Dear Paw Paw Families,
Below is a link to the Paw Paw Public Schools' Back to School Plan. Much of the information in this document has been shared previously, but please read it over so that you are clear regarding essential information regarding the 2020-21 school year.
One VERY important piece of information included in the Return to School Plan is the description of our new protocols regarding facial coverings. It is extremely important that all families understand that we cannot relax the facial coverings requirements. Again, PLEASE READ THE DOCUMENT so that you are clear regarding these requirements. Facial coverings are not optional; they are required. Those who cannot "medically tolerate" a facial covering and provide the required documentation will be accommodated in some way, but beyond that, there will not be exceptions. Those who prefer that their child not wear a facial covering have the option to enroll their child in the Home eLearning Platform by completing the registration form (below). We ask that Home eLearning Platform registrations be completed by Friday, August 14 in order to allow adequate time for the district to obtain licenses for all students, enroll them in courses, and provide them with the needed information to get started.
I want to make sure that all of our parents understand that our building administrators will not have time to engage in arguments regarding facial coverings. The use of facial coverings is recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department because of their effectiveness in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, our facial coverings guidelines are mandated by Michigan Executive Order 2020-142. School administrators have no authority to override these mandates, so engaging them in such conversation will not be productive. Families who refuse to have their children wear facial coverings should enroll them in our online program until the facial covering requirements are lifted.
In advance, we thank you for your understanding and support. While this is a difficult time for all, we are committed to making the very best out of a tough situation. It has been 5 months since students have been in school, and we are really looking forward to having them back in our buildings! Our new protocols will take some adjusting to, but we are confident that everyone who is willing to try can adapt quickly.
Home eLearning Registration Form
Sincerely,
Rick Reo
Superintendent