Updated to reflect additional closure through 4/13/20.
March 13, 2020
Dear Students, Parents, Staff, and Community Members:
On Thursday March 12, 2020 at 11:29pm, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that in order to slow the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan, she is ordering the closure of all K-12 school buildings to students starting Monday, March 16 until Sunday, April 5. School buildings are scheduled to reopen on Monday, April 6.
With this in mind, we are enacting the following measures related to events and programs beginning Monday March 16, 2020:
- All district facilities will be closed to student and public activities during this ordered closure, with the exception of the scheduled March Board of Education meeting.
- All district field trips are suspended until further notice.
- With the exception of pick up and drop off of students, once we return on April 6th, weask parents and guests to avoid visiting school buildings during the day until furthernotice.
- All assemblies and performances in our schools involving participation by the generalpublic are suspended until further notice.
- All community meetings, community education programming, rentals, and gatheringsscheduled to take place within our school facilities are suspended until further notice.
- All spring athletic practices are canceled during this ordered closure. Practices may tentatively resume on April 6, 2020.
- Custodial crews and support staff at all our buildings are dedicating a heightened focus to ensure areas are disinfected, both in school buildings and on buses during this time of closure.
- Teaching staff has been encouraged to provide learning opportunities, where possible, to students during this ordered closure.As we prepare for all possible scenarios, we are asking you to develop a plan for your family in the event that schools are unable to reopen on April 6, 2020. We would also ask you to carefully consider the necessity of non-essential travel in the coming weeks, as well as the precautionary health and safety-related inconveniences that are likely to accompany it.As you probably know by now, Governor Whitmer has declared a state of emergency, and we are taking COVID-19 very seriously. We hope that with your help, we can diminish
the spread of this virus in our communities. Please follow the recommendations to wash your hands, stay home when you are sick, and practice good hygiene. We would like to remind you that our districts utilize the most credible resources possible regarding the virus and recommended actions:
- Center for Disease Control link: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
- Michigan.gov coronavirus link: www.michigan.gov/coronavirusThe factors surrounding this health challenge are changing rapidly, and rest assured that we will update you as often and as thoroughly as necessary. The safety of our students, staff, and community is our top priority, and we thank you for your attention and support.Sincerely,
Shawn J. Hale Superintendent