Logos from Marshall County schools and the County Health Department

Marshall County Families,

 The Marshall County public school systems are preparing to welcome your children back to school for the 2020-21 school year.  The Marshall County superintendents have been collaborating with each other, as well as with the Marshall County Health Department and Saint Joseph Health System over the past several weeks. According to Governor Holcomb’s Executive Order, schools are permitted and encouraged to resume for the 2020-21 school year.  Additionally, the Indiana Department of Education in cooperation with the Indiana State Department of Health and the Family and Social Services Administration released guidelines for the reopening of schools.  With this information and through the collaboration with county health officials, the following information is being communicated as it relates to the start of the upcoming school year.

  • There are no changes to school calendars. Each district will be starting on their scheduled start date.
  • Each student/family and staff member will be expected to self-screen at home for symptoms of COVID-19.  If individuals are sick, then they should not come to school. 
  • Students and staff shall be fever free for 72 hours (without the use of medication) before returning to school; If the fever is related to a positive case of COVID-19, the positive individual is required to stay home for a period of 14 days.
  • If a staff member or student has an immediate family or household member that is COVID-19 positive, that staff member or student’s parent or guardian must notify the school and self-isolate for 14 days.
  • Discontinue perfect attendance awards and incentives.
  • Each district will require staff and students to have a mask with them.  There will be certain situations, including on a school bus and some in-school settings, when wearing a mask will be required for both students and staff, especially where social distancing is not possible.
  • Instructional space and daily schedules will be maximized in order to promote appropriate distancing.
  • Schools will utilize proven cleaning products and procedures to ensure a healthy and clean environment.
  • Frequent hand washing and hand sanitizing will be promoted throughout each day.
  • Allow the use of water fountains for bottle or cup refills only.
  • Adjust cafeteria schedules and procedures to maximize spaces and adhere to safety guidelines.
  • Identify a separate space in school clinics to respond to symptomatic students.
  • Greater restrictions on visitors and guests in our school buildings.

Additionally, in cooperation with the Marshall County Health Department, our schools will have a common response to confirmed cases of COVID-19.  Each case will be handled on an individual basis with the goal of keeping schools open. 

Please remember that some of our students are cared for by family members that fall into a higher risk category so we need to do our best to prevent transmission amongst students and staff in order to protect their family members at home.

The public schools of Marshall County value the partnerships that exist with our families and communities.  This partnership moving forward will be essential for our students’ success and for a safe and healthy school environment. 

Sincerely,