COVID-19 information 2021-22
Updated Oct. 27, 2021
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See our updated face mask policy for grades PK-6 (effective Sept. 22, 2021)
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Iowa Department of Public Health COVID-19 FAQ for school
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Summary of federal pandemic funding (ESSER) expenditures
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View our weekly COVID-19 Case Updates webpage here
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COVID-19 vaccine info for 5-11 year-olds from McFarland Clinic
MCSD Return to Learn health & safety measures for the 2021-22 school year
The following steps are being taken at our schools for the 2021-22 school year:
Face Coverings: As of Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021, face masks are REQUIRED indoors for students and staff at the PK-6 level (all elementary schools and Lenihan Intermediate School). Face masks remain highly recommended (not required) for staff and students at the 7-12 level (MHS, MLA, and Miller Middle School). The District will be providing each employee and student one cloth face mask, and students and staff may choose to wear their own appropriate face coverings. Masks are REQUIRED to be worn on school buses, as required by law.
Social Distancing: Social distancing of students, staff and visitors will be highly encouraged and expected to the extent possible.
Cleaning & Hand Hygiene: Enhanced, daily deep-cleaning/sanitation will be implemented when students and staff return to school. Regular hand washing and frequent use of hand sanitizer which will be located in strategic areas of the building and in all classrooms – will be the norm.
Signage: Building signage is implemented to serve as a constant reminder to implement health and safety practices such as hand washing, social distancing, wearing face coverings, and others.
Schedules: School day schedules are adjusted in order to minimize crossover of students and staff within each building as much as possible.
Visitors: Visitors to our buildings & classrooms will be allowed. Face coverings are highly recommended and required for those not vaccinated.
Meetings: Meetings amongst staff and/or with parents will be held virtually whenever possible, and when in-person meetings are deemed necessary, social distancing will be practiced and face coverings will be highly recommended.
Assemblies: Large, indoor assembly-type gatherings of students, staff, and parents within auditoriums, gymnasiums and/or cafeterias will be discouraged and, when deemed necessary, social distancing and face coverings will be highly encouraged. Announcements will regularly be made at student activities and competitions recommending (not requiring) attendees wear face masks and maintain social distance.
Vaccines: MCSD will continue to work closely with local public health officials in order to attempt to schedule school-based vaccination clinics as more students continue to become eligible to safely receive the vaccine.