From Superintendent Cassi Pearson:

“On Sunday, Governor Kim Reynolds announced a recommendation that all schools in the state of Iowa close for a period of four weeks to help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Knoxville Community School District will adhere to this recommendation. All district schools will be closed effective March 16 for a period of at least four weeks.

The closure affects all Knoxville Schools programming, including before- and after-school activities, all athletic and extracurricular practices and competitions, and all weekend events. (Stepping Stones and Kids Klub will remain open at this time.)

The district is currently working on plans to help provide child care, meals, and learning experiences for students. More information will be provided throughout this week and plans are finalized.

In addition, the CDC recommends avoiding large-group gatherings of 50 or more people.

The coronavirus is thought to be spread via person-to-person contact through contaminated air droplets from coughing and sneezing by an infected person. The symptoms are similar to the regular seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, and coughing. Some people with coronavirus have reported additional symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some situations, the virus can develop into pneumonia.

Individuals who need medical care should call their medical provider to report their illness prior to seeking care at a clinic, physician’s office, or hospital. Parents of students exhibiting flu-like symptoms or staff exhibiting flu-like symptoms are asked to contact the Marion County Health Department at 641-828-2238.

We know that this school closure will have an enormous impact on our students and families in the coming weeks. We will continue to keep you updated via email, text, social media, and our website, at www.knoxville.k12.ia.us. Please stay healthy as we work through this incredibly challenging time in our community, state and nation.

Sincerely,

Cassi Pearson, Superintendent”