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Why do we need to continue online?
| Do I still need to report COVID-19 cases?Yes! WDMCS must continue to track any new COVID-19 cases.
| How long will students learn online? If the second waiver is approved, students would continue learning online through Tuesday, Dec. 22. Winter break is Wednesday, Dec. 23-Monday, Jan. 4. If the IDOE does not approve the waiver, WDMCS will look at student and staff absences at each building and consider re-applying to the IDOE for individual school waivers. The Board would most likely hold a special meeting to review recommendations. However, ALL students will continue learning online through Friday, Dec. 4, instead of Wednesday, Dec. 2. |
Why do we need to continue online?
- The Polk County COVID-19 positivity percentage is above 10% (currently 18%).
- Student absences were nearing or above 10% when we made the decision to move online starting Nov. 16. Absenteeism has started to decline at all schools since moving online.
- Staff absences. We continued to see an increase in the percentage of staff absences due to illness prior to moving online. We also had difficulty filling substitute positions. Staff absenteeism has also declined since transitioning online.
Do I still need to report COVID-19 cases?
Yes! WDMCS must continue to track any new COVID-19 cases.
- If any member of your family is a close contact or tests postivie for COVID-19, please let us know.
- Please call the school nurse if your child has an illness or a medical concern, is being tested for COVID-19, or has a positive COVID-19 result.
- You can also call the WDMCS COVID-19 Response Line at 515-633-5990
- School nurses can assist you and your family with education regarding isolation, quarantine, and return dates to school.
- WDMCS is required to notify the Polk County Health Department with positive COVID-19 cases, and they can assist by following up with your family.
- Even during virtual learning, school nurses are here to assist all of our students and families.
How long will students learn online?
If the IDOE does not approve the waiver, WDMCS will look at student and staff absences at each building and consider re-applying to the IDOE for individual school waivers. The Board would most likely hold a special meeting to review recommendations. However, ALL students will continue learning online through Friday, Dec. 4, instead of Wednesday, Dec. 2.
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Is child care an option for my student?Kids West developed a plan to support families who needed full-day child care. They will reach out to current Kids West families to determine how many may need this service through Dec. 22. Kids West staff help students connect to their online classes and monitor independent learning. | Community ResourcesWe understand how difficult life is right now without adding the extra pressure of all students needing to learn online. Teachers are working hard to connect, maintain relationships, and provide the critical social/emotional support your student needs. Please reach out to your student’s teachers or guidance counselor if you have any questions or need help. We also have several community resources posted on the WDMCS website. Topics include:
Questions about COVID-19? Call 211. A public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7. | What about school activities and athletics? If the waiver is approved, all school-related activities, including athletics, will continue to be canceled. If the waiver is approved, we plan to extend cancellations through Monday, Jan. 4. No in-person meetings can be held, but advisors and coaches can hold virtual meetings. |
Is child care an option for my student?
Kids West developed a plan to support families who needed full-day child care. They will reach out to current Kids West families to determine how many may need this service through Dec. 22.
Kids West staff help students connect to their online classes and monitor independent learning.
Community Resources
We understand how difficult life is right now without adding the extra pressure of all students needing to learn online. Teachers are working hard to connect, maintain relationships, and provide the critical social/emotional support your student needs.
Please reach out to your student’s teachers or guidance counselor if you have any questions or need help. We also have several community resources posted on the WDMCS website. Topics include:
- Food/Nutrition
- Wellness
- Technology
- Financial/General Support
- City Information
Questions about COVID-19? Call 211. A public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7.
What about school activities and athletics?
If the waiver is approved, we plan to extend cancellations through Monday, Jan. 4. No in-person meetings can be held, but advisors and coaches can hold virtual meetings.
School/Community Relations
buckl@wdmcs.org
515-633-5023
Alexandra Wade
515-633-5022
Aaron Young
younga@wdmcs.org
515-633-5016
