April 17, 2020
North Mahaska Family,
Today, Governor Kim Reynolds announced that all schools in Iowa will remain closed through the end of the school year to help prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
This announcement will continue to affect all North Mahaska Community School District programming, including all athletic and extracurricular practices and competitions, and all weekend events. The building will remain closed and all events cancelled or postponed through the end of the school year. The Iowa High School Athletic Association will provide further guidance for summer sports season by June 1, 2020. We plan to reschedule prom and graduation for later this summer, but we do not yet know how these events will look.
I know this decision has caused a great deal of concern and disappointment for our students, staff, and families. The pandemic arrived quickly, and when we first were directed to close our school buildings in March, we did not realize it would be the last time we would see our students in person this school year. Please know that we share in your disappointment.
Per our district calendar, the last day of school for students is May 20. We will continue with online learning (and packets for those who do not have access to online learning) until May 20. We encourage all families to keep their students engaged in these activities to ensure learning continues to take place through the end of the school year. Our staff is ready to assist all families in these efforts, as well.
We need our families’ support in engaging students in the learning resources we have provided. Doing nothing from March 17 to August 26 will not prepare children to be successful next school year. Our staff is here to help you bridge this gap. We will continue school lunch services through the extended school closure, as well. Currently, we are delivering meals on Mondays. These deliveries ensure free meals for each school day through May 20. We are hopeful to provide a summer meal program as well.
Mrs. Goemaat and I will post a Question and Answer video next week (on our school website and NM’s Facebook Page) in efforts to answer any questions you may have. While we have anticipated some questions you may have, please feel free to email us with questions to ensure we can get those answered as well.
Once again, thank you for your patience, understanding, and flexibility during this unprecedented time. We will get through this together. Please continue to stay safe, practice social distancing, and remain at home as much as possible.
Sincerely,
Angela Livezey, Elementary Principal / Superintendent