Dear Wayland Union Schools Families and District Staff:
This update contains information regarding:
- Local health department collaboration;
- Changes to the face mask requirement for fully vaccinated individuals;
- Information on the May/June ECOL Reconfirmation process;
- General 2021-2022 information; and
- Updates from ACHD: a) Vaccinations for children 12-15 and b) Quarantines.
Local Health Department Collaboration
Schools continue to be required to work collaboratively with their local health department.
Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, and Ionia County Health Departments have changed their countywide orders; however, Wayland Union Schools is under the jurisdiction of the Allegan County Health Department (ACHD).
ACHD continues to require contact tracing and quarantines for positive cases and/or direct contacts. ACHD has recently reduced the typical quarantine period to 10 days. If your child is identified as a direct contact and you have not heard from ACHD, please notify your school office.
Michigan Face Mask Requirement for those who are Fully Vaccinated
Following the recent Center for Disease Control (CDC) announcement regarding face masks, Governor Whitmer lifted the face mask requirement for those fully vaccinated beginning Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 9:00am.
From the Michigan.gov press release, "Under the updated MDHHS Gatherings and Mask Order, Michigan residents who are outdoors will no longer need to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status. While indoors, fully vaccinated Michigan residents will no longer need to wear a mask, but residents who are not vaccinated, or have not completed their vaccinations, must continue to wear a mask or face covering to protect themselves and others. After July 1, the broad indoor mask mandate will expire."
How does this impact Wayland Union Schools?
New MDHHS epidemic orders are expected to be released soon. Until then, Wayland Union Schools will follow the Extended COVID-19 Learning (ECOL) as written, which states individuals will wear face masks indoors at all times, except during meals and/or medical exemption. We are thrilled to see restrictions decreasing. Please watch for additional updates early next week.
Extended COVID-19 Learning (ECOL) Plan Reconfirmation Process
The Board of Education Extended COVID-19 Learning (ECOL) Plan Reconfirmation process will conclude for the 2020-2021 school year by reviewing data provided to us by ACHD, our instructional model, public comment, and participation (attendance) rates at the Regular Board Meeting on Monday, May 17, 2021. Our ECOL was previously discussed at the Board Work Session on April 26th. Wayland Union Schools will follow the process established by the Michigan Department of Education regarding reconfirmation of plans for the 2021-2022 school year.
What will the 2021-2022 school year look like?
We look forward to welcoming all students back to school, in August, five days per week according to our district calendar. With the 2021-2022 VAAC discontinuation, virtual programming will be discussed at Monday's Board Meeting. We will provide district updates regarding programming and safety protocols as information is made available throughout the summer.
As our school year comes to a close, let's finish the year strong demonstrating our Wayland Union pride. We have endured many unforeseen changes throughout the year, yet our common focus on our students has remained steadfast. Maintaining that focus clearly shows that we are Wayland UNION Schools!
In partnership and pride,
Dr. Christina Hinds
FROM THE ALLEGAN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT: Vaccinations for children ages 12- to 15-years old
Hello Parents and Caregivers,
The Allegan County Health Department is looking to understand if you are interested in getting your children vaccinated to prevent COVID-19. ACHD has developed a quick, anonymous survey that should take less than 10 minutes to fill out. The information collected will be used for planning mobile clinic sites and developing/sharing educational materials regarding the COVID-19 vaccines. Please complete the following survey for your child(ren). One survey can be completed for each family:
https://allegancounty.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1G1ociH0uWCaQN8
Yours in Health,
Allegan County Health Department
Dr. Christina Hinds
Website: waylandunion.org
Location: 850 East Superior Street, Wayland, MI, USA
Phone: (269) 792-2181