Keeping the Community Informed

In an effort to keep students, staff, parents, and the entire community aware of how COVID-19 is impacting our district, we plan to share as much information as possible, while protecting the privacy of those affected. Please know that these efforts will be a work in progress and our district will make adjustments and improvements.

The information below is current numbers as of the time stamp below. Anyone who is currently in isolation (positive case) or in quarantine due to exposure to a positive individual. Once an individual is no longer in isolation or quarantine they would not be reflected in the numbers below. The dashboard is updated as new cases are confirmed with Dallas and Polk County Public Health Departments.

DCG COVID-19 Status Update

Updated: 11/26/2020. Updates are made every Thursday. Disclaimer: The information set forth above is for informational purposes only. This information is based on reports to the District from other sources which have not been independently verified.

Health Metrics

The district uses the health metrics established by the Iowa Department of Public Health to monitor county-wide positivity rates. They also provide a county-by-county percentage positive analysis for all public school districts in Iowa. The IDPH site we use to determine classroom, building, and grade Return To Learn model(s) can be accessed here:
https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/pages/percent-school-district-positive-analysis

The Dallas Center – Grimes School Board uses a similar metric system to evaluate the status of our classrooms, buildings, and district as it pertains to keeping schools open or moving them online.

View the Return to Learn Metrics here

Communication and Notification Process

Each time a person (staff or student) in a district facility tests positive for COVID-19, a DCG team consisting of school nurses, support staff, and respective building administrators will work with Dallas and Polk County Health Services to determine next steps.

If student or staff member was determined to have close contact with the positive individual they will receive a notification. There are two types of notifications:

1. If proper masks were not being worn at the time of close contact you may receive a notification and order to quarantine.
2. If proper masks were being worn at the time of close contact, you may receive a notification to simply make you aware of close contact but not an order to quarantine.

If the positive case was not in your child’s classroom or activity and your child was not a close contact, you will not receive an email.

School Nurse Protocol for COVID-19 Symptoms

As part of their efforts to keep buildings healthy, please be aware that school nurses may send a student(s) home for 10 days based on recommendations from the Iowa Department of Public Health and Dallas and Polk County Health. If your child tests positive for COVID-19 after school hours, please contact our COVID-19 hotline at 515-985-8430 and a DCG staff member will work with you along with Dallas and Polk County Health Departments on the proper next steps.
The Iowa Department of Public Health and Dallas and Polk County Health Departments recommend that any person with one high-risk or two low-risk symptoms stay home and contact their medical provider for an evaluation.