and;
3. Their cough or breathing problems get better.
4. PLUS 14 days have passed since they were last around the person with
COVID-19.
How do I talk with my student about staying home from school and COVID-19?
Here are some tips for talking with children:
* Remain calm while talking.
* Let them know they are safe and it is okay to feel upset.
* Make yourself available to listen and to talk.
* Avoid language that might blame or stigmatize others.
* Pay attention to what children see or hear on the media.
* Provide truthful and developmental appropriate information.
* Talk about new actions that may be taken at school to help protect your
students and staff.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of Public
Instruction for even more tips on taking with your children about COVID-19.
What learning opportunities are there for my student while they are staying home?
School has a plan in place to offer alternative or distance learning for children
who need to be absent from school due to illness or potential exposure. The
expectations of participation in alternative learning for students who are sick
compared to asymptomatic students who have been sent home due to
potential exposure will be clarified.
What if we don’t have Wi-Fi or technology?
School will offer distance learning that does not rely on internet or technology.
What do I do if I can’t take 14 days off to stay home with my student?
There are some communities in Wisconsin that offer local support. You can try
calling 211. You can also visit the Resilient Wisconsin program website for
support for food, mental health, housing and other resources.
If all of my children need to stay home, how will all of them have access to
learning opportunities while home?
School will work with you to offer distance learning materials appropriate for
your children.
What if I am a health care provider and work with COVID-positive patients—
what should my student do?
Your student may continue to attend school unless they develop symptoms. If
they develop symptoms, keep them home and call their doctor.
If my student stays home, I am working from home and I can’t help with
schoolwork as I will be busy working—what should I do?
School will work with you to support your student’s distance learning.
Where can I find programs that help provide food?
The FoodShare Wisconsin program has resources to support people of all
ages to stop hunger and improve nutrition.
You can also call 211 to learn about congregate meal programs or food
pantries in your area.
Where can I find support around mental or behavioral health?
Check-out the Resilient Wisconsin website. There are many resources
available for people who are looking for mental or behavioral health support.
You can also take a look at BadgerCare which is a health care coverage
program for low-income Wisconsin residents.
Where can I find resources around rental assistance or housing assistance?
You can contact your local Community Action Program Association to learn
how to apply for rental assistance.
Where can I find resources to assist with employment support?
The Resilient Wisconsin website has resources for coping tips for disrupted
workers and families. The Department of Workforce Development has posted
frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and Wisconsin Unemployment.
Where can I find information about crisis support?
It’s okay to ask for help. If sadness or anxiety is overwhelming your ability to
cope, you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or you face difficult or
dangerous circumstances and need help, call 911 or reach out for crisis support
right away.
GENERAL RESOURCES
211wisconsin is a free, confidential service that connects you with food and
nutrition programs, housing and utilities assistance, mental health and harmful
substance use services, financial and employment assistance.
Call: 211 or 877-947-2211 Text: TextWithUs to 66746
VIOLENCE-BASED RESOURCES
nutrition programs, housing and utilities assistance, mental health and harmful
substance use services, financial and employment assistance.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224
thehotline.org
National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Abuse
wcasa.org/survivors/service-providers
End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin
endabusewi.org/get-help
DOJ Victim Services
doj.state.wi.us/ocvs/find-local-crime-victim-resorces
SUBSTANCE ABUSE RESOURCES
Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline, available 24/7
Call: 211 or 833-944-4673 Text: Your zip code to 898211
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Mental & Behavioral Health Crisis Support
HOPELINE
Available 24/7
Text: HOPELINE to 741741
NAMI Helpline
Call: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Speak with a counselor
Call: 1-800-273-8255
Trans Lifeline
Available 24/7
Call: 877-565-8860
Trevor Project
Available 24/7
Call: 866-488-7386
Text: START to 678678
Veterans Crisis Line
Available 24/7
Call: 1-800-273-8255, press 1
1-800-799-4889 (for the deaf and hard of hearing)
Text: 838255
IG Cleaning Regiment
Dear Iowa-Grant Parents.
We currently plan to use Virex 11 which is an approved n-list disinfectant. Our goal in using this product is that the product has been in use in the district for decades and the staff are accustomed to using it. We have reviewed multiple other products as well as different application methods i.e. fogging electrostatic spraying. Unfortunately, the methods for dispensing these chemicals are not approved by the EPA. The efficacy is consistent with the labeling instructions. We plan to provide a safe environment for the students and the staff minimizing the amount of new chemicals we introduce into the district and their associated risks.
We will plan on continued daily routine cleaning as well as extra attention to high contact points in the district i.e. door handles cafeteria tables and bathrooms. Our staff has been extensively cleaning these contact areas in our main area this summer.
We look forward to a new school year and the challenges we all will face. Be safe and take care.
Building and Grounds Director
Michael Oium
Children Need Healthy Meals to Learn
Greetings Panthers,
Another adventurous year in the Panther Kitchen and Café is about to begin! At Iowa-Grant we want to ensure that all students have access to healthy meals. All families can access the 2020-2021 Free/Reduced Application through the following link: https://www.igs.k12.wi.us/for_parents__community/food_services/food_service_forms We encourage all families to print and fill out the application. When finished, please return the application to the Iowa-Grant School District.
Breakfast in the Classroom
Research has shown that starting the day with a nutritious breakfast helps students perform better in school. This year we will be serving breakfast in the classroom for Early Childhood, K-4 through 4th grade. We will offer grab and go breakfast, to be eaten in the classroom, for 5th through 12th grade. Classrooms offer spaces for breakfast that are familiar to students. It is a comfortable place for eating and learning. This is a positive way for both teachers and students to begin their school day. Whether at home or in school, encourage your student to eat breakfast.
Food is Fuel
Healthy meals help students to reach their full academic potential. At lunch, food gives you energy and helps you focus for the rest of the school day. More information regarding Iowa-Grant Food Service can be found here: https://www.igs.k12.wi.us/for_parents__community/food_services
See you in September!
Barb Hugill
Call to Action: Broadband Access
FREE Dental Program
Seals-On-Wheels Oral Health Program will be providing FREE dental care at your child’s school during the 2020-21 school year. All students are eligible to participate in this free program that provides dental screenings, cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatments by a registered dental hygienist. Students of all ages can benefit from this dental program. Seals-On-Wheels will examine your child’s teeth and provide oral hygiene instruction. They will also place sealants on all erupted adult teeth for free. These preventative services are conveniently provided during the school day with minimal disruption to your child’s class schedule, plus your child receives a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and a letter to parents. To sign up or learn more, please visit your school’s office for a permission form or you can register online at https://sealasmile.wisconsin.gov/Consent
Additional program info at www.SealsOnWheelsWisconsin.com.
Iowa-Grant High School
Walmart Giving
Iowa-Grant Agricultural Department Chicken Coop
Greetings!
The Iowa-Grant Agricultural Department is excited to announce the addition of a 12’x12’ Chicken Coop that will provide indoor and outdoor exposure for one dozen chickens. The coop will be located near the greenhouse and ag shop. The agricultural department is seeking donations for a total of $7,000 to get the coop built and running. The coop itself will cost about $6,000 plus an additional $750 for the cement. The remaining $250 will be used to help pay for the start-up costs of feed, bedding, waterers, feeders, and general supplies. Any extra donations will be put into a Chicken Coop Fund that will only be used for the Chicken Coop Project to pay for future expenses. As the Agricultural Instructor at Iowa-Grant High School, I believe that Agricultural Education thrives bests with hands-on learning and providing experiences that get students directly involved in agriculture. With the
addition of a chicken coop, I would be able to provide students with many opportunities to develop skills needed for post-graduation. Students will develop skills such as time management, hard work ethic, problem solving, decision making, communication, empathy for animals, and general agricultural knowledge. Students will be provided hands-on experience to learn about animal welfare and husbandry, breeding and reproduction,
animal nutrition, anatomy of chick development and laying hens, and keeping records of income and expenses. The chicken coop will also provide opportunities for students who do not live on a farm to exhibit chickens at the fair, provide Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Projects, supply chickens for students who want to start their own coop at home, and provide eggs for community members and for educational purposes. If you would be willing to contribute to the Ag Dept. Chicken Coop Project, please write checks out to “Iowa-
Grant FFA” and send to 462 County Rd IG; Livingston, WI 53554; ATTN: Lara Hammerly. All donors will be recognized on a sign that will be displayed permanently on the chicken coop. We would like to receive all donations by August 21, 2020, to ensure that the project is rolling for the 2020-2021 School Year.
Donor Levels
Bronze Level: $1 - $200
Silver Level: $201 - $400
Gold Level: $401 - $600
Platinum Level: $601 - $800
Diamond Level: $801 +
Thank you for your continued support of the Iowa-Grant Ag Department and FFA Chapter. If you have any questions, please reach out to me via email at lhammerly@igs.k12.wi.us. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Lara J. Hammerly
Agriculture Education Instructor/FFA Advisor
Iowa-Grant Elementary/Middle School
Third Grade Pen Pals
Third grade is looking for Pen Pals! We pair up each third grade student with a Pen Pal of retirement age. If you would like to be a Pen Pal again this year or for the very first time, please email your name, email, and mailing address to jrogstad@igs.k12.wi.us. All letters will be handwritten and sent via the post office.
If you would like to support this wonderful program, we are accepting donations of stamps or money to fund this program. Our Wax Museum was canceled last spring. We were planning to use some of the money raised to fund our Pen Pal Program.
4th Grade Message
In these uncertain times, this we know....Together, We Can Get Through Anything! We all look forward to having the students in 4th grade and working together to learn and grow.
Miss Bomkamp, Mrs. Liddicoat, and Ms. Sporle
Lifewater Project
About Iowa-Grant School District
Our Mission is to work in partnership with the community to empower all student to reach their full potential as responsible individuals who strive for life-long learning to successfully compete in an ever-changing global society.
Email: shubbard@igs.k12.wi.us
Website: https://www.igs.k12.wi.us/
Location: 498 County Road IG, Livingston, WI, USA
Phone: 608-943-6311
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IowaGrantPanthers/