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Schools and state look at COVID-19 in classrooms

HANCOCK — On Friday, Superintendent Steve Patchin sent out an email outlining the details of returning to blended learning and meal pickups, in Lansing, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-185, requiring all students in K-7 to wear a face covering in classrooms.

Patchin announced on Friday that Hancock Public Schools teachers will be distributing homework and activity packets to continue student learning.

For those who do not have access to online learning, or a student’s teachers have learning material to distribute, pickup for elementary school students was 1-3 p.m. Monday. Students in the middle and high schools can pick up packets at the high school from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday.

At Barkell Elementary School, Principal Dan Vaara said in a Monday email that as of then, the number of families requesting Chromebooks was 69.

“I am currently inventorying what we have,” he said, “but I believe we will have enough for each family who requested to get one.”

Vaara said his goal is to get as many of the Chromebooks as possible distributed on Monday, saying he believed he could have them ready for all families picking up class materials then. If he cannot accomplish his Monday goal, he said, they will ready on Tuesday for pickup.

Friday, Whitmer’s office released the governor’s EO 2020-185, expanding the requirement to wear a face mask in the classroom to all students kindergarten and up. Prior orders had recommended, but not required, a face covering for grades kindergarten through five.

It is now crystal clear that COVID-19 can be deadly to younger children, the release stated, and that “children who become infected at school can pass the virus to their parents, leading to community spread.” EO 2020-185 updates a previous EO stating face masks had only been recommended in grades K-5, and the norther Lower, and the Upper Peninsula, were exempt from the classroom mask requirement. The update does not exempt the U.P. or the northern Lower Peninsula.

“With the 2020-2021 flu season approaching, we are in a precarious moment in our fight against COVID-19,” said Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the EO states. “This new mask requirement is so important to protect students and educators, and to keep our schools open. This year, it’s more important than ever that Michiganders across the state get their flu vaccine as soon as possible, mask up, and maintain at least six feet of physical distancing. Let’s all be smart and stay safe.”

Patchin said that Monday his education team will be putting together the physical packets to support student learning. Tuesday, the education team will begin the on-line streaming components for those with access.

“Your students should expect to hear from their teachers as we transition to this two weeks of blended learning,” he said. “You will also be hearing more from our principals as they manage each building’s operations.”

Patchin also included updates to the food service program, which he reminded parents, will be available at no cost to all students. Like last spring and summer, he said, any families with students up to the age of 18 will be able to get seven days of breakfasts and lunches.

“If you are interested in participating in this program,” he advices parents, “please email Shelby Turnquist at: sturnquist@hpts.us . She will need each of your children’s first and last name along with your telephone number.”

The food pick-ups will be on Tuesday, Sept. 29, and Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Barkell Elementary School from 4 to 5:15 p.m.

“Special thanks to Shelby Turnquist and her food service team,” he said, “for keeping our students fed, even in difficult circumstances!”

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