South Iowa News

The end of the school year usually brings conversations about prom and graduation. 

The end of this school year is anything but usual. This year the discussion centers around how to educate students in the middle of a pandemic.

Appanoose County schools have been closed since March 16. The recommendation will keep schools closed until April 30. The move is to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

According to the Daily Iowegian, Gov. Kim Reynolds said in an April 2 news conference, "Keeping Iowa students out of classrooms is a difficult decision, but it remains necessary for now." 

The governor's school closure extension came with a directive for school districts to confirm their plans for continuing to educate students by April 10. Schools have the choice of a voluntary option which encourages students to complete work but doesn't require grades or give credit. There is also a required option where attendance is required and teachers grade completed work. The districts also have the option to not attempt distance learning but they will be required to make up the days missed at a later time.

The Centerville Community School District has been offering distance learning using video conferencing and social media since schools were closed in March. Those students without access to computers or internet were given paper packets to complete. They chose to continue this method so that students can stay connected to their teachers. The voluntary option means parents don't have to make decisions between purchasing technology and putting food on the table. 

Students at Centerville High School are expected to complete assignments through Google classroom or the written packets. If unable to work on Google classroom, contact the school at 641-856-0813, ext. 1101. High school students should set aside three hours each day to complete the work. Centerville High School students requiring packet work can pick up their coursework Wednesday, April 15 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

How to determine and apply course credit for high schoolers is still up for debate. The Iowa Board of Education encourages school districts to use discretion to determine wether students' completed work is sufficient for graduation. It is unclear whether the high school will move to a pass/fail grading system or require future coursework.

Students who are taking courses for college credit will continue to do so online. Students can withdraw by April 30. Otherwise, they are expected to complete the course for a pass/fail grade.

Teachers will attempt to make contact with students who have not engaged through the online forums or paper packet work.