Spring Break Message from Superintendent Bisgard

Last updated: March 12th, 2020

SPRING BREAK

A reminder to our Linn-Mar families that spring break begins Monday, March 16th and continues through Friday, March 20th.

In response to concerns regarding the Coronavirus, the Linn-Mar Community School District is closing all schools and canceling all activities during spring break. This includes, but is not limited to, all sports practices, rehearsals, on-site daycare, and lessons at the Aquatic Center.

This will allow our Operations & Maintenance team and building custodians the opportunity to properly sanitize and thoroughly clean all of the facilities. This will provide for a clean start when students, teachers, and staff return on Monday, March 23rd; following spring break.

FOLLOWING SPRING BREAK

As you are likely aware, many local colleges and universities have announced their plans to suspend face-to-face instruction for two weeks following spring break due to the Coronavirus. This has generated a great deal of questions specific to our district. We are working closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), Linn County Public Health (LCPH), and the Department of Education (DOE). Based on input from these organizations, at this time we plan to remain on schedule with current school operations following spring break. If plans change, we will make an announcement by Thursday, March 19.

Based on the recommendations from the IDPH, LCPH, and DOE; students, teachers, and staff should plan to return to classes on Monday, March 23rd; however, we encourage families to review their plans now just in case a decision is made to close schools.

Please know, the decision to close schools will not be made lightly. Significant research and preparation have taken place regarding our options in the event of an extended school closure. There are many factors to be considered any time a decision is made to close schools. These factors range from evaluating the consequences of missed instruction, to providing meals to students who rely on the district’s Nutrition Services program.

Parents always have the right to keep their students at home if they feel it is in the best interest of their health. We ask parents to call their student’s school starting Monday, March 23rd to report absences; to help us plan accordingly. All absences related to COVID-19 are excused. At this time, unless there is a school closure, the normal process for making up school work due to absences still applies.

In the event that State or Federal officials determine there is a need for closure or other action, the district will coordinate with the Linn County Health Department to communicate additional information at that time.

For reference, the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus can be found via the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization.

While the safety and well-being of our students, teachers, and staff are always our top priorities, we also acknowledge that we have a social responsibility to ensure the continuity of education for our students. It is everyone’s responsibility to help mitigate situations such as these. If a member of your family becomes sick, please be thoughtful of those around you and stay home!