JCS Parents,

 

The beginning of the 2020 – 2021 School year is rapidly approaching! 

 

We look forward to the opportunities that await all of us in what will be a historic school year.

As we considered the necessary changes in policy, we were aware of and understood that there are a broad range of opinions and feelings in relation to both the pandemic and the response to the pandemic. Thus, we determined for our decisions to reflect the truth of God’s word as well as our mission of educating your children.

 

Several biblical principles are relevant to our current circumstances. These difficulties we face may be new to us, but they are not new to God. (Ecc. 1:9). There are many things we cannot control, but God still sits on the throne (Prov. 3:5-6).  Our hope is that Juniata Christian School and our school families will trust God to guide us through this time and that we will conduct ourselves in a manner pleasing to God (Phil. 2:3).

 

It was necessary to model our “Return to School” policy in a format that reflects both Michigan’s “Return to School Roadmap” and Governor Whitmer’s June 30, 2020 Executive Order 2020-142. These documents provide health and safety guidelines that will be monitored by our local health department and that we are obligated to make every effort to follow. Additionally, by following the format of these documents it will allow for an ease of understanding that will connect us with our community.

 

As we prepared this policy, we consulted with the following organizations: the Michigan Association of Christian Schools (MACS), the American Association of Christian Schools (AACS), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Tuscola County Health Department, the Tuscola County Intermediate School District (ISD), and several like-minded Christian school ministries.

 

In Christ,

 

 

 

 

Mr. Dick Adams, Administrator / Principal

Mr. Del Terpenning, Pastor / Superintendent

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JCS’s Safe Return to School Plan for the 2020-2021 School Year

COVID-19

 

In accordance with the Michigan Safe Start Plan, our policies follow the states six phase approach to the pandemic. We will present guidelines for each of the six phases.

 

As of this writing, Tuscola County is in phase four of the guidelines. However, this may change at any time. Please pray that God will allow for school to begin in as normal a method as possible.

 

Phases 1-3

Requirements:

 

If it is determined our school has been placed in these phases by the office of the Governor, the school board and administration will meet to determine if we will continue with in person classes or implement a remote learning policy. If we determine to implement a remote learning policy, we will endeavor to follow the below guidelines:

 

• Distance learning via “google meets” will be instituted.

• The School building will be closed to students, parents, and visitors.

• The building will be open to essential staff, faculty and contractors for continuity of operations.

• Athletics and extracurricular activities will be suspended.

 

 

All Instruction will be provided over a single platform.

 

We have determined that if we are required to resort to distance (remote learning), we will maximize the platforms available through google classroom.

 

Your students should currently have an understanding of the functionalities of Google Classroom and Google Meets.

 

A training session will be provided for parents related to the use of Google Classroom as needed.

Phases 4 – Current Status

Requirements:

 

1. All persons entering the building (beyond the receptionist window) will be required to have a wellness check (temperature taken, basic overall health questions).

 

• Parents conducting school business will be ask to go directly to the office receptionist window and handle all business at that location.

• Non-school visitors or deliveries will be handled through the church office entrance.

• A record of wellness checks will be maintained by the school office.

 

1. All persons are expected to enter the building with a facial covering on their person and worn during their wellness check, unless a waiver form has been signed (K-4 and K-5 are exempt from facial coverings).

 

1. Secondary students, staff, and faculty are expected to wear facial covering in the hallways and common areas unless unable to medically tolerate wearing one (See attachment waiver form requirements).

 

1. Secondary Students will be exempt from wearing facial coverings in the classroom if their parent or guardian completes the exemption form (See attachment waiver form).

 

1. In the classroom, staff and faculty may wear facial covering when social distancing cannot be practiced, unless they are unable to medically tolerate wearing one.

 

1. Elementary Students will not be required to wear a facial covering in their classroom or when moving through the hallway when only their class is present (accommodations will be made for this to be normal logistical practice).

 

1. Elementary students (K-4 and K-5 are exempt) will be asked to wear facial coverings if they are in the hallway with students outside their class group unless they are unable to medically tolerate wearing one (see attachment waiver form).

 

1. All students, staff, faculty, and visitors are expected to make every effort to comply with social distancing standards as establish by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

 

1. Some modifications to class structure may be made to accommodate social distancing, multi-class integration.

 

1. Large gathering or assemblies in the school building will be restricted.

 

1. Lunch will be separated by grade.

 

1. Classrooms, doorways, restrooms, and others locations as deemed appropriated will be disinfected between use and class changes (as determined necessary by the administration).

 

• Each room will be equipped with disinfectant materials.

 

• The entire facility will be disinfected between each school day.

 

1. Outdoor activities will require students, staff, and faculty make every effort to adhere to social distancing standards as established by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

 

1. Athletic policies and procedures will follow those established by the Michigan Association of Christian Schools (MACS) in conjunction with the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA).

 

• If Athletic events require the use of bus transportation, the bus will be disinfected before and after the event (weather permitting windows will be open in the bus).

 

• When possible, it is preferred that parents transport their own students to athletic events.

 

Phases 5

Requirements:

 

1. All persons entering the building (beyond the receptionist window) will be required to have a wellness check (temperature taken, basic overall health questions).

 

• Parents conducting school business will be asked to go directly to the office receptionist window and handle all business at that location.

• Non-school visitors or deliveries will be handled through the church office entrance.

• A record of wellness checks will be maintained by the school office.

 

1. NO facial coverings will be required to be worn by any person entering the building, in the hallways, common areas, or classroom.  Facial coverings may be worn if a family or student chooses to wear a facial covering.

2. Spot disinfecting will continue as deemed appropriate by the administration.

 

1. The entire facility will be disinfected between each school day.

 

1. Schedule modifications may continue to facilitate social distancing and classroom group separation.

 

1. Athletic policies and procedures will follow those established by the Michigan Association of Christian Schools (MACS) in conjunction with the Michigan High school Athletic Association (MHSAA).

 

Phases 6

Requirements:

 

School will return to normal operations as in previous years.