Iowa school districts had to submit a Return to Learn Plan to the Department of Education on July 1st.

Greene County Superintendent Tim Christensen calls the plan a “checklist of items to discuss.” Christensen says the plan doesn’t specifically deal with the 2019 novel coronavirus and how that might impact the start of the upcoming school year, but to avoid what happened at the end of the previous year.

“Essentially in March when schools had to shut down, close and go to virtual learning schools were not prepared for that. The purpose of the Return to Learn Plan was to be prepared in case schools ever had to be shut down and we had to go virtual again.”

Christensen points out an important part of their plan identifies providing internet access to every student. He says he’s talked with each of the community centers in Jefferson, Scranton, Grand Junction and Rippey about having a staff member be there to help children and so they could have internet access during certain time frames. 

“Students in Jefferson/town, Scranton/town, Grand Junction and Rippey would have a site to go to for internet access. We’re in the process right now – or going to be in the next couple of weeks – doing some survey of rural students in the district to find out who does not have internet access. And then looking at internet WiFi hotspots specifically for them.”      

Other items in the plan include platforms for learning with computer programs such as Seesaw and Google Classroom, as well as serving breakfast and lunch, providing professional development for parents to use the online learning platforms, and providing social and emotional resources for students and families. Christensen adds, this plan is meant to provide a smooth, well-thought transition to any future virtual learning.