December 7, 2020
Dear Bedford Public Schools Parents/Guardians,
Earlier today in an afternoon press conference, MDHHS Director Robert Gordon extended the order limiting gatherings in the State of Michigan until Sunday, December 20 at 11:59 PM by issuing a new
Emergency Order under the
Michigan Public Health Code (MCL 333.2253). Under the new order, all in-person learning activities for students in grades 9-12 remain suspended. Districts may continue to educate high school students through remote/virtual learning. In addition, the order prohibits extra-curricular events for all students’ grades K-12 including athletics, arts, school clubs, etc. While the order limits extra-curricular activities for grades PreK-8, the new order continues to leave the decision about in-person PreK-8 instruction to the local district and health department.
As you are aware, Bedford Public Schools will remain fully remote preK-12 through the next scheduled Board of Education Meeting on January 7, 2021 based on current township level data and Monroe County Health Department collaboration.
As with the current three-week order, we've been told that data will continuously be evaluated to determine if these new restrictions will remain in effect after the December 20, 2020 scheduled end date. Gov. Whitmer shared that reopening will be based on
three metrics. Specifically, the department will be looking closely at the percentage of hospital beds with COVID patients, the number of COVID-19 cases, and the positivity rate. With improvements in those numbers in context, MDHHS will reopen some sectors of the economy, with in-person learning at high schools a priority.
BPS will continue to update our families and staff regarding any significant changes in local data or learning plans as necessary. I know that many of our families are under a high level of stress and that a number of our students are in a fragile state without the normal wrap-around support that being inside of our school buildings often provides. The district is working to identify needed supports that can assist families and students who are struggling the most at all levels. Please look for further communication from building principals and district staff regarding these additional opportunities. In the meantime, I ask that you continue to communicate concerns and needs to your child’s teacher(s), counselors, and building administrators.
Thank you all for your support and patience and I wish you a safe and well few weeks leading up to the holiday season.
Sincerely,
Dr. Carl Shultz
Superintendent, Bedford Public Schools