A Stone's Throw
"The latest news regarding school in 2021/2022."
Martin Public Schools: Plans for the 2021/2022 school year thus far...
I imagine that by now you have all heard differing stories about what the 2021/2022 school year will look like. I am here to tell you that no one is more "guardedly optimistic" than I am in hopes that we are able to start the school year with more normalcy than last year!
This update will provide you with the plans in place as of Monday, June 28, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon. I say this because, as you well know, things can change very quickly. Things could change if/when we receive updated public health orders from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and/or the Allegan County Health Department (ACHD). All athletic teams and/or events will continue to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the MDHHS and the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA).
General Frequently Asked Questions
What will the school year look like for 2021/2022)?
Students will attend school full-time, five days/week. The calendar will be put on the website just as soon as the remaining details are ironed out.
When does school start?
The first day of school is a half-day on Tuesday, August 24, 2021.
When is our "Back to School Open House"?
I will send out updates as soon as the calendar has been completed, so keep your eyes peeled.
Will Martin Public Schools continue to offer a virtual school option for students?
Yes, Martin will be offering the "Martin Virtual Academy" for those students who have been previously successful at learning remotely. There will, however, be a component of face-to-face time that will be mandatory due to changing school hour/day requirements.
Updated COVID-19 and Communicable Disease Protocols
Will face masks be required at school?
As of July 1, 2021, face masks will be optional and provided by parents/guardians.
Will students who are vaccinated be separated from those who are not vaccinated?
No. Vaccinations of self and children are a personal preference and a personal choice.
Will my child be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine in order to attend school?
No. As of today, the COVID-19 vaccine is not listed as one of the "School Required Vaccinations". For more information, please see: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdhhs/School_Req_for_Schools_553548_7.pdf
Will my child/children have to stay in a cohort in the classroom and/or on the playground?
No. As of June 22nd, 2021, MDHHS has discontinued all gathering limits for residential and nonresidential settings.
Will contact tracing continue?
As a school district, we are required to report communicable diseases (like COVID-19) to our local health department within 24 hours. Positive or probable COVID-19 cases will be reported to the ACHD following out Communicable Disease Board Policy 8450 and Michigan Law Act No. 368 of the Public Acts of 1978. For a complete list of reportable diseases, please see the following document: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/Reportable_Diseases_Michigan_by_Condition_478488_7.pdf When there is a positive or probable case within a classroom, an exposure letter will be sent home to parent(s) just as we do with other communicable diseases such as ring worm, chicken pox or impetigo.
Will Martin Public Schools quarantine students?
No. The Allegan County Health Department, or the student's resident health department will continue to issue any quarantines that will need to be followed.
Will student athletes need to be tested for COVID-19 to participate in sports?
No. MDHHS and MHSAA lifted all requirements for student testing as of June 22, 2021.
I am really looking forward to greeting families and students in August and being able to see your smiling faces! Please keep a lookout for updates to the calendar for the 2021/2022 school year and important dates. Enjoy your Independence Day celebrations and stay safe!
Educationally Yours,
Brooke Ballee-Stone, Superintendent
Martin Public Schools
Home of the Clippers! Once a Clipper, Always a Clipper!