BREAKING NEWS: DECKERVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS HAS JUST PROVIDED AN UPDATE FOR STUDENT INSTRUCTION.
December 7th, 2020
Dear Deckerville School Community,
Over the weekend, we were reminded by the Sanilac County Health Department of the dramatic increases of positive COVID-19 cases in our county.
Here in Deckerville, we have experienced a localized outbreak of COVID-19 associated with a long term care facility. Last Friday, December 4th, we learned about at least one school associated case of COVID-19 in a student or staff person at Deckerville Community Schools.
Since then, several others have appeared to become symptomatic, potentially necessitating further quarantining of staff and students.
Due to the significant staffing challenges this presents to our district, and more importantly, considering the continued safety of our students, effective Tuesday, December 8th, Deckerville Community Schools will transition to full remote learning for all grades, with a return to face to face instruction planned for Monday, January 4th.
We are anticipating an update from the Governor and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. If the current emergency order, which restricts high school face to face instruction, is lifted, we will likely reinitiate face to face learning for our 7-12th grade students beginning on Wednesday, December 8th.
However, students of pre-kindergarten through 6th grade will remain under remote learning until Monday, January 4th. If your student(s) have issues with connectivity to the internet, please contact the high school or elementary school office.
We are continuing to work closely with the Sanilac County Health Department to identify Close Contacts of School Associated Cases of COVID-19.
Anyone identified as a Close Contact will be notified by the health department as a part of the COVID-19 investigation process. Please answer the phone if the health department contacts you, as a contact tracer may be trying to reach you with important information.
We recommend taking action to help limit the spread of COVID-19, even if staff members or students are not experiencing symptoms:
• Wear a mask (covering mouth and nose) while in public places or if people who do not live with you must visit your home.
• Practice social distancing (maintaining a distance of 6 feet apart).
• Practice frequent handwashing (using soap for 20 seconds or hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol).
• Follow capacity restrictions of social gatherings.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or with the inside of your elbow and immediately wash your hands.
• Stay home if you are sick; you can also get tested.
Thank you for understanding that, due to medical privacy laws, we are not able to release the names of the individuals with COVID-19. We will continue to communicate changes and updates with you. With your participation, we believe we can maintain a safe environment while also providing quality education.
If you have any questions, contact the Sanilac County Health Department at 810-648-4098. For answers to your COVID-19 questions, please call the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 or visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.
Sincerely,
Superintendent
Deckerville Community Schools
