L-A-T-E-S-T – Sunday, March 15 – Montezuma students and staff should NOT report to school on Monday, March 16. The school’s website notes that Gov. Reynolds has recommended a four-week closure of the state’s schools, starting Monday. Montezuma officials will be out with more information later. The letter below came from Superintendent Dave Hoeger on March 13.
By Dave Hoeger
Montezuma Schools Superintendent
March 13, 2020
Dear Montezuma Families:
In light of the many announcements that all state universities will move toward online course work following spring break, the Montezuma School District wants to assure our families and communities that normal operations will continue for the foreseeable future within our own schools.
Each day, we monitor the current status and make decisions based upon the information that has been provided to us by the Department of Public Health, AEA, local Hospital, CDC, and concerns from our parents.
While our main objective is to keep students and staff members safe, we also acknowledge that we have a social responsibility to ensure the continuity of education for our students.
The Health Department has asserted that the risk to students and staff is minimal at this time and they do not believe that the current situation warrants school closings.
In the event that the Iowa Department of Public Health determines that there is a need for closure, or other action, the Health Department and school district will coordinate to respond, and communicate additional information at that time.
There have been many recent announcements of cancellations of sporting events, theme parks and cultural events throughout the United States.
The goal is to limit large group gatherings in an effort to slow this infectious virus.
We are evaluating our upcoming events and making decisions on how best to proceed.
We will be postponing our FFA Banquet because it involves ordering food for hundreds of people with little confidence they will be able to attend at the time of the event.
We will be determining whether to hold our other large events as the dates get closer. If we had to postpone the events, our goal would be to have them at a later date if possible.
We really hope that we can continue to educate our students for the rest of the year without a temporary closing.
There are several states in recent days that have decided to close so we are having our teachers discuss what online learning or students working from home may look like.
Again, we hope this does not become a reality, but we want to be as prepared as possible if it is decided we have to close for a period of time.
As a public school district, we are working to be proactive and preventative, while operating in a state of preparedness. We are in constant communication with the County Health Department, Emergency Management groups, local hospitals, and area superintendents as well as the Iowa Department of Public Health.
Moving forward, we will continue to partner with and follow the guidance of these agencies.
For reference, the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus can be found via the Iowa Department of Public Health Coronavirus https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus/Schools.
The safety and well-being of our students and staff is always our top priority. We all have procedures in place as part of our district emergency operating plan[s] to handle situations regarding the spread of illness.
As stated before, to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, the CDC recommends the following actions:
● Frequently wash your hands for 20 seconds or more with soapy water. If unavailable, use hand sanitizer.
● Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
● Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
● Stay home when you are sick.
● Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
● Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Please keep in mind that if you are traveling to an area indicated on the CDC website that may cause exposure to our students, I ask that you use caution upon returning and consider isolating yourself for the recommended time upon your return.
It is important that we keep Montezuma students, faculty, and families healthy. The CDC has guidance on location concerns and travel.
I understand this is a stressful time for families.
Please know that we are taking extra steps to clean the building and keep everyone safe.
This is a time that we need to reassure our students that these are precautionary measures to keep the spread of COVID-19 to a minimum.
Please feel free to communicate with me if you have any questions.