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Remote Learning NW, Fellows, Mitchell, AMS
November 10, 2020

All PK-8 Schools to Move to 100% Online

Remote Learning NW, Fellows, Mitchell, AMS

As we continue to monitor our District on a daily basis, we have expanded our application for approval from the Iowa Department of Education (DE) to move to 100% online remote learning for all school buildings PK-8. This includes all elementary schools, Northwood Preschool, and Ames Middle School. 

Today, the school board will act on this delivery model change for three elementary schools: Edwards, Meeker, and Sawyer Elementary Schools. These schools will move to 100% online remote learning on Wednesday, November 11

Due to school board agendas needing to be posted 24-hours in advance, the school board will hold another Special Board Meeting on Wednesday, November 11, at 11:00 a.m. with the change in learning model for Northwood Preschool, Fellows Elementary, Mitchell Elementary, and Ames Middle School. Pending this approval, these schools will move to 100% online remote learning on Thursday, November 12. You can find the agenda here and access the meeting via Zoom or on the District’s YouTube Channel

This online remote learning will continue in two-week intervals, or as long as permitted by the Iowa Department of Education. This will take our District through the week of Thanksgiving with the first potential day back into our PK-8 buildings being Monday, November 30. 

The state requires a 15%-20% county positivity rate over 14 days AND 10% absenteeism among staff and/or students expected for in-person learning. While our student absenteeism is not an issue, our staff absenteeism continues to grow. At this point, Ames High School does not meet this threshold and will continue to operate in a Hybrid delivery model. Please look for more information from your student’s individual buildings. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Edwards, Meeker, and Sawyer Elementary Schools to move to 100% online remote learning starting Wednesday, November 11.
  • Northwood Preschool, Fellows Elementary, Mitchell Elementary, and Ames Middle School to move to 100% online remote learning starting Thursday, November 12.