Dear Parents,
Governor Kim Reynolds closed schools for the remainder of this school year. While we understand this is the safest option, we also are very saddened that we do not get to have students come back to school to continue their learning and to provide closure to this school year.
We are going to continue with the learning packets in the elementary and the teachers in the middle and high school will continue working with students through email and online courses.
Our teachers are working hard to create meaningful lessons for students and I hope you will encourage your child to take advantage of them and keep learning for the remainder of the school year.
There are numerous topics we want to address now that school is closed for the rest of the year.
We continue to have numerous meetings each week with the Department of Education, the Area Education Agencies, Iowa Valley, and other local agencies. Many people are working hard to change rules and create policies because of the school closure.
Last day of the year
The last day of the school year will be May 29. The last day for seniors to complete work is May 14th.
Elementary Learning Packets
Teachers are preparing learning packets for elementary students to be picked up in two-week increments. The process will look similar to our packet pick-up on April 10th. Our next round of packets can be picked up Friday, April 24th. Packets will be available from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm.
If you have any library books or spring picture packets, we will have staff for you to return those items during packet pick-up. Our packet pick-up schedule is as follows:
- Friday, April 24th — 10:30 – 12:30
- Friday, May 8th — 10:30 – 12:30
- Friday May 22nd — 10:30 – 12:30
Summer School
We are planning summer school opportunities for students in grades K-5. At this time, we are making plans for in-person and virtual options for students to participate in continued learning during the summer.
More information will be forthcoming after further guidance from the Department of Education and social distance expectations from the Governor. Email Mr. Hanna if you have any interest in possible summer school for your student.
Elementary Personal Items
The elementary teachers will be handing out personal items to their students during the learning packet pickup on May 8th and May 22nd.
Elementary Device Rental Returns
Students/parents who have rented school-owned devices will need to return those devices during packet pick-up on May 22nd. If summer school becomes virtual, devices may be kept for assistance in the learning activities.
Secondary Computer Turn-In/Locker Clean-Out
We will schedule times per grade to turn in your Chromebook or any other books that may belong to the school after May 29.
Students will also have the opportunity to clean out their lockers and get any other personal items for the summer. Seniors will do this the week of May 11.
Secondary Continuous Learning
Sixth through 12th grade teachers will continue to offer learning opportunities through May 29. If your 6th-12th student needs a packet, please let Mr. Hoffman know.
We have made a few and are preparing for when elementary hands out their packets. Otherwise, everything will be offered online.
We hope students are taking advantage of these opportunities. While we know it is not the same as being at school, this will help us keep on track for next year.
Grading Options
For all students in grades 6-12, we want to discuss our grading policy for the remainder of this year. The last day of classes at Montezuma was March 13th. Students have two options for their final grade for the course.
Option 1: Students may take whatever their grade was on March 13th and that will be their final grade for the course.
Option 2: Students may work with their teachers to make up missed work or redo assignments that were incomplete or done poorly for work that was due by March 13th.
If a teacher allows this work to be completed then this can be factored into a student’s final grade.
Any work the teacher assigns after March 15th will not be factored into a student’s grade but it is our expectation that students continue to work on these assignments so they continue to build their knowledge.
Students should make arrangements with each teacher if they wish to do Option 2 so there is a plan in place regarding any make-up work. Mr. Hoffman will send more information to students and parents about this process.
Graduation
We are going to make a decision regarding the date for graduation with the hope we can do a traditional ceremony in June. We will send this date very soon for your planning purposes.
Prom
Tentatively put down July 25 and we will send out a notification when this is finalized. Thanks to Peggy Watts for working to make sure After Prom will still happen if we are allowed to have Prom.
Senior Awards and Scholarships
This is the same as graduation and prom. We are going to set a later date and hope we can hold it just like last year. Once we know more about social distancing in June and summer sports, we will work to pick a date.
National Honors Society
These applications are still being reviewed and students will be contacted soon regarding their status. Unfortunately, there will be no ceremony this year due to our current guidelines. We will most likely hold a ceremony at the beginning of the next school year.
Lunches
We will continue providing lunches on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in the same manner as we are doing now until further notice. That would include the remainder of the school year and all summer as well.
If the state tells us that we no longer need to socially distance ourselves, then we will offer lunch for students but they will then have to come to school and eat in the cafeteria. As long as we need to be socially distant, we will continue to allow people to pick up lunches and take them home.
Sports
All spring sports have been canceled for the year. The Governor indicated she will make a decision on summer sports by June 1. There can be no practices for summer sports until further notice.
Thanks for your patience as we work through many of these topics. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Thanks again,
Mr. Hoeger, Mr. Hanna, Mr. Hoffman