RETURN TO LEARN 2021-2022 - As new information is received, this document will be updated - Northwest Community ...
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Northwest Community Schools
RETURN TO LEARN
2021-2022
As new information is received, this document will
be updated.
Rev. 8/11/21A Note from Mr. Bontrager
Greetings Mountie Nation,
As we continue to plan for the upcoming school year, we wanted to provide you with more information
on what NWCS is planning for the return to learn 2021-2022.
We are very happy and excited to offer an in-person or a virtual option to students for the upcoming
school year. COVID-19 brought many changes to our district. Many of these changes and new processes
will continue.
This document will provide parents, students and the community insight and details with specifics of
our return to learn. Please know that all decisions for our Mountie Nation are made with the best
intentions and considering all variables and aspects, including CDC, MDHHS and Jackson County
Health Department guidance.
This Friday, 8/13/21, I hope to gain further clarification, specifically regarding guidance for the
upcoming school year, when meeting with the Jackson County Superintendents Association and the
Jackson County Health Department. Please understand that things change quickly and that this
document is subject to change and will be updated and communicated as new details emerge.
Please take a moment to read the details presented. If you have any questions, please email
nw.media@nwschools.org. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding.
We are......Northwest
Go Mounties!!
Geoff Bontrager, Ed.S.
Superintendent
www.nwschools.org 517-817-4700Return to Learn 2021-22
General Information
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
August 25, 2021 - 1/2 Day for Students. CLICK HERE for our 2021-2022 NWCS calendar. You can also
download the NWCS mobile app from the APPLE or Google Play Store.
OPEN HOUSES
Open Houses will be in person this year! You can also check out our BUILDING 3D TOURS!
Northwest Early Elementary - 8/24/ 21 from 5:00 p.m. -6:30 p.m.
Northwest Elementary - 8/23/21 from 5:00 p.m. -6:30 p.m.
Northwest Kidder Middle School - 8/24/ 21 from 5:00 p.m. -6:30 p.m.
Northwest High School - 8/23/21 from 5:00 p.m. -6:30 p.m.
CLICK HERE for more information and times for the NWHS open house!
Northwest Connect- 8/23/21 from 5:00 p.m. -6:30 p.m.
**Teacher assignments will be available on the Parent PowerSchool Portal when schedules are
completed.
Face Masks
NWCS will follow CDC and MDHHS guidelines which recommends, but does not require, universal indoor
masking for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status. FACE
MASKS WILL BE A PERSONAL CHOICE.
**We anticipate further clarification on 8/13/21 from the State of Michigan and the Jackson County Health
Department regarding recommendations and requirements for the upcoming school year. Please
understand that things change quickly and we will communicate any changes immediately.
If your student is feeling ill or has signs or symptoms of COVID-19, PLEASE KEEP THEM HOME.
www.nwschools.org 517-817-4700Return to Learn 2021-22
General Information
Parent PowerSchool Portal
Parents are required to create a Parent PowerSchool Portal account where you will be able to view
transportation information, teacher assignments, grades and fill out electronic forms from the district.
Information on the Parent PowerSchool Portal accounts was mailed to parents with report cards in June.
CLICK HERE for more information on how to create an account.
For incoming Kindergarten parents, your student access information will be mailed to you in August.
Student Technology Passwords
K-11th grade student passwords were reset in June. New passwords will be sent via US Mail to students in
August.
NWCS Mobile App
Available in the Apple or Google Play app stores for free download.
Stay up to date on all communications, events and student specific information (with parent sign in)
Check your email registered with the district for your parent specific sign in. Must have an email
listed in PowerSchool to receive this information.
Signing into the app will put powerschool and student specific transportation information at your
fingertips.
Students can sign in too! Students will need to check their NW email for information and
instructions.
CLICK HERE for information on parent access.
www.nwschools.org 517-817-4700Return to Learn 2021-22
Learning Opportunities
NWCS offers multiple learning opportunities for students.
Traditional Face-Face learning will be provided for all students
Students will be in school five days a week.
SeeSaw K-2 and Schoology 3-12 will be used as a learning platform for all students.
Mountie Virtual Program
NWCS will be offering a virtual option for students. Virtual learners will receive instruction from
an outside provider, but will be NWCS students. CLICK HERE to submit your interest in the
Mountie Virtual Program.
Applications will be reviewed and parents will be contacted prior to the start of the school year.
It is important to understand that this will be a different online learning environment than the
Virtual experience provided in 2020-21. All of the instruction will be online and course content
will be delivered by an outside provider.
For younger students, family support in the home will be a critical piece in each student's success.
Technology
Each Y5 and 1st grade student will be issued an IPad to utilize our learning management
platforms for educational purposes.
Each 2nd - 12th grade student will be issued a Chromebook to utilize our learning management
platforms for educational purposes.
For list of technology platforms used at NWCS, CLICK HERE.
TECHNOLOGY INSURANCE IS ENCOURAGED- CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS.
www.nwschools.org 517-817-4700Return to Learn 2021-22
Food Service
Lunch will be served in the cafeteria unless specified by the building.
SFE/NW Food Service will be posting building plans on the NW Website. CLICK HERE for menus
and more information that will be updated as we get closer to the first day of school.
Transportation
CDC’s order requires all persons – regardless of vaccination status – wear masks on
public transportation, including school buses.
All students who are in need of transportation or change in transportation MUST FILL OUT THE
NW TRANSPORATION REQUEST FORM.
CLICK HERE for DEAN Transportation COVID Protocols.
Deep Cleaning and Disinfecting
Frequently touched surfaces including light switches, doors, benches and bathrooms, will
undergo cleaning at least every four hours.
Classrooms will be supplied with appropriate cleaning supplies and PPE.
NWCS will continue to work with ABM Custodial to ensure that all buildings are cleaned and
disinfected appropriately. This will include a building deep cleaning schedule.
Visitors, Field Trips, etc.
Visitors will require prior approval from either the classroom teacher or building administrator.
Field trip requests will be reviewed as presented.
www.nwschools.org 517-817-4700Return to Learn 2021-22
Hygiene
Supplies will be provided to support healthy hygiene behaviors; hand sanitizer with at least 60%
alcohol, paper towels and signs reinforcing proper handwashing techniques will be provided.
Disposable face masks will be provided for students and staff if needed.
Informational signage will be posted through out buildings.
PPE stations will be placed in multiple locations throughout all buildings. These medical stations
will include first aid kits and PPE for staff and students.
Communication
CLICK HERE for more information on how to stay connected with the district and your student's
building.
www.nwschools.org 517-817-4700COVID-19 Information
Any individual who shows any signs or symptoms of illness should stay home.
Students, employees and visitors with any of the following symptoms of COVID-19 must remain
home:
Cough
Fatigue
Fever or chills
Headache
Unvaccinated individuals who have been in close contact with a person who has been diagnosed
with COVID-19, measured temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater, nausea or vomiting, new
loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or sore throat.
Any student or employee who begins to exhibit a high fever associated with COVID-19 like
symptoms must report to the school office.
Isolation rooms will be identified in all buildings for individuals demonstrating COVID-19 symptoms
until they can be picked up from school.
Medical stations will be placed in multiple locations throughout all buildings. These medical
stations will include first aid kits, thermometers and PPE for staff and students.
At this time, per the CDC requirements, those who test positive for COVID-19 or are in close contact
with a positive and experiencing symptoms will be required to quarantine. Vaccinated individuals
will not be required to quarantine if they are not showing signs or symptoms.
At this time, students who are absent will be marked absent per the current state attendance
policies.
MDHHS Recommendations for Safer School
We encourage students and staff to stay home if they are sick or having COVID-19 symptoms and to
report positive or close contact cases to our NWCS COVID-19 Reporting Tool.
www.nwschools.org 517-817-4700FAQ
What will our instruction model look like?
Please see the "Learning Opportunities" section in this document.
Will there be a virtual option for students?
Please see the "Learning Opportunities" section in this document.
Are face masks required at school?
NWCS will follow CDC and MDHHS guidelines which recommends, but does not require, universal
indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status.
FACE MASKS WILL BE A PERSONAL CHOICE.
If your student is feeling ill or has signs or symptoms of COVID-19, PLEASE KEEP THEM HOME.
What about social distancing?
A full return limits the recommended social distancing guidelines. However, we will do our best to
promote and practice social distances of 2-3 feet whenever possible.
Will my child be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine in order to attend school?
No. The COVID-19 vaccine is not listed on the School Required Vaccination List. For more information,
please see School Required Vaccines for Parents by MDHHS.
Will my student need to be tested to participate in sports if they are not vaccinated?
NWCS will follow all guidelines from MHSSA regarding athletic testing. At this time, testing is not
required by MHSAA. Please visit www.mhsaa.com for more information and updates.
www.nwschools.org 517-817-4700FAQ
Will the high school and middle school be changing classes?
Yes. Normal schedules will resume. Each building will communicate specifics.
Will contact tracing continue?
At this time, per the CDC requirements, those who test positive for COVID-19 or are in close contact with a
positive and experiencing symptoms will be required to quarantine. Vaccinated individuals will not be
required to quarantine if they are not showing signs or symptoms. We encourage students and staff to stay
home if they are sick or having COVID-19 symptoms and to report positive or close contact cases to our
NWCS COVID-19 Reporting Tool.
What will happen if my student is quarantined?
Students will be able to access their school work through our learning management platforms, Seesaw and
Schoology. However, if a student is absent, they will be marked absent per our current Attendance Policy .
All schools were given a waiver for 2020-2021 school year, however, state attendance policies have reverted
back to normal requirements.
www.nwschools.org 517-817-4700You can also read
