Dear MSS Parents/Caregivers:

We realize the issues connected to the current health concerns are creating some difficult times.  We are grateful for your trust and patience as we respond to support our students and community.   As more information becomes available, we will continue to provide updates as appropriate.

As many of you have heard, as, we have elected to close the school for additional weeks following spring break per recommendations by the Governor and supporting medical professionals. Below you will find some key pieces of information relating to our closure.

School Access

Starting Thursday,  March 19th the Meskwaki Settlement School including offices will be closed until at least April 13th.  On-line learning link pages have been set up.  Click here to access (or click the links left).

Instructional Support: 

With the closing of the building, our teachers and staff will continue to provide Instructional support.  At the middle/high school, our staff will be utilizing online/web based communication strategies to continue to support student learning.  To help learning continue, our educators are organizing links to activities and lessons by grade level and subject.  Starting next week, students should monitor their email for initial communications from their teachers.

At the elementary level, paper copies of worksheets will be available for our younger students and will be available (during the Curbside Grab-N-Go meal distribution). Over the upcoming three weeks our staff will be checking their email and available to support your child’s learning via email and over the phone as needed. As mentioned previously, families may utilize the email directory located on the school’s webpage to connect with staff during the closing. As a final instructional reminder, one of the most important things that families can do to support their children’s academic growth during this time is every day to have them read on their own, have them read to you, or for you to read to them!

Children Curbside Grab-N-Go Meals: 

The Meskwaki Settlement School curbside lunch program will be starting back up, Friday, March 27^th. Lunch can be picked up at the elementary main entrance on weekdays (Monday-Friday) from 11 am – 12 pm. There is NO need to sign up ahead of time, but please know meals CAN ONLY BE PROVIDED TO THE CHILD. Regardless of the school your child attends, you may simply drive or walk up WITH YOUR CHILDREN (ages 18 or younger) to the elementary school front entrance and we’ll meet you at the curb with the meals.

In closing, we are hopeful our steps to close school following spring break will assist in decreasing the infection rate of the virus and we will be able to get back to as close to normal as possible.  In the meanwhile, please do not hesitate to reach out to our teachers and staff via email as necessary.  Best wishes for health and safety.

Willie Barney, Ed.D. 

Superintendent, Meskwaki Settlement School

1608 305th Street

Tama, IA 52339

Work: 641.484.9000