6/21/21 - Grand Rapids Public Announces Plans for Re-Opening

The district plans to re-open with some restrictions still in place for the summer school of 2021.

On June 17, 2021, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced plans to accelerate the end of all COVID-19 epidemic orders on gatherings and masking effective Tuesday, June 22, 2021. Then on June 21, 2021, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued updated guidance and recommendations for face masks.

Based on the Governor’s announcement and the latest MDHHS guidance, the district will be implementing the following:

School-Based Staff and All Students: Now through the end of the 2021 summer school (July 22), universal masking, completion of a daily health screener, and 3 feet social distancing are required for all students and school-based staff in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the most recent MDHHS guidance. Masks are not required outdoors for students or staff.

Non-School-Based Staff: Effective Tuesday, June 22, non-school-based staff who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear masks or practice social distancing. Unvaccinated staff are encouraged to get vaccinated and required to continue universal masking and social distancing until they are fully vaccinated in accordance with the latest MIOSHA workplace emergency rules. All non-school-based staff are still required to complete the daily health screener regardless of vaccination status. If a non-school-based employee needs to interact with a student, they are required to wear a mask whether they are fully vaccinated or not. All staff are required to resume work activities in-person starting Monday, July 12.

Plans for 2021-2022 School Year: We continue to plan for all schools to be 100% in-person, five days a week, for the 2021-2022 school year. As with everything related to COVID-19, these plans are subject to change. No final decisions have been made on COVID-19 mitigation measures for masks or social distancing pending further guidance and direction from the state and county health officials.

Please look for additional information and updates in the coming weeks.