Update from Howard-Winneshiek Schools regarding COVID-19

CRESCO (UPDATED THURSDAY, MARCH 19) - On Tuesday, March 17, Supt. Ted Ihns of Howard-Winneshiek Schools addressed families and community members with an update concerning the coronavirus (COVID-19).

What we know today and for the future regarding the closure of our schools.

1. Will school districts be required to make up the time missed?

Early Tuesday morning the Iowa House and Senate passed legislation waving the requirement for Iowa schools to reschedule missed hours due to COVID-19. The Governor indicated her intention to sign this piece of legislation.

2. Is any part of the school district open?

Currently, both Crestwood High School and Crestwood Elementary/Junior buildings and offices are closed to allow our maintenance staff to sanitize our schools. At this point the schools will remain closed to students, most staff and school community until further notice. 

The Howard-Winneshiek CSD District Office is open and is restricted to essential visitors and deliveries until further notice. If you have a question regarding ​COVID-19 and Howard-Winneshiek Community School Please email ​tihns@howard-winn.k12.ia.us​.

3. Will the district be providing meals for students?

During the school closure, we are committed to providing free meals to our students. During the school closure, we are committed to providing free meals to our students. The District, through the Nutrition Services, Transportation Department and volunteers, are establishing drive-through or walk-up meal pick-up locations at a number of sites. Meal service will begin Monday, March 23. Students will be provided lunch for the day and breakfast for the following day. Meals will be distributed Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Parents are asked to fill out a meal application so the district will know how many meals to provide. The application asks:

If you would like this service, meals will be available.  Pick up option at High School Front doors OR delivered to a location in either Elma, Lime Springs, Chester or Ridgeway.  The first delivery will Start Monday March 23, 2020 between 11:30 am and 1:00 pm with lunch for the present day and breakfast for the following day.  Meals and the deliveries are provided at no cost for all children 18 and under.

These meals will not be Gluten or an allergy free.

Pick-up places include:

Chester: City Hall

Cresco: High School

Elma: Rainy building-409 Main St. 

Lime Springs: City hall

Ridgeway: Community Center

4. If or when will students be allowed into the buildings?

If there is a time in the future that students would be allowed into the schools to pick up items we would send out a detailed schedule to limit the amount of students on our campuses at one time.

5. What is the situation regarding school activities?

All spring activities sponsored by the state of Iowa involving sports, music and speech are prohibited through the K-12 school recommended closure of 4 weeks. 

All other activities involving Howard-Winneshiek Community Schools will either be postponed or cancelled during this time.

School closures suspend Iowa high school spring activities

6. Is there any information regarding NICC Classes?

NICC students should check their email for updates on the status of NICC classes, moving forward.

We receive updated guidance on educational procedures and precautionary measures every day regarding COVID-19. Our plans are to provide regular and timely updates to students, families and our community as the situation allows.