CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS —The 3rd and 4th grade students measured the dimensions of Noah’s ark outside on the school’s grounds.

Even though 2020 has been a difficult year, things are going well at Marshalltown Christian School.

Director Bethany Wirin said the private school has only had two positive COVID-19 cases among staff and none in the students.

“Our teachers are careful as a whole,” she said. “I think lifestyles also could be a part of it. They don’t go out to eat. They only go grocery shopping. One is a self-proclaimed germaphobe.”

Marshalltown Christian School closed for a few days before the COVID-19 pandemic began. Wirin attributed that to student absences caused by a variety of illnesses. Since students and staff returned this fall, the school has incorporated extra hand washing stations and reduced large gatherings of people. Shortly before Thanksgiving, she said the board decided to require face coverings.

Also, everyone is encouraged to stay home when sick.

Two 2nd grade students socializing on the playground monkey bars.

The goal is to keep the children in school, Wirin said.

“Evidence shows children are not susceptible to passing it like adults,” she said. “Children need socialization, to see adult faces which is why we did not have masks. Children who are learning to read need to see the sound formed with lips.”

The effects of the pandemic is concerning for Wirin. She worries about the mental health of people. Wirin has seen more youth in need of medication and therapy this year for depression and anxiety.

“This could be an issue with far-reaching implications for generations,” she said. “I am also concerned about academics. So we have to do everything we can to keep them in school.”

——

Some 4th grade students worked math problems out on the playground one morning.

Contact Lana Bradstream at lbradstream@ timesrepublican.com