March 12, 2020
Greetings,
Anytime the week starts with moving clocks ahead, a full moon, and then ends on Friday the 13th it’s not surprising we also saw the shutdown of the NBA, NHL, the entire Ohio school system, and just about every other major event. We can only hope that we don’t see these calendar anomalies for a long time!
Of course all of the latter activities have nothing to do with celestial events but are tied to the efforts to mitigate the outbreak of COVID 19. In Dearborn, we experienced first hand how this virus can affect our day to day life. The district took action to close Whitmore-Bolles Elementary when it was learned that a staff member had been exposed to the virus and was in the process of being tested.(As of Thursday night the District does not have an update and will not have any additional information until late Friday, March 13, 2020.)
Staff and parent meetings were held at Whitmore-Bolles on March 11th to inform the school community and shortly after those meetings a press conference was held to inform the general public. Whitmore-Bolles was closed on March 12th and remains closed on Friday, March 13th to to complete the cleaning of the school.
Our school nurses have done a great job to assemble complete information about COVID 19 and have made it available on our District website and linked on every school blog. Click here for the information. The Wayne County Health Department provides every district with guidance and we have been in contact with personnel multiple times based on new and emerging information.
Knowing that this virus is similar to many other viruses we have experienced in the past, and that most people who get the disease fully recover, is a bit comforting. However, the feelings of uncertainty, unrest, and yes maybe even a little fear are very real for some people. I want to reassure parents that we understand your concern and will take all appropriate steps to ensure the continued well being of all students and staff in our schools.
The District’s Emergency Crisis committee has been meeting frequently for the past few weeks in response to concerns related to the COVID19 virus. This committee is composed of myself, Executive Cabinet, Cabinet, Operations personnel, coordinators, nurses, and other representatives.
As I have stated on several occasions, the outbreak of the COVID 19 virus is very fluid and every changing situation. I think we all saw this with the very sudden and rapid cancellation of many events and activities over the last few days. As new developments arise and conditions change, the actions we take today may not be the same actions we take tomorrow, next week, or next month. There is no end date or timeline on when this outbreak will subside. Below is our plan outlining how the District will move forward during the next few days and weeks (Again this is fluid and things may change in a short timeframe).
Cleaning of Schools
- The district is following Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations.
- The Operations department is meeting with the Engineers to review regular and enhanced cleaning procedures to ensure alignment with CDC recommendations.
- The Operations department is taking inventory and ordering cleaning products as needed. We are aware that there may be a shortage of certain products and are looking actively for sources that can provide what is needed.
- Regular monitoring of bathrooms is being completed to ensure soap and paper towels are available. Additionally, teachers who have classrooms located near a restroom are encouraged to check during passing time.
Events
- Kindergarten Round-Ups are suspended until further notice.
- Concerts, performances, science fairs, literacy/math nights, etc are suspended until further notice.
- Extra-curricular activities involving only district students may continue to meet but scheduled competitions or performances are suspended.
- All field trips are suspended until further notice.
- All building permits effective March 16th, 2020 are cancelled.
- Staff meetings or professional learning will be held at the building level only.
- Cross building professional development will be conducted remotely.
- District committee meetings will be held using Google Hangout. Instructions to follow.
- Extended day, tutoring, and ACCESS will continue (These are programs we operate).
Athletic Events
- The District will follow the guidance of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA).
- Per MHSAA, all winter tournaments are suspended, effective immediately. This is a pause in the postseason; updates to follow.
- Spring sports: competition suspended but practices are allowed.
Parent Teacher Conferences
- High School Parent Teacher Conferences will be held remotely (by phone).
- Middle School and Elementary School Parent Teacher Conferences will be determined at a later date.
Visitors
- Visitors (including parents) will have limited access to schools in order to help in mitigating the spread of any illness.
- There will be no “Guest Readers” during March is Reading Month.
Entry and Dismissal
- As much as possible, avoid entry and dismissal in large crowds..
Remote learning
- The Central office team is working on short and long term guidance to develop remote learning resources.
- Parents should prepare to help their children with schoolwork at home.
Illness
- As recommended by healthcare professionals, students who are ill should stay home.
These steps will not cure COVID19 nor will they guarantee that none of our students or staff will come down with the illness. These measures are being taken as part of a nationwide effort to slow the spread and minimize the impact of the outbreak of COVID-19.
My team and I will continue to be in contact with Wayne County Health Department, the Michigan Department of Education, CDC, and several other health care and professional organizations to seek guidance and assist in planning our next steps. No one knows how long the COVID 19 outbreak will last or how severe the impact will be on our country. The District’s Emergency Crisis team will continue to meet, plan, and prepare for any changes that might occur over weeks and months ahead.
I want to thank all of our staff members for their leadership, support, and flexibility during this challenging time. We understand there is a high level of concern and emotion and every person plays a vital role in continuing to deliver quality instruction to our students.
I also want to thank all of our parents and community members for your support and willingness to work with us during an unprecedented time in our District. I know by continuing to communicate and work together we will have a positive outcome for all our students in the Dearborn Public Schools.
I wish you good health and happiness,
Glenn M. Maleyko, Ph.D.
Superintendent
