(Atlantic) Atlantic Schools Superintendent Steve Barber released COVID-19 data today.
“We continue to see positive cases and quarantined individuals, yet we have not experienced a breakout in any of our buildings, ” said Barber. “Our absenteeism rate for students not quarantined is around 1% daily, which is really good. We serve our quarantined students remotely, as each student has a device, and the internet is available to ensure that all have access. Our staff continues to work hard at using technology tools to enhance these experiences.
“This is our ninth week of Returning to Learn since COVID-19 hit in March. As a school district, we were fortunate to make it nearly four weeks before we were notified of a positive case requiring our nursing staff and Cass County to identify close contacts and quarantine those identified,” explained Barber. “Since then, we have had staff and students who have tested positive that required us to inform those affected that they must quarantine. I realize that quarantine presents a lot of difficulties for parents, students, and staff. It is amazing how cooperative and understanding many have been when they receive a call from the school and/or Cass County Health. Our data shows that this practice has been successful in preventing spreading within the school.
“From day one, we have gathered both school and county data to help us make decisions or modifications as we hold health and safety our top priority,” Barber said. “Starting on September 24, the week following our first case, we have kept data on the number of positive cases in the district, and the number of students and staff quarantined. These data points have been recorded each week at the same time to help make decisions.”
| Date | Positives not recovered (staff/students) | Quarantined
(staff/students) |
Cass Co. % positive (14 days) |
| 9/24 | 6/5 | 18/123 | 7.80% |
| 10/1 | 2/1 | 11/67 | 10.40% |
| 10/8 | 1/2 | 3/35 | 8.30% |
| 10/15 | 2/2 | 6/56 | 11.10% |
The above information will be updated to the public each month to protect students’ and staff’s confidentiality.
Barber said, “As new information becomes available to us regarding COVID-19, we revisit and reassess how we can enhance the mitigation strategies that we have in place to help overcome the negative consequences associated with COVID-19 and maintain a high level of safety and health. At the same time, our students are in our care.”
