NEW DELAY UPDATE: Expansion of Hybrid In-Person for K through 8 Only Starting Monday, April 26
Updated 4.13.2021
Based on new data that show a significant increase in COVID-19 cases in Kent County and new guidance from state and county health officials, we are delaying the expansion to 4-days of hybrid in-person instruction for students in grades K through 8 until Monday, April 26. Please note this new start date is subject to change based on future data and guidance from state and county health officials.
All students in hybrid in-person in grades K through 8 will maintain their current schedule for the week of April 12 and the week of April 19. All students in virtual instruction and hybrid in-person preschool, ECSE, and grades 9 through 12 will maintain their current schedules as well.
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact to someone with the virus, school-based and regional COVID-19 testing locations are available at www.grps.org/coronavirus. Additionally, the Kent County Health Department is recommending that all unvaccinated PK-12 grade students and staff who travel out of state during spring break be tested before returning to school or quarantine for one week before returning to school.
We also want to reiterate the other health and safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Frequent hand washing
- Wear masks covering nose and mouth
- Practice 6 feet social distancing
- Avoid large gatherings
- Complete the required daily health screeners
- If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, stay home and follow the process outlined in the GRPS COVID-19 Handbook located at www.grps.org/coronavirus.
STARTING MONDAY, APRIL 26, all students in grades K through 8, in Cohorts A and B, will now attend in-person on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Wednesday will still be 100% virtual/asynchronous for all students.
Classrooms will be reconfigured for a least 3 feet social distancing in accordance with CDC and Kent County Health Department guidelines. All other safety and mitigation measures will remain the same.
Due to staffing and logistical issues, we are not able to maintain the 2-day in-person hybrid instructional option for K-8 families who want to remain in the current hybrid configuration. Therefore, parents who do not want 4 days of in-person instruction will have to notify the school and their student will be placed in the 100% virtual instructional model for the remainder of the school year.
GRPS Hybrid In-Person Expansion to 4 Days per Week (M, T, Th, Fri)
This expansion is for all students currently in the hybrid in-person model in grades K through 8 regardless of the school’s grade level configuration.
Below is a complete list of all GRPS schools and the grade levels:
-
C.A. Frost Environmental Science Academy: Grades K-8 only
-
City High Middle/CFE: Grades 6-8 only
-
Grand Rapids Montessori: Grades K-8 only
-
Grand Rapids Public Museum School: Grades 6-8 only
-
Grand Rapids University Prep Academy: Grades 6-8 only
-
Southwest Community Campus: Grades K-8 only
Virtual students will remain virtual; however, exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances only, subject to the capacity, class size, scheduling, and final approval of the principal and executive director. Please contact the school directly about this option.
Please note this change does NOT apply to students in preschool, Early Childhood Special Education, or grades 9-12. All students in preschool, Early Childhood Special Education, and grades 9-12 will remain on the current 2-day hybrid in-person instructional model or the 100% virtual model.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact your student’s school directly.
FAQs
My child attends a building that also has high school students. How does this change affect my child?
The GRPS hybrid in-person expansion to four (4) days per week (M, T, Th, Fr) is for ALL students currently in the hybrid in-person model in grades K through 8, regardless of the school’s grade level configuration.
Schools with non-traditional grade level configurations include:
- CA Frost Environmental Science Academy: Grades K-8 only
City High Middle/CFE: Grades 6-8 only
Grand Rapids Montessori: Grades K-8 only
Grand Rapids Public Museum Middle School: Grades 6-8 only
Grand Rapids University Prep Academy: Grades 6-8 only
Southwest Community Campus: Grades K-8 only
My child will be leaving the state during spring break. What are the school guidelines for testing or quarantine?
You have two options. First, you can have your child tested for COVID-19 at any of the designated testing sites listed at www.grps.org/coronavirus. If your student tests negative, they may return to school. If they test positive, they must follow the instructions provided by the testing clinic and the GRPS COVID-10 Parent Handbook. If testing is not available or accessible, your student must quarantine for one week and cannot attend school in-person. Parents should contact your student’s teacher to inquire about virtual options for the week and check Google Classroom, Seesaw, or Schoology for assignments.
Why are preschool students not included in the in-person expansion?
We have removed preschool from our recommendation since there are only 18 days of school remaining in the preschool calendar. Students in preschool will remain in either the 2-day hybrid in-person model or the 100% virtual model.
Why are high school students not included in the in-person expansion?
We have recommended that grades 9-12 remain in the current configuration due to capacity-related issues with meeting the 6’ social distancing. While we will continue to seek guidance from Kent County Health Department on potential expansion of in-person instruction in grades 9-12, we plan to develop safe opportunities to celebrate seniors with activities like prom, class meetings, senior events, and more with proper mitigation strategies. Students in grades 9-12 will remain in either the 2-day hybrid in-person model or the 100% virtual model.
Will ECSE students remain in the 2-day hybrid in-person model?
Students in ECSE will remain in either the 2-day hybrid in-person model or the 100% virtual model.
Are 100% virtual students able to switch to attend the four day in-person option?
Virtual students will remain virtual; however, we will accommodate requests as best we can based on capacity, class size, scheduling, staffing, and final approval by the principal and executive director. Parents should contact the school directly if they wish to request a switch to in-person. For schools that have a waiting list of parents who requested a change in January or February, priority selection will be given to those students. If there are more students on the waiting list than available seats, a random lottery will be conducted. For schools that do not have a waiting list, selections will be made on a first come, first served basis. Priority will be given to existing GRPS students. If there are more students on the waiting list than seats available, a random lottery will be conducted.
Are current hybrid students who now attend 2-days in person able to stay on that same schedule?
Due to staffing and logistical issues, we are not able to maintain the 2-day in-person option for K-8 families who want to remain in the current hybrid configuration. Therefore, parents who do not want 4 days of in-person instruction, would have to move to virtual instruction.
How does this change affect LOOP programming?
LOOP will begin in-person programming on Monday, April 26. The following LOOP programs will remain virtual until additional staff is in place:
- Aberdeen School
- Buchanan Elementary
- Burton Elementary
- East Leonard Elementary
- Gerald R. Ford Academic Center
- Shawmut Hills
Will all staff members be fully vaccinated by the time this change is implemented?
We are encouraging all staff to be vaccinated; however, it is not mandatory. Nearly 1,400 of our 1,880 staff members have received at least the first dose. However, the federal, state, and county health experts have clearly stated that the number of staff with vaccines is not a determinant factor in returning to in person education.
Will buildings have updated ventilation systems to meet CDC guidelines?
Prior to launching the hybrid in-person instructional model, we conducted an independent audit of our ventilation systems. As a result, adjustments were made and/or portable ventilation systems were installed based on the report. WE will continue to take recommended measures as needed.
Is the district installing desk dividers for students?
For classroom set up, we are following guidance from the CDC, state, and county health officials. School leaders are working with facilities, operations, and supply staff to ensure classrooms are set up for 3’ social distancing and/or to arrange for alternative space to comply with mitigation measures. We are continuing to comply with our COVID-19 Exposure Control and Preparedness Plan and advice that we receive from the Kent County Health Department.
What additional safety measures will be implemented to meet all of the CDC protocols?
No. Additional safety measures are required as we are implementing all the required mitigation measures.
Will Wednesdays still be used for cleaning buildings?
Yes. Wednesdays will be used to sanitize and clean buildings.
Are students required to wear uniforms?
Yes. Students are still required to wear uniforms for the remainder of the school year.
How will this affect transportation?
We will be adjusting transportation and bus schedules accordingly.
What are the safety precautions for lunch?
Each school has determined what works best for their school by implementing lunch schedules and using their gym/cafeteria to accommodate all students. We will continue to comply with the amount of social distancing recommended by the Kent County Health Department.
What if I need a device or fix my device? What if I still need internet (WiFi)?
To obtain a device or internet services, please contact your school directly for assistance.
