by Dr. Christina Hinds

We are so happy to see our local COVID-19 numbers decline and restrictions greatly reduced. We are looking forward to the upcoming school year!

I have received many questions about what school will look like for the 2021-2022 school year. This update will provide you with our plans as of today, which may change should we receive public health orders from CDC, MDHHS, and/or ACHD. Athletics will adhere to rules set forth by MDHHS and MHSAA.

General Information:

What will our instructional model look like?

All students will attend school full-time five days per week following the published school calendar: 2021-2022 Wayland Union Schools District Calendar

When does school start?

Our first half day of school is on Monday, Aug. 23.

When is the Back to School Open House?

Back to School Open Houses will take place on the evening of Aug. 18 and 19. Actual times will be published through building newsletters.

Wednesday, Aug. 18

• Baker Elementary
• Wayland Union Middle School

Thursday, August 19th

• Dorr Elementary
• Steeby Elementary
• Pine Street Elementary
• Wayland Union High School

What is the cost of breakfast and lunch for the 2021-2022 school year?

School Class A breakfast and lunch will be provided free of charge; however, al a carte items (i.e., a cookie, a bag of chips, a bottle of water, etc) will have to be purchased with funds through an established food service account.

Will Wayland Union Schools offer a virtual option for students?

No, we did not have enough demand to make it feasible for our district. If you’re interested in other virtual options, please email Theresa Fulk, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, at fulkt@waylandunion.org.

COVID-19 & Communicable Disease Protocols

Are face masks required at school?

Face masks will be optional and provided by parents/guardians.

Will my child be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine in order to attend school?

No. The COVID-19 vaccine is not listed on the School Required Vaccination List. For more information, please see: School Required Vaccines for Parents by MDHHS

Will you separate students who are vaccinated from students who are unvaccinated?

No. Vaccination status is a personal choice.

Will students be in cohorts in the classroom or on the playground?

No. As of June 22, 2021, MDHHS has discontinued all gathering limits for residential and nonresidential settings.

Will contact tracing continue?

Schools are required to report communicable diseases to their local health department within 24 hours. Positive or probable COVID-19 cases will be reported to the Allegan County Health Department following our Communicable Disease Board Policy 8450 and Michigan Law Act No. 368 of the Public Acts of 1978.

For a complete list of reportable diseases, please see the following document: 2021 Reportable Diseases. When there is a positive or probable case within a classroom, an exposure letter will be sent home to parent(s) just as we do with other communicable diseases such as chicken pox.

Will Wayland Union Schools quarantine students?

No, all quarantines will continue to be issued by the student’s resident health department.

Will student athletes need to be tested for COVID-19 to participate?

No, MDHHS and MHSAA lifted all requirements for student testing as of June 22.

I look forward to greeting your child(ren) when they return to us in August. I will send another update by mid-July. Until then, wishing you and your family a wonderful 4th of July holiday!