Message from Superintendent Mike McGrory:
As we prepare to start the school year, I’m reminded daily of why Ottumwa Schools is truly the best. What does it mean to Be The Best? It means having the best faculty, the best staff, the best community. And of course, the very best students.
My belief in the Ottumwa School District as the best was solidified when our community supported Ottumwa police officer, Chase Johnson’s family. Johnson serves as a School Resource Officer at Evans Middle School. The Ottumwa community rallied and raised over $19,000 at a single event to help the Johnsons in their time of need. Please continue to lift them up in your thoughts and prayers. Another example of how Ottumwa exemplified being our best was how our school and community rallied behind our baseball team during their march to state. I couldn’t be more proud of the players, coaches, parents and fans. As I reflect back upon last year and what our district has accomplished despite a global pandemic, I am reminded that we are the best when we are united and committed to doing the best we can for all students.
I am deeply heartened by these examples as we begin the school year.
As we gear up for the 2021-22 school year, we want you all to know that the safety of our students, staff, parents and community is still a focus of Ottumwa Schools. The Be The Best initiative isn’t just about learning, but also ensuring that we take steps for the safety of our Bulldog community. Like last year, our janitorial staff is dedicated to keeping our facilities sanitary with frequent deep cleaning; our nurses and other health staff are on site to address student health concerns; and our buildings will have hand washing and sanitation stations available for students, staff and visitors. We are working to improve air quality in our facilities with upgrades to central air and ventilation. We are also maintaining additional staff across the district to facilitate increased student supervision and monitor health situations.
The State of Iowa no longer allows mask mandates but anyone is welcome to wear a mask in our facilities and will be respected in their decision. We will work with public health to monitor all areas of health and safety and will adjust as needed if there is new information or guidance for all school activities and events.
We can’t say enough about what students, families and staff did to make last year a great school year and we are excited for all the opportunities 2021-22 will bring us.