A Message from the Office of Schools
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July 5, 2020
Dear School Communities:
I am sure most of you are aware that Governor Whitmer released "MI Safe Schools: Michigan's 2020-21 Return to School Roadmap" on Tuesday, June 30. While all 21 of our Catholic schools were already busy putting into place their individual plans for the return to school, this roadmap provides us further guidance on the requirements and recommendations of the state government which will allow our students to return to school this fall.
Diocesan school administrators all met with the Office of Schools on Wednesday, July 1 to review the guidelines. It is our intention as a diocese to follow mandates that were outlined in the document as they pertain to the various levels. Overall, recommendations will be local-level decisions. The Office of Schools is reviewing some areas of concern with our lawyers to see if we need to be mandating any of the recommendations; if that is the case, we will communicate that information to you as soon as possible. It is our intention to allow items outlined as recommendations to be handled at the local school level in conjunction with their local public health officials.
All schools in the state must submit their plans for review to the state by August 17. Our office is collecting and reviewing all finalized "Return to School Plans" by August 1 for our initial review and then to send on to the State of Michigan.
We will continue to work in partnership with our 21 schools to ensure that our students, teachers, and staff can all return to school this year in a safe and secure environment. As always, we will keep you informed of any overarching decisions and you local school will update you on their individual plans. If you have any questions or concerns don't hesitate to reach out to me.
Happy 4th of July. Enjoy the holiday weekend.
Sincerely,
Margaret Erich
Superintendent of Schools - Diocese of Kalamazoo
