#WeAreFenton

Dear FAPS Families,

Returning to school after the holidays, it became clear that the number of positive cases among our students and staff were making it difficult to provide consistent face to face instruction with fidelity. The cases within the county, along with the positivity rate, increased rapidly and we saw those trends reflected on our local dashboard.

We continue to review the following factors on a consistent basis:

• Appropriate K-12 Staffing

• Community spread and the impact on the school community

• Contact tracing

• Expected trends

• Mitigating the circle of exposure

By assessing these factors, and how they impact our ability to provide the quality in-person education our school community is accustomed to, we have been able to pivot and make decisions based on what is currently happening within our school community and the expected trends regarding COVID-19.

Due to the current and expected trends within FAPS and throughout the county, FAPS will be moving from a mask required policy to strongly recommending masks for staff and students, beginning on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. This transition will include moving to a different GCHD school toolkit for guidance on positive cases and contact tracing and will involve preparing to meet the potential of increased contact tracing and testing students due to these new guidelines.

Please see the new guidelines listed below.

We will continue to assess the data and review the five factors listed above to make informed decisions regarding the impact COVID-19 may have on our school community. Thank you for your support as we work together and navigate through these frustrating and challenging times.

Sincerely,

Dr. Adam Hartley

FAPS Superintendent

If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19:

• Isolate at home for 5 days.

• Day 0 is the day symptoms started or a test sample was collected.

• If no symptoms or symptoms are resolving, the students/staff can return on day 6 but must wear a facial covering for days 6-10.

• Those who cannot wear a mask for any reason, including a medical waiver, during days 6-10 cannot return to school until day 11.

• Students/staff should not return to school if they are feeling ill or showing symptoms.

A close contact is defined as:

• Masked students/staff and unmasked students/staff within 6 feet for a cumulative of 15 minutes or more.

• Two unmasked students/staff within 6 feet for a cumulative of 15 minutes or more.

• Household contacts of positive cases.

• Two masked students/staff ARE NOT considered close contacts.

Vaccinated Students/Staff

Close contacts can remain in school if:

• Are symptom free.

• Wear a mask for 10 days.

• Monitor symptoms for 10 days.

• Have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days.

*If a student/staff member is unable/unwilling to wear a mask for the 10 days after exposure, they must quarantine at home for 10 days.

Unvaccinated Students/Staff

Close contacts can remain in school if:

• Are symptom free.

• Wear a mask for 10 days.

• Monitor symptoms for 10 days.

• Test on day 1, 3 and 5.

OR

• Quarantine at home for 5 days.

• Able to return on day 6 (Symptom free).

• Wear a mask for days 6-10 when they return.

*Per federal mandate/law, all students and staff must wear a facial covering on buses.

If you are interested in getting yourself or your child vaccinated, the GCHD offers regular vaccination clinics.

To find a clinic at a date, time, and location that works for you, follow this link:

GCHD VACCINATION CLINICS

Administrative Report

• COVID Dashboard/Benchmark Testing Results MCL 388-1698- Mrs. Heidie Ciesielski
• Mott Community College Presentation - Mr. Patrick Naswell, MCC

Action Items

• Resolution to Sell 2014 Phase III Bonds- Dr. Doug Busch
• Approval of 2021-22 Mid-Year Budget Amendment- Dr. Doug Busch
• February 2022 Budget Amendment Attachment
• Approval of District Wide School Improvement Team as FAPS District Wide Professional Development Advisory Committee.-Mrs. Heidie Ciesielski

Superintendent’s Report

• March is Reading Month
• National School Counselors Week

Board Subcommittee Meeting

• Finance
• Personnel

It's hard to believe that we are talking about next school year already, but the time has come! We are excited to announce that our registration for Young 5 and Kindergarten will be opening on March 1, 2022.

We are also excited to announce that our Young 5's classrooms will be moving back to our K-5 Buildings (State Road, North Road, and Tomek Eastern) so that a student starting in Young 5's as a school-aged child will be able to continue in their building of choice to start and end their elementary tenure. Each elementary building will have a section of Young 5's to then transition to Kindergarten in the same building - removing a school transition at the earliest age of school.

This move also allows us to grow our Early Childhood Offerings at WOW/Ellen Street for increased Preschool Programming, which is a goal of the State of Michigan.

Registration links will be posted to our website on March 1 along with on FAPS APP and FB. We will also be holding a Young 5's/Kindergarten information Play Date in June after the last day of school - STAY TUNED!

An Evening with Julia Cook

This is a hands-on hour of laughs and parenting tricks of the trade. You’ll walk away with information and tricks that you can actually use!

Topics addressed include:

• How to effectively address the current needs and worries of the Covid 19 situation with children

• Video game addiction

• Balancing the parenting act

• Personal safety of kids

• Teaching kids social skills through books

Also, we cover the following:

As educators and parents, our ultimate goal is to make a positive difference to children and help them reach their highest potential and become the best that they can be in all they do. This goal is getting harder and harder to reach.

*How do we accomplish the great task of teaching our kids the BIG LIST of everything they need to know and succeed in life when they believe that all of their needs are being met through screen time?

*How do we teach our kids online safety? How do we allow technology to add to our children’s life as opposed to taking from it?

*How do we create an environment where kids genuinely "want it" more than we want it for them?

This parenting talk takes a look at the things that world class parents and educators are doing to accomplish the "ultimate goal." By creating a craving for knowledge, setting boundaries, teaching GRIT, encouraging patience, and developing E.Q., our children can be their ultimate best and become prepared for their paths that lie ahead!

Testimonials

“I have my worries and reservations about sending my kids to school this year. However, after hearing Julia speak, I feel I now have the tools to talk more effectively to my child about the world and our current situation”– Kim Dieckman – 8th grade teacher and lloving mom of 3 kids ages 9, 13, and 15.

“I found Julia Cook's visit to be extremely inspiring. What she does for students, teachers and parents it truly amazing. Her passion to make the world better and help children be the best they can be is remarkable. Her books give teachers and parents tools to use and students a fun and entertaining play book for behavior skills. The energy she brought to our school kept everyone buzzing and smiling for days. Thank you for a life-changing, memorable experience.”

Anne Haskins - Parent

“One of the best and most informative hours I have ever spent at a school.”

Richard Harrison - Parent

• https://www.schoolcrisiscenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Guidelines-Talking-to-Kids-About-Attacks-Two-Sided-Onesheet-Format.pdf
  

• https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis/school-violence-resources/talking-to-children-about-violence-tips-for-parents-and-teachers
  

• https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/terrorism-and-violence/school-shooting-resources