Northwest Iowa — It’s a different kind of spring in school districts, presumably across the northern hemisphere.
School districts in northwest Iowa are working around the COVID-19 pandemic.
At Central Lyon, Superintendent Brent Jorth tells us that the last day of distance learning will be May 15th. He says preparations have begun for a Class of 2020 parade on that day as well. He says they hope each member of the Class of 2020 is able to participate, and that their community partners can join them in celebrating their impact on the school and community. Commencement exercises are still planned for Sunday, June 28. Jorth tells us that in the event they must delay again, the alternative date is Sunday, July 19. According to Jorth, Central Lyon’s prom is scheduled at this point for Thursday, June 18. Jorth has said that no matter how many times these activities need to be postponed, they WILL be held. No decision has been made yet about the start date for the 2020-2021 school year. They’re also sharing a survey with their families to gather more feedback, and then the Central Lyon Board of Education will review the information at their May meeting.
At George-Little Rock, Interim Superintendent Patrick O’Donnell says that currently, graduation is scheduled for July 5, 2020. Senior awards will be combined with graduation. He says they have canceled June summer school but they are still planning on an August summer school. O’Donnell says they are currently planning their reentry plan for the fall but they have not finalized anything yet.
West Lyon Superintendent Shawn Kremen says that graduation is scheduled at this point for Saturday, June 13th at 4 p.m. He says they might have it outside with possibly family only. He says if they can’t get together then, the backup plan is to have it on July 18th. According to Kremen, if they are able to do it on June 13th, the night before that — Friday, June 12th will be “Class Night” at 6:30 p.m. He says that normally includes awards, baccalaureate, honor roll recognition, scholarships, and so forth. Prom is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, June 9th. Kremen says they hope to be able to participate in the July 4 parade in Inwood. As for a starting date in the fall, he tells us that since West Lyon is not totally air-conditioned, they’re planning on starting on August 24th.
