KENTWOOD, Mich. — Kentwood Public Schools will be moving to all-remote learning starting Tuesday through at least Dec. 1.
A new order from the state requires only high schools and colleges to close, but the Kent County Health Department recommended the district close all its schools.
KPS made the announcement in a letter to families Sunday evening.
The recommendation from the health department is based on the number of positive cases in the district, the number of staff and students in quarantine and the increasing difficulty for the district’s schools to staff in-person classes and provide bus transportation.
The district had previously gone 100% virtual for East Kentwood High School and the Freshman campus.
“This is a very hard decision and one we do not take lightly,” the letter said. “We know this will place many hardships on our students, families and staff but we must comply with this recommendation to keep all of us safe for the future. Please know that our school district will be there to support you with food, educational services, supplies and mental health services. You are not alone in this fight and we are here to help get through this like we always do, as a Kentwood family.”
The district says it will provide more communication regarding bus transportation, remote learning, food distribution and changes to athletic practices and competitions.
Read the full letter:
November 15, 2020
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students:
As you may have seen this evening, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a new mandate for the state of Michigan to help slow the COVID 19 epidemic. Included in this mandate is direction for all high schools to suspend in person learning until at least December 8. This would include East Kentwood High School 9-12 and Crossroads Alternative High School.
When learning of this new mandate, our Kentwood administration immediately began conversations with the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) in regards to in person learning for our Pre-K through 8th grade students. They have made the recommendation to move all of our Early Childhood, Kindergarten through 8th grade and after school ARCH Programs in Kentwood Public Schools to 100% remote/virtual learning starting Tuesday, November 17 through at least Tuesday, December 1. This recommendation is based on the number of positive cases in the district, the number of staff and students in quarantine and the increasing difficulty for our schools to staff in person classrooms and provide bus transportation. All KPS students currently in remote learning will continue with the same learning procedures as prior to the new mandate. Just a reminder, all GSRP students will receive their communication from the KISD.
This is a very hard decision and one we do not take lightly. We know this will place many hardships on our students, families and staff but we must comply with this recommendation to keep all of us safe for the future. Please know that our school district will be there to support you with food, educational services, supplies and mental health services. You are not alone in this fight and we are here to help get through this like we always do, as a Kentwood family.
You will receive will receive further communications tonight or tomorrow regarding the following topics:
- Bus transportation schedule for Monday, November 16. We are short quite a few bus drivers due to quarantine and this will affect the schedule tomorrow.
- Email communication from your child’s Principal regarding remote learning
- Food distribution schedule during remote learning
- The Athletic Department will communicate changes related to athletic practices and competitions
As a district, our goal is to provide our students and families with an in person learning option as soon as it is safe. It is important for us to continue to work together, whether in school or in the community, to keep each other safe and healthy. Together we will get through this.
Take care and stay safe,
Michael Zoerhoff
Superintendent
Kentwood Public Schools