COVID-19 Info Center

MASK UPDATE!

Masks are no longer required. Although no longer required, the CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of their vaccination status or the area's transmission rates.

Our commitment to our student’s education, includes their well-being, and ensuring your child is as safe as possible within our care is important. With this understanding, please know that we will continue to provide the best and safest learning environment as possible as we work to accommodate parent concerns, student wellness and health mandates throughout the continued COVID-19.

COVID Safety Mitigation Efforts

Mask Wearing

Southfield Public School District will be following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention Mitigation Guidelines. It is highly recommended that all students and staff wear masks while indoors regardless of vaccination status. The District will provide masks for any student requiring one. We will also encourage social distancing, when and where feasible. In addition, within the classrooms teachers and students will be situated with portable protective shields and/or barriers.

Lunchrooms

Lunchroom activities will be handled in accordance with the CDC guidelines, which recommend that we try to social distance the students while they're in line to receive their lunches and once they reach their lunch tables, masks be taken off only to eat and drink.

Transportation

Masks are required on school buses. Bus Drivers and Aides will be expected to wear masks during your child’s rides to and from school (unless in the event of those wearing glasses and experience fogging) Students will be required to wear them as well. A limited number of masks will be available for students who may arrive at the Bus Stop without one.

School Cleaning and COVID Sanitizing

CLASSROOMS - All classrooms will be stocked with air purifiers and Hand Sanitizing Stations. These sanitizing stations will also be placed through school corridors.

HALLWAYS - Each school will be fully sanitized at the end of the school week on the weekends. School Custodians will be disinfecting frequently touched surfaces throughout the day with a hospital-grade and US EPA-approved disinfectant.

We will continue to keep you informed on any updates throughout the year.

As the Southfield Public School District plans for the start of the 2020-21 academic year, we are committed to keeping our families, staff, students, and community members informed. While there are still many uncertainties regarding what the upcoming school year will look like, we are hard at work to ensure our students continue to have access to a high-quality educational experience. 

 

Southfield Public Schools understands that the state closure of our school buildings may result in hardship for some of our families who require food assistance. We will be offering up to two meals per day to all children ages 18 and under for free. This includes students with disabilities, ages 18-26, with an active individual education program (IEP).

Working with our foodservice partner SFE and transportation partner First Student, we have a plan in place to provide meals delivered to Southfield Public Schools students and all children in the community throughout the time of the state closure of schools.

UPDATED: May 4, 2020

The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Program (P-EBT) provides temporary funding to address emergency food needs and avert financial hardship for families affected by the pandemic. Learn more: Pandemic EBT Card Information and FAQs.

Meal distribution schedule:

  • On Thursdays: The district will distribute seven days worth of meals (breakfast and lunch) via pop-up sites listed here.
  • Students that ride special needs buses will have meals delivered to their homes on Thursdays.
  • Buses will be on standby to capture students who may miss the scheduled bus delivery or for special meals.

  • Please call (248) 746-8522 for questions. 

Meal distribution site:
Thompson K-8 International Academy
16300 Lincoln Drive, Southfield 48076
Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Food Pantries:
Please note: Food pantries are making constant changes, please contact the pantry to confirm their availability before visiting. Please bring a picture ID. 

Church of the Transfiguration (248) 356-8787​​​​​​
25225 Code Road, Southfield, MI 48033
Monday - 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 
Wednesday - 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
All families are welcomed and would need to have a picture ID to register.

St. David's Episcopal Church (248) 557-5430
16200 W. Twelve Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48076
Monday through Friday - 9 a.m. to noon

Forgotten Harvest - find a food program here

Additional Nutrition Offerings:
Meet Up and Eat Up

 

District Communications During COVID-19 Pandemic - Chronological Order

Greetings:

We hope you and your family are well, but a change in routine that is significant can be hard. Please let us know how you are doing and if we can support you in any way during this difficult time by taking the survey linked below.

Southfield Public School Family Check-In

Also, here is a list of a wide variety of community resources available to families in the area. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Daryl Beebe at daryl.beebe@southfieldk12.org.

Dear Southfield Public Schools Family,

This morning Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan schools would be closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year for face-to-face instruction. While the decision was not the outcome any of us wished for, the safety of our students and staff is always our top priority and we fully support the Governor's decision to take all necessary measures to keep our school family and community safe. 

This is a time of great uncertainty, and unfortunately, we do not have all of the answers right now.  However, here is what we do know.

  • April 6, 2020, through April 10, 2020, we will pause instruction for Spring Recess. Instruction will resume on Monday, April 13, 2020.
  • A learning program that will include online learning, academic packets and other delivery methods to meet student needs will continue through the regularly scheduled last day of school in June.
    • State guidance requires our district and all districts to submit a learning plan to the Oakland Intermediate School District (ISD) for approval. 
    • Once the Southfield Public Schools plan is finalized and approved, we will share it with the public.
  • Meal distribution will continue through the end of the school year in June.
    • Please note that we will still provide food for the entire week, distributing meals for multiple days at once.  

I am sure our entire Southfield Public Schools Family has many more questions about how this new landscape will impact our school community. As we learn more and finalize our plans, we will share that information in an upcoming virtual community forum (P.O.W.E.R. Hour) and on the district website

We promise to do everything we can to ensure our students have the best educational experience possible moving forward.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Stay home, stay safe.

 
Sincerely,


Dr. Jennifer Green
Superintendent

Greetings, Southfield Public Schools Community:

With Governor Whitmer’s Stay Home, Stay Safe announcement earlier this week, there will be a change to our meal distribution program. With the mandate, Southfield Public Schools will still distribute meals to our students and children under 18 in our community.

To reduce contact and keep people home more often, we are moving to a new distribution schedule. We will administer the same amount of meals, just on condensed days. Details on the changes are listed below. We hope you are staying home, staying safe and staying healthy. 

New meal distribution schedule:

  • Monday, March 30, 2020: We will distribute three days worth of meals (breakfast and lunch per child, per day)
  • Thursday, April 2, 2020: The district will distribute seven days worth of meals (breakfast and lunch) via pop-up sites below: 
    • Thursday, April 2, 2020, from 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 
      • Levey Middle School (25300 W. 9 Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48033)
      • Birney K-8 School (27225 Evergreen Road, Southfield, MI 48076)
    • Thursday, April 9, 2020, from 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
      • University High School Academy (19301 W. 12 Mile Road, Lathrup Village, MI 48076)
      • Southfield Regional Academic Campus (21705 Evergreen Road, Southfield, MI 48075
  • Specified stops will be made from 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. daily. (click here for delivery schedule)

  • Students that ride special needs buses will have meals delivered to their homes.

  • Buses will be on standby to capture students who may miss the scheduled bus delivery or for special meals.

  • Please call (248) 746-8522 for questions. 

Meal distribution site (no changes):
Thompson K-8 International Academy
16300 Lincoln Drive, Southfield 48076
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Food Pantries:
Please note: Food pantries are making constant changes, please contact the pantry to confirm their availability before visiting. Please bring a picture ID. 

Church of the Transfiguration (248) 356-8787​​​​​​
25225 Code Road, Southfield, MI 48033
Monday - 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 
Wednesday - 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
All families are welcomed and would need to have a picture ID to register.

St. David's Episcopal Church (248) 557-5430
16200 W. Twelve Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48076
Monday through Friday - 9 a.m. to noon

Forgotten Harvest - find a food program here

Southfield Public Schools Families, 

This evening the Office of the Superintendent was informed by the Director of Operations and Infrastructure that one of our contracted food handlers with Southwest Food Excellence (SFE), assigned to Southfield High School for the Arts & Technology, reported a “high fever” on the evening of Saturday, March 21, 2020. At this time, the Office of the Superintendent has been in contact with SFE management who confirmed the food handler has indeed reported a condition of “high fever.” 

SFE management has informed the Office of the Superintendent that all food handlers employed by SFE are required to wear protective gloves and masks when preparing and packing meals to be delivered to our Southfield Public Schools (SPS or district) students and community. Protective gear of the food handlers is a precautionary measure, and hospital-grade sanitizer/disinfectant is applied daily to all SPS kitchen surfaces, utensils, doorknobs, etc. at the end of each workday. 

The food handler’s condition has been communicated with the Oakland County Health Department (OCHD). An OCHD communicable disease representative shared with the Office of the Superintendent for those experiencing high fever, without any of the other characteristics of the COVID-19, does not create exposure for those having been in previous contact with said individual. As an additional layer of precaution, the food handler was required to self-quarantine for no less than 14 days to ensure that the fever is not a precursor to the COVID-19.

At this juncture, SPS meal delivery to the community will continue as outlined on the district’s website. If and when additional data is received by the Office of the Superintendent, relative to the food handler, adjustments will be made to continue safe, healthy and responsive meal service to our community. 

Is the U.S. food supply safe?
According to the Food and Drug Administration (2020, March 17):

Currently there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID-19.  Unlike foodborne gastrointestinal (GI) viruses like Norovirus and Hepatitis A that often make people ill through contaminated food, SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, is a virus that causes respiratory illness. Foodborne exposure to this virus is not known to be a route of transmission.

The Food and Drug Administration states that the virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. This includes between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. However, it’s always critical to follow the 4 key steps of food safety—clean, separate, cook, and chill – to prevent foodborne illness. 

(Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition - https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-during-emergencies/food-safety-and-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19)

As always, Southfield Public Schools will continue to provide information to our community and take all the steps necessary for our community to be safe and well.

 

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer Green
Superintendent

Dear members of the Southfield Public Schools (SPS or district) community,

On March 19, 2020, the district shared with staff that an individual within the SPS community reported positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). The respective individual is a staff member whose work location is not housed in our school buildings. On March 20, 2020, the Office of Talent Management was informed that on March 16, 2020, the individual was physically present in the McIntyre and Vandenberg gymnasiums, for no more than five (5) minutes with no direct contact with staff and/or students in the aforementioned buildings. The Oakland County Health Department stated that the exposure risk to the general staff and student population is low. At this juncture, the staff member is self-quarantined at home.

Yesterday evening (March 20, 2020), a parent of our community self-reported to SPS administration that they were tested for the coronavirus (COVID-19). Presently, the parent awaits the results of the test and was directed by healthcare professionals to self-isolate at home. The parent was in MacArthur and Adler for student drop-off and pick-up on Thursday, March 12, 2020. Should the test return positive, the parent is to remain at home under extended self-quarantine for the next fourteen (14) days.

At the time of this announcement, the district has yet to receive confirmation from the Oakland County Health Department relative to the parent status update, but these are the first reported cases of COVID-19 at Southfield Public Schools. 

The district recognizes and understands this announcement may cause you concern. Know that we will continue to do all that is possible to minimize the risk to the community.

We will continue to provide regular updates about the impact of the virus within our community via our COVID-19 Updates webpage. 

Your Safety and the Safety of Others
When Southfield Public Schools receives information regarding COVID-19 cases germane to our district, SPS administration immediately contacts the Oakland County Health Department (OCHD) and collaborates with them on next steps. The appropriate health authorities, in adherence to the Center for Disease Control protocols for COVID-19, conduct contact trace investigations. The contact trace investigation includes: interviewing/contacting/providing assistance directly to individuals with an elevated risk of exposure having been in close recent contact with someone testing positive for COVID-19. If contacted by the health authorities, you will be directed to self-quarantine for fourteen (14) days, monitor symptoms, and call health care providers if one should experience symptoms consistent with COVID-19. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing fever, cough, or shortness of breath, with possible exposure to someone who has traveled or potentially exposed to COVID-19, please seek immediate medical help by calling your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Continue to practice and remind others to take necessary universal precautions. If you are not feeling well, or believe you have been exposed to the coronavirus, please follow the CDC guidelines and stay home. This virus is very contagious. If you are exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (fever, dry cough and/or shortness of breath), please call your primary healthcare provider for an immediate evaluation. Hand washing and social distancing are essential to mitigating the spread of this virus.  

Please take care of yourself.

 

Collaboratively,

Dr. Jennifer Green
Superintendent

Southfield Public School Families:

Thank you for your ongoing patience and positive mindset as we navigate these uncharted waters together. The final Chromebook distribution will take place at Birney K-8 School (27225 Evergreen Road, Southfield 48076) tomorrow, March 18, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Only one device per household will be given. We will have academic resource packets aligned with online learning opportunities available for families who did not complete the device request form by the deadline.

Suggested Pick Up Times by Last Name: (please see map)

A - E (9 a.m to 10 a.m.)

F - J (10 a.m. to 11 a.m.)

K - O (11 a.m. to Noon)

P - T (Noon to 1 p.m.)

U - Z (1 p.m. to 2 p.m)

 

Be sure to stay informed. Visit southfieldk12.org/covid19 for updates. Thank you.

Greetings:

Southfield Public Schools will conduct the final Chromebook distribution on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parents must complete and submit the Device Request Form (one per household) by noon on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. If the form is not submitted by this time, we will not be able to honor the request. 

Academic resource packets aligned with online learning opportunities for families without technology are also available for pick up. 

Please visit southfieldk12.org/covid19 for updates. Thank you.

Good Evening,

On behalf of the Board of Education and the Office of the Superintendent, please allow this to serve as an expression of gratitude and sincere appreciation to all within the Southfield Public Schools (“SPS”) Family. Your responsiveness, flexibility, commitment, compassion and dedication to this heavy unprecedented lift in navigating a global health crisis to continue the education of our youth is commendable.

Social Distancing:
Within the workplace, social distancing measures could take the form of: modifying the frequency and type of face-to-face employee encounters (e.g., placing moratoriums on hugging and hand-shaking, substituting teleconferences for face-to-face meetings, staggering breaks, posting infection control guidelines); establishing flexible work hours or worksite, (e.g., telecommuting); promoting social distancing between employees and customers to maintain three-feet spatial separation between individuals. In order to further assist with the reduction of the spread of communicable diseases, employees should do the following safety procedures such as washing your hands for at least 20 seconds. (See attached chart for more information.)

Employee Work Status:
Thank you for submitting and adhering to the instructional plans submitted by your buildings on Friday, March 13, 2020. The feedback from the community has been overly positive and supportive as it relates to the instructional building plans.

Due to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s state closure (March 16, 2020, through April 3, 2020) of Southfield Public Schools (“SPS”) buildings and following the guidance of health officials, the vast majority of our staff will begin to telework (work from home). Some staff will be asked to come in to perform essential functions that cannot be accomplished from offsite.

While our buildings are closed to the public, SPS is not shut down. Employees of SPS will either telework (work from home) or tele-teach through our Google classroom or other online learning platforms, until further notice. Our staff will continue to respond to phone calls, emails, and provide instructional resources/support during this period. Due to circumstances some of our responses may be delayed beyond our normal response time. We are committed to responding to all inquiries within one business day.

The expectation is that all employees will check their emails daily. You will receive updates on the state closure status via robocall, email and/or our website. The Executive District Network will meet daily and keep you apprised of the status of any changes to our situation.  

Supervisors should check in with their direct reports daily via either telephone, email or Google hangouts periodically throughout the day. Employees will make themselves available during their regular hours of work Monday through Friday for the entire duration of the state closure. If you do not want to be available, please call into our Absence Management System and indicate a personal sick or personal business day or in the alternative, contact your Supervisor who will approve and inform Payroll of your request.  The parties will participate in work that they are capable of completing in order to work from home. 

Spring Recess:
For the time period of April 6, 2020, through April 10, 2020, the normal procedures for spring recess will adhere. Union members will not be available for virtual support or teaching of our students and will be compensated accordingly to their collective bargaining agreements.

Virtual Learning for Southfield Public School District Students:
Our educators planned virtual learning opportunities for our students. We know nothing can replace effective classroom instruction; however, we are doing our best to keep our students engaged in content. 

Free Online Service:
· COMCAST offers free internet service during coronavirus outbreak.

Access to Nutrition:
Southfield Public Schools understands that the state closure of our school buildings may result in hardship for some of our families who require food assistance. We will be offering up to two meals per day to all children ages 18 and under for free. This includes students with disabilities, ages 18-26, with an active individual education program (IEP). Working with our foodservice partner SFE and transportation partner First Student, we have a plan in place. Beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, meals for seven days a week will be delivered to Southfield Public Schools students throughout the time of the state closure of schools.
 

  • Specified stops will be made from 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. daily. (please visit southfieldk12.org/covid19)
  • Students that ride special needs buses will have meals delivered to their homes.
  • In addition, there will be buses on standby to capture students who may miss the scheduled bus delivery or for special meals.

 Also, meals will be distributed at Thompson K-8 International Academy (16300 Lincoln Drive, Southfield 48076) starting Monday, March 16, 2020 (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.). The remainder of the week’s distribution will be 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

We Are Southfield
We are a resilient, compassionate, and thoughtful community.

Your responsiveness, flexibility, commitment, compassion, and dedication to the community are unprecedented. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our students and each other.

Collaboratively,

Dr. Jennifer Green

Greetings: 

Southfield Public Schools understands that the state closure of our school buildings may result in hardship for some of our families who require food assistance. Working with our foodservice partner SFE and transportation partner First Student, we have a plan in place. Beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, meals for seven days a week will be delivered to Southfield Public Schools students throughout the time of the state closure of schools. 

Here are the important details you need to know:

  • Please see the delivery schedule here.
  • Specified stops will be made from 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. daily.
  • Students that ride special needs buses will have meals delivered to their homes.
  • In addition, there will be buses on standby to capture students who may miss the scheduled bus delivery or for special meals. 
  • Please call (248) 746-8522 for questions. 

State Closures of School Buildings Update

Dear Parents/Guardians:
 
Southfield Public School staff is working quickly to provide online student learning during the state closure of our school buildings.
 
This is a time of rapidly changing information. We are committed to regular communication, and we appreciate your continued attention to these emails. Please see the district website (www.southfieldk12.org/covid19).
 
Your Needs:
First and foremost, we are here to help each other. Please know that we continue to collaborate with health officials, and other individuals and organizations.
 
We want to assist our students and families with the challenges of school building closure due to the coronavirus state of emergency. Please email your child’s teacher any specific questions about your child’s learning. Some of the questions you may have are included in the topics below. If not, please email marketing@southfieldk12.org. Due to the state closures of our buildings, our administrators and staff will be available via email.
 
Spring Recess:
We heard your concerns regarding the spring recess extending the state closure. The spring recess dates were adopted and approved by the Board of Education as part of the state’s mandated common calendar for Oakland County Schools.
 
Virtual Learning for Southfield Public School District Students:
Our educators are planning virtual learning opportunities for our students. We know nothing can replace effective classroom instruction; however, we are doing our best to keep our students engaged in content. Your child will be provided with daily learning opportunities via Google Classroom. Google Classroom is a web-based system that can be accessed via a mobile phone, tablet, computer, or Chromebook.
 
Daily, you can expect:

Your child will log in to Google Classroom.  

Learning opportunities will be posted for your child.

PLEASE NOTE: If accessing Google Classroom via mobile phone, you can download the app, or access it using the following link: https://classroom.google.com. For families that need access to technology, we have plans to make that technology available (below).
 
We are working diligently to make the transition to virtual learning as seamless as possible.  
 
These resources are offering free online services.

Schools with online learning packets will be available Monday, March 16, 2020, via the following link: www.southfieldk12.org/online
 
School Nutrition:
Southfield Public Schools will be offering up to two meals per day to all children ages 18 and under for free. This includes students with disabilities ages 18-26 with an active individual education program (IEP). Meals will be distributed at Thompson K-8 International Academy (16300 Lincoln Drive, Southfield 48076) starting Monday, March 16, 2020 (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.). The remainder of the week’s distribution will be 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
 
We are a resilient, compassionate, and thoughtful community. Thank you to our staff and entire school community for your flexibility, patience, and unwavering commitment to our students and to each other. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Dr. Jennifer Green
Superintendent

 

State Closures of School Announcement 

Greetings:

Yesterday evening, Governor Whitmer announced a state-wide school closure from Monday, March 16, 2020, through April 3, 2020. Spring Recess is scheduled for Monday, April 6 through Friday, April 10, 2020. Southfield Public Schools will resume Monday, April 13, 2020.

For families with Wi-Fi and need devices for continual learning during this time, the district is signing out a Chrome book. Chrome book pick up will occur today only at Birney K-8 School (27225 Evergreen Road, Southfield 48076) from noon to 3:30 p.m.

For students with medications on file, please call your school if you need to pick it up. 

Thank you for your patience. The district will share more details later today.

Southfield Public Schools Families,

Last night, March 10, 2020, Governor Whitmer announced the first two confirmed cases of the Coronavirus, one of which is in Oakland County. With the safety and security of all students, staff, and community members as our top priority, we are constantly monitoring updates we received from local, state, and federal agencies and implementing their guidance. 

The following decisions have been made based upon the information available today, March 11, 2020.

  • All district field trips (in-state, out of state, and international) are suspended until further notice.
  • Until further notice, all assemblies and performances involving participation by the general public are canceled. Assemblies during the school day that include only the students and staff of the building may be limited, at the discretion of the building principal or leader.
  • All conferences (progress monitoring/parent-teacher) scheduled between now and spring recess are canceled. Families are encouraged to digitally connect with teachers for progress updates.
  • Athletic competitions will continue as scheduled under the guidance of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). We will look to the MHSAA for ongoing guidance and connect with families if this guidance changes.
  • Academic competitions will also continue under the guidance of the organizations hosting these events. We will continue to closely communicate with these governing bodies and communicate updated information as it becomes available.
  • We are suspending all school tours for prospective families until further notice.
  • We are suspending all field trips from other districts to our school facilities until further notice. Community events such as the P.O.W.E.R. Hour will be rescheduled.

As updates become available from Governor Whitmer, the Oakland County Health Department, or an individual organization, such as MHSAA, etc., the district will review current thinking and make adjustments as necessary.  

As a reminder, all individuals should continue to take the following basic personal-hygiene measures to prevent the spread of the virus:

  • wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer; 
  • avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands; 
  • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; 
  • avoid handshakes; 
  • avoid contact with sick people who are sick; and 
  • stay home when you are sick. 

In addition, below are important resources for you and your family.

Thank you for your support of Southfield Public Schools!

 

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer Green
Superintendent  

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As the safety of our entire school community is paramount, we continue to monitor developments related to Coronavirus, or COVID-19.

Although there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, residents are still being urged by the Governor’s office to take all necessary precautions to prepare and keep themselves and their families safe. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the risk of outbreak is low, but the State is still making preparations to limit the spread and impact of COVID-19.

Rest assured, Southfield Public Schools continues to work closely with and follow guidance from the Oakland County Health Division, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The best prevention for COVID-19, and any other virus, such as the cold or flu, is to:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, please stay home and avoid contact with others.

The Oakland County Health Division has provided the attached fact sheet to help address concerns. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) What You Need to Know

The CDC provides a situation summary that is updated daily as needed. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Summary, as does the Michigan Department of Health & Human services Communicable & Chronic Diseases.

The CDC will continue to prepare for the potential spread of coronavirus and will provide guidance to communities. CDC Protects and Prepares Communities

If you have any questions about COVID-19, please contact the Oakland County Health Division at (248) 858-1280 or health@oakgov.com or visit https://www.oakgov.com/health.

We will update families as appropriate moving forward.

 

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer Green
Superintendent 

Submission in the District Update 2.7.20

Health Alert from Oakland County Health 
Novel Coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV, is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019. There have been a limited number of 2019-nCoV cases confirmed in the United States from travelers returning to the U.S. from abroad. The 2019-nCoV has not been detected in Oakland County. This is an evolving situation, and information will be updated as it becomes available.

To learn more about the Coronavirus, visit the Oakland County Health’s website.

The following decisions have been made based upon the information available on March 12, 2020.

  • MHSAA is suspending all winter tournaments indefinitely.
  • All district middle school athletic events are canceled until further notice. 
  • All conferences (progress monitoring/parent-teacher) scheduled between now and spring recess are canceled. Families are encouraged to digitally connect with teachers for progress updates. We also encourage parents/guardians to visit the MISTAR Parent Portal to see student progress.
  • Essential meetings with our staff will be held via phone. This included IEPs, 504s, and parent meetings with administrators and teachers.
  • External visitors will not be allowed into our buildings. This does not include parents and guardians (please report to the school office only).
  • All district field trips (in-state, out of state, and international) are suspended until further notice.
  • We are suspending all school tours for prospective families until further notice.
  • We are suspending all field trips from other districts to our school facilities until further notice.
  • Community events such as the P.O.W.E.R. Hour will be rescheduled.
  • All extracurricular activities are canceled until further notice.
    • Community meetings and gatherings scheduled to take place in our school facilities. This includes PTA events and meetings.
    • Until further notice, all assemblies and performances involving participation by the general public are canceled. Assemblies during the school day that include only the students and staff of the building may be limited, at the discretion of the building principal or leader.
  • All business travel, both in and out of state or at Oakland Schools is canceled. Employees are encouraged to use virtual meetings when possible.
  • Employees planning personal travel, please notify your supervisor of your travel plans and destination. Please note, you may be resisted access to the district upon your return.  

As updates become available from Governor Whitmer, the Oakland County Health Department, or an individual organization, such as MHSAA, etc., the district will review current thinking and make adjustments as necessary.