Holland Public Schools Establishes COVID 19 Safety Protocols for New School Year

HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – COVID 19 health protocols have been put into place at Holland Public Schools for the upcoming Academic 2022 year.

During the monthly Board of Education meeting on Monday (Aug. 16, 2021), the district unveiled its efforts “we can put in place that will help keep our students healthy and in school,” said Communications Director Jason Craner in a statement. “These protocols were put in place after hearing the latest information, guidelines, and strong recommendations from local and state public health officials.”

When classes start on August 24^th:

• Holland Public Schools will encourage everyone who can to receive a COVID vaccination.
• A face covering will be required for all staff/students/visitors when inside an HPS building and while riding an HPS bus/transportation regardless of vaccination status.
• Meals will be eaten in classrooms OR in cafeterias with assigned seating.
• Social distancing of 6-feet will be encouraged when possible.
• Playground cohorting practices will continue this year.
• Proper hand-washing and sanitizing will be encouraged by staff.
• Self-screening for symptoms will be required for anyone entering an HPS building.
• Anyone showing symptoms will be encouraged to get tested for COVID 19 and asked not to return to school until symptoms have improved and remain fever free for 24-hours.
• In the event of a student/staff positive test result, close contacts will be notified and asked to quarantine IF they are experiencing symptoms.
• A quarantine will be ordered in the event of a COVID outbreak (defined astwo or more associated cases in one setting).
• Volunteers and visitors are encouraged to be vaccinated and will be required to follow district guidelines in HPS buildings.
• Field trips will be limited until further notice.
• Participants and fans will follow the requirements of the Michigan High School Athletic Association for Indoor Athletic events at HPS facilities (practices and competitions).

The new requirements will be in effect immediately, including Open House events in each school building next Monday (Aug. 23) from 4 to 6 PM.

“Our hope is that we will be able to take the masks off soon,” Superintendent Shanie Keelean said in a district statement, although no timetable for when that “soon” will come was immediately established.