School activities postponed until May

Events for Iowa’s high school Unified Activities partners will remain prohibited through April 30, as Governor Kim Reynolds announced an extension of school closures through that date last Thursday.

This continued response to the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) moves the previously announced potential return date from April 13 to May 1 for the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, the Iowa High School Athletic Association, the Iowa High School Music Association, and the Iowa High School Speech Association.

Gov. Reynolds announced the extension of school closures alongside representatives from the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Iowa Department of Education. While the Department of Education and executive director Dr. Ann Lebo have announced provisions for continued learning during this period, guidance continues to prohibit mass gatherings and keep school facilities closed across Iowa.

The primary concern of all four Unified Activities organizations is the health and safety of students, schools, and their communities during this pandemic.

The IGHSAU and IHSAA are still working to offer spring and summer sports opportunities, provided they can be done safely and follow CDC, state, and local guidelines. The IHSMA and IHSSA are collaborating with member schools to provide up-to-date guidance for teachers and participants through this prohibited period.

However, schedules will continue to be assessed as this crisis develops and further announcements from the Unified Activities partners will follow recommendations of state and public health officials.

The IDPH continues to advise individuals to stay at home as much as possible and avoid gatherings of more than 10 people.

“We are committed to bringing a sense of familiarity to our young people whose school year has been so disrupted by this adjusted spring season,” said IHSAA executive director Tom Keating. “It is our hope that students return to school on the current target date and have the opportunity to participate in the activities that mean so much to them.”