East Sac County COVID Information
ESC DISTRICT DATA OF CONFIRMED POSITIVE ACTIVE COVID-19 CASES AND QUARANTINES
(Approximately 900 Students/Staff)
December 18, 2020
Number students/staff currently testing positive active of total number of 900 students/staff (estimated): 5 or less (When numbers exceed 5, districts are able to provide an exact number under new guidance received on September 16 for students. I have chosen to combine students/staff together in an effort to protect individual identities.)
Students/staff currently isolating/quarantining of total number of 900 students/staff (estimated): 10
Percentage of Active Students and Staff Currently Who Tested Positive Compared to Estimated Total Student/Staff Population: less than .6%
Percentage of Students and Staff Quarantined Compared to Estimated Total Student/Staff Population: 1.1%
13.7% – Current Sac County Positivity Rate December 18, 2020
While many of us have differing opinions on the usage of masks, with the change of practice in Iowa at school, if both parties are wearing a mask or gaiter properly, it reduces the need to quarantine. We will continue to monitor positivity rates in the district and make adjustments as needed. Thank you for reinforcing the proper usage of face coverings as the district transitioned back to face to face learning. It is extremely important to stay home, if experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 and follow safety practices. The CDC released some new guidelines that the IDPH is following related to quarantining length; the district is working to follow the new guidelines. ESC will maintain the two fan limitation per contestants/player through the holiday break. And finally Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All! School resumes on Monday, January 4, 2021.
Disclaimer: The information set forth above is for informational purposes only. This information is based on reports to the District from other sources which have not been independently verified.
December 11, 2020
Number students/staff currently testing positive active of total number of 900 students/staff (estimated): 5 or less (When numbers exceed 5, districts are able to provide an exact number under new guidance received on September 16 for students. I have chosen to combine students/staff together in an effort to protect individual identities.)
Students/staff currently isolating/quarantining of total number of 900 students/staff (estimated): 37
Percentage of Active Students and Staff Currently Who Tested Positive Compared to Estimated Total Student/Staff Population: less than .6%
Percentage of Students and Staff Quarantined Compared to Estimated Total Student/Staff Population: 4.1%
19.2% – Current Sac County Positivity Rate December 11, 2020
While many of us have differing opinions on the usage of masks, with the change of practice in Iowa at school, if both parties are wearing a mask or gaiter properly, it reduces the need to quarantine. We will continue to monitor positivity rates in the district and make adjustments as needed. Your help in reinforcing the proper usage of a mask or gaiter is helpful to allow for continued face to face instruction for as long as possible. It is extremely important to stay home, if experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 and follow safety practices. The CDC released some new guidelines that the IDPH is following related to quarantining length; the district is working to follow the new guidelines. Youth activities have been allowed again during the governor’s press conference and some expansion of who can be offered two fans to watch competitions/performances.
Disclaimer: The information set forth above is for informational purposes only. This information is based on reports to the District from other sources which have not been independently verified.
December 7, 2020
Number students/staff currently testing positive active of total number of 900 students/staff (estimated): less than 5 (When numbers exceed 5, districts are able to provide an exact number under new guidance received on September 16 for students. I have chosen to combine students/staff together in an effort to protect individual identities.)
Students/staff currently isolating/quarantining of total number of 900 students/staff (estimated): 36
Percentage of Active Students and Staff Currently Who Tested Positive Compared to Estimated Total Student/Staff Population: less than .5%
Percentage of Students and Staff Quarantined Compared to Estimated Total Student/Staff Population: 4.0%
23.0% – Current Sac County Positivity Rate December 7, 2020
While many of us have differing opinions on the usage of masks, with the change of practice in Iowa at school, if both parties are wearing a mask or gaiter properly, it reduces the need to quarantine. We will continue to monitor positivity rates in the district and make adjustments as needed. Your help in reinforcing the proper usage of a mask or gaiter is helpful to allow for continued face to face instruction for as long as possible. It is extremely important to stay home, if experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 and follow safety practices. The CDC released some new guidelines that the IDPH is following related to quarantining length; the district is working to follow the new guidelines. Beginning on Friday, December 11, the district plans to return to a regular schedule again. Quarantine numbers have decreased as have the number of positive cases in the district. The one concern is the positivity rate in the county remains higher than most counties in the state.
Disclaimer: The information set forth above is for informational purposes only. This information is based on reports to the District from other sources which have not been independently verified.
East Sac County starting Hybrid Learning Plan Wednesday, November 11th.
ESC HYBRID MODEL
Wednesday, November 11 – Tuesday, November 24
(One-Hour Early Dismissal)
Why: As Covid-19 numbers in the region have grown substantially over the past week, so have numbers at school. As of this publication, the district has over 20 positive Covid-19 cases with more than 150 people who are either positive or quarantined from school. This number has grown more than 100 in approximately one week. Multiple staff members are absent in the district either from symptoms related to Covid-19, being positive to Covid-19, or other illnesses/absences.
The district is maintaining the one-hour early out schedule to allow staff to continue to meet the educational needs of students who are quarantined through November 24 during this initial hybrid model usage. During the day even with the hybrid model, staff need time to meet the educational needs of all students. This practice will be evaluated and likely change to a regular dismissal time, if the hybrid plan is extended beyond November 24.
While it is the goal to return to learn face to face learning as soon as possible, as a society we need your help and support. Many students are trying to follow the guidance provided, but if one person is not wearing their mask properly, that person potentially is exposing a number of other students and staff. Students and staff need to stay home if they are not feeling well.
Prior to making the decision to move to a hybrid plan, the administrative team considered the option of applying to the Dept. of Education for 100% remote virtual learning. With Sac County above 20% positivity rate and the number of students absent approaching 20%, the district could have considered this option. After reflection of the ESC R2L plan, the hybrid model was the next step in our progression. Data will continue to be monitored through the Thanksgiving holiday and further updates will be provided. If numbers continue to be high in the county and at school, remote learning or the cancellation of school for a short term are options to consider. With a 100% remote virtual learning model, no activities are allowed by the Dept. of Education.
Meals – If a student wants to eat school meals on their off-site learning day, please contact the school building by 1:30 p.m. the day prior to your pick-up date. Meal site locations for pick-up will be at the MS in Sac City (662-3259) and the HS in Lake View (665-5001). Meal pick-up time will be 9:30 a.m. with the option of a breakfast, lunch, or both for the off learning campus day. Call the building you intend to pick up your meal at the number above to communicate meal plans.
Special Education Students – Teachers will contact special education students to meet IEP goals with accommodations as required.
Activities – JH and HS practices will currently continue on hybrid days. A student can practice on their off day from school, but the student or parent will be responsible to get them to practice. Students will not be penalized, if unable to find transportation to practice.
Rationale: Hybrid Learning leverages both face-to-face and online modes of learning. We will divide up the students into two groups using last names. Families with students who have different last names will be grouped together to the best of our ability.
Note: Families will be informed of what group their children will be in when we move to a hybrid model. We are grouping families together in the same groups (Red or Black) so that keeping track of days will be easier along with planning for transportation. Each building will provide grouping information on Tuesday, November 10 to families.
Once a student is assigned to either the Red group or the Black group, we will start a pattern of back and forth each day. So when the time comes to transition to our hybrid plan, we would begin with the Red group attending face to face at school (Black stays at home), then the next day the Black group attends school face to face (Red stays at home). We would then continue to alternate days. When students are at home, they will have learning to do as well, that would have been assigned on the day when they were physically at school.
By utilizing the hybrid model, it allows us to do the following:
- Enable more social distancing as recommended by health officials.
- Limit the exposure to students in the event of a positive case in the building.
- Allow for students to receive multiple methods of instruction while maintaining health and safety during this time.
On-Site Days: When students are on-site, their day will look similar to a traditional school day by attending regular classes and lunch. The goal of the Hybrid learning schedule is to allow for proper social distancing in the building.
Off-Site Learning Days: On days where students are not physically present, video lessons, canvas, and/or assignments and learning activities will be provided for students to work on.
****Please Note: THESE ASSIGNMENTS ARE REQUIRED WORK
Emphasis will be placed on focusing on standards and essential learning.
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS
ESC students will be expected to attend school on their assigned days, and this will be recorded into JMC. Please call the attendance center of your child to report an absence as per normal policy.
High School: 712-665-5001
Middle School: 712-662-3259
Elementary School: 712-662-7200
Attendance during Off-Site Days: ESC will consider evidence of participation (or lack thereof) with consistent and clear expectations for students as attendance for required off-site learning. Evidence of participation may include, but is not limited to:
- Daily Assignments, exit tickets, entrance tickets, Google Classroom/Canvas completion, long-term projects that are linked to instruction for that class on Canvas or Google Classroom.
- Assignment Completion (Paper Packet/Digital) If using assignment completion to track attendance, teachers should determine the number of hours they expect an assignment to take for a typical student and use that to gauge each student’s attendance.
Lack of Internet Accommodations: Please contact your building principal to discuss the best learning option for your child.
Students identified through the home internet access survey and through personal communications who have internet concerns could be offered the following:
- Paper packets when applicable (To be picked up at the attendance center of the child)
- Hard Copies of textbooks and instructional materials.
Please Note:
- ESC Building Parking lots do have access to wireless internet.
- The public libraries also have internet access.
HYBRID SCHEDULE – With 1-hour early dismissal
November 11-24
Wednesday, November 11 – Red Day
Thursday, November 12 – Black Day
Friday, November 13 – Red Day
Monday, November 16 – Black Day
Tuesday, November 17 – Red Day
Wednesday, November 18 – Black Day
Thursday, November 19 – Red Day
Friday, November 20 – Black Day
Monday, November 23 – Red Day
Tuesday, November 24 – Black Day
ESC DISTRICT DATA OF CONFIRMED POSITIVE ACTIVE COVID-19 CASES AND QUARANTINES
(Approximately 900 Students/Staff)
November 13, 2020
Number students/staff currently testing positive active of total number of 900 students/staff (estimated): 33 (When numbers exceed 5, districts are able to provide an exact number under new guidance received on September 16 for students. I have chosen to combine students/staff together in an effort to protect individual identities.)
Students/staff currently isolating/quarantining of total number of 900 students/staff (estimated): 149
Percentage of Active Students and Staff Currently Who Tested Positive Compared to Estimated Total Student/Staff Population: 3.7%
Percentage of Students and Staff Quarantined Compared to Estimated Total Student/Staff Population: 16.6%
24.7% – Current Sac County Positivity Rate November 13, 2020
As county positivity rates have climbed again by approximately 8% in one week, so have numbers of positive and quarantine cases in the district increased again. At school we have had to quarantine students who exposed others while eating lunch, on the bus, during open gym activities, and in some cases people not wearing their mask properly. An example of not wearing mask properly: Students are wearing their mask when they get on and off the bus or at lunch, but when watching video, many students are wearing their mask improperly or not at all. Bus seats are designed for safety making it difficult to see over the seats and the drivers main focus must be on the road. While many of us have differing opinions on the usage of masks, with the change of practice in Iowa at school, if both parties are wearing a mask or gaiter properly, it reduces the need to quarantine. Administratively we discussed pros and cons for an early out schedule vs. moving to a hybrid model. At this time, we have chosen the one-hour early out option through November 24. We will continue to monitor positivity rates in the district and make adjustments as needed. Your help in reinforcing the proper usage of a mask or gaiter is helpful to allow for continued face to face instruction for as long as possible. It is extremely important to stay home, if experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 and follow safety practices.
Disclaimer: The information set forth above is for informational purposes only. This information is based on reports to the District from other sources which have not been independently verified.
November 5, 2020
Number students/staff currently testing positive active of total number of 900 students/staff (estimated): 13 (When numbers exceed 5, districts are able to provide an exact number under new guidance received on September 16 for students. I have chosen to combine students/staff together in an effort to protect individual identities.)
Students/staff currently isolating/quarantining of total number of 900 students/staff (estimated): 108
Percentage of Active Students and Staff Currently Who Tested Positive Compared to Estimated Total Student/Staff Population: 1.4%
Percentage of Students and Staff Quarantined Compared to Estimated Total Student/Staff Population: 12.0%
17.1% – Current Sac County Positivity Rate November 5, 2020
As county positivity rates have climbed again by approximately 8% in one week, so have numbers of positive and quarantine cases in the district increased again. At school we have had to quarantine students who exposed others while eating lunch, on the bus, during open gym activities, and in some cases people not wearing their mask properly. An example of not wearing mask properly: Students are wearing their mask when they get on and off the bus or at lunch, but when watching video, many students are wearing their mask improperly or not at all. Bus seats are designed for safety making it difficult to see over the seats and the drivers main focus must be on the road. While many of us have differing opinions on the usage of masks, with the change of practice in Iowa at school, if both parties are wearing a mask or gaiter properly, it reduces the need to quarantine. Administratively we discussed pros and cons for an early out schedule vs. moving to a hybrid model. At this time, we have chosen the one-hour early out (2:25) option through November 24 starting Monday, November 9th. We will continue to monitor positivity rates in the district and make adjustments as needed. Your help in reinforcing the proper usage of a mask or gaiter is helpful to allow for continued face to face instruction for as long as possible. It is extremely important to stay home, if experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 and follow safety practices.
Disclaimer: The information set forth above is for informational purposes only. This information is based on reports to the District from other sources which have not been independently verified.
October 30, 2020
Number students/staff currently testing positive active of total number of 900 students/staff (estimated): less than 5 (When numbers exceed 5, districts are able to provide an exact number under new guidance received on September 16 for students. I have chosen to combine students/staff together in an effort to protect individual identities.)
Students/staff currently isolating/quarantining of total number of 900 students/staff (estimated): 36
Percentage of Active Students and Staff Currently Who Tested Positive Compared to Estimated Total Student/Staff Population: less than .5%
Percentage of Students and Staff Quarantined Compared to Estimated Total Student/Staff Population: 4.0%
9.3% – Current Sac County Positivity Rate October 30, 2020
October 23, 2020
Number students/staff currently testing positive active of total number of 900 students/staff (estimated): less than 5 (When numbers exceed 5, districts are able to provide an exact number under new guidance received on September 16 for students. I have chosen to combine students/staff together in an effort to protect individual identities.)
Students/staff currently isolating/quarantining of total number of 900 students/staff (estimated): 22
Percentage of Active Students and Staff Currently Who Tested Positive Compared to Estimated Total Student/Staff Population: less than .5%
Percentage of Students and Staff Quarantined Compared to Estimated Total Student/Staff Population: 2.4%
9.2% – Current Sac County Positivity Rate October 23, 2020
Disclaimer: The information set forth above is for informational purposes only. This information is based on reports to the District from other sources which have not been independently verified.
October 16, 2020
Number students/staff currently testing positive active of total number of 900 students/staff (estimated): less than 5 (When numbers exceed 5, districts are able to provide an exact number under new guidance received on September 16 for students. I have chosen to combine students/staff together in an effort to protect individual identities.)
Students/staff currently isolating/quarantining of total number of 900 students/staff (estimated): 19
Percentage of Active Students and Staff Currently Who Tested Positive Compared to Estimated Total Student/Staff Population: less than .5%
Percentage of Students and Staff Quarantined Compared to Estimated Total Student/Staff Population: 2.1%
10.2% – Current Sac County Positivity Rate October 16, 2020
Disclaimer: The information set forth above is for informational purposes only. This information is based on reports to the District from other sources which have not been independently verified.
October 9, 2020
Number students/staff currently testing positive active of total number of 900 students/staff (estimated): less than 5 (When numbers exceed 5, districts are able to provide an exact number under new guidance received on September 16 for students. I have chosen to combine students/staff together in an effort to protect individual identities.)
Students/staff currently isolating/quarantining of total number of 900 students/staff (estimated): 10
Percentage of Active Students and Staff Currently Who Tested Positive Compared to Estimated Total Student/Staff Population: less than .5%
Percentage of Students and Staff Quarantined Compared to Estimated Total Student/Staff Population: 1.1%
11.7% – Current Sac County Positivity Rate October 9, 2020
Disclaimer: The information set forth above is for informational purposes only. This information is based on reports to the District from other sources which have not been independently verified.
September 25, 2020
Number students/staff currently testing positive active of total number of 935 students/staff (estimated): 12 (When numbers exceed 5, districts are able to provide an exact number under new guidance received on September 16 for students. I have chosen to combine students/staff together in an effort to protect individual identities.)
Students/staff currently isolating/quarantining of total number of 935 students/staff (estimated): 93
Percentage of Active Students and Staff Currently Who Tested Positive Compared to Estimated Total Student/Staff Population: 1.3%
Percentage of Students and Staff Quarantined Compared to Estimated Total Student/Staff Population: 10.0%
19.9% – Current Sac County Positivity Rate September 25, 2020
Disclaimer: The information set forth above is for informational purposes only. This information is based on reports to the District from other sources which have not been independently verified.
A press release from Superintendent Jeff Kruse:
Sept. 2, 2020
Public health has confirmed two East Sac County students, elementary and MS, have tested positive for COVID-19. Neither of them were in school the 48 hours prior to symptoms starting. Students/parents who had contact outside of school have been notified with how to proceed and public health will also be assisting in any additional contact tracing. The district will continue to work with the Sac County Public Health Department and share information as deemed appropriate.
There are many questions that still surround who and when testing should occur. Recent guidance suggests that you do NOT need to be tested unless you experience direct contact with someone who has tested positive OR have symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing). There is a Test Iowa clinic site in Carroll and a drive through site in Storm Lake. To register you go to the Test Iowa website (https://www.testiowa.com/en). Only individuals with confirmed contact, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines as being within six feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes up to two days prior to the onset of symptoms or positive test, will be notified. The district is encouraging parents and guardians to continue monitoring their child’s health and to remain home if they display any symptoms associated with COVID-19, such as fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or loss of taste or smell.
Your primary health care provider can help determine if you need testing or treatment. In addition, you can call 211, the state’s Coronavirus hotline, for more health-related information. If you believe you may have been exposed to the virus or are experiencing symptoms, DO NOT go immediately to a clinic, emergency room, or doctor’s office. Instead, either call 211 or your primary health care provider for guidance.
At this time, ESC will remain open and we will deal with COVID on a case by case basis. We cannot stress enough the importance of basic good health practices, such as regularly washing your hands, covering your cough, and staying home any time you feel ill.