Hunter
08/10/21
Both the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids community school districts are strongly encouraging students and staff to wear masks when classes begin August 23rd.
State law prohibits an actual mask mandate, which has caused concern among school administrators and parents alike. In a statement on Iowa City’s school district website, they say they’ve developed “enhanced health and safety guidelines that will be implemented to help protect students, staff, families and our entire school community.”
The statement goes on to say, “The use of face coverings plays a critical role in controlling the spread of COVID-19 within our community and protects those that are most vulnerable to the virus.”
The deadline to enroll students in the district’s 100 percent virtual learning program ended Monday. Online students can transition to in-person learning at the beginning of each trimester.
In Cedar Rapids, the window to enroll in their Virtual Academy has been extended to Monday August 16th. The Gazette reports that 2.2 percent of K-5 students have chosen that option, 3.9 percent of middle schoolers, and 2.7 percent of high school students.
Students or staff who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to isolate for 10 days, and the district will not conduct contact tracing for people who come in contact with someone who tests positive. At their school board meeting Monday, Superintendent Noreen Bush said Linn County Public Health can choose to do contact tracing for schools but isn’t planning on doing so at this time.
The paper reports that Bush was wearing a mask at last night’s meeting at her choice. Additionally, an event for the over 3000 district employees to celebrate the beginning of the school year scheduled for Friday August 20th has been canceled as a precaution.