9/14/2020
Dear Cros-Lex Families:
As we begin week two of the 2020-21 school year, I am happy to share that we have had a very positive start, especially considering all the changes we have made. Every beginning to the school year brings a mixture of challenges and excitement as we all settle into a routine and make adjustments to back to school schedules. Without question, the COVID-19 pandemic certainly has added to the complexity of our lives, but our return to school for both face-to-face, and virtual learning that our students are doing, brings back a much needed sense of normalcy.
I would like to commend all of our students in face-to-face instruction for their dedication to learning and for following all of the safety protocols. Also, I commend the virtual students for taking responsibility and the ownership needed to start out the new school year with a positive attitude that will need to be sustained as the virtual learning environment continues to grow each day. I am encouraged that we will gain positive momentum as we continue to support the learning option you have selected for your child.
One of the most rewarding experiences over the first week of school included observing the incredible efforts by our administrators, teachers, custodians, bus drivers, maintenance / grounds, food service, and support staff prepare for the new school year, and to welcome back our students for the first time since the forced shutdown last March.
Our Cros-Lex staff is still working through the challenges associated with new learning platforms, safety protocols, and changes that are unprecedented, but I am humbled to confirm that our dedicated and committed staff are working very hard to ensure every student's success. We are making great progress.
I also want to share with you that the return to school over the past week has brought us closer to the realization that COVID-19 can make its way into our schools. Monday evening I was informed by a Sanilac County Health Department official who is working with the St. Clair County Health Department, that there was a positive COVID-19 case that our girls varsity volleyball players were exposed to over the weekend in a nearby tournament. According to both county health departments any players who participated in the game are required to self-quarantine for 14 days and monitor for symptoms. Any secondary contacts who were present at the games do not have to quarantine, but should monitor for symptoms.
Also, on Monday we were made aware of a confirmed COVID-19 case in one of our student families homes. According to the Sanilac County Health Department, the student is considered to have secondary exposure and required to quarantine. We can confirm that neither of these separately reported cases have been contracted in our schools. These incidents are taken very seriously, and we will continue to work directly with the Sanilac County Health Department to ensure every effort is made to keep our students and staff healthy and safe.
The following information is important for all of us to follow and will assist in helping keep us healthy and safe.
Daily at Home Health Screening: Please be sure to monitor your children and all members of your household for the symptoms of COVID-19. Please conduct an at home screening of your children every day before they come to school, including temperature screening. If there are any suspected symptoms please keep your child home and contact your school office. Additionally, please communicate with your healthcare provider. It is important that if you have suspected or confirmed cases in your household that you contact your school office to inform them. Also, your school age children attending face-to-face learning need to stay home and quarantine according to the county health department guidelines.
Systems of Support: Health Department and school officials will contact any student and/or staff member who were believed to be exposed to a person with contagious disease to see if they become sick.are asked to quarantine. If you are not contacted by either the health department and a school official then we do not have reason to believe your child has been exposed to the virus.
Below are links and resources to assist families when facing COVID-19 related matters.
Click HERE for guidance from the CDC on how to manage self-quarantine .
County COVID-19 Hotline to assist families.
COVID - 19 Return to School Toolkit
Sanilac County Department COVID-19 Hotline: (810) 270-5889
I am thankful to all of our students, parents and community members for your full commitment to assist us in having a healthy and successful school year, and for your continued support of the Cros-Lex School District.
Go Pioneers!
Daniel Gilbertson
Superintendent