Colfax-Mingo moves to 100% distance learning

As of Nov. 6, the Colfax-Mingo Community School District moved to a 100 percent Distance Learning Plan. The district made the decision after Jasper County went above the 20 percent fourteen-day positivity rate for COVID-19.

“Given that the rate is over 20 percent, we will shift to our Distance Learning Plan for Nov. 6 through Nov. 12,” superintendent Erik Anderson said. “Next week, the Board of Directors will meet to discuss how we will move forward after Nov. 12. They will review positivity data, successful implementation of the Distance Learning Plan and attendance/engagement student data from the week.”

The district has important information regarding the Distance Learning Plan for the next five school days. That information includes:

Education

• Students will be expected to participate in their educational programming each day.

• Secondary students will have a specific schedule to follow and attendance will be taken.

• Elementary students will have access to their work. It is expected to be completed daily. Teachers have/will communicate with parents to explain what that looks like for each grade level.

• All conferences on Nov. 5, 12 and 17 will be virtual only.

• The teachers will have expectations for students to keep engaged during distance learning. The engagement will look different than normal, but students need to continue their learning each day. Stay in contact with staff with any questions when students are at home with distance learning.

Meals

• Grab and Go meals will be available daily and can be picked up at the elementary at 10 a.m.

Daycare

• The district understands the stress this can put on a parent/guardian. If daycare cannot be found, and work would be significantly impacted, the district can offer support. It is asked to use this option only if it is an essential need.

• The district can provide daycare for students in kindergarten through sixth grade from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m Nov. 9 to 12.

• Breakfast and lunch will be provided on site and masks will be required when indoors.

• Do not send a child to daycare who is ill or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

• Transportation will not be provided. Children can be dropped off and picked up between 7:30 a.m. to 4 a.m.

Extra-Curricular Activities

• No extra-curricular activities will take place during the Distance Learning Plan and the weight room and all gyms will be closed and unavailable.

Internet

• If a family is in need of support with reliable internet at home, contact erik.anderson@colfaxmingo.org.

“Thank you for your support, grace, and understanding during this time,” Anderson said. “I am aware that this can put a strain on families. I appreciate everyone working together as we try to do what is right by our kids and follow the guidance of the Iowa Department of Public Health. Take care and be safe.”

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com