District Administrator's Corner

by Loren Glasbrenner River Valley School District Administrator Many people have asked Jaime Hegland, our Director of Activities and Academic Services, “How can you even consider having sports or activities when kids are going back and forth from in-person and virtual learning?”  The question is legitimate, and certainly one that we’ve worked through when making decisions. We know that some districts have canceled athletic activities. We also know that without some normalcy in the lives of our students, that over 600 students would lose more than we can measure. The River Valley School District has taken additional measures and created serious guidelines for athletics and activities. The district has implemented these guidelines for student participants, coaches, and spectators in order to allow our students to remain involved. Additionally, we monitor and adapt these guidelines as necessary for different sports. We have also been very fortunate to utilize a phone app called “HealthyRoster.” This incredible piece of technology requires our students in after-school activities to self-reflect and analyze prior to each practice or competition. It functions medically as an Electronic Health Record (EHR) that reports to our district’s athletic trainer, coaches, and director. This app requires students to answer COVID symptom questions each day. Rebecca Schinker, our musical director, reported that it required the students to think not only of their own health, but to also think of others. It took students another step forward to being personally responsible, which, in turn, helped her as a director. When a high school student becomes ill or has been exposed to a positive COVID case, the River Valley School District’s nursing team begins a deliberate analysis of data and close contacts. We use the incident data to add to our district data. We learn from the event and we then proceed with caution. In addition, every time a situation occurs, the data is reviewed by our athletic director, administrative team, our school nurse, Jordyn Wendhausen, and oftentimes by Dr. Masaru Furukawa, our Medical Advisor.  I took the time to ask a few River Valley High School students about the additional measures that have taken place for athletics and activities this year. I think it is important to hear their perspective: What are a couple things you have to do before each practice/activity this year? Tyler: “We check in each time with the app.” Anthony: “We fill out the screener every time and get our temperature checked.” Will: “We also don’t share lockers and equipment like we used to.” Should activities/athletics be canceled when school is happening virtually? Will: “We need the activities - and everything is structured and masked. Keep things running.” Isaac: “Don’t cancel activities - we are a team … keep our opportunities open.” Do the activities/athletics help you more this year than other years? How? Landon: “Absolutely, without sports there would be no contact with friends, no going out and nothing to keep us busy. It would be even harder to get through the day.” Sara: “We would all be so out of shape - activities provide us time to be with friends and a chance to be healthy.” Aiden: “Sports and activities are what really adds life to our school.” During the pandemic, it has become very evident that students are willing to learn new routines to continue with activities that are important to them. Studies have consistently demonstrated that physically active people are not only healthier, but also perform better in school. Physical activity (whether on the stage in a musical or on a court or field) is highly correlated to mental alertness. With the help of coaches, parents and school personnel, we will continue to provide a healthy balance while following CDC guidelines - it is what is best for the kids.