ICCSD DPO Wearing is Caring Fundraiser

Please visit the Updates area to view developments and planned use of funds which have been posted after the initial campaign creation. 

The Iowa City Community School District (ICCSD) Districtwide Parents Organization (DPO) recently formed an emergency committee to propose measures that will protect our children against COVID-19 when they return to school. The group was formed in response to Governor Reynold's declaration (and recent legislation) banning mask mandates in K-12 schools. The ban limits our district's ability to impose measures to mitigate the spread of the virus at school and during school-sanctioned activities.

We need your help! We are seeking donations to fund the purchase of yard signs that encourage students, teachers, and staff to wear masks at school and school-sanctioned events. Printing 300 signs will cost $2,250. Consenting homeowners near schools will place a sign in their yards prior to the first day of school on August 23. The first 100 signs will be ready on August 16!

Students, teachers, and staff deserve a safer learning environment. Health officials recommend using a layered approach to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Unvaccinated people, including children, are especially susceptible to the highly contagious Delta variant. The Delta variant, vaccination restrictions, and indoor gatherings create a perfect storm for the virus to spread. The community needs to support students, teachers, and staff by encouraging everyone to WEAR A MASK.

By wearing a mask we also protect our vulnerable populations including students, teachers, and staff who cannot get a vaccine. By wearing a mask, we can protect those who are immunocompromised, have underlying health conditions, are ineligible for vaccination, and who are more likely to develop severe disease. Finally, by wearing a mask, we support our healthcare workers who have worked tirelessly to care for our fellow citizens.

Help us spread the word, “Wearing is Caring.” One small step can make a BIG impact on our community’s health. If you or someone you know wants to support this initiative with a yard sign, please email the DPO Mask Committee . We especially need signs in highly-visible yards near school campuses!

Excess funds raised will be used to support other COVID mitigation measures in ICCSD schools including but not limited to purchasing masks and creating safer lunch settings.

Thank you for your support,

The ICCSD DPO Mask Committee