WDMCS Staff Newsletter
March 6, 2024
The New Guidelines
The new illness guidelines for COVID-19 and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance released on March 1 and February adjustments to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (IHHS) guidelines.
Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and RSV can now return to school/work:
- When fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications AND
- If respiratory symptoms are mild and improving.
WDMCS has continuously followed CDC guidance in regards to COVID and RSV. The new guidance is in line with CDC guidance for other respiratory infections and influenza.
What Does This Mean for You?
- If you test positive for COVID-19, you do not have to isolate to return to school/work in WDMCS. Instead, you must meet the new guidelines.
- You do not need to wear a mask when you return to school/work after testing positive, as long as you meet the new guidelines.
- If students test positive for COVID, they will be marked “Sick” in the attendance system if they stay home from school.
- Our school nurses are sharing the new guidelines for returning to school/work with those who previously tested positive for COVID.
Other Ways to Stop the Spread
We know this is a big change, and we thank you for working together to keep our community safe and healthy. It is still important to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses by following the CDC’s core prevention strategies, including staying up to date with vaccinations, washing hands, and staying home for at least 24 hours after a fever. If you have any questions about the new illness guidelines, please reach out to your school nurse for guidance.
Safe + Sound to Launch in April
Reports can be made securely and anonymously:
- Online at SafeandSoundIowa.gov
- Through the Safe+Sound Iowa mobile app, (App Store) or (GooglePlay) or
- By phone at 800-224-6018.
How Will Families/Students Learn About Safe+Sound?
Families will be emailed in the April district newsletter and separate information will be shared with principals to include in their school communications.
How Does This Impact Employees?
Your role as an employee is to let families and students know about the Safe+Sound app, website, and phone number.
A trained Safe+Sound dispatcher handles the initial reports, then obtains additional information, as needed. Depending on the situation, local law enforcement may be contacted. School administrators would be contacted if follow-up was needed at school. Schools would then follow their standard processes.
School Resources
- Posters to hang in buildings.
- Electronic information flyer
- How it Works Guidebook
- View How-To Video
The new district website will have more information available, including FAQs.
Requesting WDMCS Staff Badges
Your Employee Assistance Benefits
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides counseling, consultations, resources, and coaching benefits to you and your family members. Your EAP benefits are cost-free to you, confidential, and available 24/7/365. Call 800-327-4692 to access your services
Services offered include:
- Phone-based support (unlimited)
- Counseling sessions with a master's-level counselor near your home or work. Household family members are eligible. (3 counseling sessions in-person or telehealth)
- Life coaching (3 phone sessions)
- Financial coaching (a 30-minute call/issue)
- Elder care resources (as needed)
- Child care resources (as needed)
- Identity theft restoration services (as needed)
- Togetherall: a free and anonymous online community available 24/7 for mental health support and a sense of connection. The platform also includes access to a library of self-assessments and other mental health resources.
Other EAP Resources
- Learn more about additional benefits available to you.
- Watch a recorded webinar about WDMCS employee assistance benefits.
- Download the EFR app.
- Read the blog and listen to the Emotional Well podcast.
Call EFR at 800-327-4692 any time you have an issue, concern, or question.
2024-25 Calendar: Key Dates
Our calendar at a glance, available in multiple languages, is coming soon! For now, here are the main dates you need to know:
Aug. 13-22: New Teachers Report, Preservice
Aug. 23: First Day of School (Sept. 3 for Tiger Cubs Preschool)
Sept. 2: No School for Students and Teachers
Nov. 27-29: Fall Break
Dec. 23-Jan. 1: Winter Break
Jan. 20: No School for Students and Teachers
March 14-21: Spring Break
May 26: No School for Students and Teachers
May 30: Last Day of School (May 23 for Seniors and Tiger Cubs Preschool)
June 2: Last Day for Teachers
The first day of school and other dates may change due to proposed Iowa laws. If the law allows us to start before Aug. 23, we may consider starting on Wednesday, Aug. 21. If there are changes to the start date or any other dates, we will communicate with families and staff as soon as possible.
Staff Recognition Event on May 8, 2024
Save the date for Wednesday, May 8, 2024, as we recognize staff who are celebrating 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 years of service with WDMCS. We will also honor 39 employees retiring from the district at the end of this school year. Watch for a separate email with details after spring break.