11-10-2020

When to Keep Your Child Home From School: Families, and specifically parents are the first and best persons to decide if a child should stay home from school, especially during this COVID pandemic.  As parents we know our children best and we have the opportunity to closely observe and notice if something is not quite normal for them.  I want to reiterate that concept with everyone this evening.  I have heard the following question asked a few times recently, "Do I have to send my child to school if I am not comfortable with the possible health risks?"  The direct answer to that question is "no".   As a family, if you determine that your child should not attend school because of a possible illness, a confirmed illness or you are concerned about their risk of exposure for illnes, our District will respect that decision. 

 

We also understand that our community is diverse and there is a range of comfort levels across the community on whether it best to have students attend school in person or online.  We do not intend families to feel obligated for either method.  The district provides that choice to families.  If a family feels more comfortable to have a child stay home and learn as a virtual student, the teachers and school administrators can help.  Again, we respect our families and your right to make a choice for what is best for your situation.   As a staff, we are dedicated to providing high-quality instruction for students in whatever option is chosen. 

 

The Contact Tracing protocol identifies persons who were within 6 feet for a combined 15 minutes or longer within a 24 hour period of person with COIVD.  Sometimes that process identifies a large number of people.  The precaution to self-quarantine helps reduce the risk and possible spread to others.  The social distancing guidelines are another strategy to help limit viral spread.   If there is a household member who has a pending COVID test or symptoms of COVID, all household members are encouraged to not attend school or school functions until the results are confirmed.  It is better to miss a few days of school or sports than have ourselves, and potentially many others, miss a lot more days after being exposed. 

 

The District's COVID Dashboard Data is updated when there is a new school-related case confirmed.   The data below reports the current and past cases within the district’s schools.  The “Updated” date identities the most recent confirmed case(s) and the “Previous Update” date identifies the next, most-recent case(s).  So, since the last update on October 22, there were no cases at school until November 9.  That new confirmed case was at HHS.  The contract tracing protocols were initiated and followed.  

 

Because of the nature of COVID, the “current situation” can change quickly and that is precisely why as a school district we remain in regular communication with the Director of the Health Department and the President and staff of Hillsdale Hospital.   It is also why publically report all confirmed COVID cases at school with our families, staff and on the district's public website.  www.hillsdaleschools.org   

 

 COVID Dashboard

       Updated: 11/9/2020                   Previous Update: 10/22/2020

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)	0
Cumulative Cases (Since Reporting Began)	7
Populations Affected	Staff, Student

 

                             Hillsdale High School

New Cases (Since Last Update)	1
Cumulative Cases (Since Reporting Began)	5
Populations Affected	Student

 

                             Horizon Alternative High School

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

 

 

Below is information from the Branch Hillsdale St. Joseph Community Health Agency regarding upcoming opportunities for students to receive flu vaccinations at each of our schools.  This is in no way required of anyone.  It is an optional service provided by the Health Department for convenience to families and requires the consent/request of the parents.   

 

Hillsdale High School/ Horizon  - Dec. 1 @ 9-12 Noon

Davis Middle School  - Nov 24 @ 9-11:30 AM

Gier Elementary School - Dec 8 @ 12-4 PM

Bailey Early Childhood Center - Nov 19 @ 9-11 AM 

 

The Branch Hillsdale St. Joseph Community Health Agency is excited to announce that we will be administering flu vaccinations at Hillsdale Community Schools. It is especially important now more than ever that we protect ourselves from other viruses this season due to the ongoing pandemic.  In an effort to keep the children of our community safe from the vaccine preventable disease of influenza, as well as support the parents and school in their efforts to protect children, we will be hosting a flu vaccination clinics at each local school.

 

The state of Michigan has provided us with an allotment of FluMist (nasal flu) which does not require insurance information for the child.  We will have flu injections available but you must fill out the insurance portion of the form if you choose this option over FluMist.  Please note, children with asthma or immune system concerns are not eligible for FluMist and should receive an injection.   You will find attached a consent form/questionnaire along with Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) for your review.   It is required for the consent form and questionnaire to be completely filled out, signed, and returned to the school in order for your child to receive a flu vaccination.

 

END OF UPDATE