The Burlington Community School District has developed plans to ensure our preparedness for various contingencies.  Many staff members have been actively involved in developing and regularly reviewing various parts of the plan.  The Burlington Community School District is working diligently to be responsive to these guidance from federal, state, and local agencies and the needs of our students and community.  This page will be updated regularly as new information is available.  

In addition to our local plan, the Iowa Department of Education has provided this website as a resource for Families and Communities.

Information about the District's use of funds provided under the Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER III) can be found linked at the bottom of this page.

We currently offer 100% in person learning for all students except for those who have selected our VIBE program.  We are, however, prepared for three educational delivery models should the public health situation and guidance from the State of Iowa change:

We will also be prepared to shift to another delivery model on short notice at any time during the school year.  It is also possible that the shift between delivery models could be applied to a specific building, or even single classroom depending on the situation.

In addition to these three models, we are also offering a new virtual learning program, VIBE.  Click here for more information about this option.  

Hybrid Instructional Delivery

If necessary, the District is prepared to shift to a Hybrid Instructional Model.  In this model, students will be assigned to either A Day or B Day.

Continuous Learning Activities may come in a variety of formats.  The type and amount of activities will vary based on the age of the student and content area.  Some examples include the following:

• Watching recorded videos.

• Reading course materials.  

• Completing assigned work through educational websites for which the District owns licenses (i-Ready, Lexia, Read 180, Into Reading, etc).

• Completion of assigned ‘homework’ activities.

Most Continuous Learning activities in the hybrid model will be asynchronous, meaning that they are not live or real-time and can be completed at any time during the day.

Required Continuous Learning

If necessary, the District is prepared for Required Continuous Learning.  In this situation, the school buildings are closed for a period of time due to public health concerns or inclement weather and all learning is occurring remotely.  Required Continuous Learning days are still school days and students are expected to connect with their teachers remotely and complete assigned tasks.   If this delivery model is implemented during the school year, this document provides general information and expectations for students and staff.  

The Burlington School District Board of Directors has directed the development of a new Board Policy, Number 903.8, which establishes guidelines for operational practices during a public health emergency. 

Regardless of the delivery model, appropriate health, safety, and mitigation measures in place.  The specific measures that will vary depending on the public health conditions in the County and/or State at any given time and the most recent guidance from public health agencies.  We are continuously monitoring guidance and recommendations from State and Federal Agencies and professional organizations.  

Mitigation strategies are intended to reduce the risk of spreading infection.  At this time, it is not possible to fully eliminate the risk.  We are looking for ways to effectively implement a coordinated set of strategies that will significantly reduce the risk for students and staff.  

In general, the following mitigation strategies can be put into place as needed:

• Face covering and/or shields should be worn by all students, staff, and visitors when inside of a school building.   Additional information about the requirement can be found here.  

• Hand Sanitizer in all classrooms and common areas.  Explicit teaching of hand washing and hygiene.  

• Water fountains are turned off and students use individual water bottles or disposable cups.

• Promoting social distancing to the greatest extent possible.  

• Special cleaning procedures for our custodial staff.  

The United States Centers for Disease Control provides Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools that parents and staff are encouraged to be aware of and consider.