Godwin Heights High School
Weekly Newsletter August 20, 2021
Welcome Back! School starts Monday August 23 at 7:30 AM.
Welcome Back Letter
Student Start and Dismissal Times
Face Coverings
August 18, 2021
Dear Godwin Heights Public Schools Community,
This communication is intended to update you regarding Godwin’s health and safety protocols in light of the recent CDC, MDHHS, and KCHD recommendations.
In response to the contagious Delta variant, the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) and the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) recently released a public order and strong recommendations regarding schools and COVID-19. The KCHD order details the requirements for isolation, quarantine, and reporting cases while the recommendation of both agencies sets expectations for the school and community to layer preventative strategies, including the recommendation for the required use of face coverings.
Following the KCHD and MDHHS recommendations, we are mandating the use of face coverings by staff, students, and visitors while indoors. This will help keep our students learning in-person. Exemptions for the face covering policy are available under the following limited circumstances if a parent/guardian:
∙ Provides documentation that the student cannot wear a mask due to medical conditions. ∙ Provides documentation that a face covering is detrimental to the wellbeing of their child.
∙ Face Coverings
o The use of a face covering to prevent the potential spread of the virus is mandated for all students and staff in Pre-K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status.
o Teachers/Staff will provide classroom reminders regarding mask wearing. Teachers/Staff will be required to enforce that a student wears a mask.
o Masks do not need to be worn outdoors for recess or outdoor learning activities, regardless of vaccination status.
o The CDC mandates masks for all school bus drivers and passengers.
o If needed, masks will be provided as students board their bus, as well as in our buildings for those wishing to wear one.
∙ Covid-19 Vaccination
o Public health agencies strongly encourage individuals to become vaccinated. The vaccine provides increased immunity to the variants and is the leading public health prevention strategy to end the COVID-19 pandemic.
o Vaccines are available for all people ages 12 and older. Please contact the KCHD (https://www.accesskent.com/Health/) or your health care provider to schedule your vaccination.
o We will not require students or staff to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of attendance.
o Vaccinated students will not be separated from unvaccinated students.
o The COVID-19 vaccine is not listed on the School Required Vaccination List. For more information, please see: School Required Vaccines for Parents by MDHHS.
∙ Contact Tracing
o 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 infectious diseases such as chickenpox.
o Schools are required to report communicable diseases to their local health department within 24 hours. Positive or probable COVID-19 cases will be reported to the Kent County Health Department following our 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: 2021 Reportable Diseases.
∙ Quarantine and Isolation
O All quarantine and isolation information and requirements will continue to be issued by the student's resident health department.
∙ Protocol for Athletes
o At this time, we are not aware of plans to require testing for the upcoming school year. o Students/staff will not be tested for COVID-19 unless it is mandated by the MHSAA, MDHHS, or the KCHD.
o The KCHD will continue to require a 10-day quarantine for unvaccinated close contacts of “household” and “outbreak” cases of COVID-19. Only the health department has the authority to quarantine students.
o When contact tracing, the August 6 KCHD Order stipulates that if both students associated with a positive case (the positive student and the close contact) are wearing a face covering, only close contacts within three feet will be quarantined. Therefore, wearing a face covering reduces the risk of your child being quarantined at school.
o All Godwin Heights Public Schools before and after school programming is subject to compliance with all KCHD public health orders.
Godwin Heights remains committed to the health and safety of our students, staff, and families. We have faithfully followed guidance from our federal, state, and county health officials and will continue to do so as we begin our 2021-2022 school year. Working together and following these recommendations will provide us with the best opportunity for a safe, in-person learning environment throughout the school year.
Thank you for your continued support as we look forward to a fantastic school year together!
Sincerely,
William L. Fetterhoff
Superintendent
Godwin Heights Public Schools
The Den
We have Godwin branded adult masks for sale for $6, Medium/Youth sizes for $6 or the ever popular gator style for $8.
Also, with every $15 dollar or more apparel purchase, you will receive a free mask!
Shop now at THE DEN!
100% of the proceeds fund the PBIS program.
Godwin Heights High School
Email: cconklin@godwinschools.org
Website: http://hs.godwinschools.org/
Location: 50 35th Street Southwest, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Phone: 616-252-2050
Facebook: facebook.com/godwinhighschool
Twitter: @GodwinSchools