#WeAreFenton
Go Tigers!
Update for October 30, 2020
Dear FAPS Families,
I hope this letter finds you well and ready for the upcoming holiday season. The weather is changing rapidly and summer seems to have left us. I would first like to again thank all of you for your part in making this school year a year where we can look back and be proud of how we handled adversity and change together as a team.
We are now approaching a month into returning to face to face instruction and I would like to update you on our COVID-19 numbers and a few other items regarding our Extended learning Plan.
Our FAPS District COVID-19 Dashboard continues to be updated daily. You may access the dashboard on our website (Return to Learn page and Transparency page) https://www.fentonschools.org/return-to-school/
The state reports outbreaks in communities and school districts each week. An outbreak in a school is reported when two or more people (staff or students) from the same building have a positive PCR test.
We will have two buildings listed next week, North Road Elementary and Ellen Street/World of Wonder.
As a reminder, while these cases are reported by the school, it does not mean that we should be concerned that COVID-19 is being spread throughout our buildings. When staff or students are positive, our contact tracing protocols allow the Genesee County Health Department (GCHD) to better understand if it is being spread within our buildings or not.
If it is determined that there is a good chance our staff or students are spreading COVID-19 within the building, we will take the necessary steps to mitigate exposure including moving a classroom, building or district to remote learning for a period of time.
When we have a positive case, or probable case (someone that is exposed to a positive case and is showing symptoms), we communicate with the GCHD and with the close contacts ASAP.
Information on testing sites may be accessed here: https://gchd.us/covid19testing
We are planning to offer both instructional models (face to face and virtual) for our families for the second trimester (K-5) and semester (6-12). We will be communicating the process to switch platforms if needed and the deadlines to do so. We have sent information regarding K-5 and will be sending information very soon for secondary students.
It is important to begin this process now so we may begin adjusting staff, preparing TVA courses and adjusting the master schedules as needed.
Please keep in mind that while we are planning to have a smooth transition at trimester (K-5) or semester (6-12), we must take the COVID-19 data in our county into consideration and work with the GCHD regarding their guidance and recommendations. We must also be prepared for another forced shutdown and understand that can occur if the numbers point to transitioning to a virtual learning environment.
Lastly, I want to again thank all of you for the opportunity to navigate through this time with one another and do what is best for our learners, no matter the challenges.
Sincerely,
Dr. Adam Hartley
Superintendent
FAPS
Remember to...
- Stay home when ill
- Wash hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds
- Use hand sanitizer properly
- Cover a cough/sneeze with your elbow
- Follow the guidance for wearing a face covering
- Practice social distancing
Review the School Kit from the Genesee County Health Department
GENESEE COUNTY CARES ACT – RENT, MORTGAGE & UTILITY ASSISTANCE
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Genesee County has allocated $315, 280 across three agencies for rent, mortgage and utility assistance – Catholic Charities, Genesee County Community Action Resource Department (GCCARD), and Metro Community Development.
To qualify, your household must be considered low/moderate-income, and be able to show a loss of income due to the pandemic. Qualified applicants may receive up to 6 months of assistance.
For details, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and “How to Apply” below.
Alternate Transportation Plans for Families Utilizing FAPS Buses
As we navigate through these unprecedented times and react to factors out of our control, we are working hard to be as proactive as possible. In the spirit of planning for the worst case scenario, we are preparing for a situation that may leave some of our buses out of commission. Talking with districts that have been back for sometime, many have experienced multiple days where they were short drivers due to COVID-19.
We know this is a possible scenario we will face.
We urge all of our families utilizing our bus program to have an alternate plan to transport their children to school if a route is cancelled.
If we are short drivers and cannot find a sub, we will communicate to our families which route(s) will be cancelled and for how long. Please make alternate plans so your child may still attend school if their route is unable to be completed for a period of time. If anyone is interested in becoming a bus driver for FAPS, please contact Gayle Matthews at 810-591-8911 or email gmatthews@fentonschools.org with any questions.
*All staff and students must wear a facial covering on the bus and use hand sanitizer before boarding the bus.
TVA Town Hall Meeting
This online meeting will help communicate what our TVA families can expect for second semester.