August 17, 2021
Dear Columbia School District Family,
This document is intended to assist you as you begin school this fall. This will clearly communicate our plans as of today, which may change by law or lawful order. Athletics will follow 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 on the following link for the 2021 – 2022 Columbia District Calendar.
Are facemasks required at school?
No. Face masks are recommended, but are not required for staff and students during school or school events.
Are facemasks required on school busses?
Yes. Masks will be required on school busses due to the requirement for masking on public transportation systems. This requirement is a mandate from the CDC.
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 students and staff members be quarantined?
Unvaccinated Individuals are asked to quarantine if they have been in close contact with someone that has COVID-19. Those vaccinated and exposed to someone with COVID, who do not have symptoms, do not have to quarantine, but should wear a mask in public for 14 days and get tested 3-5 days after exposure. For more information, please click to access the JCHD document.
What will sanitizing practices look like this school year?
Columbia will continue to be committed to high level disinfection practices, which will include providing hand sanitizer for each classroom. Columbia custodial staff members will continue to use antibacterial and antiviral products to disinfect commonly touched surfaces.
Will students or staff members be required to have the COVID-19 vaccination in order to work at or attend Columbia School District?
No. There will be no requirement for COVID-19 vaccines. The Jackson County Health Department and Henry Ford Allegiance recommends that eligible individuals be vaccinated. Video from Dr. Keteyian about the vaccine.
Will students be separated or cohorted by vaccination status?
No. Vaccination is a personal decision and all Columbia students will be together as normal.
Will student athletes be required to test for COVID-19 in order to participate in athletics?
No. At this time, MDHSS and MHSAA have lifted all requirements for COVID testing.
Times for Columbia Buildings:
Columbia Central Jr. Sr. High School
- Doors open 7:20 am
- School starts 7:45 am
- School is out full day 2:35 pm
- School is out half day 10:57 am
COHS
- Doors open -- 7:30 a.m.
- School starts-- 8:00 a.m.
- School is dismissed full day --2:25 p.m.
- School is dismissed half day -- 10:45 a.m.
CUES
- Doors open 7:45 am
- School starts 7:55 am
- School is dismissed full day 2:55 pm
- School is dismissed half day 11:20 am
CES
- Doors open 7:45 am
- School starts 7:55 am
- School is dismissed full day 2:55 pm
- School is dismissed half day 11:20 am
We are excited to have our Columbia School District students return for an amazing school year! We are positive that our students will benefit from the excellent educational environment at Columbia! It is a great day to be a Golden Eagle!
Sincerely,
Pamela Campbell
Superintendent
Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow!