(Atlantic) Atlantic Schools Superintendent Steve Barber released the following message to parents, staff, and students on Monday afternoon in regards to the school district’s plan between now and the tentative re-opening date of April 13.
“These are trying times for all. I realize that not having school has created numerous challenges for our staff, parents, and students, “said Barber. “Last night at a press conference, Governor Reynolds recommended that schools shut down for four weeks due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are looking at a tentative startup date of April 13, 2020.
“Given that this is an unprecedented situation and the uncertainty of COVID-19, more information is needed to answer all the questions that parents, staff, and community have in relation to this shutdown of school,” explained Barber. “What I do know, listening to all the experts, is that social distancing is the most effective method to avoid the spread. I think this is important as school is not in session to know the recommendations and isolate as much as possible.”
Barber says a plan has been developed to get food out to students. Starting this Wednesday and continuing through the shutdown, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday the district will offer meals on the loading dock of the Schuler building (in the back of the building) from 9-11 AM. Individuals will be handed meals through their car windows, so no one will need to get out of the car. Next week, which is spring break, backpack meals will also be available at the aforementioned times.
Mr. Barber asks all parents whose child has medicine at the school to pick it up at Washington Elementary before noon on March 17. Please call ahead to Washington, phone: 712-243-5234, and Mrs. Freund, Atlantic CSD Health Director, will bring the medicine out to you.
Barber is asking all staff members who need something from the building to pick it up prior to noon, March 17 at which time access to the building will be limited to essential staff.
“Again, a lot of information is still not available to us and the current situation can change quickly,” said Barber. “My plan through this process is to continue to communicate with all stakeholders as information becomes available. This will ensure that everyone is in the know of what plans are created and how the decisions affect all involved. For me, the safety of all is and will continue to be the priority. Please check your email regularly as we will share electronic information as things develop.”
