JCSD Returns to 5 day, In-Person Learning on January 4

Message from Supt. Laura Kacer, Dec. 22, 2020

Prior to our temporary shift online, students and staff were in a 5 day, in-person model. We took the steps to slow the spread here in Johnston and our efforts have paid off; the number of positive cases and rate of community spread in Polk Co., as well as our district, have slowed considerably. Thank you!

As you may recall, at each board meeting I provide data and compare it to the IDPH Return to Learn Metrics in order to make a recommendation to the school board. Current numbers indicate we can come back to school in our 5-day, in person model on January 4, 2021. Therefore, our Board of Education does not see a need to convene a special meeting on December 28 for discussion on our Return to Learn model based on these data.

This means all in-person students, grades PreK-12 should prepare to return to school in person starting Monday, January 4. Bus routes will be running as scheduled; please double check Infinite Campus for updated pick up and drop off times. All safety and mitigation strategies are still in place, including mandatory masks for all staff and students. I would encourage students, families, and staff to remain diligent in their efforts to mitigate community spread through social distancing, mask-wearing, and staying home when symptomatic or ill.

Students in our Digital Dragons 100% online learning program will remain online. If you are changing from in person to our Digital Dragon 100% online format for second semester, please plan on returning to school through the end of first semester which is January 12.

As a reminder, we will continue to monitor COVID numbers through winter break. If you have a child(ren) who test(s) positive or is exposed to the virus, please contact their school to let them know.