
Supt's Corner
December 2021
Happy Holidays
On behalf of the board, and Linden Community Schools, we wish everyone a safe and happy holidays.
GCHD Health Order and LCS Masking
Linden Community Schools Board of Education passed a resolution on November 3, 2021, indicating that if the GCHD rescinded the current health order that Linden Community Schools will recommend, but not require, that students, staff, and individuals in a school setting wear a facemask to help control the spread of COVID-19.
On November 15, 2021, the GCHD did rescind the current health order, and the mask mandate is removed as of December 22, 2021.
Beginning on December 23, 2021, Linden Community Schools, based on the Board of Education resolution, will recommend but not require that students, staff, and individuals in a school setting wear a facemask.
The CDC Federal Order that facemasks must be worn on school buses is still in effect.
For additional information please visit the LCS COIVD-19 webpage.
GCHD COVID-19 ToolKit Updated
The GCHD has released two toolkits. One toolkit is for school districts in Genesee County that will require universal masking for their districts. This toolkit is basically the same guidance as the current toolkit that is place. The second toolkit is for school districts in Genesee County that do not require universal masking for their district. Beginning on December 23, 2021, Linden Community Schools will be under the guidance of the toolkit that does not require universal masking.
- Students that are fully vaccinated, and are deemed a close contact will not be quarantined, and should wear a mask for 14 days following exposure. Student(s) should monitor symptoms for 14 days.
- Students that are not fully vaccinated, and are deemed a close contact, will be quarantined for 10 days following exposure. These individuals will be able to take an optional rapid antigen test each morning for seven days. If negative they will be able to attend school each day and should wear a mask for 14 days.
- Students who are COVID-19 positive, whether they are fully vaccinated or not, will be excluded from school for 10 days from their test results and/or onset of symptoms.
- We continue to ask families to keep student(s) home if they are not feeling well and/or are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.
- Close contacts will be defined as individuals exposed to a positive individual for more than 10 minutes (cumulative), and within six feet.
Thank you for helping LCS continue to maintain a positive and safe learning environment for our students and staff.
LCS Safety and Security
I would like update our school community on current school safety protocols that are in place throughout Linden Community Schools, and will remain in place until further notice. LCS has a board approved emergency operations plan, which includes quick guides in every classroom for emergencies such as fires, tornados, shelter in place, lockdown, and etc. Our teaching staff does review these plans and procedures with our students. We have begun to reintroduce and refresh ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) protocols to our students and staff, which will include the refresher video, table top exercises, and active intruder drills.
Linden Community Schools has secure entrances in all school buildings, which include a buzzer system for identification and purpose of being in the building. Building principals have implemented systems to make sure all classroom doors are locked, exterior doors are shut and locked during the school day, and that staff are visible and available to students during the day.
Linden Middle School and Linden High School have implemented a check-in/check-out system for students leaving a classroom during the class period, and backpacks are not currently allowed to be with students during the school day unless established in a 504 or IEP. We continue to have the support of our School Resource Officer, the Linden Police Department, and the Argentine Police Departments, who have and will continue to be a presence in and around our school buildings.
We are currently reviewing additional layers of safety and security, such as unsupervised time of our students before and after school, and discussing the security projects in our bond project (ie. doors and door locks, visitor management system, and etc.). Some of which are scheduled for installation this summer.
As I have mentioned before, we take every report and/or rumor seriously and will continue to review and investigate any and all information that may compromise the safety of our students staff, and school community. We do work with our School Resource Officer and other local law enforcement agencies to investigate these reports and/or rumors. The safety and security, and overall well-being of our students and staff continues to be our top priority.
Oxford Strong
Linden Community Schools continues to stay Oxford Strong. On December 10, 2021, LCS staff dressed in blue and gold to support the Oxford community. All proceeds collected are being sent to Oxford.
LHS seniors Brooke Durkac and Lexi Gilmer organized a student led fundraiser for the Holly vs. Linden basketball game. In total, $1,400 was raised for the Oxford community. On December 14, 2021, Brook, Lexi, Board Trustee Greg Durkac, and I traveled to Oxford to present the donation and a banner that was signed by students from Holly and Linden.
LCS Athletics New Website
Relocation of Pathway
In order to maintain a safe route for walkers and bikers along the pathway, we have rerouted the Pathway. We will be opening the gates on the South end of the stadium, these gates will remain open for the duration of construction. We will have barricades and signage to help direct people to the re-routed section.
LCS Bond Program Update
- Mobilization of equipment and site prep began on Sept. 7.
- Due to MPC construction the Pathway will have to be diverted. Information on relocation, including a map, is on our website (click link).
- Meetings with committee groups from Linden El and Central have been taking place for the past couple of months to gather input, review renderings, and discuss updates that will be occurring in those buildings. Construction and updates scheduled for Summer of 2022.
- Technology informational meetings with different vendors continues to take place as we research everything from classroom technology enhancements and instructional technology to district technology (copy machines, wifi capabilities, visitor management systems).
LCS Child Find Process
Stuff the Bus 2021
Stuff the Bus 2021
LHS ESports takes 2nd Place in State
Linden Community Schools
Email: rciesiel@lindenschools.org
Website: www.lindenschools.org
Location: 7205 W. Silver Lake Road
Phone: 810-591-0983
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindenCommunitySchools/
Twitter: @LindenSchools