March 26, 2020
Dear Students, Families and Guardians,
It’s been a roller coaster four plus weeks leading up to and including the closure of school. I wish, after two weeks of being closed, I had more answers to some of the questions I’ve been asked. As you are all aware, the Governor extended our three week closure another six days through April 13th. I’ve heard indications school could be closed for the remainder of the year, but at this point that is just hearsay.
The major concern brought to me by parents is the education of students in this ongoing absence from school. To date, the Michigan Department of Education has advised against districts requiring any on-line learning. There is concern that any mandated district program would struggle to comply with laws surrounding Special Education, 504, At-Risk and other student populations. There is also concern from the MDE that not every student would have the connectivity to participate. Also, they fear districts wouldn’t have a mechanism for counting students accurately to ensure full participation. I will say, as time goes on, I’m starting to hear of potential flexibility in the strict guidelines associated with on-line learning. As we wait for more clarification, students and parents can look forward to teachers making contact with students and lists of resources for further enrichment. The district will be ready for on-line education if and when it's given the green light to proceed. If you require a device or internet access for enrichment or on-line learning, please email your school principal. When the Stay Home/Stay Safe order is lifted, MAPS will work to ensure all students have access to the technology they need.
More somber news to share. Along with school being closed through April 13th, all activities, including athletic practices, scheduled for this time period are cancelled as well. Additionally, we’ve been informed that Bay Cliff science camps for 5th and 7th grades have been cancelled this year. Please know that addressing this void for these affected students will be a top priority for principals entering next fall.
Our food service program has been a bright star through this ordeal. They are viewed as essential employees per the stay home/stay safe executive order and have been feeding 300-400 families each for breakfast and lunch every day. Recently, to avoid exposure, they’ve been distributing meals to cover a four-day time period. This will continue as long as school is out and our workers remain healthy. I hope, if you get a chance, you’ll join me in saluting these dedicated folks on the outstanding job they perform. They put themselves in harm's way each time they distribute food for the health and well being of our students. They rock!
MAPS workers, like many other businesses, are primarily sheltering in place. Our essential workers continue to work from home so that paychecks, insurance and other necessities remain consistent. These workers, along with many principals and staff, remain available to answer questions or concerns by email. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can help you in any way.
I wish everyone a safe and healthy time away!
Sincerely,
Bill Saunders
Superintendent
Marquette Area Public Schools
wsaunders@mapsnet.org
March 23rd, 2020
Dear Parents, Students, and Staff,
In light of today’s Executive Order for Stay Home-Stay Safe, we have decided to create a schedule for the next couple of weeks. Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24th, will be our normal schedule. Beginning on Wednesday, March 25th, we will begin handing out meals for multiple days. We will provide Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Monday’s meals all to be picked up on Wednesday. Our next delivery day is Tuesday, March 31st. On the 31st you will receive supplies for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Monday. The next delivery day is Tuesday, April 7th. These supplies will be for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Monday.
MSHS 11:00-12:00 in front of the canopy entrance please pull up
Graveraet 10:50-11:10, Employee Parking Lot
Superior Hills 11:20-11:40, Parking Lot in front of School
Cherry Creek 12:00-12:20, Parking Lot in front of School
It is crucial that during these times we try to keep a distance of 6 feet from each other. Please understand this is for your safety and ours. Please stand back until we place your food on the drop table or place it into your vehicle.
We will continue to offer JJ Packs through our new schedule. They have been amazing and we will continue to work with JJ Packs while supplies last.
Please email me if you have any questions at ccollins@mapsnet.org.
We look forward to seeing you.
Sincerely,
Chris Collins, Food Service Director