MPSConnect is a convenient communications tool for you to connect with me. Every message comes to my desktop. Either I or another MPS staff members will do all we can to reply to your message within the next work day.

Michael E. Sharrow, Superintendent

MPSConnect Link: https://www.midlandps.org/content2/706

January 20, 2021 Volume 9 Special Edition 06

SPECIAL EDITION

Superintendent Communiqué

Midland PS District Vision Statement

Lead with respect, trust and courage.

Ensure an equitable, collaborative and inclusive culture.

Enable all to achieve success.


An Important Message for Midland Public Schools Students, Staff and Families:


MIDLAND PS MOVES TO SHORT PERIOD OF FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING DUE TO COVID


A variety of factors are making it increasingly difficult to provide in-school instruction. For example, staffing classrooms due to MPS staff members testing positive, in-home close contact and having family members ill.


One of the mitigation strategies MPS has been using is close contact tracing, and test-to-stay protocols. This week the MDHHS has indicated that the shortage of COVID test kits could likely result in schools not receiving their next shipment of tests. Without that shipment to Midland PS, we will run out of tests early next week.


Most modeling of our current COVID spike in our state, community and schools indicates we will see a decline in cases in February.


The District has made no secret that MPS is firmly committed to in-school instruction. As educators we know face-to-face learning is best for students and is preferred by students, parents, teachers and staff. However, in order to keep in-school learning viable, consistent and continuous, and with MPS professional staff in our classrooms, we feel it is best to utilize a flexible calendar over the next few weeks.


Here is Midland Public Schools' Flexible Schedule Plan for the next few weeks:

  • Monday, January 24: No School -- Teacher preparation day for virtual instruction

  • Tuesday, January 25: Virtual Instruction Day (Schedule Link: https://www.midlandps.org//MPS_Virtual_Learning_Schedule )

  • Wednesday, January 26: Virtual Instruction Day (Schedule Link: https://www.midlandps.org//MPS_Virtual_Learning_Schedule )

  • January 27-31: In-School Instruction

  • February 1-3: In-School Instruction

  • February 4 & 7: In-School Instruction (On February 1, the District will review the current COVID situation and determine whether February 4 & 7 should be changed to virtual days.)

  • February 8-17: In-School Instruction

  • February 18 & 21: No School (Staff PD Day on February 18; District Closed February 21)


Masking: During In-School Instruction days, the District urges students and staff to mask up while in school. Families, please STRONGLY ENCOURAGE your child to mask up while at school.


Vaccination Clinic: A Walk-In Covid Booster Clinic (Ages 12 & up) is being hosted by MCDPH on Wednesday January 26 from 5-7pm at Jefferson Middle School (1st, 2nd and Boosters doses of both Pfizer (12 +) & Moderna (18 +) will be available). Call the Midland County Department of Public Heath (989-832-6380) if you have questions.


Food Service: Meal pick-up in the student's home school building will occur between 11:00 am & 1:00 pm on Tuesday, January 25. Students will receive four meals at the 1/25 pick-up (2 each for Tuesday & Wednesday). Students should report to their home school to access these meals.


Present pandemic modeling indicates COVID cases are anticipated to decline significantly between January 24 & February 21. It is our hope that further interruptions to in-school learning will not be needed for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year.


Michael E. Sharrow

Superintendent of Schools