Dear Families,
As we have moved through the school year, we have greatly appreciated your support, understanding, and flexibility, with the various adjustments we have had to make to our schedule and safety protocols. Together, we are making this abnormal school year work.
We have decided to make two small changes to the calendar as it relates to the half days scheduled for Friday, February 12, and Friday, April 23. These days will now be asynchronous distance learning days for all students. Students will not attend school on these two days but will be provided work to complete on their own from home. This will allow for additional professional development time for our staff. On these two days, Kids Kare will not be offered.
Additionally, I would like to remind everyone about the importance of following our health and safety protocols. We all must continue to follow these to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep our schools open. If your child is showing any signs of illness or not feeling well, they cannot attend school. A list of symptoms of COVID-19 can be found in the Livingston County Health Department Back to School Toolkit at https://bit.ly/2MTvKZJ. If your child has been tested for COVID-19 and the test results are pending, they cannot attend school. Having a student in school while they are ill or with test results pending greatly increases the chance that students and staff will need to quarantine. This greatly impacts everyone’s learning and health. On average, 25 students must quarantine every time we have a COVID-19 case in a building. We all must work together to ensure that we are doing everything that we can to limit the spread of COVID-19. We have been leaders in keeping our schools open and students safe. However, easing up on our health and safety protocols we could quickly kind ourselves moving in the wrong direction.
Lastly, on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at 1 p.m. I will be hosting a virtual coffee chat to provide updates about the district, our upcoming bond projects, the reopening of the Highlander Aquatics and Fitness Center, and to answer any questions you may have. Information on how to join the meeting will be posted on the district’s website and shared in next week’s MacGregor’s Message.
Sincerely,
Erin J. MacGregor, Ed.S.
Superintendent
Howell Public Schools