FAQs

Important Notice Regarding COVID-19

The 2020-21 school year’s instructional format will remain flexible to ensure student and staff safety. East Sac County CSD may adjust processes and learning environments at any given point throughout the school year. Depending on community health conditions, a temporary transition to online learning could take place at a classroom, school, or district level.

1. General FAQ

Q: When will a decision be made districtwide for East Sac County CSD students, parents, and staff to follow?

A: On Wednesday, August 12, the East Sac County CSD Board of Education approved the district learning plan to start the school year. Under this plan, families will CHOOSE between online or on-site learning to begin the school year. Both plans have students attending class Monday through Friday, either on-site or at home online both are REQUIRED learning.

Please note: The 2020-21 school year’s instructional format will remain flexible to ensure student and staff safety. East Sac County CSD may adjust processes and learning environments at any given point throughout the school year. Depending on community health conditions, a temporary transition to online learning could take place at a classroom, school, or district level.

Q: Can families switch back and forth between on-site and online learning?

A: Generally speaking families must commit to a semester plan for online learning as the district will be purchasing license agreements by the semester.  Families in collaboration with school administration on a case by case basis will develop the best learning plan possible for families and the district.  If interested in the online learning option, please contact the building administrator by Wednesday, August 19.

Q: How will we catch up lost learning from the spring?

A: East Sac County CSD plans to focus on grade-level standards and competencies. We will use those strategies,“ teaching just in time,” and scaffolding to support accelerated learning. We will also utilize resources provided by Prairie Lakes AEA and the Iowa Department of Education to close gaps and accelerate learning. There will be continuous assessments of students’ knowledge and progress.

Q: If community health conditions improve or worsen, how will things change?

A: East Sac County Community School District will continue to follow guidance from both local and state authorities. If Governor Reynolds’ office or another agency recommends school closures, we would immediately transition to a fully-online required learning environment.

Q: What triggers will you be using to determine if on-site needs to move to hybrid or to online or back to on-site?

A: East Sac County CSD will follow guidance from the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Sac County Public Health Department to determine when we need to move between learning options.

Q: How are classes and teachers being monitored by administration to ensure content quality?

A: Administrators will engage in frequent communication with teachers and will support collaborative teams with planning for instruction, monitoring student learning, and professional learning. In addition, administrators will continue to support and coach through classroom observations and walkthroughs.

Q: What will health self-assessments look like for students?

A: For students, we will ask families to take temperatures of students before leaving the house for school in the morning and access students for any signs of illness. East Sac County CSD will assess students for symptoms of COVID-19 and share that information with families. East Sac County CSD will continue to encourage families to keep their students home when they are not feeling well. This will help us all ensure that we continue working together to keep everyone healthy and safe.

Q: Are face coverings required?

(Updated Sept. 28th)

A: East Sac County CSD staff and students will be required to use some form of face covering when they are unable to social distance. Students are required to use some form of face covering when they are unable to social distance.  Examples of areas face coverings are needed could include but are not limited to: school transportation, passing periods in hallways, lunch lines, etc… All staff and students are asked to provide a face covering and have one with them at all times.  If a family is unable to provide a covering or a staff or student forgets a covering there will be some available at the building for the student.

How will social distancing be maintained in a classroom?

A: We understand it may be difficult to maintain a social distance in our classrooms and school vehicles at all times and therefore are encouraging face coverings to be worn as a mitigation strategy when social distancing can not be accomplished.

Q: If there is a COVID-19 diagnosis in a school building, what will happen?

A: If a East Sac County CSD student or employee is diagnosed with COVID-19, the district will work with local health officials to determine the appropriate next steps. This may require a building or classroom to temporarily shift to an online learning environment. Because each case is unique, we will attempt to communicate through our email, text, JMC, and social media any time-sensitive announcements regarding any needed changes for a school day. Students and/or staff who become ill while at school will be sent home and quarantined until they are able to leave.

East Sac County CSD will also reach out to the employee/supervisor or family about possible exposure. We will work alongside the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Sac County Public Health Department to communicate with those individuals impacted to determine their needs and provide support.

We will deep-clean any district buildings impacted. We must maintain privacy of individuals but will share communication regarding exposure or potential exposure to allow families and staff to make informed decisions as allowed by law.

Q: What cleaning products or plans are in place?

A: East Sac County CSD is looking at products that provide protection over time and different disinfecting agents that can be applied and prohibit spread.  These are the same products used in the past. We are currently using daily disinfectants. Our custodial and maintenance staff are working on cleaning schedules to apply disinfectant.

Q: Would teachers have students in the classroom while managing online instruction at the same time?

A: Generally, this should not be the case, as East Sac County CSD is partnering with Edgenuity, a leading provider of online and blended learning solutions. An Edgenuity teacher in grades PK-8 will be responsible for overseeing the program in each building and work with students registered in the full online program.  The HS uses Odysseyware to serve online learning opportunities.  A classroom teacher may have some onsite students who are temporarily absent, who may need some support during their short term absence from onsite instruction.

Q: How will East Sac County CSD work with high-risk students?

A: For students, East Sac County CSD will work to accommodate each family’s choice but ask that families contact the school nurse to address concerns in further detail and potentially develop a more robust healthcare plan.

Q: Will school playgrounds be open during recess?

A: Building leaders and teams are currently working on schedules for on-site learning, including recess. Recess will look different, as the same grade level of students will go to recess together as one mitigation strategy.  Students will be strongly encouraged to wear masks during recess if social distancing can not be maintained.  Students will wash hands before and after recess.

Q: What learning management system is East Sac County CSD using should the district move some or all students to online learning temporarily?

A: Canvas is our online learning management system 9-12th grade and Google Classroom for PK-8.  These programs allow teachers to design their own instruction and assessments aligned to our grade-level standards and it integrates with many different resources and programs.  This allows the teacher to design the learning while still having access to different programs and resources. Parents will be able to monitor for missing work. Teachers will also communicate with parents if there are concerns and be expected to keep their courses and grade books up-to-date.

Q: What is your advice for parents whose children do not learn well online or are not able to stay focused on online learning?

A: It will be important for teachers and students to develop routines together within a virtual learning environment, including ensuring students know ways they can communicate with their teacher and gain additional support when needed. Time for small group instruction and feedback will be an important part of connecting with students. The virtual schedule breaks direct instruction time into small age-appropriate chunks as well as provides for lots of breaks to help students stay focused on their learning.

Q: Will there still be an “office hours” time set aside for teachers to “meet” with the students opting to learn online at home should the district move to a temporary online format?

A: Yes. Office hours are part of the virtual continuous learning schedule. If at the 9-12 level, a student is joining an on-site class remotely, they will connect with teachers at a scheduled time.

Q: Will recordings of online instructions be available for students to reference should the district move to a temporary online format?

A: Class check-ins, class closings, and virtual instruction at both the elementary and secondary level will be recorded for students to review when possible.

Q: How will East Sac County CSD support families who choose the full online option?

A: New families will be provided guidance on how to monitor and support learning. Parents will be provided contact information both at East Sac County CSD and through Edgenuity for elementary and middle school, and Odysseyware at the HS.

Q: What happens if my student is experiencing technical issues out of their control (i.e. internet outage, device malfunctions, etc.)

A: Students who have issues with their Chromebook can submit a support request.

Report an issue with your student’s Chromebook by completing an online trouble ticket on the school website from any type of device by going to the ESC school website (www.eastsac.k12.ia.us) and going to Technology Trouble Tickets under Quick Links.

Q: Will students be able to share materials?

A: For technology, students will each have their own device, so no sharing of devices  will happen. Individual student supplies will not be shared.

Q: Will the district reimburse internet costs for students learning online?

A: We do not have funding to reimburse home internet costs.  If your family is in need of the Internet, please contact your child’s school, and we will problem solve getting access for your child with you.

Q: What will health self-assessments look like for staff?

A:  East Sac County CSD is asking employees to monitor their temperature and symptoms. If an employee feels sick and/or has symptoms related to COVID-19, they are asked not to come into work.

Q: Are face coverings required for staff?

A: East Sac County CSD staff will be strongly encouraged to use some form of face covering based on their role when they are unable to social distance.

Q: How will East Sac County CSD work with high-risk staff?

A: If you are someone who is at “higher risk” for becoming ill from the virus (pursuant to the CDC’s guidance), please feel free to communicate that to your direct supervisor or the District Office. The information you provide will be kept strictly confidential in your medical file and will be used solely for the purposes of determining your potential need for a leave of absence or for modifications to your work schedule and/or work environment during the pandemic. The District will assess situations with high-risk employees on a case-by-case basis.

Q: What will support staff positions look like for 2020-21?

A: Support staff will work as in the past, though the ways they provide support to students and/or job routines could look different based on their role.

Q: What is the plan for substitutes and how are you going to work with them?

A: This is a topic that is on everyone’s mind. East Sac County CSD is currently updating its sub pool for teachers and support staff. This is conducted on an annual basis, but we are doing a deeper dive this year to make sure we have opportunities ready for substitutes and in the plan we are following. The Department of Education did allow for some flexibility in obtaining substitutes.

Q: What are you doing for breakfast and lunch?

A: In the online learning environment, online learners can pick up meals through drive-thru service at the schools they would typically attend.  If you have more than one child in an online learning format, you will be able to pick up meals for all your children at one building only.  We will provide a meal schedule for pick up prior to the start of the school year.  Parents must communicate their meal needs with the district in advance and will be charged for a meal if they do not show up to pick up the meal.

Elementary: Breakfast and lunch will be in classroom cohorts and sitting in every other seat in the cafeteria.

Middle School: Students will walk through line to get their served meal, then eat in small groups.

High School: Students will walk through line to get their served meal, then eat in small groups.  Three lunch waves will be used at the high school to maintain social distancing.

In an unanticipated closure, meals may be available at curbside pickup locations and a schedule will be provided as allowed by federal guidelines.

Q: What will transportation services look like for students?

A: All passengers are strongly encouraged to wear a facial covering while getting on the bus, riding, and exiting the bus. Siblings or those living in the same home will be asked to sit together. When appropriate, students will enter the bus and begin seating near the back of the bus, filling the seats toward the front. When possible, students will exit the bus beginning with those seated closest to the front. Students will avoid congregating in the bus aisle. Bus capacity will be reduced as possible.

All surfaces will be sanitized at least once per day. No food or drink will be consumed while on the bus.

Q: What support is planned to meet diverse/exceptional students’ needs?

A: Students and families will choose to learn on-site or online to begin the school year. Diverse/exceptional students and families – including students with IEPs/504s, English Learners, Gifted/Talented Program students, and students at-risk – will have the opportunity to make this choice as well.

Diverse/exceptional students who choose to learn on-site will receive on-site support similar to previous years. For students who choose to learn online, appropriate steps will be taken to support virtual learning.  As always, appropriate interventions, extensions, and supports are determined individually for diverse/exceptional learners.

Q: Would East Sac County CSD consider sending a one-on-one aide to individual homes for extra face-to-face help, even for an hour or two a week?

A: It will be important for IEP teams to discuss several questions in determining the best ways to meet student needs in a remote learning environment. This includes the support of 1:1 assistants. Health and safety will also be considerations.

Q: We may take an out-of-state vacation prior to school starting. Must children self-quarantine following travel? 

A: We ask everyone to follow CDC guidelines when traveling.

Q: Will East Sac County CSD have Back-to-School events like other years?

A: We understand the importance of students making a connection at their school prior to the beginning of the school year. School principals are making plans on how to best provide those opportunities at their building. Watch for more information from your school.  Both the elementary and middle schools will host an open house with information on the school home page website.

East Sac County High School will have orientation for 9-12 students.  Seniors will meet on August 10, Juniors on August 11, etc.

Q: How do the return-to-learn plans impact athletics and activities?

A: Extracurricular activities may take place based on guidance from several state and local agencies, including the Iowa Department of Education, Iowa High School Athletics Association, Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union,  Iowa High School Music Association, and the Twin Lakes Conference. Students participating in on-site or online learning are eligible to participate.

Q: Will parents, visitors, and/or volunteers be allowed in buildings?

A: Our current guidance recommends that we limit the number of visitors into schools during the regular school day. We would limit visitors/volunteers to essential instances to reduce exposure as much as possible. We want people to be part of our school community, but we need to provide a safe environment for students and staff. If a visitor needs to be in a building, they would complete a self-assessment and/or other current processes prior to entering the building. We would prefer parents schedule an appointment prior to coming to a school building when possible.

Q: If we’re limiting people who can come into the buildings, will East Sac County CSD allow outside groups to use the facilities?

A: Generally speaking outside groups will not be allowed to use our facilities while we are in session and have students in our buildings during the regular school day. We will continue to allow outside facility usage outside of those times. Those responsible will be asked to follow our guidelines for use which will include additional mitigation strategies and increased supervision.

Important Notice Regarding COVID-19

The 2020-21 school year’s instructional format will remain flexible to ensure student and staff safety. East Sac County CSD may adjust processes and learning environments at any given point throughout the school year. Depending on community health conditions, a temporary transition to online learning could take place at a classroom, school, or district level.

Full Time On-Site learning Environment

ACADEMIC LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

This plan is similar to previous school years but includes additional health and safety measures.

• East Sac County Elementary:
  • 5 days per week onsite instruction following regular start and end times.
  • When students arrive at school in the morning, they will sanitize hands when entering, then go directly to breakfast to eat (if arriving from 7:30-7:50) or to their classroom cohort (allowed at 7:50).  Students will be allowed to eat breakfast after 7:50 and then head to their classroom as well.
  • Students will eat breakfast and lunch in their classroom cohorts.
  • Students will be spread out as much as room allows in the classroom with limited sharing of items that students might need for learning.  Ex.  math manipulatives.  Students will use their own supplies brought to school otherwise to limit sharing of materials.
  • Students will participate in outdoor recess when weather allows.
    • Playgrounds and outdoor spaces may be “zoned” so classroom cohorts will remain separated. Students will be encouraged to wear masks when social distancing is not possible and will wash hands before and after recess.
  • Students will have the opportunity to participate in specials in the specials’ rooms including art, music, PE, guidance, and library.

• On-site music will adhere to current guidance provided by the Iowa High School Music Association to create the safest environment in order to address standards.
• Students will wash hands before and after specials.
• All supplies, desks or tables, and chairs will be cleaned between classroom cohorts.

• • No assemblies, group programs or field trips will be scheduled at this time.
  • Where possible school personnel will provide services in the classroom cohort to reduce movement and contact in hallways and public spaces.
  • Outside visitors will be limited and parents are encouraged to schedule an appointment prior to visiting school.
  • After school pickups are still being worked out by staff.  Parents will need to stay in their vehicles.  We will work to make a safe and manageable plan before school begins.  We will communicate this when it is ready.
  • Concerts (music) are still being evaluated and a plan will be posted once we know about copyright issues and recording of students.  We will share when we have more specific information/plans.

• East Sac County Middle School:
  • 5 days per week onsite instruction following regular start and end times.
  • Students will eat breakfast and lunch in small groups.
  • Students may participate in extracurricular activities following the guidance of state organizations that oversee the activity or sport.
  • On-site vocal music and band will adhere to current guidance provided by the Iowa High School Music Association to create the safest environment in order to address standards.
  • Where possible school personnel will provide services in the classroom cohort to reduce movement and contact.
  • No assemblies, group programs, or field trips will be scheduled at this time.
  • Outside visitors will be limited and parents are encouraged to schedule an appointment prior to visiting school.
    • Concerts (music) are still being evaluated and a plan will be posted once we know about copyright issues and recording of students.  We will share when we have more specific information/plans.
• East Sac County High School:
  • 5 days per week onsite instruction following regular start and end times.
  • Lockers will be assigned to begin the school year.
  • Masks will be strongly encouraged during passing periods.
  • When students arrive at school in the morning, they will go directly to their first period class.
  • Students will eat breakfast and lunch in small groups.
  • Student schedules will be similar to previous years.
  • On-site vocal music and band will adhere to current guidance provided by the Iowa High School Music Association to create the safest environment in order to address standards.  Teaches will make use of the gymnasiums or go outside to maintain social distancing.
  • Where possible school personnel will provide services in the classroom cohort to reduce movement and contact in hallways and public spaces.
  • Students may participate in extracurricular activities following the guidance of state organizations that oversee the activity or sport.
  • No assemblies, group programs or field trips will be scheduled at this time.
  • Outside visitors will be limited and parents are encouraged to schedule an appointment prior to visiting school.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

• Social distancing guidelines will be followed when possible. Signage will show social distancing guidelines.
• Students will be spaced as far apart as possible in each room. There will be times when social distancing will not be possible.
• Schools may have some one-way hallways and/or stairwells.
• Elementary schools will have staggered recess times.
• No classroom parties, performances, or other all-school gatherings at this time.
• Bus capacity will be reduced if possible.
• Parents will be REQUIRED to stay in their vehicles at drop off and pick up times.

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

• No self-serve stations.
• Elementary: Breakfast and lunch will be in classroom cohorts.
• Middle School: Students will be in a lunch wave of only their grade level. Students will walk through line to get their served meal, then eat in smaller groups than traditionally done.
  • High School: Students will walk through line to get their served meal, then eat in small groups.

FACE COVERINGS

“Face coverings” includes face masks, face shields, and neck gaiters made of appropriate material to help protect against COVID-19.

• Student: Face coverings are strongly encouraged when social distancing is not possible.  Families are asked to make sure their child has a face covering with them at all times when social distancing is not possible.  East Sac County CSD will provide face coverings to students as needed.
• Teachers and Staff: Employees will be provided with a face covering and are strongly encouraged to use face coverings when unable to social distance.
• On Buses: All students are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings while on the bus, as social distancing will be not possible at all times. Bus drivers are encouraged to wear a face covering when loading and unloading students.

DAILY SYMPTOM CHECKS

• Please take your child’s temperature each day before school.
  • Students are asked to stay home if they feel ill for any reason and/or have a temperature of 100.4 or higher.
  • Students may have their temperature checked if needed.
• Staff will complete a daily wellness check-in prior to entering the building.
  • Staff who begin to feel ill during the day will immediately contact their building administrator/direct supervisor and will go home.

HAND-WASHING AND SANITIZING

• Students will be reminded constantly about the importance of hand-washing to prevent the spread of viruses.
• Students will have dedicated time to wash their hands before eating and after recess at the elementary.
• Bathroom soap dispensers and hand sanitizer stations throughout schools will be checked frequently and refilled as needed.
• Posters will be displayed in and near bathrooms and wash areas reminding students of the best technique for thorough hand-washing.
• Students and staff will be encouraged and reminded to wash hands regularly; use hand sanitizer; avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth; and properly cover coughs and sneezes.
• Water fountains will be disconnected. Bottle fillers and sanitizing stations are provided in each building.

CLEANING AND DISINFECTING

• East Sac County CSD will increase circulation of outdoor air via mechanical systems.
• East Sac County CSD will disinfect touch points daily throughout all buildings.
• Bus drivers will sanitize “high-touch” surfaces. All surfaces will be sanitized at least once per day.
• Hand washing and/or disinfectant supplies will be available in each room.
• Sharing of all supplies, utensils, devices, toys, learning aids, etc. will be limited.
• Student soft seating, area rugs, individual carpets squares etc…will be removed from classrooms where possible.

Important Notice Regarding COVID-19

The 2020-21 school year’s instructional format will remain flexible to ensure student and staff safety. East Sac County CSD may adjust processes and learning environments at any given point throughout the school year. Depending on community health conditions, a temporary transition to online learning could take place at a classroom, school, or district level.

East Sac County CSD has two options for online learning.  The first option is intended for students who do not opt for onsite learning.  The second online option would only take place in situations where a building or buildings are closed temporarily.

Online – Full Time

East Sac County High School will continue to use Odysseyware for its online learners  Students and staff are familiar with Odysseyware.

East Sac County CSD will partner with Edgenuity, a leading provider of online and blended learning solutions in grades PK-8.  Through this new partnership, we can ensure academic success and student outcomes in a virtual learning environment.

The virtual courses offered will also include all of the following features:

• Virtual courses will utilize Edgenuity’s award-winning curriculum, which meets both Common Core and state standards and is designed to fully engage and challenge students through rigorous content delivered by interactive, media-rich instruction.
• Highly qualified, state-certified virtual teachers will instruct, remediate, motivate, and proactively communicate with students.
• Qualified Concept Coaches will provide on-demand tutoring and engagement to ensure students’ questions are addressed in a timely manner, while  Success Coaches will provide an additional layer of support for students who are enrolled in virtual courses full-time.
• East Sac County CSD staff will work with students one-on-one to act as mentors, coaches, and facilitators.
• Edgeuity’s programming aligns with local standards to allow for seamless integration should a student begin online and decide to move to onsite and vice versa.

East Sac County CSD will expand its use of Edgenuity’s innovative online learning solutions in its ongoing efforts to help students achieve success.

Online – Temporary School Closure

What will learning look like?

Depending on the grade and needs of the individual student, students will participate in various types of learning:

Classroom Virtual Meetings. Teachers and students connect with each other using Google Meets or Canvas.

• Teachers provide social-emotional support and educational instruction, resources, and tasks.
• Students have time to collaborate, ask questions, and connect with teachers and classmates.

Independent Work. Teachers will provide tasks for students to work on outside of the classroom virtual meetings.

This work can be accessed and done at a time that works best for their family.

How is this different from how we ended the 2019-20 school year?

• Online learning will be REQUIRED at all grade levels.
• Attendance will be taken and required during classroom virtual meetings.
• Grade-level schedules will provide families, students, and teachers consistency and routine.
• Students will access more online instruction and collaboration with peers.
• Students will work more independently on learning activities.
• Regular feedback and grading will be given.

Teacher-Student-Parent Partnerships

East Sac County CSD teachers, students, and families will partner to support student success.

How Can Teachers Support?

• Create lesson plans to provide virtual learning opportunities.
• Record virtual sessions for students/families to access.
• Provide timely feedback to students on progress.
• Use student evidence to document progress toward learning targets and standards.
• Communicate and maintain daily office hours.
• Communicate regularly with students and parents and respond to questions within 24 hours (excluding weekends).
• Establish routines for virtual learning and relationships.
• Create a sense of safety and connectedness.
• Support positive behaviors within virtual space and incorporate essential life skills within learning opportunities.
• Provide accommodations for individual learner needs.

How Can Students Support?

• Attend all sessions.
• Engage in student/teacher connection and independent work learning opportunities.
• Complete assigned work by the due date.
• Ask clarifying questions and advocate for yourself if you don’t understand.
• Share evidence of learning with teachers as required.
• Be respectful and follow agreed-upon expectations.

How Can Parents Support?

• Review work assigned to the student.
• Reserve a space for students to complete remote learning work.
• Encourage students to get enough sleep.
• Set sensible time limits for technology use.
• Connect with students about their learning.
• Help students establish and follow regular daily routines.

 

ESC Community School District Return-to-Work Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: This document is subject to change at any time as new guidance and/or law from federal, state and local officials becomes available. 

1. What additional safety and sanitation measures has the district taken and/or will the district take to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 in the workplace? 

All buildings will be re-sanitized and disinfected by the beginning of the school year and by the beginning of each new school day. Additionally, our custodians are using a chemical approved by the EPA to have COVID-19 killing properties. Hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed in hallways. Transparent protective barriers will be provided upon request.

2. What are the common symptoms of COVID-19? 

Generally, common symptoms include fever or 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.

3. What should I do if I begin to feel symptoms of COVID-19? 

If you begin to feel symptoms at home please stay home. If you begin to feel symptoms at work, please leave the premises immediately. In both scenarios notify your immediate supervisor. Enter your absence in the Web Link system per normal procedures.

4. How many symptoms of COVID-19 do I need to experience before deciding to stay home from work? 

There is not a magic number of symptoms an individual needs to be experiencing to be at risk for carrying the virus. Therefore, to be safe, even if you are feeling one of the common symptoms you should stay home and contact a healthcare provider. Notify your immediate supervisors as you would for any illness.   Jackie will provide an update during staff inservice days in August.

5. What type of leave is available for me to take for COVID-19 specific reasons? 

In the event you are required to be quarantined you are awarded 10 days paid leave from the CARES Act (this is good through December 31 of this year). Any additional time off for illness or quarantine will have to be sick leave.

6. Should I be tested for COVID-19? 

Testing is a personal healthcare decision that you should make in consultation with a healthcare provider. The district will not mandate that employees be tested. However, if an employee reports a possible exposure to COVID-19 they are strongly encouraged to complete the survey at https://www.testiowa.com/en to see if they need to be tested and follow the instructions provided.

7. I’m nervous about returning to work for fear of contracting the virus. Can I work from home or use my leave? 

While the District understands this is an unprecedented situation with many unknowns, generalized fear of the virus alone is generally not a reason to be exempted from coming to the workplace.

8. I have an underlying health condition that puts me at higher-risk for contracting the virus. What should I do? 

Inform your immediate supervisor. This will generally begin an interactive process between the employer and the employee to discuss the accommodations being requested and the employer’s ability to meet those accommodations without imposing an undue burden. Generally, accommodation requests will need to be supported by documentation from a healthcare provider.

9. Someone in my household has an underlying health condition that puts them at higher-risk for contracting the virus. I do not think it is safe for me to come to work and potentially bring the virus home. What should I do? 

While the EEOC has stated that the ADA does not require that an employer accommodate an employee without a disability based on the disability-related needs of a family member or other person to whom the employee is associated, the District recommends that you inform your immediate supervisor your situation so an individual analysis may be performed to determine whether any accommodations may be able to be provided.

10. If I request an accommodation and I have supporting documentation from my healthcare provider, will the accommodation be granted? 

Every request for an accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis and medical documentation will be part of any consideration. The District will work with the employee, in accordance with applicable laws, to try and find an accommodation that meets the employee’s needs, but does not pose an undue hardship on the District.

12. Someone in my household or someone I have had close contact with has tested positive for COVID-19. What should I do? 

Inform your immediate supervisor. Stay home from work until further instruction can be provided to you by the District after consultation with local public health officials. Seek advice from a healthcare provider or state and local public health official as appropriate.

13. I think or know I had COVID-19, and I had symptoms. When can I return to work? 

 

If you have a positive COVID-19 test you can return to school when:  24 hours without a fever has passed (without using fever reducing medications, e.g. Tylenol, Ibuprofen) AND symptoms have improved AND it has been 10 days since your symptoms first started.  All 3 criteria must be met for return.

14. Can I continue to work from home? 

In most cases, no. Currently, the District expectation is that staff will be working in the building regardless of the learning model we adopt. This could be subject to change if new federal, state, and/or local guidance on this topic becomes available. Work from home will only be considered on a case-by-case basis if there is a medical or other request made for a reasonable accommodation and working from home is deemed to be a reasonable accommodation and would not impose an under burden or hardship on the District. In some cases, working from home will not qualify as a reasonable accommodation. If the need for working from home arises please contact your immediate supervisor.

15. I am absent due to one of the six qualifying COVID-19 reasons provided by the FFCRA. Can I work from home rather than taking leave? 

Possibly. Certain employees have jobs that for a short period of time can be done almost entirely from home. Work with your immediate supervisor to determine if this is a possibility.

16. I have a trip/vacation in the near future. Can I go? 

At this time the District is not imposing any travel restrictions or required quarantines for personal travel in the United States. We ask that you follow recommended safety guidelines and report to us if you feel symptoms of COVID-19 or have had close contact with someone who is experiencing symptoms of or has tested positive for COVID-19. Employees will be required to follow any state or local mandates regarding travel should they be imposed by governmental authorities. The District reserves the right to impose travel restrictions or quarantines following certain travel at any time. Should this occur, notice will be provided to employees.

International recommendations

• Students, faculty & staff who travel internationally should self- quarantine for 14-days upon their return to or arrival in the U.S. (this includes international students coming to campus at the start of the school year).
• Institutions of higher learning (IHEs) should consider specific messaging for international students about this recommendation; possibly working with on- campus student associations to spread this information
• Mass testing is not recommended as this may only give a point in time answer; absence of symptoms after 14 days is truly the best way to determine that someone will not become ill from a certain exposure (in this case traveling from outside the U.S.)

17. I think my co-worker is in a high-risk group for contracting COVID-19 and I am worried about them. What should I do? 

Nothing. Refrain from asking coworkers questions about their personal health or making assumptions in regard to their health due to perceived or known health conditions and/or their age.

18. My co-worker seems to be exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 but they are still coming to work. What should I do?

Report what you have witnessed to your immediate supervisor

19. If school closes again will I continue to get paid? 

The District cannot guarantee at this time that all employees would continue to be paid during another school closure. However, in the event of a school closure we anticipate that learning will be required rather than voluntary. Therefore, required learning will likely result in the District needing a majority of its staff working in some capacity.

20. If I am unable to work or school closes again, can I get unemployment?

Anyone can apply for unemployment benefits. Eligibility for unemployment is determined by Iowa Workforce Development.

21. Someone in my department, office or building is feeling symptoms of COVID-19 or has tested positive for COVID-19. Are we going to close the department or office? 

Due to the mitigation strategies the District has taken, a positive test or someone with symptoms will not necessarily trigger an automatic closure of an office or department. The District will communicate with public health officials and follow their recommended guidance on next steps.

22. I’ve tested positive for COVID-19 and I believe I contracted the virus at work. What should I do? 

Under OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements, COVID-19 is a recordable illness under certain conditions. Please follow the normal procedures for reporting a workplace injury or illness after reporting your positive test result to your immediate supervisor.

23. I’ve tested positive for COVID-19 and have notified the district of my positive result. Will my health information be kept confidential? 

Your personal health information will be kept confidential as required by law and to the extent necessary and possible. The District will likely have to engage in certain contact tracing efforts, but will work with local public health officials in that process to help ensure all appropriate laws and guidelines are followed. You may also elect to authorize the District to release your COVID test results.

24. Will the district be doing temperature checks or screening for symptoms each day as staff and students enter the building?

No

25. What kinds of things should I do to self-screen for symptoms prior to coming to the workplace? 

Every day before coming to work you should ask yourself if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: fever or 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.

26. I have a medical condition that prevents me from wearing a cloth mask. What should I do? 

You should speak with your health care provider about alternative personal protective equipment (PPE) that may work for you and discuss with your immediate supervisor. The District will work with you regarding alternative facial coverings or other personal protective equipment (PPE,) such as a face shield. If you need to consult with someone about what other types of PPE are acceptable for the workplace, please notify your immediate supervisor.

27. I am a teacher and am considering resigning due to the risk of contracting COVID-19. Is this an option? 

It depends. A resignation, seeking to be released from a contract, would have to be approved by the School Board. These requests are unique and will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

29. What happens when a staff member runs out of sick days?

Communication with the central office will provide guidance if sick leave is exhausted.

30. Can individual teachers choose to require masks be used in their classroom?

No, but they can strongly recommend that masks be worn, but not require it. If a teacher is high risk, they can work with administration on a plan specific to their classroom.

31. Will the district be forthcoming regarding staff members and students who test positive?

No.  We cannot violate HIPAA laws.

32. If families have elected to have their student(s) go an online route, will they be added onto Edgenuity or Odysseyware courses or are we expected to teach in person and online students at the same time? 

All families who choose to enroll in on-line only instruction, will be enrolled in Edgenuity or Odysseyware courses.  Edgenuity teachers may be utilized with these courses.

33. If we teach online during a school closure, will teachers be able to use their classrooms/school internet during the teaching sessions?

Yes at the current time. If we have to close school due to COVID-19 teachers will still come into work. Support staff may provide daycare at the school building.

34. If teachers are to stay home will they be required to teach during that time (virtually)?

This will be handled on a case by case basis.