COVID-19 Updates
Information is changing frequently, please check back often for updates.
Thank you for your cooperation, understanding and patience as we work collaboratively to address the unprecedented response to COVID-19.
IMPORTANT UPDATE AS OF NOVEMBER 16, 2020 - No School on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 for all students and GPS Elementary Schools will move to distance learning starting Thursday, November 19, 2020.
Greenville Public Schools has made the very difficult decision that effective Thursday, November 19, 2020 we will transition the elementary in-person instruction students to distance learning and extend the secondary (middle school & high school students) distance learning through Friday, January 8, 2021. Please note NO SCHOOL on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 for ALL students.
All GPS schools will plan on resuming in-person instruction on Monday, January 11, 2021. CLICK HERE for Superintendent Van Houten's communication.
Reporting:
The below weekly dashboard will be updated within 24 hours after the district receives notification of a confirmed or probable COVID-19 case.
"School Associated Case" means a case of probable or confirmed COVID-19 amongst students, teachers, staff members, coaches, volunteers or any other person who was present on school property or at a school function under circumstances that may result in the transmission or contraction or COVID-19 during their infectious period.
Previous Weekly Reporting Dashboards:
Week of January 10-January 16, 2021
Week of January 3-January 9, 2021
During the week of December 27, 2020 - January 2, 2021, the district did not receive any notifications of confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases.
Week of December 20-December 26, 2020
Week of December 13-December 19, 2020
Week of December 6-December 12, 2020
Week of November 29-December 5, 2020
Week of November 22-November 28, 2020
Week of November 15 - November 21, 2020
Week of November 8 - November 14, 2020
Week of November 1 - November 7, 2020
Week of October 25 - October 31, 2020
Week of October 18 - October 24, 2020
Week of October 11 - October 17, 2020
During the weeks of September 13 - October 10, 2020, the district did not receive any notifications of confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases.
Week of September 6 - September 12, 2020
Week of August 30 - September 5, 2020
Safety Tips:
- Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Watch the video below for more information on when to keep your child home.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes, then dispose of the tissue. When a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces or objects. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.
- Wash hands for 20 seconds. Washing hands often under clean, running water can help prevent the spread of germs. If you cannot wash your hands, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60-95% alcohol. As always, encourage your child to practice hand hygiene at home and school.
Superintendent's Communication (District-Wide)
Below are letters that have been emailed to district parents regarding COVID-19 updates. We are continuing to communicate information as quickly as possible.
Parent Letter - January 6, 2021
Parent Letter - January 2, 2021
Parent Letter - December 18, 2020
Parent Letter - December 7, 2020
Parent Letter - November 16, 2020 - Important COVID-19 Update
Parent Letter - November 6, 2020 - Secondary students return to distance learning on 11/9/20
Parent Letter - October 19, 2020
Parent Letter - October 16, 2020 - Important Information
Parent Letter - October 16, 2020 - GPS Update & Celebrations
Parent Letter - October 4, 2020
Parent Letter - September 30, 2020 - GPS Flu Shot Clinic Update (Free flu shots for students)
Parent Letter - September 24, 2020 - GPS Flu Shot Clinic Information
Parent Letter - September 17, 2020
Parent Letter - August 11, 2020 - Welcome to the GPS 2020-21 School Year
Parent Letter - August 4, 2020 - Technology Needs Survey
Parent Letter - July 31, 2020 - Important Back to School Info 2020-21
Parent Letter - July 29, 2020 - Return to Learn 2020-2021
Parent Letter - July 16, 2020 (includes Transportation Survey Link)
Back to School Safely 2020 - June 27, 2020- A message from the Montcalm County School Superintendents Network
Parent Letter - June 25, 2020 / Parent Survey Results
Parent Letter - June 5, 2020 (includes link to Parent Survey)
Parent Letter - April 27, 2020 (sent at approximately 2:00pm)
Parent Letter - April 17, 2020 (sent April 16 at approximately 10pm)
Parent Letter - April 10, 2020 (sent at approximately 12pm)
Parent Letter - April 6, 2020 (sent at approximately 12pm)
Includes GPS Parent FAQ Regarding School Closure document
Parent Letter - April 2, 2020 (sent at approximately 10:30am)
Parent Letter - March 26, 2020 (sent at approximately 6:30pm)
Parent Letter - March 23, 2020 (sent at approximately 5:00pm)
Parent Letter - March 21, 2020 (sent at approximately 3:00pm)
Includes some updated information on the COVID-19 Communications & Support FAQ document
Parent Letter - March 20, 2020 (sent at approximately 12:00pm)
Includes the original COVID-19 Communications & Support FAQ document
Parent Letter - March 16, 2020 (sent at approximately 11:00am)
Parent Letter - March 13, 2020 (sent at approximately 1:30pm)
Parent Letter - March 13, 2020 (sent at approximately 7:00am)
Parent Letter - March 12, 2020 (sent at approximately 10:00pm)
Montcalm Area Intermediate School District Superintendents Joint Letter (attached to GPS Parent Letter sent on March 12, 2020)
Parent Letter - March 11, 2020 (sent at approximately 3:00pm)
Parent Letter - March 11, 2020 (sent at approximately 12:30pm)
Parent Letter - February 28, 2020 (sent at approximately 11:30am)
Parent Letter - February 3, 2020 (sent at approximately 11:45am)
Meal & Food Distribution Information
2020-2021 GPS Meal Information
As of November 16, 2020, Greenville Public Schools has made the very difficult decision that effective Thursday, November 19, 2020 we will transition the elementary in-person instruction students to distance learning and extend the secondary (middle school & high school students) distance learning through Friday, January 8, 2021. All GPS schools will plan on resuming in-person instruction on Monday, January 11, 2021.
The GPS Food & Nutrition Department will continue to provide meals (for 2020-2021 GPS District Calendar scheduled school days) for all students utilizing a curbside pick up at the Greenville High School. For more information, please please view the GPS Food & Nutrition Department webpage.
Additional Resources
Bridge Card Benefits & Double Up Food Bucks
The State of Michigan has received authorization to provide all students who receive free or reduced meals at schools to receive Bridge Card/SNAP food benefits from March through June as they are not receiving nourishing meals at school. Each eligible student should receive $193.80 for March and April and $182.40 for May and June for a total of $376 per student. With the additional great value of using Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB), families will be able to afford up to $752 healthy food for each eligible students. For Double Up Food Bucks Markets, please visit www.westmichiganfarmmarkets.org.
Food Pantries in Montcalm County Brochure
United Way Montcalm-Ionia Counties is scheduling Feeding America food trucks at several locations within the two counties. As of today (3/19) for Greenville, they will be hosting a mobile food bank in the Greenville High School parking lot (111 N. Hillcrest St., Greenville) every week beginning Monday, March 23 and continuing each Monday through April 27 (6 weeks total). Food distribution will begin at 3 PM and continue until it's gone. Registration is quick and simple and you don’t even need to get out of your car. Check out the link to their website to view a schedule, be sure to check back regularly as more trucks are added.
GPS Extended COVID-19 Learning Plan
Greenville Public Schools' Extended COVID-19 Learning Plan was approved on Monday, September 28, 2020 by the Greenville Board of Education.
GPS Extended COVID-19 Learning Plan - Revised 12/14/2020
GPS Extended COVID-19 Learning Plan - Goal Reporting
GPS MIOSHA COVID-19 Preparedness & Response Plan
Board Policy 8450.05 - Emergency Temporary Telecommuting Policy (ETTP)
Board of Education approved during a Special Meeting held on December 7, 2020
GPS Extended COVID-19 Learning Plan - Reconfirmation Meeting Document (October 2020)
GPS Extended COVID-19 Learning Plan - Reconfirmation Meeting Document (November 2020)
GPS Extended COVID-19 Learning Plan - Reconfirmation Meeting Document (December 2020)
GPS Extended COVID-19 Learning Plan - Reconfirmation Meeting Document (January 2021)
GPS COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan
Greenville Public Schools' COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan was approved by the Greenville Board of Education on August 10, 2020. Please click the link below for the detailed plan.
GPS COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan
The following documents support this plan:
Highlights of the GPS COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan - protocols for cleaning, screening, transportation and more
GPS Return to Learn 2020-2021 Infographic - a quick look at what to expect during Phases 1-3, 4 & 5
GPS Return to Learn - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD) COVID-19 Process School Handout
Social Emotional Support
The last few months have been hard on us as adults, but maybe even more so on our children. They have different levels of understanding of COVID-19 and different fears and worries. They also have been isolated from friends and family and missed out on the routine of going to school. This has all been very stressful and may be weighing on their minds more than we know, leading to mental health concerns.
In accordance with the Michigan Return to School Roadmap, it was recommended for schools to offer a screener for students to assess their mental health needs. Below you will find a self-screener for your child, provided by Montcalm Care Network, for you to screen your child for symptoms of depression. It is your choice to complete this screener. It is recommended that if the score is higher than a 15, you reach out to your medical doctor for a check up and/or seek additional assistance. Below you will also find some local counseling agencies that may be able to help.
GPS Mental Health Self-Screener
Montcalm County Community Resources
As always, Greenville Public Schools and Montcalm Care Network look forward to working with you to meet the needs of your children. Please call us if you need assistance or have questions.
Do you need social, emotional, and/or mental health support? Please complete the form for your student's building below to have a social worker or counselor from your student's building contact you. If you have multiple students in multiple buildings, you only need to fill out one form and needs will be communicated and supports will be coordinated.
Baldwin Heights Elementary
Cedar Crest Elementary
Lincoln Heights Elementary
Walnut Hills Elementary
Greenville Middle School
Greenville High School
Social & Emotional Resources for GPS Elementary Students
Social & Emotional Resources for GPS Secondary (middle & high school) Students
Student Technology
Are you having an issue with your district-issued device(s)?
Please contact your teacher. Your teacher will contact the Technology Department if additional support is needed.
Troubleshooting -
If you are experiencing an issue with your district-issued hot spot, usually, shutting it down, restarting and moving to a different location within the home will work.
Educational Videos
Resources
Greenville Public Schools urges families to follow the guidelines and restrictions provided by Governor Whitmer, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Information is changing frequently, please visit the links below for up to date COVID-19 information and resources.
State of Michigan Website: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus
CDC Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
World Health Organization Website: https://www.who.int/
Spectrum Health Website: https://www.spectrumhealth.org/covid19
Montcalm Area Intermediate School District (MAISD) Website: https://www.maisd.com/about/school-closing-information-and-resources/
Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mde/
United Way Montcalm - Ionia Counties Website: https://www.liveunitedm-i.org/covid-19-pandemic-response
Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD) Website: https://www.mmdhd.org/
Mid-Michigan District Health Department FAQ: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdhhs/2019-nCoV_Web_FAQ_Final_02.07.20_680693_7.pdf
Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/
Resource Documents:
MDHHS Epidemic Order - January 13, 2021 Fact Sheet
MDHHS - Celebrating the Holidays During COVID-19
MDHHS - Traveling for the Holidays During COVID-19
November 13, 2020 - Urgent COVID-19 Collaboration Memorandum (from Spectrum Health, MMDHD & Sheridan Community Hospital)
COVID-19: Quarantine vs. Isolation (from CDC)
Resource List - The Right Door
Covid-19 Dental Directory
Teen & Young Adult - Staying Socially Connected While Keeping a Safe Distance
Sticking to a Schedule
Raising Healthy Teens
2-1-1 is also the number to call if you would like to VOLUNTEER for your local United Way organization. Please call to register and they will get the information to the local United Way organization.
Teacher & Support Staff COVID-19 Hazard Pay
The Michigan Department of Treasury recently released details regarding hazard pay for teachers and school support staff. Public Act 166 of 2020 calls for a one-time $500.00 hazard pay to be paid out to eligible teaching staff and a one-time $250.00 hazard pay to be paid out to eligible school support staff.
Timeline:
- On November 9, 2020 – The district will notify all identified eligible classroom teachers and support staff via email, and provide the Teacher and School Support Staff COVID-19 Grants Certification Form 5734
- If you do not receive an email notification, and you feel that you meet the eligibility requirements, you have until December 4, 2020 to appeal, in writing, to Lisa Steed at steedl@gpsmi.us
- Eligible grant recipients must return the Teacher and School Support Staff COVID-19 Grants Certification Form 5734 by December 4, 2020. Forms must be received by December 4, 2020. Incomplete forms will not be processed.
- By December 16, 2020 – The district will submit a final eligibility list to the Michigan Department of Treasury.
- February 25, 2021 – Distribution of checks from the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Teachers will need to certify the following eligibility requirements:
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Prior to the issuance of executive order 2020-35, the teacher performed at least 75% of their standard instructional workload in a brick and mortar classroom at the district.
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After issuance of executive order 2020-35, the teacher developed tools and methods to deliver distance learning, as described in the district's continuity of learning plan.
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The teacher certifies to the district, via the Form 5734, that he or she worked additional time spent outside of normal working hours, experienced hazardous conditions, or incurred additional costs related to ensuring students could effectively participate in the district's continuity of learning plan.
School support staff will need to certify the following eligibility requirements:
- Prior to the issuance of executive order No. 2020-35, the school support staff (a K-12 full-time or part-time paraprofessional, aide, or non-instructional staff) performed at least 75% of their workload in a brick and mortar school building at a district.
- Meets the school support staff statutory requirements to receive grant funding.
The Michigan Department of Treasury has compiled a Support Staff Eligibility FAQ.
- The school support staff certifies to the District, via the Form 5734, that he or she worked additional time spent outside of normal working hours, experienced hazardous conditions, or incurred additional costs related to providing student services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Upon reviewing each submitted Form 5734, if the district determines that you do not meet the eligibility requirements released by the Michigan Department of Treasury you will be notified via email. If you feel this was done in error, you may submit your written appeal to Lisa Steed at steedl@gpsmi.us. This written appeal must be received by December 9, 2020.
Helpful Links:
Michigan Department of Treasury Teacher and School Support Staff COVID-19 Grants Information
Teacher and School Support Staff COVID-19 Grants Certification Form
ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES ARE ACCEPTABLE
During these tough times, Greenville Public Schools would like students and families to remember that we are here for you every step of the way. Special thanks to Jay Ortega for all his hard work to make this project come to fruition!