Update from the Superintendent
March 30, 2020, 3:00pm
COVID-19 Closure Update for OPS
Good afternoon, Otsego families,
In our call today with Allegan County Health Department and local superintendents the health department reported that we have two confirmed cases of COVID-19. The health department provided a media release over the weekend announcing an additional case. Again, all this information can be found on their facebook page.
On Friday we delivered instructional packets to over 160 families. Our staff continues to go above and beyond in meeting the needs of our students and families. Our distance learning continues for a second week. We love to see how our staff and students are connecting and appreciate all you are doing at home to help with this.
Region 3 superintendents ( Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, Ottawa) had a phone call with State Superintendent Dr. Rice this morning. Dr. Rice provided an update on what has taken place so far with the Michigan Department of Education and what is being developed if this closure should be extended. He did note that the daily attendance requirement of 75%, mandated instructional hours and number of days, and the Michigan Merit Curriculum are stature requirements and must be addressed by the legislators and/or Governor. Dr. Rice along with local superintendents are in communication with our local legislators and Governor to ask for flexibility in the event of a longer closure.
You may have watched Governor Whitmer’s press conference today. As we continue to see the number of positive cases increase she mentioned that she expects to make a decision on if our current school closure will be extended. We are expecting her to hold a press conference later this week. Once this announcement is made I will provide an update on next steps for Otsego Public Schools.
In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our first responders, and medical professionals for their service during this unprecedented time. We have a number of parents and community members in our school district who are first responders and medical professionals making an impact daily and caring for those affected by COVID-19. Thank you so much.
I hope that all of you are doing well and staying healthy.
Principal Connection
Otsego Public Schools
Email: ops@otsegops.org
Website: otsegops.org
Location: 400 Sherwood St, Otsego, MI, USA
Phone: 269-694-7900
Facebook: facebook.com/otsegops
Twitter: @OtsegoSchools