public schools

The Iowa City Community School District became the latest to reinstate a mask mandate during a board meeting Tuesday night. The requirement goes into effect Wednesday, as do mandates in the Cedar Rapids and Des Moines school systems.

If implemented, students who show COVID-19 symptoms during the school day would go to a designated “caring room” to see the school nurse. There, the nurse or a certified nursing assistant would call the student’s parents and administer a rapid COVID-19 test.

Today is the first day back to school for students in Sioux City. For the first time in years, there will be a completely new boundary map that determines which school students go to. Also, teachers and administrators have to comply with a new state law. The law limiting some lessons on race may pose a new challenge to a district trying to diversify its schools.

Iowa schools received $30 million in CARES Act money, which helped some districts provide mental health services for kids.

Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague issued a mask mandate Thursday night requiring everyone in the city to wear a face covering in public spaces, citing the “alarming rate” of coronavirus cases. Notably, the order applies to both private businesses and public schools, as well as the University of Iowa.

On Talk of Iowa, Charity Nebbe spoke with parents, politicians and health experts about preparing for back to school as cases of COVID-19 in children rise around the country.

This episode of Talk of Iowa explores some of the challenges school boards, teachers, parents and students are facing as their second pandemic school year begins.

Back to school in the pandemic. New eviction moratorium in effect. The Field of Dreams: Buckle up for your Newsbuzz.

An Iowa advocacy group is providing support to teachers who feel targeted by a new law that limits certain teachings and trainings dealing with racism and sexism. The law bans schools and government agencies from promoting certain ideas, including that the U.S. and Iowa are systemically racist or sexist.

For decades, the Midwest has attracted many refugees and immigrants from around the world. A recent report pointed out Des Moines, Iowa and Omaha, Nebraska as being among the most popular places for refugees to resettle.