North Kent News

Cedar Springs Public Schools issued the following announcement on Aug 20.

On Friday, August 20, 2021, the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) issued a public health order that will impact our students and families.  Effective immediately, schools in the county must ensure that all students in pre-kindergarten through grade six consistently and properly wear a facial covering while inside any school building. 

Due to this new order, the following adjustments to our back-to-school plans are necessary:

All Students at Cedar Springs Public Schools:

• We will supply a mask to any student or visitor when needed.
• KCHD will continue to follow their set protocol for contract tracing in regards to any positive cases.
• We ask that students stay home when they are:
  • Feeling ill
  • Showing signs of COVID-19.
  • Awaiting a pending COVID-19 test result.
  • Identified as close contact with a person who has been confirmed to have COVID-19.
• Volunteers and school visitors in buildings and classrooms will be limited to essential guests until further notice.

Transportation

• All individuals riding on all school transportation must wear a mask at all times.
• Students will be assigned a seat on the bus to assist with contact tracing.

Grades PK-6th

• All students and staff are required to wear a mask indoors (except while eating breakfast or lunch).
• Students will be assigned a seat in classrooms and in the lunchroom to assist with contact tracing.
• The following exemptions apply:
  • Students with developmental conditions of any age attending school for whom it has been demonstrated that the use of a face covering would inhibit the person's access to education. These are limited to students with an Individualized Education Plan, Section 504 Plan, Individualized Healthcare Plan, or equivalent.
  • Students who have a medical reason that is confirmed in writing from a Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) currently licensed to practice medicine in the State of Michigan.
  • Exemptions provided last year will remain valid.

Grades 7th-12th

• Students and staff are highly encouraged to wear a mask while indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
• When feasible, students will be assigned a seat in classrooms and in the lunchroom to assist with contact tracing.

Over the past year, we all have learned that we must be prepared to respond to constant changes due to COVID-19. We will update our plan should we receive future public health orders from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), or the Kent County Health Department (KCHD). 

This pandemic continues to create unrest on many levels around the world. It is my sincerest hope that we can set possible differences aside and come together for the health and wellbeing of each member of our community.

Documents:

• Frequently Asked Questions

Original source can be found here.