Wayland Union Schools Supt. Dr. Christina Hinds has made a swift announcement in the wake of new epidemic orders issued by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
New epidemic orders are intended to mitigate a statewide surge of COVID-19 cases. The epidemic orders will take effect on Wednesday, Nov, 18, at 12:01 a.m., and run through Tuesday, Dece. 8.
Related to schools, the epidemic order:
● Suspends in-person instruction for high school students;
● Suspends in-person athletic and extracurricular activities (effective immediately);
● Continues the requirement to wear a face mask, wash hands and practice social distancing.
The superintendent wrote:
“At this time, effective Wednesday, Nov. 18, Wayland Union High School will transition to remote learning with Wildcats Online. Provisions of special education programming will be communicated through a separate update by Tuesday from Mary Gordon, Special Education Director.
“Effective immediately, all K-12 in-person athletic and extracurricular activities are suspended during this epidemic order expiring on Dec. 8. The epidemic order allows local school districts to determine the K-8 instructional model. Wayland Union Schools will continue to follow guidance from the Allegan County Health Department.
“Together, with the health department, we will evaluate our local school district data to determine whether or not additional restrictions are needed for our school district.”
Additional information will be provided after consulting with the Allegan County Health Department. All Students, in Group A, will report to school Monday, Nov. 16, as originally planned. The regularly scheduled hybrid schedule will continue for all students Monday (Group A) and Tuesday (Group B).
“This schedule will allow our high school students to start their second trimester classes in-person and gather required materials and equipment before transitioning to Wildcats Online,” Dr. Hinds said. “The safety of our students and staff continues to remain our top priority. Your collaboration with us continues to be vital as we navigate the ever-changing developments caused by COVID-19…”