12-18-2020

A new health order was issued today (12-18-2020) from the State of Michigan.  There were several items relating specifically to schools that reopen programs for students.  Because schools are starting Christmas Vacation across the state, most of the reopening will actually begin on January 4 when we come back to school. 

A few weeks ago, the school district provided an online form for students who were full-time virtual (online) students during the 1st semester of school the option of coming back to in-person learning to start the 2nd semester on January 25, 2021.   

For students who are in-person students at school during the 1st semester of school, families will also have the option to change and enroll as a virtual (online) student for the 2nd semester.  If a family makes this decision for their student, it for the remainder of the current school year.    The survey form will be available when we come back from Christmas Vacation on January 4-7.  

 

Q: What should I do if my child develops COVID or becomes a Close Contact during the Christmas Vacation?

A: Call your child’s school and leave a voicemail “Report Your Child’s Absence” line.   Include your name and phone number, the student’s name and the date of the exposure or positive test date.  If this situation happens, please Do Not automatically return your child to school until a school official makes direct contact with you and a return to school date is confirmed.  The school staff will monitor the phone messages in the “Report Your Child’s Absence” line and do their best to contact you in a timely manner.  Please leave your child’s first and last name, grade level, contact parent’s name and phone number. 

Bailey Early Childhood Center  437-7369, press 1

Gier Elementary School  437-7347, press 1

Davis Middle School 439-4326, press 1

Hillsdale High School 439-4320, press 1

Horizon Alternative School 439-4320, press 1

 

Q: Will the high schools be allowed to re-open after Christmas Vacation?

A: Yes, high schools are allowed to reopen for in-person learning.  Hillsdale High School and Horizon Alternative High School will reopen after the Christmas break on January 4. 

 

Q: When can the school sports teams resume/start practices?

A: All winter sports practices and competitions may start when the updated emergency orders expire on Jan. 15.  Only virtual contact is allowed for all sports in all member school facilities, except those fall sport schools and individuals still in the MHSAA tournament following the pilot testing program, at this time.  All indoor junior high and middle school sports may also resume when the orders expire on Jan. 15.  All safety protocols remain in effect when winter practices and competitions resume.

At the current time, the updated MDHHS emergency orders do not allow for any spectators at contests for winter sports.

High school and middle school spring sports should start on time and no changes are being made to spring sport tournament dates at this time.

 

Current COVID Dashboard Data

Updated: 12/17/2020                   Previous Update: 12/14/2020

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)	1
Cumulative Cases (Since Reporting Began)	2
Populations Affected	Staff

 

Davis Middle School

New Cases (Since Last Update)	0
Cumulative Cases (Since Reporting Began)	12
Populations Affected	Staff, Student

 

                             Hillsdale High School

New Cases (Since Last Update)	0
Cumulative Cases (Since Reporting Began)	10
Populations Affected	Staff, Student

 

                             Horizon Alternative High School

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

 

As a precaution, the schools are disinfecting applicable areas on a regular basis. This may include spraying classrooms, hallways, locker rooms, and common areas, as needed, with a sanitizer, along with other methods of disinfection.

ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE

We recommend taking action to help limit the spread of COVID-19, even if staff members or students are not experiencing symptoms:

·         Wear a mask (covering mouth and nose) while in public places or if people who do not live with you must visit your home.

·         Practice social distancing (maintaining a distance of 6 feet apart).

·         Practice frequent handwashing (using soap for 20 seconds or hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol).

·         Follow capacity restrictions of social gatherings.

·         Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or with the inside of your elbow and immediately wash your hands.

·         Stay home if you are sick; you can also get tested.

·         Answer the phone if the health department contacts you, as a contact tracer may be trying to reach you with important information.

This information does not mean you should quarantine or isolate. Those members of the School Community who were or are suspected to have been in Close Contact with a School Associated Case will be notified by the Health Department.

Thank you for understanding that, due to medical privacy laws, we are not able to release the names of the individuals with COVID-19. We will continue to communicate changes and updates with you.  With your participation, we believe we can maintain a safe environment while also providing quality education.

If you have any COVID-19 questions, please call the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency at 517-933-3040 or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 or visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

 

End of Update