Message from the Superintendent - Masks Required on Busses
Posted on 09/05/2021
Dear MAPS Families,
Our first two days in school last week were a breath of fresh air and I am so pleased to see our students back in class.
Walking the halls, I observed many students wearing masks and also others respectfully choosing not to. The mutual respect and consideration shown by everyone assures me that together we will navigate the present challenges we’re facing. The partnership between our staff and families provides the foundation needed to continue building on MAPS legacy of safety and trust.
A quick update: MAPS will continue to strongly recommend masking while in school, however, it has become evident that our school busses should be an exception. Based on the January 29, 2021 order from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Department of Education’s COVID-19 handbook which states “passengers and drivers must wear a mask on school buses, including on buses operated by public and private school systems” and subsequent guidance from Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Thrun Law Firm and SET SEG (MAPS insurance provider) effective Tuesday, September 7, 2021, MAPS will be requiring facial coverings to be worn by preK-12 students, staff, and bus drivers during school transportation. Any staff or student that is unable to medically tolerate a facial covering must not wear one. Individuals who claim medical exemption will need to provide rationale and documentation Student Face Covering Medical Exemption Request. Any staff or student that is incapacitated or unable to remove the facial covering without assistance, must not wear one. Facial coverings may be homemade or disposable level-one (basic) grade surgical masks. It is our hope that this measure will provide a safer environment for students traveling to and from school while also helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Thank you for your support and understanding.
Sincerely,
Zack Sedgwick,
Interim Superintendent
Marquette Area Public Schools