2020-21 School year will begin on August 25

“Ipswich School is excited to see our students on Tuesday, August 25,” said superintedent Trent Osborne.

“We are in the process of doing everything in our power to provide outstanding face-to-face education and do it as safely as we can for as long as we can,” he said

The school website says, “According to our recent parent surveys, there is strong support for getting our students physically back in school.” The Ipswich School patrons were asked to respond to a survey. More than 90% of those surveyed were in favor of the school year starting on August 25, as regularly scheduled for in-person school five days per week, as in the past.

Accomodations will be made for students whose parents feel that it is in the best interest of their child to attend school off-campus.

The school district has a plan, “Starting Well — Tiger Strong,” for creating an effective learning environment that is safe for students, staff and the community. “Please refer to the Starting Well - Tiger Strong document on the school webpage and watch for updates as needed,” Osborne said. The plan can be found on the school’s website — http://www.ipswich.k12.sd.us .

Parents, students and staff are encouraged to self-monitor for symptoms using a daily home screening checklist designed by the CDC.

Staff and students are encouraged to wear cloth face coverings, if they choose. Staff recommendatons on personal protective equipment (PPE) are guidelined in the “Starting Well” plan.

The school will follow guidance from the South Dakota High School Activities Assocation (SDHSAA), the S.D. DOE and S.D. DOH for extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.

Hand sanitizers will be available in the school and in the school buses. Bus windows will be opened when practical to increase the amount of fresh air during the trip. Buses will be disinfected daily.