Update 10-20-2020

 

This past week was a bit of a roller coaster ride!  The impact of COVID became front and center for the students, families and staff at Davis Middle School.  Moving to the virtual learning program was the result of a combination of factors including positive cases of COVID that evolved into an outbreak status within our student population.  There was a staggered time effect between several of the cases suggesting that transmission may be occurring.  There were also positive cases confirmed within the staff.  In addition to the positive cases in both groups, there were multiple groups of students and staff who were Close Contacts are not able to come to school/work because of the need to self-quarantine.  The staff shortage complicated the situation even more.  This certianly impacted the decision by the district to suspend in-person learning and move to virtual learning.  Mrs. Wheeler reports that students are off to a great start with their temporary assignment to attend school virtually at home.  In-person classes are scheduled to resume on Thursday, October 29.  This pause of in-person classes was implemented by the district so that the overall amount of in-person instruction can be maximized with students.   

 

On the positive side of the ride, the Homecoming program and related activities were terrific.  The Hillsdale High School staff and student leaders did a great job organizing events that students, parents, staff and community members really enjoyed.  While not everything was like past years, it didn’t have to be the same.  Some new concepts were generated and the students incorporated those fresh ideas to create a fun atmosphere in the school.   

Substitute Staff Needed: The district is actively recruiting substitute staff members for the schools, including parents and other adult family members.   We have a dedicated staff of employees, but there are times when these people cannot be at work.  The impact of the substitute teacher and Educational Assistant shortage has already taken its toll and contributed to the need for two weeks of virtual learning at Davis Middle School. 

 

The following substitute positions are in “very high need”: 

• Classroom Teacher 

• Educational Assistant

• Bus Driver  

There is also an ongoing need for these positions:

• Bus Aid

• Cook

• Custodian

• Maintenance Department 

• Secretary

Substitute teachers are employed by EduStaff.  This company provides substitute teachers to schools across Hillsdale County and beyond.  While there is a large area of service, a local person can designate a specific school or school district to only sub in those places.   And, if a person is not available on a given day, that spot can be declined. Even being able to sub occasionally will be of great help. 

These are paid positions. The teaching positions are paid by the half day or whole day.  All other positions are paid by the hour.   Subbing in the school can strengthen the relationship of a family member with their student’s school.  Filling a vacancy can help the school and classroom in the absence of the regular staff member.  This might be a great fit!   

 

If you are interested in substitute teaching you may contact the EduStaff offices at 877.974.6338 or go to their website at www.edustaff.org  to access  information and to complete an application.  To qualify to substitute you must have a transcript indicating completion of 60+ credit hours from a four-year college or university with a minimum 2.0 GPA, or hold a valid or expired Michigan Teaching Certificate.

 

If you are interested in substitute Educational Assistant, Bus Driver, Cook, Custodian, Bus Aide, Secretary, Maintenance Department, you may contact the district office at 517.437.4401 or go to our website at www.hillsdaleschools.org and click on the “EMPLOYMENT” tab in the white banner on the top of the district’s home page. 

 

Below is an updated COVID-19 Dashboard Data.  This table is located on the district’s website in the NEWS section on the main site of www.hillsdaleschools.org 

 

               Updated: 10/19/2020                  Previous Update: 10/16/2020

 

SCHOOL ASSOCIATED COVID-19 CASES

 

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency made us aware of the following case counts of School Associated Cases of COVID-19. This data may include probable and confirmed cases among students, staff, administration, coaches, or visitors, if the person with COVID-19 was in the building or participating in a school-sponsored function during their infectious period.

Bailey Early Childhood Center

New Cases (Since Last Update)	0
Cumulative Cases (Since Reporting Began)	0
Populations Affected	N/A

           

Gier Elementary School

New Cases (Since Last Update)	0
Cumulative Cases (Since Reporting Began)	0
Populations Affected	N/A

 

Davis Middle School

New Cases (Since Last Update)	1
Cumulative Cases (Since Reporting Began)	6
Populations Affected	Staff, Student

 

                             Hillsdale High School

New Cases (Since Last Update)	1
Cumulative Cases (Since Reporting Began)	3
Populations Affected	Student

 

                             Horizon Alternative High School

New Cases (Since Last Update)	0
Cumulative Cases (Since Reporting Began)	0
Populations Affected	N/A

 

 

End of Update