Watch Now

The Rebound West Michigan

Actions

Ionia Public Schools 'strongly recommends' masks as middle school sees 7 COVID-19 cases

ionia-high-school.jpeg
file photo
ionia-high-school.jpeg
Posted at 11:05 AM, Sep 03, 2021
and last updated 2021-09-03 11:06:55-04

IONIA, Mich. — Ionia Public Schools Superintendent Benjamin Gurk strongly recommends students and staff wear masks while in school.

Gurk reiterated the Ionia County Health Department’s recommendation in a letter to district families Sept. 1.

“At this time, this is particularly important at our middle school,” the letter said. “It is extremely important that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms stay home from school and contact a health care professional.”

Since Aug. 23, the district’s middle school has had seven individuals test positive for the coronavirus, and 34 middle school students were quarantined as of Sept. 1.

The middle school has increased its COVID-19 mitigation strategies, including:

  • Assigned seats in classrooms
  • Social distancing during individual and group work
  • Using hand sanitizer to wash-in when entering rooms
  • Sanitizing rooms throughout each day
  • Sanitizing Chromebooks throughout each day
  • Custodial teams cleaning high-touch areas throughout the day
  • Assigned seats at lunch with rotation to balcony and gym under 15 minutes
  • Added waiting areas in the morning to avoid congestion
  • Strongly recommending that masks be worn while inside

Read the superintendent's full letter here:

IPS COVID 19 Letter September 1 2021 by WXMI on Scribd

Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

State of Education: Resources

Adjusting study habits during COVID-19 Allendale Public Schools Battle Creek Public Schools Black River Public School Byron Center Public Schools CDC Checklist for Parents CDC Guidelines for Reopening Schools Coopersville Area Public Schools East Grand Rapids Public Schools Return to Learning Plans Forest Hills Public Schools Comstock Park Public Schools Grand Haven Area Public Schools Grand Rapids Public Schools update on Return to School Plans Grandville Public Schools summer updates Greenville Public Schools Holland Public Schools Return-to-Learn updates Hudsonville Public Schools Return to School information Kalamazoo Public Schools Kentwood Public Schools Lowell Area Public Schools MI Safe Schools Roadmap Muskegon Public Schools National Institute for Excellence in Teaching Planning Guide for educators North Muskegon Public Schools Portage Public Schools Reusable cloth masks for kids Rockford Public Schools Special education guidance Spring Lake Public Schools update on reopening plan Student veterans and the G.I. Bill during COVID-19 West Ottawa Public Schools Wyoming Public Schools Zeeland Public Schools