March 4, 2022
Cardinals,
Spring Break is just around the corner and the school year is entering into its final stages. As we break into the month of March it is important to keep in mind some very important happenings in our District: Parent / Teacher Conferences, Report Cards, and Graduation. In addition to these events which are “regular” events in the Newton Community School District, we have another special occurrence in our school news: an update to our Return to Learn Plan.
At the last school board meeting, held on February 28, 2022, the Newton Community School District Board of Directors approved three changes to our Return to Learn Plan. The first of these changes is the availability of drinking fountains. The District shut down regular drinking fountains for the Fall of 2020 and they have been out of service since then. Drinking fountains are now available throughout our district. We are, however, still encouraging students to bring their water bottles and fill them up at our filling stations. The drinking fountains located in our buildings will be disinfected daily.
The second change to our Return to Learn plan is how we handle masks / face coverings. The CDC has continued its recommendation to wear masks in our schools during the pandemic until just recently. They have now removed that recommendation. Our Return to Learn Plan had stated “face-coverings are optional for students, staff, or visitors, and are recommended by the CDC.” We have now removed the words “and are recommended by the CDC” from our plan to reflect the current recommendations and guidelines.
The third and final change to our Return to Learn Plan is in the area of transportation. Masks had been required on all school buses as a result of a Federal order. That order is now lifted. The updated language in our plan now states “the CDC is no longer requiring the wearing of masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education / child programs.” This change takes effect immediately.
Our Return to Learn Plan can be found on our website (www.newtoncsd.org) and continues to be reviewed and revised to stay in compliance with the guidelines and recommendations from local, state, and federal agencies. Any additional changes to our plan will be communicated to you as they get approved through our school board.
I hope everyone is able to enjoy their Spring Break. Be safe and come back ready to complete the 2022-2023 school year.
Yours truly,
Tom Messinger, Superintendent
Newton High School Choir
The Newton High School Choir has had a busy year, and are excited for upcoming performances.
Seniors Plans for Next Year
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