COVID-19 Preparedness Plans and Resources

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has imposed new restrictions on public gatherings and in-person learning for high school programs. This order takes effect Wednesday, Nov. 18 through Tuesday, Dec. 8. This means that classes in Kent ISD's secondary programs will take place in person as scheduled on Monday, Nov. 16 and Tuesday, Nov. 17. We will then transition to remote learning from Nov. 18 through Dec. 8, pending additional instruction from MDHHS.

Kent ISD programs directly affected by this order include Kent Career Tech Center, Kent Transition Center, Kent Innovation High, MySchool@Kent and Launch U. Special Education Center Programs and Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), among other programs serving special populations are exempt from this order, but may be still be affected. Please heed instruction that comes directly from these programs or your local district regading remote learning plans.

• See the full details of the order on Michigan.gov
• Pause to Save Lives Infographic - a summary of rules going into effect as a result of this order

The state legislature directed the Michigan Department of Treasury to provide “hazard pay” grants to school district staff who were employed during the 2019-20 school year in certain positions, whose work was impacted in specific ways during the April 2 through June 30 period. Those who qualify as a K-12 Classroom Teacher may be eligible for up to a $500 grant from the Treasury Department. Those who qualify under the Treasury definition of K-12 Support Staff may be eligible for a grant of up to $250. Qualification is based on both the employee’s position during the 2019-20 school year and the work they performed in the April – June time period.

Unfortunately, the Department of Treasury did NOT include some staff members (examples: most administration, adult education staff, and early childhood staff) as eligible to apply for this program.

Staff who appear to be eligible to apply have received an individual email and the Treasury Form 5734.

Staff who do not appear to be eligible to apply to apply for the grant did not receive an individual email and are receiving this memo for information purposes, only.

This is a Treasury Department grant and the school district has no discretion as to who qualifies. The payment will come from the Department of Treasury and not the district. The Treasury Department did require the school district to communicate with staff, distribute and collect the employee forms, and respond to any appeals. Here are the timelines.

December 4, 2020

• Eligible employees will return Form 5734 via the email form link. The email form link is the only method in which to return the form.
• Ineligible employees who believe they meet the Department of Treasury qualifications requirements may file a written appeal to humanresources@kentisd.org by noon on December 4, 2020.

December 16, 2020

• Kent ISD responds to all appeals before this date. · Kent ISD submits the completed list of eligible employees to Treasury.

February 25, 2021 (Approximate)

• Treasury will make payment directly to eligible employees.
• Kent ISD will not be able to check on application payment status.

Staff Who Appear to be Eligible to Apply: Must complete the Treasury Department form electronically (fillable PDF) and return it via the email form link no later than Friday, December 4, 2020. Identify yourself as either a K-12 Classroom Teacher or as K-12 Support Staff. You must answer the certification questions honestly. Improperly filled out forms will not be returned and will not be submitted to the Department of Treasury.

If you believe you are ineligible for this grant, please disregard this communication and discard Treasury Form 5734. Do not submit it to us for processing.

Staff Who Appear to be Ineligible and Want to Appeal: The appeal must include a written statement that you were a qualified K-12 Classroom Teacher or K-12 Support Staff between April 2, 200 and June 30, 2020, your position title, and what work you were required to do for the continuity of learning for students during that time. Submit your written statement to humanresources@kentisd.org by noon on December 4. If you do not meet the Treasury requirements for a qualified position, you appeal must be denied.

The links below will take you directly to the COVID-19 updates and Fall Return to School Plan pages of our 20 school districts.

• Byron Center Public Schools 
• Caledonia Community Schools         
• Cedar Springs Public Schools
• Comstock Park Public Schools
• East Grand Rapids Public Schools
• Forest Hills Public Schools
• Godfrey Lee Public Schools 
• Godwin Heights Public Schools ​​​​​​
• Grand Rapids Public Schools ​​​​​​
• Grandville Public Schools
• Kelloggsville Public Schools
• Kenowa Hills Public Schools
• Kent City Community Schools
• Kentwood Public Schools
• Lowell Area Schools  
• Northview Public Schools
• Rockford Public Schools
• Sparta Area Schools
• Thornapple Kellogg Schools 
• Wyoming Public Schools

This school year will be different. Learning may happen from home, in classrooms or both. It’s up to all of us to do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and to stay healthy so that we can learn safely. Learn more at Spectrum Health's School Resource Page.

The videos and resources below are for kids, families and school staff to learn more about:

• Important health and safety basics
• How to practice healthy behaviors
• Health and wellness tips for families

*Please be aware that these videos were produced by Spectrum Health and vetted by the Kent County Health Department. If you have accessibility concerns with viewing these videos please contact Spectrum Health.

Knowing the Basics (for kids and families)

What to Do When You’re Sick (for kids and families)

Wearing Masks (for kids and families)

Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (for teachers and school staff)

Kent ISD's highest concern will always be the welfare of our students, staff and school communities.  We are coordinating directly and daily with Kent County Health Department and local and regional superintendents to ensure safety for all. Please know we are doing everything possible to prepare for and prevent the spread of Coronavirus and all other communicable diseases.

While a new type of illness can be scary, we can protect our students, teachers, and the broader community by using simple everyday actions that protect people from other types of respiratory viruses. Our staff are working carefully to encourage these simple and effective habits:

• Stay informed regarding executive orders on restricted activities.  Find updates regarding the governor's orders on Michigan.gov.
• Practice safe social distancing and wear a mask. Wearing a mask is shown to be highly effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and is currently required by state law in indoor public spaces and large outdoor gatherings.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Retain a social space between yourself and others.
• Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes, then dispose of the tissue. When a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces or objects. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Find additional CDC resources on how to clean and disinfect schools here.
• Wash hands for 20 seconds. Washing hands often under clean, running water can help prevent the spread of germs. For more guidance see the CDC: When and How to Wash Your Hands. If you cannot wash your hands, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60-95% alcohol.
• Symptoms of COVID-19 may be mild or severe and include:
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shrtness of breath

Find updates, best practices for individuals and organizations and other information about COVID-19 from these sources:

• Kent County Health Department 
• Michigan Department of Heath and Human Services
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
• World Health Organization 

For Schools

• CDC Guidance for School Administrators

For the Public

• A Guide to Basic Preventative Measures
• Frequently Asked Questions about Coronavirus Answered by WHO
• FAQs Answered by CDC