Dear RPS Stakeholders:

I once again offer high praise to our staff, students, families, community, and the Board of Education for moving us in the right direction as we progress through the pandemic. As a reminder, we urge you to please keep student(s) home even if he or she is displaying as much as one minor symptom. Taking precautions on the front end can prevent potentially unnecessary quarantines and missed school for other students and staff. We are fortunate to be able to offer face-to-face instruction to our students and want to continue to do so, especially when there are thousands of students throughout the country who have not yet had the opportunity to return to the classroom. Together, let's keep up the good work!

Winter sports are going very well with the mitigation strategies in place. I would like to remind those who are approved to attend events that it is imperative that you wear your mask properly (covering your mouth and nose) and that you physically distance from others who are not from your household. We want to keep our sports program running and these are important things you can do to help.

Our educational leaders are finalizing details for our tuition-free summer school program, which is being offered to help close learning gaps and recover lost credit. We will also provide enrichment and recreational opportunities for students. As I've mentioned before, information will be sent once those details are complete.

In terms of our ongoing efforts to maintain a healthy environment in our schools, we ask that you please not come to school or send your child to school:

• if you are or someone in your household is awaiting the results of a COVID test,
• if someone in your household has been diagnosed with COVID,
• for the following 10 days after someone in your household has had COVID,
• for the following 10 days if you have been quarantined due to a close contact,
• if you have one major or two minor symptoms that are attributed to COVID, or
• if you suspect someone in your household may have COVID until it has been verified that they do not have COVID.

It takes all of us working together for our students, staff, and community, and I appreciate your continued efforts and cooperation. Please see this flyer for additional information. If you have any questions about COVID protocols, please contact your child's school principal or the district nurse.

We are excited to have winter sports underway, with the understanding there are some restrictions that must be followed. If you have any questions about protocols for winter sports, please visit the Athletic website for information specific to each sport. If you still have questions, feel free to contact the Athletic Department at 616-863-6040.

Thank you,

Dr. Michael Shibler
Superintendent of Schools

FEBRUARY 24: Hawaiian Day

MARCH 3: Ram Day