Many Upper Peninsula School districts have reacted to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s “suggestion” that they go to remote learning for the next two weeks, and that they shut down youth sports for the same period.
Most are not taking the suggestion, and are instead choosing to continue with face-to-face instruction, and are moving forward with middle and high school sports.
ESCANABA AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
In response to the Gov’s press conference… From Escanaba Area School Superintendent Dr. Coby Fletcher— “We plan to continue with face to face instruction at all levels and continue athletics without interruption.” Thank you.
MANISTIQUE AREA SCHOOLS STAYING OPEN
Governor Whitmer today recommended that schools go virtual and sports take a pause for two weeks. Manistique Area Schools has made the decision that we will “NOT” be going virtual nor taking a pause in sports. Have a great weekend!
GWINN AREA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS STAYING OPEN
In response to Governor Whitmer’s address today, the Gwinn Area Community Schools will remain open for education and all sports programs as of April 9, 2021.
This follows suit with other districts in our area. We believe in our COVID mitigation measures in our district, in the format of our educational options, and in the recently added rapid antigen testing to our athletic program. We appreciate the partnership with our families and trust they will continue to enforce COVID prevention measures at home and in social gatherings. Together, we will make it to the end of our school year. We are Modeltowner Strong!
NORTH CENTRAL AREA SCHOOLS STAYING OPEN
Today the Governor asked for a voluntary two week pause of face to face instruction at high schools and youth sports. After reviewing the local COVID-19 data and consulting with the local health department, we have decided to remain in-person with all grade levels and activities, while continuing with all our existing COVID-19 Policies and Procedures. There is currently no change to our athletic schedules.
STEPHENSON AREA SCHOOLS STAYING OPEN
Today the Governor asked for a voluntary two-week pause of face-to-face instruction at high schools and youth sports. After reviewing the local COVID data and consulting with the local health department we have decided to remain in person with all grade levels and activities while continuing with all our existing COVID-19 Policies and Procedures. Knowing that things around COVID-19 can change rapidly we will continue to monitor our local data and communicate with the local health department to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community.
MUNISING PUBLIC SCHOOLS STAYING OPEN
As many of you are aware, today Governor Gretchen Whitmer recommended, not required, that high school students move to remote learning for the next two weeks, and also recommended, not required, that youth sports suspend in-person activities (practices and games) for the next two weeks. The recommendation also stated that schools should make decisions based on input from their local health departments.
The superintendents of all Marquette and Alger County schools met with their local health departments today and have made the decision to remain in school and continue in-person instruction, and to continue athletics with the required precautions.
In Munising Public Schools, we’ve only had one student test positive for COVID-19 since February 3rd, and all spring sports athletes are now tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis. Based on data from the health departments, while hospitalizations due to COVID-19 are rising slightly, overall rates in Upper Peninsula hospitals remain low.
Thank you to our students, staff and parents for continuing to be diligent in wearing masks, staying home when sick, and taking the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe. We will continue to meet with our local health departments and follow their recommendations for possible closure if student and staff cases begin to increase.
GLADSTONE AND RAPID RIVER SCHOOLS STAYING OPEN
First, thanks to all of you for being so supportive and understanding as we have worked hard to be able to offer in person instruction for our students. This has been challenging, but our dedicated staff have risen to this challenge and done a great job following safety protocols and meeting the needs of our students.
The Governor made an announcement this morning requesting that all high schools return to virtual-only instruction and that all youth sports be paused. We want to assure you that we have carefully considered this request and that our local circumstances do not yet meet this level of reaction. We will continue to communicate with our local Health Department, monitor ongoing case numbers and positivity within our district, and make the decisions that best support our students. With that in mind, we feel it is important to let everyone know that in-person instruction will continue and our athletic teams will keep working and competing.
Please be aware that we are once again in a very fluid situation, and information and data can change very quickly.
We will do all we can to keep you informed so you can make decisions that are best for your family. If you have any questions, please feel welcome to reach out to me directly via email jkulbert@gladstone.k12.mi.us or phone 906-428-2417.
NORWAY-VULCAN HIGH SCHOOL GOING VIRTUAL FOR TWO WEEKS
It is with a heavy heart that I must let you know that we are moving the high school to online instruction for the next two weeks. As of this afternoon we have multiple students with confirmed cases of COVID-19 with more students out of school with likely COVID-19 infections.
As of right now over twenty percent (20%) of our high school students are under quarantine orders for the next two weeks. Online learning will next Monday, April 12, 2021 and return to in person learning on Monday, April 26, 2021. Our professional development day scheduled for April 26 is being moved to Monday, May 10.
After consultation with our local health department and a hard look at the data I shared above, we determined that the safest course of action for students and their families is to step back from in person learning for the high school as recommended today by Gov. Whitmer and State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Rice.
This pause will include all high school activities, sports and sports practices.
Per our consultation with the health department, it is felt that the vast bulk of these infections are arising from a combination of travel over the break and from get togethers outside of school. Due to the number of students coming down with infections, there is concern that the school may become a more primary source of infections.
We all want to see an end to this epidemic. During this pause please consider what activities and get togethers you allow your children to participate in.
This pause is for the high school only. All other students will experience a normal school day. We have no known cases in our elementary or middle school.
High school students are being instructed to take their learning materials home with them at the end of the school day. School staff will follow our normal bell schedule during the school day and students will be expected to complete assignments as assigned by their instructors.
If we all take the necessary steps to end this pandemic, hopefully we can come back on April 26, 2021 and complete the remainder of the school year in person.
Sincerely, Lou Steigerwald, Superintendent Norway-Vulcan Area Schools
SUPERIOR CENTRAL SCHOOLS STAYING OPEN
As you may have heard, today Governor Whitmer recommended that all high schools in Michigan take a two-week pause of in person learning. She also asked the same for athletics. The superintendents of Marquette and Alger Counties along with the local health departments and medical directors met this afternoon and made the decision to continue in person learning as we have all year.
For Superior Central, this decision is based on numbers. We currently have 3 active cases at Superior Central, less than 1% of our total population (student and staff). This week we tested 42 student athletes for COVID-19; all tests were negative.
We have been fortunate at Superior Central all year with our COVID-19 numbers. I attribute this to our students and parents. Students have been great with mask wearing and hand washing/sanitizing. Parents have kept kids home when they are sick and have immediately contacted the school if a student tested positive. In every case we have had this year, the parent has called the school before the health department. This has enabled us to immediately contact trace and quarantine exposed students.
I know we are all tired of this virus. I ask that we all continue to do our best to stay healthy. Wear a mask when you are in the building, wash your hands, stay home if you are sick.
As always if you have any questions please contact me.
Sincerely,
Bill Valima
Superintendent/K-12 Principal
IRON MOUNTAIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS STAYING OPEN
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