COVID-19 Information/Reporting

July 20, 2020 - District's return to learning plans for the 2020-2021 school year 

Dear Elk Rapids Families and Community,

This letter serves as an update regarding the district’s return to learning plans for the 2020-2021 school year. Thank you for your responses to the surveys that we have sent to you this summer.  The information that you have provided has been very helpful in our planning and preparation. 

In March a district Task Force made up of teachers, administrators, director of technology, custodial/maintenance, transportation, and food service departments was created.  This Task Force has been planning and preparing to provide safe and educationally sound learning options this fall for students and families at all levels. Using guidelines found in the MI Safe Schools: Michigan’s Return to School Roadmap, Executive Orders, and provided by the local health department, the Task Force is developing safety protocols for the return to learning. These safety protocols will provide directions and expectations for students, staff, and families so that the health and well-being remains the highest of priorities.

The Task Force goals include:

Guiding processes and procedures that maximize the safety of students and staff by minimizing exposure.

Supporting opportunities that best meet the needs of our families and the communities that make up the Elk Rapids School District.

Presenting a return to learning plan that provides long-term consistency to our staff, families and students.

Elk Rapids Schools is committed to providing both face-to-face and fully virtual learning programs at all grade levels. Families will be able to choose the learning program that best meets the needs of their child/children.  Whether we are in Phase 4 or Phase 5, of Michigan’s Return to School Roadmap, we have determined that a hybrid schedule is not a viable option.  We are planning to return this fall in a face-to-face format 5 days per week.  There will be safety protocols for students, staff, and building visitors that will be communicated within the next few weeks.  In addition, for those families that choose not to have their child/children return to a face-to-face format, we will be offering comprehensive online learning programs from state approved vendors and administered by Elk Rapids Schools.  Elk Rapids High School, Sunrise Academy, and Cherryland Middle School will expand the online learning programs that we have successfully administered for over a decade. Lakeland and Mill Creek Elementary are working with the TBAISD to implement a quality online learning program for K-5 students. The specific details of our online learning programs will be made public soon. 

The Task Force expects to complete the ERS Return to Learning Plan by August 8, 2020. The draft of that plan will be shared with staff, families, and the community. Before formal implementation, the Board of Education will approve this plan at a special meeting yet to be determined.  The first day of school is a half day for all students on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. 

Thank you for your patience and support as we formalize a successful and safe return to school. Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Sincerely,

Tom Enslen, Superintendent

Elk Rapids Schools