Ankeny school officials say remote learning option will be available for students who qualify

The Ankeny School Board announced Tuesday night that the district will offer a remote learning option this fall for students who meet certain qualifications.

The announcement comes after 414 families replied to a districtwide survey saying they want a remote option for this upcoming school year. District officials say that translates to roughly 630 students.

According to the survey, the majority of families seeking a remote learning option were those with elementary students — the age group that's too young to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Not everyone will have access to the remote learning option; district explained that only students with a documented health condition within the household that puts an individual at greater risk of COVID-19 will be eligible. Remote learning will not be available for families who have general health concerns and not underlying health conditions.

► More Tuesday:Des Moines Public Schools to offer online elementary school to students for 2021-22 school year

Students who meet the criteria for remote learning may request entry into the program at various indicated times throughout the school year, which is every trimester for elementary students and each semester for secondary students.

Students can also go back into onsite learning at various times throughout the year, which is any time for elementary students and each semester for secondary students.

COVID-19 mitigation efforts for in-person learning

The district also announced various mitigation efforts it will take against COVID-19 that comply with current state laws. 

Although school districts may not require masks, in accordance with state law, the district will have free masks available for anyone who wants one. 

The district will also not require quarantine for students who come into contact with COVID-19 but do not show symptoms. Instead, the district is urging students to stay home if they feel sick.

► More Tuesday:Des Moines schools' summer program suspended after 3 test positive for COVID-19

Families who chose to quarantine their child will be able to work with staff to support the student at home.

Additional mitigation efforts according to a district presentation include:

• Increased circulation of outdoor air through the HVAC system
•  MERV-13 filters in HVAC systems
•  Encouragement of students and staff to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water frequently
•  Increased availability of hand sanitizer in common areas and classrooms
•  Custodial cleaning practices will be focused on cleaning for health, which includes an emphasis on disinfecting surfaces where bacteria or viruses are most likely to be transmitted
• Working with local public health authorities to determine what additional measures may be warranted

To address additional concerns, Ankeny Superintendent Dr. Erick Pruitt will be hosting a back-to-school forum from 6:30-8:30 Aug. 9 at Southview Middle School. The event, which will be livestreamed at youtube.com/AnkenySchools, will include a presentation and a question and answer session facilitated by district officials.

► More Tuesday:Des Moines may offer online elementary school again, as COVID cases begin to climb

Melody Mercado covers the eastern Des Moines metro for the Register. Reach her at mmercado@registermedia.com or Twitter @melodymercadotv.