Atlantic Community School District Superintendent Steve Barber Friday (today) updated information with regard to COVID-19. In his statement, Barber said “On Monday the Governor made some proclamations for the State of Iowa that outlines situations where a mask is required to be worn.

ACSD Superintendent Steve Barber

On Wednesday, the Atlantic School Board extended our mask mandate to reflect the Governor’s guidelines and will reevaluate on December 9, 2020 at the regular Board meeting, the day prior to when the Governor’s proclamation expires.  The Board expressed concern at the amount of time our kids and staff in the Washington building are required to wear masks due to the inability to social distance.” Mr. Barber said he would be working with Mrs. Hornung and her staff at Washington, to explore ways to reduce this requirement.

Barber says “Although our County and State’s positivity rate continues to be high our school system to date has not experienced any breakouts in our buildings.  As of this morning five of our six buildings do not have any positive cases.  Our student attendance, outside of those who are affected by COVID-19, continues to be high and I get the chance to see the excitement our students bring to school each day.”

The following chart outlines our data taken at the same time each week to help in analyzing and making decisions that will best fight the pandemic and keep students safe and in school.

“Obviously,” Mr. Barber said, “some of the new guidelines have affected some of the opportunities for our students and spectators.  These guidelines are in effect until December 10, 2020 at which time I hope that the spread of COVID-19 is under control and those opportunities can once again be offered. Next week, [he said], we do not have school on Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving break.  I would encourage each family to celebrate in a safe manner and take steps to ensure that their family traditions do not spread COVID.”

He concluded his update by saying “Happy Thanksgiving to all!”