With the conclusion of the last two school years comes a lot of reflection of what adjustments were necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am very appreciative of the efforts of everyone with connections to our school system. Making the necessary adjustments for the good of our students and their education was paramount to us staying in session and having as little of disruption as possible.
Some activities were affected last year, but I feel very fortunate that most of our activities were able to be completed. Last year not only saw no school closure due to COVID, but also successes such as our volleyball team winning its second consecutive state championship, our boys basketball team defeat Falls City Sacred Heart who eventually was the state champion, and our Speech team being MUDECAS Champions.
We all hope that the 2021-22 school year will be a return to normalcy of previous years. Items such as masks may never go away in some parts of society. We in turn, may have students or staff that chose to wear them. They will be supported if they chose to do so, as they will not be mandated in the school buildings unless we are so advised by the Public Health Department.
Hopefully people continue to be vaccinated to stop the spread of COVID-19, as the threat to our operations remain. I would encourage you to visit with your family doctor on the matter. As the new variant spreads rapidly, it could affect our school year, operations and programs. I hope not.
Diller-Odell Public Schools will take direction from the health department should things change as the year progresses. There are no Directed Health Measures (DHM) at this point, so should a person test positive for COVID-19, we would recommend the person staying home for 10 days from the start of symptoms, or as directions are dictated by physician. We would require a “return to school” note from a physician stating a return to school is possible prior to someone returning short of the ten days. Contacts will not be quarantined, but should self-monitor for symptoms.
We plan to continue safe practices such as hand washing, disinfecting, and sanitizing. Students or staff that are sick, should stay home.
Another practice that will continue is that students will not be allowed in either building until 7:45am. Exceptions for practices or meetings that are supervised are allowed. All PK-6 students that chose to eat breakfast will have breakfast at the elementary. All 7-12 students that chose to eat breakfast will do so at the high school. Students will be allowed to have breakfast in the cafeteria or the classroom if they arrive late due to busing. Students that are habitually late, will not be allowed to have breakfast on their schedule.
PK-6 students will not be walking in the gym on arrival, but will report to their respective classroom or breakfast on arrival to the elementary. Junior-Senior High students will be allowed to utilize the south hall or cafeteria on arrival, as well as to report to classrooms for teacher assistance.
Diller-Odell Public Schools welcomes two new staff members for 2021-22. Jordie Theye is the new Media Specialist. Jordie will also serve as Assistant Speech Coach. Joyce Carpenter is a new custodian at the elementary and will focus on cleaning duties as Keith Craig’s role will change to maintenance of both sites once Dallas Stohs retires in January. Please make both ladies feel welcome and comfortable in their roles.
This is year thirty-two for me in the school system. There won’t be thirty-two more. I am very proud of the accomplishments we have made and look forward to future success as we move forward.
As I grow older I realize how important it is to surround yourself with great people. Hiring quality people is a huge part of my job. The following is a quote by Pat Bowlen that I believe best describes my philosophy. I printed it as part of a welcome back letter in 2014, but it is worth repeating.
"Leadership is not about micromanagement, pushing others aside and doing everything. Nor is it about sitting on a throne and issuing edicts. Leadership is about empowering others and setting an example to follow."
I sincerely believe that school should be a positive, fun place for all involved. My hope is that it is indeed that for everyone. Have a great 2021-2022!
Go Griffs!
M. Meyerle
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