Parents/Guardians,

Happy New Year PSD!  It is my wish that all of our PSD family has a happy and healthy 2021.  The COVID-19 pandemic has been very stressful to all; however, I feel we learned a great deal about ourselves from the challenges we have faced.  We have learned to restore our faith in kindness, compassion, and patience of others through the generosity shown to us by our family, friends, and neighbors.  We have learned to be resilient, flexible, understanding and creative.

This has resulted in Polk School District having a successful first semester. I am grateful for the continued support shown to our students, staff, parents/guardians, and the community.  As we look ahead to the to the second semester, we remain committed to providing all students with the best education possible and the necessary resources to prepare them for a successful future.  

The District will continue to carefully monitor the number of positive cases within our schools. We will continue the mitigation strategies and protocols established at the beginning of the school year.  As referenced before our holiday break, we cannot monitor where our students or employees go, or who they are exposed to; however, in an effort to protect everyone, we are once again asking our students to wear masks for the next two weeks.  The District is also requiring all employees to wear masks or face shields for the first two weeks after our return.  Distancing, regular hand sanitization, thorough cleaning of schools, and altered lunches and class schedules will also be continued in an effort to keep the positive cases low. 

We realize there are some individuals that are unable to wear a mask.  No student will be punished or criticized for not wearing a mask; however, if possible, we want everyone to do their part in keeping our PSD family healthy.  In addition, we want to make sure we do everything possible to continue the face-to-face instruction, extra-curriculars, and athletic opportunities for our students.  

In working together, we are hopeful that 2021 will be a better year for all of us! A year that will allow us to experience a more sustainable “normal.”  A year that will hopefully restore some of our favored traditions.  A year that brings success to all of our PSD family!

Respectfully,

Laurie Atkins
Superintendent