It is important for families to understand some of the strategies and considerations school teams used in planning for immediate practices now and future practices that may contribute to promoting the overall long term wellness of your children and school staff. Responses to illness depend upon the type of illness and how it spreads. The Iowa Department of Public Health will provide information to Iowa families with disease specific information. As such, recommendations can change as they learn more.

For now, here are some health and safety strategies and considerations school teams are routinely assessing to cultivate an overall culture of health and wellness for your child and school personnel. Some strategies may only be short term while others are good habits long term, such as hand washing and cough/sneeze etiquette. Please keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list. Your child’s school may have many more strategies and considerations. Also, families may be implementing some of these strategies at home and when out in their community. Schools and families working together cultivate a culture of health and safety.

Health and Safety Strategies and Considerations

• Physical distancing, if feasible

• Hand washing and cough/sneeze etiquette

• Allow student and staff facial coverings

• Evaluating attendance

• Considering schedules, entry, exit, and moving in the school building

• Considering shared materials and learning areas

• Transportation considerations

• Self-awareness and self-care for adults and students

• Nutrition considerations

• Delivery of high quality instruction and student achievement