Welcome Back White Cloud Students, Family, and Community-
It is hard to believe that the 2021-22 school year is here already. Although a very quick summer, we are looking forward to the upcoming year. Certainly, the 2020-21 school year was like none other. We as a district and community navigated our way through the ever-changing requirements of COVID-19. We altered athletic schedules, we survived contact tracing and quarantining for close contact, we survived online learning, we survived a state-wide high school shut down towards the end of November and December, we adjusted our class schedules, our lunches, and recesses for the health and safety of our students. The students, staff, and community did an amazing job supporting us through the process.
We began the summer break with many of the requirements being lifted, positivity rates were lowering, and all signs pointed towards returning to normalcy for the 2021-22 school year. As we have gotten closer and closer to the start of the 2021-22 school year, the Delta Variant of COVID-19 continues to dominate the story and raises many new questions. Some of those questions remain unanswered as WCPS continues to plan for the upcoming year. WCPS continues its communication with the District #10 Health Department reviews guidance for the CDC, and determines what will be required, and what will be recommended. As we always have, when that information is released or determined, WCPS will inform our community. Although at times frustrating, continue to be patient.
As sent out earlier this summer, here is information regarding some of the basic questions as we begin the 2021-22 School Year.
RETURNING FROM THE 2020-21 COVID SCHOOL YEAR:
Instruction:
WCPS will be returning to face-to-face, in-person instruction 5 days a week. Our day will also return to the traditional school day times and a 7-period day in the 6-12 building. Each school building will be sending out specific start and end times in their welcome back letters in early August. Our classrooms and the school day will return to as normal as possible based on any requirements, not recommendations, placed on schools across the State of Michigan.
Remote Learning:
Grades K-6 will not have the option for remote learning. Grades 7-12 may have the option to sign up for our Virtual Program. There is an application process that must take place to be enrolled in that program.
Masks:
Masks are highly recommended but not required inside the school building and may be federally required for any student or staff member riding a school bus.
COVID-19 Vaccinations:
Students will NOT need to have the COVID-19 vaccination to attend school and will not be separated in classrooms dependent on vaccinated or non-vaccinated.
COVID-19 Rapid Testing:
Rapid COVID-19 antigen testing is NOT required for students to attend school or participate in extracurriculars such as music, quiz bowl, or athletics. The MHSAA and MDHHS ended these requirements in late June.
Contact Tracing:
Schools are required to contract trace any type of communicable disease and report it to their health department.
Quarantining:
Students and staff will not be required to quarantine by White Cloud Public Schools, unless they have tested positive. There is a chance that the MDHHS or DHD-10 may contact a family individually and require it under certain circumstances.
Cleaning and Sanitizing Practices:
WCPS is always committed to providing the cleanest and safest environments possible for our students and staff, this will continue. We will continue to have hand sanitizer available, and our custodial staff will have the latest disinfectant practices and products available to implement and use.
Without question, there certainly is a chance for new requirements to be established and placed on all schools in Michigan for the 2021-22 school year. If so, those new requirements will be communicated.
BOND & COVID PROJECTS:
As we have progressed over the summer our district has continued to make or is in the process of making several improvements. Those projects include:
· Elementary Playground Addition
· Elementary AC Installation
· Asphalt Work from Wilcox Ave. to Elementary
· Asphalt Work at Bus Garage
· HS Track Resurfaced and Repainted
· Updated Heating and Cooling Controls District-Wide
· High School AC Work
· Bus Garage North Gate Opener Installation
· Gymnasium Wall Padding District-Wide
· JH/HS Gym and Football Field Scoreboards
· HS Gym Bleachers
· Site Lighting
· 6-12 Building Main Entrance Remodel (Safe and Secure)
· Additional Security Cameras
· Central Office Reorganization
· Painting (Teal Green to Black)
· New Student Devices
· New Staff Devices
Plus, more projects to come.
STUDENT DEVICES & HANDBOOK:
WCPS new student devices have arrived and are in the process of being set up for students this fall. With the new devices, there will be changes to the technology handbook and information about insurance will be provided to students and families.
CEP SCHOOL:
WCPS continues to be CEP (Community Eligibility Provision) school and will continue to provide for the 2021-22 school year, free breakfast and lunch to all students. It is important that families complete the necessary paperwork at the beginning of the year.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
WC PRIDE!!!!
Ed Canning
Superintendent
White Cloud Public Schools