Inside Scoop
Special Staff Edition #2 - March 25, 2020
Message from the Superintendent
As we continue to work our way through this challenging time, I am amazed by the way our staff and our local district school staff are supporting and connecting with our youngest learners, preschoolers, students, and their families. Our staff is rocking it out! While our buildings are closed, we continue to serve. Last week our schools donated an estimated 30,000 meals and they continue to do so! Thank you for keeping our students and families safe and informed in innovative ways.
I also want you to know we made a bold move this week to donate masks, gloves, surgical gowns, caps, and bottles of hand sanitizer from Health Sciences at the Career Tech Center to Mercy Health. Please share the post from our CTC Facebook site.
Please know that our public school leaders are staying connected at the state, regional, and local levels as ISDs, Superintendents, Principals, Curriculum Directors, Special Education Directors, Early Childhood Leaders, Public Relations, Technology, Business, and Facilities professionals meet regularly. We are in close contact with our Governor's Office, MDE, Public Health, and even our State Superintendent.
Most importantly, please follow the Governor's Executive Order to "Stay at Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives."
Stay safe and healthy,
John
Let's Connect
Thank you for your questions and input via our Let's Connect form. Here are some things that were shared:
- Many of our MAISD staff are working remotely and as normal as possible under the current conditions. One offered this video for some helpful tips on overcoming the challenges of working from home.
- Staff is thankful for the assistance of our Tech Department. Please remember to use the HelpSpot Ticket as the best way to connect with Tech Staff.
Some tips shared by staff on maintaining a positive mindset and taking care of yourself and your family:
Set a routine schedule and find creative ways to continue to work collaboratively to provide continued professional learning opportunities.
Get outside every day, not watching the news too much, and limiting social media.
Take a few minutes for you. That looks different for everyone, but it is a must!
As always, our staff has gone above and beyond in the last week:
Many staff members are emailing or posting videos of themselves reading books, doing activities and encouraging parents to interact with them virtually! Special thanks for caring deeply for our families!
The entire Early On/MMSE team had to hurry up, pack up the room, and try to finalize and get signatures on as many documents as we could in one day.
One of our staff members created an “Educational Resources During COVID-19 School Shutdown” Facebook page.
Since our closure, our building, maintenance, and cleaning staff have been deep cleaning our buildings and preparing them for re-opening.
Please continue to use our Let's Connect form to ask questions, share personal tips, staff stories, or resources that you found helpful, so we might provide them to other staff members.
First Confirmed Case of COVID-19 in Muskegon County
Non-Union Staff Accruals and the COVID-19 closure:
Sick Days
Staff who become sick or care for a sick family member during this time and cannot provide work-related function should put in for a sick day as normal. If you become ill or need to care for someone who is ill and will be unable to work for more than 3 days, please contact Kelly Powers at 231-638-7697. Kelly is the MAISD Associate Superintendent for Human Services & Auxiliary Programming.
Vacation Days
Staff who have put in for vacation time and have had to cancel their vacation can go into MUNIS Self Service and take the vacation days out as long as you are available and working from home. Staff can certainly still take days as vacation days.
Non-Contract Days
Staff with non-contract days are paid over 26 pays for the days they “work.” The current shutdown is considered work time. Staff with non-contract days will need to plan accordingly as you normally do.
Spring Break
Spring Break week will be considered a non-work week and non-contract or vacation days should be used, unless there is a specific purpose for work on those days which is approved by a supervisor. If you do not have these days available, you will be expected to work as normal. Any questions, please contact your supervisor.
As we all know, these are unprecedented times. We will continue to work through this situation in the best way possible, understanding that more changes may be made. Thank you for your cooperation and patience!
MAISD Webinar Series
Online Learning Support
For teachers who are supporting students while school is closed, a twice-weekly webinar series is now available. This series of 30-to-40 minute webinars will cover a core set of apps and strategies for supporting online learning. Courses and schedules
Meal Info Update as of March 25
Talking to Your Kids About COVID-19
Mercy Health COVID-19 Hotline
Mercy Health has created a COVID-19 Hotline. If you have questions or concerns about COVID-19, you can call 1-833-247-1258 for up-to-date information. Patients with a confirmed infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
The best prevention for viruses, such as influenza, the common cold or COVID-19 is:
If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider. If you do not have a healthcare provider, call the nearest hospital.
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
Avoid contact with people who are sick.
If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
Stay at least 6 feet away from others when in a public setting.
Resource Library
Quick reference guide link: COVID-19 Quick Reference Guide
World Health Organization COVID-19 Video
CDC Videos - https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/videos.html
Internet Connectivity -- If you or anyone you know are having difficulty accessing the internet please refer to this document, options for Internet Access.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) hotline is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1-888-535-6136
Unemployment Info for friends and family: Unemployment claims can be filed Here