River Valley CSD Return to Learn Plan (Updated January 16, 2023)

Also check out these documents: COVID-19 Info

The River Valley Community School District developed a Return-to-Learn Plan for the 2022-2023 school year as directed by the Iowa Department of Education.  Within the District’s plan, three different learning situations are included.  The three different situations are highlighted with the understanding that this is a fluid document that may change upon additional guidance or direction from the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Iowa Department of Education or the Governor of the State of Iowa.  Everyone involved should prepare for all three types of learning.  We truly believe On-Site learning is the best type of learning environment for students, not only educationally, but social-emotionally, as well.  This may look different than what we are used to or the normal educational environment, but the students will be back to required learning.

School Year/School Day:

August 23rd will be the start of the school year.  We NEED to continue to have our kids safely in the classrooms.  

On-Site Learning:

Learning of this type, as discussed earlier, is optimal for the educational experience.  The District is a 1:1 school and students will have access to either chromebooks or ipads. 

Professional development for teachers and training of students is a priority when we begin school in the fall.  The first few days of school will be used to train students on the use of this technology.

Safety measures will be in place and will change as conditions require.  For the 2022-23 school year, masks will remain a personal choice.  Students should bring their own mask or shield to school, if they choose to wear a mask.  They are also encouraged to bring a second mask should theirs become soiled and a paper bag to store their mask in when it is not in use.  Students and staff will clean their desks and classrooms after use.  Hand sanitizer will be available in each classroom and office.  We will monitor CDC guidance and make adjustments to procedures when needed.  Students may be asked to bring a water bottle to school and use the bottle filling stations, instead of using the traditional drinking fountains.  Please label water bottles with your student’s name.

As of 1/6/22, CDC guidance states that students, teachers or other staff members with a COVID-19 infection should stay home 5 days from symptom onset or positive test (if asymptomatic).  If they are asymptomatic or their symptoms have greatly improved, they may return to school on day 6 if they wear a well-fitting mask for 5 additional days.

People unable to wear a mask, people who choose not to wear a mask, people with moderate or severe illness and people who are immunocompromised should isolate for 10 days.

A priority to the River Valley CSD is the health and safety of the students and staff.  High-touch areas in the building, other than the cleaning already done in the classrooms, will be cleaned regularly.  

Hybrid Learning:

Hybrid learning occurs when a decision is made by the Governor or the local school board, in conjunction with the District Health Department, that buildings can operate but with a limited capacity, due to a Covid-19 concern.

Our purpose for the hybrid model is to provide the best possible educational experience under the limitations we have been given.  Students are still required to do the work and participate in the educational practice.  Attendance will be taken.  Tests will be given and grades taken.  If one of these models is adopted, please stress to your child(ren) the importance of this educational framework.

Virtual Learning: 

Virtual learning will take place when a decision is made for an emergency closure of a building and/or buildings.  If a single building closes due to a Covid-19 outbreak and there is a need for sanitization, the students and staff in that building will immediately transfer to virtual learning.  If there is a need to close both buildings, students and staff of the district will immediately transition to virtual classrooms.  Attendance will be taken, grades will be earned and credit awarded.  Virtual learning will also be an option for parents when the District is authorized to provide hybrid Learning or On-Site Learning due to a health concern with the child or an immediate family member.  A note from a health care provider, explaining the rationale for the requested virtual learning, will be required.  

Covid-19:

Covid-19 information and recommendations are constantly changing.  River Valley CSD will follow recommendations set forth by the CDC, IDPH, Department of Education, and our local health departments.  Please note that the following are district guidelines we have discussed and are being put forth to keep your child(ren), our staff, and our community as safe as possible.  Since Covid-19 safety recommendations change frequently we will notify students and parents of any changes via JMC messenger.  However, the following guidelines are recommended for ALL transmissible illnesses.  Please take time to talk to your students about these practical ways to stay healthy before they return to school. 

• Cover your cough or sneeze using the crook of your elbow if possible.  If a tissue or your hands are used, wash them immediately after.

• Wash hands before and after handling food and eating, after using the restroom, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing into your hands or a tissue.  Wash your hands whenever they are visibly dirty.

• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds using warm water and soap.  After drying your hands with a paper towel, use a clean paper towel to turn off the faucet and open any door to exit the restroom.

• Soap and water are the BEST way to make sure your hands are clean.  If soap and water are not available use hand sanitizer.  Making sure that hands stay wet for at least 20 seconds.  Talk to your children about the hazards of ingesting hand sanitizer.

• Social distancing of 3 feet is encouraged as much as possible.

• Social distancing is recommended, whenever possible.  Due to Iowa law, masks are not mandated.  Masks will remain a personal choice.  

• If you are sick, STAY HOME.

• Children with fevers of 100.4, vomiting, or diarrhea will need to stay home for 24 hours after the fever, vomiting, or diarrhea have stopped.  If using a medication such as acetaminophen to lower a fever this will not count towards the 24 hours fever free.

• Children and staff who have symptoms and think they may have Covid-19 should quarantine until 24 hours without a fever has passed.

• Children who have been exposed to an individual who tested positive for Covid-19 will not be required to quarantine. 

• If your child is showing signs of illness you or an emergency contact will be asked to pick them up from school as quickly as possible.  During the time they wait to be picked up, a mask may be placed on your child if they are around others and/or as they walk to the office to go home.

Updated: January 16, 2023