As the number of positive cases in Wapello County continue to rise, the district is starting to feel the effects in terms of staffing.
This week at Evans, we’ve seen an increase in the number of staff who are absent and with that, an increase in the number of positions left uncovered due to a lack of substitutes. Today, the number of absences was the highest yet. Seven teachers were absent, with 5.5 uncovered. We also had 14 support staff absent with 8 of those positions uncovered. These numbers make it difficult for our school to provide a quality educational environment in which to learn.
For that reason, we are shifting instruction at Evans to virtual for Thursday and Friday, November 12 and 13. What this means is that all students will stay at home and receive instruction virtually for the next two days. Students will be expected to attend a Zoom meeting with their advisory teacher at 8:30 a.m. Thursday morning. They will receive instructions and assignments for the next two days at that time. Attendance will be taken.
All extra curricular activities have been cancelled for the next two days. These events will be rescheduled for a later date.
Shifting to virtual instruction will allow district staff to deep clean Evans on Thursday and Friday. We feel this decision is in the best interest of our students and staff members when looking at the increase in staffing shortages in recent days linked to Evans.
These are challenging times. The health and safety of our students and staff will continue to drive our decisions in terms of how we provide instruction over the next few months. We appreciate your ongoing support and will continue to keep you informed through emails, text messages, voicemail, and web posts.
If you have questions or concerns regarding technology or internet, please contact Evans at 641-684-6511. Staff will be monitoring the phones during this school closure.