Update from the Supt.
October 5, 2020
Message on MI Supreme Court Ruling
Hello Otsego Families,
On Friday, October 2nd the Michigan Supreme Court rendered a decision that Governor Whitmer did not have authority after April 30, 2020 to issue or renew any executive orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic under the Emergency Management Act.
How does this impact Otsego Public Schools?
It’s important for us to share with you that an Otsego District Task Force spent the month of July putting together our “Preparedness and Response Plan” for the 2020-2021 school year. This plan was a culmination of many different entities including the Governor’s Task Force, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, local health experts, parent survey results, as well as those across the state who put together the MI Safe Start Plan and Michigan’s Return to School Roadmap which were both approved by the state legislature.
Otsego Public Schools continues to use this document to guide our decision-making process, adopted under the guidelines of the Safe Schools Roadmap and approved by the Board. We also continue to meet weekly with local health department officials for COVID-19 updates and guidance. (See the Allegan County Health Department statement here)
For the health and safety of our students and staff, OPS will continue to follow these protocols and procedures as incorporated in the plan as it relates to COVID-19 as we move forward. This can be found on our Return to Learn webpage. Our face covering procedures that have been in place since the start of school will remain.
All staff and all students in grades preK-12 when on a school bus, in hallways and common areas, except during meals.
All staff when in classrooms.
All students in grades 6 and up when in classrooms.
Students in K-5 when in common areas and when social distancing cannot be maintained. They are not required to wear them at their desks, while at recess or while eating meals.
Our students have done a great job following these procedures. We will always put the safety and well-being at the forefront of our decisions for students and staff. We appreciate your support as we continue to navigate this pandemic. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Jeff Haase
Otsego Public Schools
Email: returntolearn@otsegops.org
Website: otsegops.org
Location: 400 Sherwood St, Otsego, MI, USA
Phone: 269-694-7900
Facebook: facebook.com/otsegops
Twitter: @otsegoschools