As we head into the spring, we are still dealing with the impact of COVID-19. The situation is fluid and ever-changing, but we felt it was important to provide an update on the current status.
We were incredibly thankful to partner with Henry Ford Allegiance Health to get a big portion of our staff vaccinated. Our district has recently dodged any quarantines due to onsite COVID-19 exposure. We are still seeing quarantines due to student and staff exposure off-site, but the county has seen a decline in the COVID-19 positivity test rate. I receive a weekly email from the Jackson County Health Department with information on the number of reported cases in the village and township, whole school district, surrounding districts, and the whole county. If the county-wide positivity case rate is under 5% we will be looking at increasing building capacity, opening things like the library for student use with strict protocol, and developing plans for some major events using current MDHHS order guidance documents. Until last week, the positivity rate was under 5%, so the high school was bringing small groups of students back into the building four days a week.
Unfortunately, last week the positivity rate was at 6%. We have paused increasing building capacity, and we have put a pause on announcing the updated plans for prom until after Spring Break. Our hope is that we will have MDHHS guidelines for prom and graduation early in April, so with monitoring the numbers and updated guidance we know that we will be able to share a plan that does our best to make sure our juniors and seniors have an amazing prom experience that is safe and does not jeopardize other important events like graduation, senior awards, and spring sports.
Additionally, the increase in COVID-19 cases across the state connected to athletics has led the MDHHS to issue an order requiring all athletic programs (youth, club, MHSAA) to antigen test student-athletes from ages 13-19. The testing will begin after spring break and will occur weekly. Athletes will have three forms to return to their coach in order for the district to conduct the testing. If a family chooses to opt-out of the testing, the athlete cannot participate in spring sports until the MDHHS order is changed.
As with anything connected to COVID-19, things are subject to change. We will always do our best to keep students and safe staff while ensuring they have those experiences that are so critical to their development. These are not always easy decisions to make because they all involve risk. It is often which risk are you willing to take. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to any one of our offices for more information.
