As we begin a new school year, please read carefully the current laws and guidelines regarding COVID-19 health and safety mitigation. Please note that CRCSD will continually evaluate and adjust the guidelines as needed, via guidance from both the state and federal levels. Regarding communications between the federal agency and the state of Iowa governor’s office, no new guidance has been provided to Iowa school districts at this time. We are reviewing all ongoing discussions and potential changes, and will provide updates as they occur.
Face masks
Due to Iowa HF 847, signed by Governor Reynolds on May 20, 2021, a school district is prohibited from adopting or enforcing a policy that requires employees, students, or the public to wear a mask while on school property. As such, masks must be optional for students, teachers, and visitors.
While masks are not mandatory in Iowa public schools, CRCSD strongly encourages people to consider the guidance from public health experts and wear masks to add another layer of protection for everyone.
Due to Federal Law, students and staff riding in CRCSD buses/vans/vehicles must wear a mask.
- A mask will be provided to students who don’t have a mask.
- Students should use hand sanitizer when boarding and leaving the bus.
Contact tracing
Linn County Public Health will continue to notify CRCSD of student or staff positives. Due to federal privacy laws, we must protect the identity of anyone diagnosed with COVID-19. When a staff member or student in a school is diagnosed with COVID-19, a notification will be made to all staff and families in that school in order for others to more closely monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 and to stay home when and if symptoms develop.
Quarantine and isolation
Parents/guardians of exposed students will determine if their child will quarantine for 14 days to monitor for development of symptoms. If parents/guardians choose not to have their child quarantine for 14 days, students may attend school and extracurricular activities, as long as they remain SYMPTOM FREE. Students who develop symptoms of illness, or test positive for COVID-19, will isolate at home for 10 days and may return to school/activities on Day 11.
Elementary schools
Elementary age students are ineligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Due to this, it is highly recommended that all elementary staff and students wear a mask. Per Iowa law, masking is voluntary and cannot be required.
School Day:
- Buildings are open to the public. Masks are optional, but recommended for visitors.
- “Everyday” school structure in place.
- Voluntary masked classrooms will not be offered because it likely would not offer greater protection for students and could offer a false sense of security. Students in masked classrooms would still mix with other children who will be unmasked, when entering/exiting the building, using the restroom, going to lunch, recess, PE, music, art and other leveled groups such as some reading groups. Also, many children are unable to wear a mask correctly at all times.
- Individual schools will determine meal time procedures.
- Social distancing will be conducted to the extent possible in all settings.
- Teacher conferences can be conducted in person.
- Kindergarten visitation and student orientations can be conducted in person.
- Food/snacks are allowed according to regular building procedures.
- Students should wash hands or use hand sanitizer before and after using shared items in the classroom and before/after community activities such as recess and specials (PE, music, art).
- Open houses can be conducted.
Events:
Elementary age students are ineligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Due to this, indoor events and large group gatherings will be restricted in order to protect the health and safety of our students. Events and activities may be conducted outdoors.
- No indoor PTO/PTA fundraiser events.
- No indoor movie nights.
- No indoor assemblies.
- No indoor choir concerts.
Middle and high schools
Students 12 and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. As per CDC guidance, it is highly recommended that middle and high school staff and students wear a mask. Per Iowa law, masking is voluntary and cannot be required.
School Day:
- Buildings are open to the public. Masks are optional, but recommended for visitors.
- “Everyday” school structure in place.
- Social distancing will be conducted to the extent possible in all settings.
- Teacher conferences can be conducted in person.
- Student orientations can be conducted in person.
- Food/snacks are allowed according to regular building procedures.
- Students should use hand sanitizer when entering each classroom and before and after using shared items in the classroom.
- Open houses can be conducted.
- Athletics/activities will be conducted according to State association/IDPH guidelines.
Events:
- All events may be conducted as usual, both indoors and outdoors.
- Currently, there are no capacity limits.
- Families/visitors are recommended to wear a mask during indoor events, but it is not required.
