Back in June, many of us breathed a tentative sigh of relief.
The Clarkston High School Class of 2021 had just enjoyed a beautiful graduation ceremony at DTE Energy Music Theatre, COVID restrictions were lifting, and vaccinations were on the rise. As my colleagues and I began planning for the 2021-2022 school year, we envisioned the return of glorious, “precedented” times for the 7,100 students of Clarkston Community Schools.
Then, came news that Rona’s cousin Delta was coming to town.
Now a year and a half into the pandemic, public school superintendents know enough about COVID-19 to know this new Delta variant is not good. However, despite the Dr. before our names, most of us have no medical training. And yet, important medical decisions continue to fall to school administrators, specifically the controversial question of whether everyone should wear masks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services have the authority to issue public health orders, yet as I write this, both agencies have stopped short of this with broad recommendations.
Voluntary use of masks at school is encouraged, but not mandated by health officials. In the absence of a clear directive, Clarkston Community Schools will empower staff and families to make informed decisions based on what’s best for them. Masks will not be required in district buildings or on school campuses when we return to school on August 30.
Knowing that there are strong feelings on both sides of the mask debate, I want to reiterate what I shared in an email to families last week. It is critically important that we respect one another’s personal choice in this area without mocking, shaming, or accusing those who think differently than we do. As parents, grandparents, and community members, we must model for children kindness and understanding of the varying tolerances, comfort levels, and circumstances affecting this decision.
I also shared with staff and parents there may be changes to our plans as different authoritative organizations establish new enforceable mandates or as laws change through the legislative process. If and when we confront such changes, we will try to communicate clearly and quickly and minimize disruption to our students, families, and staff. As always, we will continue to monitor conditions and respond accordingly in partnership with the Oakland County Health Division to keep kids safe.
It goes without saying that the key strategy for staying in school in-person is achieving high levels of COVID-19 vaccination within our community. Together with federal, state, and local health authorities, education leaders are strongly recommending all eligible students, teachers, staff, and household members get the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible when supported by their medical advisor.
We are Clarkston, and I am confident we will get through this. On behalf of our staff, administration, and Board of Education, we thank you for your steady support during times both unprecedented and precedented. We are proud to serve you and your family.
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CLARKSTON COMMUNITY SCHOOLS FALL 2021 RETURN-TO-SCHOOL PLAN
Mask Use: Not required in buildings or on school campuses. The voluntary wearing of masks at school is encouraged by state and federal health officials. Required on public transportation, including school buses, per Federal Order (set to expire September 13).
Physical distancing: Not required.
COVID-19 screening/testing/vaccination: Not required. COVID-19 vaccination is encouraged for all eligible individuals.
Ventilation: Ventilation systems in buildings will continue to operate to original design specifications. On school buses, windows may be opened slightly when safe and practicable.
Staying home when sick/getting tested: Staff and families are expected to use good judgment, stay home when they are sick, and report absences according to our attendance policies.
Contact tracing in combination with isolation & quarantine: Oakland County Health Division has suspended contact tracing and mandatory quarantining of individuals who have been in close contact with a COVID positive person.
Cleaning & disinfection: Standard daily cleaning protocols using products approved by the CDC to be effective against the COVID-19 virus.
School day: Traditional classroom setup, normal flow of traffic between classes, use of lockers, unrestricted recesses, assemblies, field trips, class parties, and other opportunities to welcome guests back into our buildings.
Learning model options: Face-to-face learning or Clarkston Virtual (100% online virtual learning) for the entire 2021-22 school year. If our plans for the fall impact a family’s previous choice of learning model, parents may request a transfer to a different model by completing a Transfer Request Form through August 15, 2021 at 5pm. Face-to-face classes will not offer Google Meet or Zoom access for students not in attendance.