Weekly Update: October 1, 2021
Weekly Update: October 1, 2021
Dear Grinnell-Newburg Board of Education, Staff, Families, and Friends:
Happy October! The crisp fall morning air is just around the corner! Fall is my favorite season of the year. I enjoy the cooler temperatures, sweater weather, leaves changing, and there is something about fall in Iowa that is very refreshing! I hope that you enjoy this time too as students are in the entire routine of school.
No School for students Monday for Professional Development:
The principals have shared the Professional Development Plan with staff for Monday. There will be a focus on instructional practice, explicit training in the Danielson Framework, and the five SEL competencies. We look forward to your participation and focus on improving our craft that will benefit all students.
Paraprofessional Listening tour:
I want to thank all of our Para’s for participating in conversations during our listening tour last night. Thank you for joining me and engaging in problem-solving and conversation. We will host another session in the coming months. I will be following up with our administrative team this next week! In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me.
COVID Update:
The number of cases in the school district has been down this week. I have been asked to show a running tally on COVID numbers in the district since the beginning of the school year. Since starting the dashboard, we have had 36 positive cases in the district reported. This week we have had three cases in the district.
IDPH data chart as provided:
A few highlights from the chart show that in our County, there were 7 cases reported on June, 18 in July, 108 in August, and for September, there were 229 cases. The 14-day positivity rate is 12.6% in Grinnell. We continue to require masks in our school buildings and encourage students and staff to stay home if they are ill. Please wear a mask to keep our students and staff safe as recommended by the CDC.
Pfizer press release: This press release indicated the timeline for the Pfizer Booster and protocols qualified persons to receive the dose. Our COVID vaccine clinic was the Moderna Dose. Once we hear about the Moderna booster’s approval, we will notify you.
Flu Vaccine Clinic:
We will be hosting the flu clinic for IDPH on October 27 from 3:30-6:00 PM in the High School Gym.
Facilities AD HOC Committee:
Next week, please watch for the information regarding participating in the Facility AD HOC committee held later this month. We will encourage staff, community members, parents/guardians, or students to sign up to offer feedback regarding our school facilities. We hope that you consider participating.
Attention SIAC Committee:
We have sent out the recommended changes to the SIAC committee regarding our Mission, Vision, Core Beliefs, and Goals. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the document.
Congratulations to our High School Homecoming Court!
Dungeons and Dragons club photo at the middle school!
The 5th-grade students are enjoying a picnic courtesy of Grinnell Mutual Partners in Education. It was an excellent time for all.
Volleyball Senior Night:
Have you looked at what is on the virtual backpack? It can be found here!
Activities Calendar: Please follow this link to see activities for next week.
Enjoy your weekend,
Janet