August 12, 2021

Dear MAPS Families & Staff;

As the first day of school is quickly approaching, decisions are being made to guide a safe and productive school year.  First and foremost, we have a responsibility to provide for the safety and welfare of our students and staff during school, transporting to and from school, and during school sponsored activities. 

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have consistently followed the guidance and recommendations of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service and our local District #10 Health Department.  We have been in regular communication with Dr. Jennifer Morse, Medical Director for DHD #10 to determine the best course of action for protecting our students and staff.  Currently, MDHHS & DHD#10 are using CDC and local data to report transmission rates and are assigning threat levels based upon this information.  As of today, both Manistee and Mason counties are rated “Substantial” for transmission rates and therefore the recommendation for the safest possible course of action is to wear masks in all public indoor spaces.

At the Board of Education regular meeting on Wednesday evening, the following guidelines were determined to guide us as we begin the school year.  These guidelines will be in effect beginning Monday, August 16. Please understand that conditions may change, which could impact these plans. 

• Our goal is to maintain in-person instruction for all students, as the experience of face-to-face instruction provides the best possible learning environment for our students to thrive. For any students or families with health concerns that would be negatively impacted by in-person learning, please reach out to your building principal regarding potential resources.
• Masks will be required on school buses as per federal requirements.
• Masks will be properly worn by all individuals in all indoor spaces following Health Department recommendations. A sufficient supply of masks will be provided in each school building allowing for mask changes as needed.
• Cohorting and physical distancing efforts will be practiced where applicable, based upon activity.
• Vaccinations will be promoted for those eligible.
• Regular hygiene practices will be promoted; hand sanitizer will be readily available in all buildings.
• Contact tracing, outreach to close contacts, reporting of cases, and quarantining guidelines will be practiced as outlined by DHD#10.
• Ventilation standards have been met in all school buildings.
• Enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols will be followed.
• Voluntary onsite COVID testing will be administered as conditions necessitate. Weekly antigen screening tests remain a tool used in our athletics program to give the coaches the information needed to proceed safely. Families are given the opportunity to opt-out.

From the input we have received, it seems we share a common goal with our staff and families in wanting to return to our routine model of in-person learning and in preserving our student’s ability to participate in athletics and other essential extracurricular activities.  Although the decision regarding mask wearing was difficult, we believe that we have outlined the best possible scenario for our students and staff to begin the school year with the flexibility needed to safely provide in-person learning with the least possible disruption.  It is our hope that we will be able to adapt these guidelines as we move through the school year.

We will continue our regular communication with the District #10 Health Department to ensure we are following guidelines to provide the safest possible learning environments based upon current conditions.  The Board will meet if a change in local status occurs to discuss future guidelines and you will be readily notified of any changes.

We are looking forward to the beginning of our school year and welcoming back our students and staff.  Please know we are making every effort to ensure a safe, productive, and fun learning environment for all.  Watch your email and our website: www.chipslead.org for additional updates.

Sincerely,

Ron Stoneman, Superintendent

Manistee Area Public School