October 21, 2020
Dear Friends of Oskaloosa Community School District,
Hasn’t this been a year to remember? Every day seems to bring new challenges and opportunities! We are fortunate here at Oskaloosa Community School District to have such amazing students, staff, parents, families, community partners, and friends to help us through these strange times.
The Oskaloosa School District recently completed our certified enrollment report for the State of Iowa. State and local funds are determined for school districts through the certified enrollment report, which is completed annually. The Oskaloosa District saw a decrease in overall enrollment from 2272 to 2247. This is a decrease of 25 students from October of 2019. We have seen a reduction in the number of students enrolling at the lower grades and an increase in the number of families choosing the homeschooling option. This may, in part, be due to COVID concerns in our community, state, country, and world. We will continue to provide a quality education to all our students and continue to grow and improve.
I have received several questions regarding COVID and the metrics used for making decisions regarding our learning options (face-to-face, hybrid, or online). Our first and foremost priority is to do what is best for our students. We know having our schools open is what is best for our students. The school provides many opportunities and supports for students beyond education and we feel it is important to provide those services to the fullest extent possible.
Making decisions regarding the best learning plan for our students is never an easy task. Data regarding our county and school is monitored daily. Our current county positivity rate is at 15%. I have included a chart from the Department of Education regarding the options school districts have when it comes to the county positivity rate. We monitor and take into account student/staff quarantine rates, student/staff positivity rates, and our absenteeism rate. The following data shows our rates for today (10/21/20) by building and district.
OHS:
2.3% Quarantine Rate
.04% Positive Rate
6.3% Absentee Rate
OMS:
2.8% Quarantine Rate
.02% Positive Rate
4.5% Absentee Rate
OES:
1.7% Quarantine Rate
0% Positive Rate
3.8% Absentee Rate
District Wide:
2.1% Quarantine Rate
.02% Positivity Rate
4.8% Absentee Rate
At this point in time, we are continuing with a face-to-face learning model. We are monitoring the data daily and will communicate model changes as necessary. Stay safe & healthy, wash your hands, wear your mask, and practice social distancing! Together we will conquer these unpredictable times! Thank you for your continued support of the Oskaloosa Community School District.
With Osky Pride:
Paula J. Wright
Superintendent
Oskaloosa Community School District
| Community Transmission | Suggested Strategies | Return-to-Learn Model |
|
0%-5% None to Minimal
|
Stay home if you are sick Practice frequent hand-washing Stay 6 feet from others as much as possible Use face coverings Maintain frequent cleaning Monitor absenteeism among teachers, staff, and students |
Face-to-Face Learning Or Hybrid Learning as necessary based on Student data. |
| 6%-14% Minimal to Moderate |
Continue above strategies. Reduce group gatherings Ensure student and staff group gatherings are as static as possible. |
Face-to-Face Learning Or Hybrid Learning as necessary based on Student data |
|
15%-20% Substantial Controlled And District Absenteeism rate of >10% |
Continue above strategies. Consider regular health checks for any on-site students/staff if feasible Cancel school events Close communal spaces (cafeterias, media centers, etc.) |
Face-to-Face Learning Or Hybrid Learning as necessary based on Student data. Or Temporary virtual learning for an entire school building or district for up to 14 days - only with approval from the State DE |
|
>20% Substantial Uncontrolled And District Absenteeism rate of >10% |
State and local will work together to make decisions on school operations. |
Hybrid Learning as necessary based on student data Or Temporary virtual learning for an entire school building or district for up to 14 days - only with approval from the state DE |
