An uptick in student absences has been reported by the Pella Community School District this week.
As of Thursday, 34 students tested positive for COVID-19 and were out of class, and another 113 missed class for any other illness, which adds up to 5.9% of the total student population. On Wednesday and Thursday, 10 percent of Jefferson Intermediate School students were out of the building as well.
If a student tests positive for COVID-19, they will miss 10 days of class and can return 24 hours after symptoms end, according to Iowa Department of Public Health guidance.
Superintendent Greg Ebeling says the Pella Community School District strongly encourages mask wearing to keep kids in the building and healthy. Here is a statement from Ebeling in an email sent district-wide this morning:
“This is the third academic year that has been affected by the Coronavirus. We were hopeful that this year would look more like it did before the pandemic. Unfortunately, we are experiencing another COVID surge in our area.
Some of our buildings currently have a large number of students who are absent due to illnesses. While not all illness is COVID related, it is certainly in the mix.
The district has fewer options available this year to help reduce the spread of the Coronavirus. Per the current state law, public schools cannot require individuals to wear a mask. We are encouraging families to use masks as well as other options available to protect themselves and others against the virus.
Currently with the amount of sickness being realized, we are strongly recommending students and staff wear masks at school.
The Iowa Department of Public Health is not issuing quarantines or conducting contact tracing as they did last year. You can find more information on this document from IDPH. The IDPH document also outlines when students and staff should stay home and for what length of time. Also, please be aware that we at times receive guidance from different sources that are in conflict with each other. Required masking on school buses is an example of this. Currently we are handling buildings and bussing in the same manner that is in line with Iowa law.
The district is again providing data on COVID and other absences due to illness on our district website linked here.
Our goal is to reduce the spread of the virus and for all students to stay in school. We appreciate your cooperation as we continue to work together to respect the needs and choices of all during this pandemic.”