Dear Royal Oak Schools Families,
We are looking forward to the return to in-person learning tomorrow morning, January 3, 2022, for all schools and programs. I want to take this opportunity to reshare our district letter sent to all families last week. (see below)
Since then, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, along with State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice, issued a letter on 12/30/21 which provided important information to school districts. From their letter, "The most effective way to prevent transmission within school buildings and reduce prolonged disruptions to in-person learning is to layer multiple prevention strategies as recommended by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)."
Universal mask wearing is already a protocol in Royal Oak Schools, and it will be strictly enforced. For your consideration, layering single cloth masks, choosing surgical masks or N95 masks are preferred.
Also in the letter from MDHHS, we learned of COVID testing programs. One of those is the MI Backpack Home Tests. It is a voluntary program offered by MDHHS for Michigan K-12 students, educators, staff, and their families who want an extra layer of protection against COVID-19. A limited number of free, at-home COVID antigen tests will be available to students in Michigan's schools, and we have already indicated our interest via a survey to MDHHS. More information will be shared with you as soon as we are notified about this or other testing programs.
As the students return to school, our staff is working very hard to stay safe and healthy. Substitute teachers are in very high demand. When our staff needs to be out of school we will work to fill those vacancies, but in some cases, it may be necessary to alter schedules or offerings. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding if those changes are made in your child's school.
We will regularly monitor local and district COVID case data, consult with local health experts and communicate with impacted individuals should a class, grade-level or building experience a COVID outbreak.
With the growing number of COVID cases in Michigan, and possible exposures over the holiday break, it is crucial that everyone does their part to safely keep our children in school. Thank you for your cooperation as we continue to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
December 30, 2021
Dear Royal Oak Schools Families,
With the holiday season coming to a close and as Michigan continues to see increasing COVID-19 cases, we urge our community to continue practicing safe habits while celebrating with family and friends. This includes social distancing, wearing masks in group settings and frequently washing hands.
We know that children learn best in the classroom, so it is important we work together to keep students and staff safe and limit the disruption to in-person learning as we head back to school on Monday, January 3, 2022. To that end, we have COVID-19 safety measures in place across the district including:
- Required masks for all students, staff and visitors in all district buildings; this will be strictly enforced.
- Social distancing measures where possible.
- Air purification using the UVC systems installed in all buildings.
Children and staff who are ill or exhibit symptoms should remain home, and follow the guidelines for being tested. Consult your primary healthcare provider or contact the health department with any questions or concerns.
COVID symptoms information from Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) can be found here.
Oakland County COVID testing location information can be found here.
Cleaning protocols and more information can be found here.
When we do have a positive COVID-19 case in your child's classroom, you will receive a communication. If you are keeping your child(ren) home due to being exposed to a known positive case from outside of school, or if they have tested positive for COVID-19, report the incident to your school. Students who are ill should remain home to prevent the spread of any virus or illness, and all absences should be reported through our regular attendance system.
You may be hearing on the news that the CDC has changed some timelines for the general public. However, the guidelines from OCHD for schools have not changed. Here are guidelines from the Oakland County Health Department regarding quarantine and isolation if exposed to someone with COVID-19 or when an individual has tested positive for the virus.
Thank you for your continued support when it comes to the health and wellness of our Royal Oak Schools Community. Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year 2022.