RETURN TO SCHOOL UPDATE
JUNE 30, 2021
Dear Columbia School District Family,
This document is intended to assist you in your planning for the fall of 2021. This will clearly communicate our plans as of today which may change by law or lawful order. Athletics will follow the rules set forth by the MHSAA.
What will Columbia’s instruction look like for the 2021-2022 school year?
We will be holding in person instruction five days a week for all PK-12th grade students.
Will there be an online/virtual option?
Yes. Virtual instruction will be provided through the Columbia Virtual Academy for Kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information or to register please email Lisa.Klink@myeagles.org or call (517) 592-6641.
When does school start?
The first half day of school will be Wednesday, August 25th. Click the following link for the 2021 - 2022 Columbia District Calendar.
Are facemasks required at school?
No. Face masks will be optional for staff and students during school or school events. However, the District will no longer provide masks.
Will students be required to have the COVID-19 vaccination in order to attend Columbia School District?
No. There will be no requirement for COVID-19 vaccines.
Will students be separated or cohorted by vaccination status?
No. Vaccination is a personal decision and all Columbia students will be together as normal.
What about playgrounds, cafeterias, and classrooms? Will students be cohorted or required to social distance?
No. These orders have expired and we are returning to pre-pandemic practices.
What will sanitizing practices look like this school year?
We will continue to be committed to high level disinfection practices, which will include providing hand sanitizer for staff and students. Columbia custodial staff members will continue to use antibacterial and antiviral products to disinfect commonly touched surfaces.
Will contact tracing continue?
Schools are required to report communicable diseases to their local health department, therefore, positive cases will be reported to the Jackson County Health Department.
Will Columbia quarantine students who have been exposed to COVID-19?
No. Any quarantine restrictions will come from your local health department, which depends on your county of residency. Columbia School District will no longer be quarantining exposed individuals.
Will student athletes be required to test for COVID-19 in order to participate in athletics?
No. MDHHS and MHSAA lifted all requirements for Covid testing as of June 22, 2021.
We are excited to have our Columbia School District students return for a great school year! Enjoy your summer!
Sincerely,
Pamela Campbell