Please Read This Important Message from the Norwalk Community School District
Norwalk CSD Parents and Staff:
With many universities in the state canceling in-person classes and moving toward online courses for two-weeks following spring break, the Norwalk Community School District wants to assure our families and community that we will continue normal operations for the foreseeable future. We are also aware of the decision by the Des Moines Public School District to close through March 30. At this time, the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Iowa Department of Education are advising that schools remain in session unless conditions change, and we are following their guidance. We will continue to monitor the situation. As we receive new information, we will communicate it to you. Please know we are working through a number of scenarios and the impact this will have on our students, staff, and families.
The Norwalk CSD is receiving regular updates and working closely with Warren County Public Health and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and will follow their guidelines and recommendations. As this is an evolving issue, their recommendations may change over time. In the event that Warren County Public Health or the Iowa Department of Public Health determines that there is a need for closure or other action, we will communicate additional information at that time. The high school band trip over spring break has been cancelled.
The District is working to be proactive and preventative, while operating in a state of preparedness. In a prior communication, we indicated that we are following a number of recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control that include increased disinfection processes of the school and procedures when students show signs of illness.
We are increasing our efforts of disinfection at all of our buildings. This includes routinely cleaning desks, door handles and wiping down tables after school. The District is also promoting proper handwashing and will be providing opportunities for handwashing for students and staff. We have provided answers to additional questions below.
Iowa Department of Public Health recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth with your upper arm or tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
The Centers for Disease Control does not currently recommend face masks for the general public.
The most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus can be found on the Iowa Department of Public Health Coronavirus webpage and on the Centers for Disease Control Coronavirus webpage. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at our District Office, 515-981-0676. You can also visit https://www.211iowa.org/contact-us/ or call 2-1-1; or 800-244-7431 for additional information.
The District has multiple policies related to communicable diseases:
403.3 – COMMUNICABLE DISEASES – EMPLOYEES
403.3R1 – UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS REGULATION
507.3 – COMMUNICABLE DISEASES – STUDENTS
For more information about deciding whether or not to keep your child at home when ill, please refer to the NCSD School Nurse guidance available at: https://www.norwalkschools.org/district/departments/student-services/nursing/
Yours in service,
D.T. Magee
Norwalk Community School District Superintendent
Please see Q & A below.
*Q: Will I have to quarantine myself if I travel over spring break?
Please keep in mind that if you are traveling during break to an area indicated on the The Centers for Disease Control (CDC)website that may cause exposure to our students, I ask that you use caution upon returning and isolate yourself for the recommended time upon your return. It is important that we keep Norwalk CSD students and families healthy. The CDC has guidance on location concerns and travel.
*Q: What is the determining threshold of when Norwalk CSD closes schools?
Like all districts across the state and nation, we are continually monitoring the outbreak. The CDC encourages childcare and school administrators to work in close collaboration and coordination with local health officials to make dismissal and large event cancellation decisions.
The District is working closely with Warren County Public Health and the Iowa Department of Public Health. The District will follow their guidelines and recommendations. We may find the need to close a building for a short time in order to properly clean and sanitize it.
*Q: If a student’s parent, guardian, or immediate family members are diagnosed with COVID-19, does the District want that student to continue attending school, or stay home due to the risk of exposure?
The District would ask the student to stay home and continue being monitored for 14 days. The District attendance policy will be waived for these students who miss class.
*Q: A student in your building has been in close contact with a diagnosed COVID-19 case, as confirmed by the Iowa Department of Public Health.
The District would ask the student to stay home and continue being monitored for 14 days. The District attendance policy will be waived for these students who miss class.
