Supt. Brooke Ballee-Stone, in a letter to parents today, wrote:
“Due to the number of students in grades 9 through 12 that have been quarantined and/or isolated for COVID-19-related reasons, Martin High School students are immediately moving to remote/virtual learning. The in-person return date for all 9th through 12th grade students will be Tuesday, Oct. 27, for a full day of school.”
Martin had to call off its football game last Friday night at Lawrence because of a positive test for a player now under quarantine.
The school district was one of the few in August that opted for in-person classroom sessions five days per week. Community public opinion helped make that decision. School officials had grappled with the possibility of doing the hybrid version, two days a week for two different groups and one day all on-line.
Ballee-Stone said students will start virtual sessions at 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, and follow their normal full day class schedules, but in a virtual capacity only.
The superintendent further said, “More information will come from individual teachers in the next 24-48 hours, per the Continuity of Learning (COL) Plan. Students will need to check Google Classroom for updated information.
“Virtual attendance IS REQUIRED, just as if they were present for in-person learning.
“High school students are NOT TO ENTER the building again during school hours (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.) until Tuesday, Oct. 27. If a student needs something from their locker, they may make arrangements with the high school office.”
Athletic Director Robert VandenBerg will send out updated information to athletes for all sports. Kimberly Hinga, (kimberly.hinga@martinpublicschools.org or 269-442-0499, is the contact person about pick-up meals. Lunch pick up is Wednesday, Oct. 14. Depending on the Allegan County Health Department’s mandate, the number of quarantined and/or isolation days may vary per person. Calling the Allegan County Health Department with questions is recommended, as Martin Public Schools must adhere to their guidelines.
