MCSD Return to Learn guidance – 2022-23

Isolation Guidance for positive COVID-19 cases:

Staff and students who test positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, should:  

• Stay home for 5 days from the start of symptoms (day 1 is the day after symptoms start or you have a positive test).
• Return to work/school on day 6 if symptoms are improving. You are encouraged to wear a well-fitting mask while around others when returning days 6-10

Quarantine Guidance for COVID-19 Exposure – Close Contacts
Staff and students who are exposed to someone with COVID-19 (vaccinated and unvaccinated):

• No quarantine is advised unless you have symptoms.
• It is advised to wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days while you are around others.
• If you develop symptoms, stay home and test for COVID-19.

Reference: CDC Isolation and Quarantine  (Updated 8/11/2022)

Reminder: All persons who are experiencing an illness should stay home while they are ill, even if they test negative for COVID-19 or receive an alternative diagnosis. If you are ill,  please stay home.

District ESSER III Plan

On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act was signed into law. The ARP Act authorized a third round of emergency coronavirus relief to schools across the country through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund – also known as ESSER III. The ESSER III Fund allocates nearly $123 billion to states and school districts to help safely reopen schools pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, sustain the safe operation of schools, and address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on students. 

The Marshalltown Community School District received $8.78 million dollars in ESSER III funds. Of that, 20% ($1.76 million) is reserved to address learning loss as a result of COVID, leaving $7.02 million that can be used for other purposes. While broad in scope, the primary directive is to utilize the funds in a way that can be connected to our response now or for future pandemics.

To best determine how funds should be allocated, district leadership has met regularly dating back to March 2021. During these discussions, we have allocated funds to ensure we are doing what is best for students and helping them get caught up with their learning. Furthermore, allocations have been shared and discussed with teacher leadership as well as during school board meetings. 

Pandemic funding summary (updated October 2022) 

ESSER funding overview presentation (August 2021)