Mason County Central School District - Our Actions Will Inspire and Equip Students to Excel

December 10, 2020 Dear School Community, As noted on our COVID-19 Dashboard, the morning of December 10, 2020 we learned about a School Associated Case of COVID-19 in a student in the Middle School. We are working closely with District Health Department #10 to identify Close Contacts of this School Associated Case. Any students or staff that have been identified as a close contact will be notified by the health department and/or Mason County Central Schools as a part of the COVID-19 investigation process. Please answer the phone if the health department or MCC Schools calls you, as a contact tracer may be trying to reach you with important information. Thank you for understanding that, due to medical privacy laws, we are not able to release the name of the individual with COVID-19. We will continue to communicate changes and updates with you. With your help, we believe we can maintain a safe environment while also providing quality education. If you have any questions, contact District Health Department #10 at 231-845-7381. For answers to your COVID-19 questions, please call the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 or visit Michigan.gov/coronavirus. Sincerely, Jeff Mount Superintendent

Dear MCC School Community, This afternoon (December 7, 2020) Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director Robert Gordon extended the current 3 week "pause" order through December 20th. For Mason County Central, this simply means we stay the course with our current programming: In-person learning will continue for our Pre-school through 8th grades while remote learning will continue for our High School students. K-12 athletics (practice and competition) and extra-curricular activities continue to stay suspended through the 20th. We will keep you posted with any further updates as they develop. Stay Healthy and Strong Spartans!!

December 7, 2020 Dear MCC School Community: As noted on our COVID-19 Dashboard, the afternoon of December 7, 2020 we learned about a School Associated Probable Case of COVID-19 in a staff member at Scottville Elementaryl. For your information, a "Probable" Case is when someone has learned of an exposure to a known positive case AND has COVID symptoms. Therefore, they are treated as a positive case until proven otherwise (Negative COVID Test). Having said that, we do NOT anticipate any further close contacts and quarantines of MCC students or staff from this case. To be thorough, we are working closely with District Health Department #10 to identify Close Contacts of this School Associated Case. While it is unlikely any Scottville Elementary Students or Staff will be identified as a close contact, if so, they will be notified by the health department and/or Mason County Central Schools as a part of the COVID-19 investigation process. Please answer the phone if the health department or MCC Schools calls you, as a contact tracer may be trying to reach you with important information. Thank you for understanding that, due to medical privacy laws, we are not able to release the name of the individual with COVID-19. We will continue to communicate changes and updates with you. With your help, we believe we can maintain a safe environment while also providing quality education. If you have any questions, contact District Health Department #10 at 231-845-7381. For answers to your COVID-19 questions, please call the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 or visit Michigan.gov/coronavirus. Sincerely, Jeff Mount Superintendent COVID-19

Click/touch the picture for the latest wellness blast from the MCC SADD group.

December 4, 2020 Dear School Community, As noted on our COVID-19 Dashboard, late in the afternoon of December 4, 2020 we learned about a School Associated Case of COVID-19 in a staff member in our Victory Early Childhood Center building. Please note: At this time, we only anticipate 2 close contacts and quarantines from this case. To be thorough, we are working closely with District Health Department #10 to identify any further Close Contacts of this School Associated Case. if so, they will be notified by the health department and/or Mason County Central Schools as a part of the COVID-19 investigation process. Please answer the phone if the health department or MCC Schools calls you, as a contact tracer may be trying to reach you with important information. Thank you for understanding that, due to medical privacy laws, we are not able to release the name of the individual with COVID-19. We will continue to communicate changes and updates with you. With your help, we believe we can maintain a safe environment while also providing quality education. If you have any questions, contact District Health Department #10 at 231-845-7381. For answers to your COVID-19 questions, please call the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 or visit Michigan.gov/coronavirus. Sincerely, Jeff Mount Superintendent

Just a reminder to our scottville elementary families that tomorrow, November 30th, is picture retake day. Be sure to send the original pictures to school with your child if you have not already done so.

Reminder to our parents: Mason County Central reminds parents that on Wednesday, November 25, is a half day for students and staff, with attendance in the morning only. Sack lunches will be available for students to take home. Dismissal for Scottville Elementary will be at 11:20 a.m. and all other buildings will dismiss at 11:30. Plan for students who ride buses to arrive home approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes earlier than on a normal day.

November 23, 2020 Dear School Community, As noted on our COVID-19 Dashboard, the morning of November 23, 2020 we learned about a School Associated Case of COVID-19 in a student in the Upper Elementary. We are working closely with District Health Department #10 to identify Close Contacts of the School Associated Case. Anyone identified as a Close contact will be notified by the health department and/or Mason County Central Schools as a part of the COVID-19 investigation process. Please answer the phone if the health department or MCC Schools calls you, as a contact tracer may be trying to reach you with important information. We recommend taking action to help limit the spread of COVID-19, even if staff members or students are not experiencing symptoms: • Wear a mask (covering mouth and nose) while in public places or if people who do not live with you must visit your home. • Practice social distancing (maintaining a distance of 6 feet apart). • Practice frequent hand-washing (using soap for 20 seconds or hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol). • Follow capacity restrictions of social gatherings. • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or with the inside of your elbow and immediately wash your hands. • Stay home if you are sick; you can also get tested. Thank you for understanding that, due to medical privacy laws, we are not able to release the names of the individuals with COVID-19. We will continue to communicate changes and updates with you. With your help, we believe we can maintain a safe environment while also providing quality education. If you have any questions, contact District Health Department #10 at 231-845-7381. For answers to your COVID-19 questions, please call the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 or visit Michigan.gov/coronavirus. Sincerely, Jeff Mount Superintendent

November 22, 2020 Dear School Community, As noted on our COVID-19 Dashboard, the afternoon of November 22, 2020 we learned about a School Associated Case of COVID-19 in a staff person in the High School. We are working closely with District Health Department #10 to identify Close Contacts of the School Associated Case. Anyone identified as a Close contact will be notified by the health department and/or Mason County Central Schools as a part of the COVID-19 investigation process. Please answer the phone if the health department or MCC Schools calls you, as a contact tracer may be trying to reach you with important information. We recommend taking action to help limit the spread of COVID-19, even if staff members or students are not experiencing symptoms: • Wear a mask (covering mouth and nose) while in public places or if people who do not live with you must visit your home. • Practice social distancing (maintaining a distance of 6 feet apart). • Practice frequent hand-washing (using soap for 20 seconds or hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol). • Follow capacity restrictions of social gatherings. • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or with the inside of your elbow and immediately wash your hands. • Stay home if you are sick; you can also get tested. Thank you for understanding that, due to medical privacy laws, we are not able to release the names of the individuals with COVID-19. We will continue to communicate changes and updates with you. With your help, we believe we can maintain a safe environment while also providing quality education. If you have any questions, contact District Health Department #10 at 231-845-7381. For answers to your COVID-19 questions, please call the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 or visit Michigan.gov/coronavirus. Sincerely, Jeff Mount Superintendent

November 21, 2020 Dear School Community, As noted on our COVID-19 Dashboard, the morning of November 21, 2020 we learned about a School Associated Case of COVID-19 in a staff person in the Upper Elementary. We are working closely with District Health Department #10 to identify Close Contacts of the School Associated Case. Anyone identified as a Close contact will be notified by the health department and/or Mason County Central Schools as a part of the COVID-19 investigation process. Please answer the phone if the health department or MCC Schools calls you, as a contact tracer may be trying to reach you with important information. We recommend taking action to help limit the spread of COVID-19, even if staff members or students are not experiencing symptoms: • Wear a mask (covering mouth and nose) while in public places or if people who do not live with you must visit your home. • Practice social distancing (maintaining a distance of 6 feet apart). • Practice frequent handwashing (using soap for 20 seconds or hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol). • Follow capacity restrictionsof social gatherings. • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or with the inside of your elbow and immediately wash your hands. • Stay home if you are sick; you can also get tested. Thank you for understanding that, due to medical privacy laws, we are not able to release the names of the individuals with COVID-19. We will continue to communicate changes and updates with you. With your help, we believe we can maintain a safe environment while also providing quality education. If you have any questions, contact District Health Department #10 at 231-845-7381. For answers to your COVID-19 questions, please call the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 or visit Michigan.gov/coronavirus. Sincerely, Jeff Mount Superintendent

The Mason County Central Board of Education welcomes interested residents of the the District to submit an application to fill a recently vacated board seat. Applicants will be interviewed by the Board during a public meeting in December, and the appointed candidate will begin in January. For more information please visit our website, www.mccschools.org.

The Mason County Central School District WILL continue to provide Face -to Face instruction for our PreK thru 8th grade students until circumstances dictate otherwise. We have been quite healthy and the health department has shared that transmission in this age group is a low risk versus the positive rewards of staying open for our students, parents and community. Per the November 15, 2020 order from MDHHS, on Wednesday, November 18, our 9th - 12th grade students will move to on-line. In addition, all extra-curricular activities will be paused through Wednesday, December 8th. Stay Healthy and Strong Spartans!!

Dear MCC School Family, Just a reminder that the MCC School District does not have school tomorrow for our students as the teaching staff will be participating in professional development. In addition, the Governor announced an Emergency Order issued by the Director of MDHHS that suspends 9-12th grade face-to-face instruction for a 3 week "pause" and shift to remote learning beginning this Wednesday. We are currently evaluating our options for our Pre-School thru 8th grades during this "3 week pause" and will let you know no later than early Tuesday morning what the district has decided. Stay Healthy and Strong Spartans!!

November 15, 2020 Dear School Community, As noted on our COVID-19 Dashboard the afternoon of November 15, 2020 we learned about a school Associated Case of COVID-19 in a staff person in our transportation department. We are working closely with District Health Department #10 to identify Close Contacts of the School Associated Case. Anyone identified as a Close Contact will be notified by the health department and/or the school district as a part of the COVID-19 investigation process. Please answer the phone if the health department or transportation (231-757-3711) contacts you, as a contact tracer may be trying to reach you with important information. We recommend taking action to help limit the spread of COVID-19, even if staff members or students are not experiencing symptoms: • Wear a mask (covering mouth and nose) while in public places or if people who do not live with you must visit your home. • Practice social distancing (maintaining a distance of 6 feet apart). • Practice frequent handwashing (using soap for 20 seconds or hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol). • Follow capacity restrictionsof social gatherings. • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or with the inside of your elbow and immediately wash your hands. • Stay home if you are sick; you can also get tested. Thank you for understanding that, due to medical privacy laws, we are not able to release the names of the individuals with COVID-19. We will continue to communicate changes and updates with you. With your participation, we believe we can maintain a safe environment while also providing quality education. If you have any questions, contact District Health Department #10 at 231-845-7381. For answers to your COVID-19 questions, please call the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 or visit Michigan.gov/coronavirus. Sincerely, Jeff Mount Superintendent

November 11, 2020 Dear School Community, As noted on our COVID-19 Dashboard the afternoon of November 11, 2020 we learned about a School Associated Case of COVID-19 in a student participating in our Adult Education Program. This program takes place off-campus so our PreK-12th grade students and staff are not impacted. Cleaning and disinfecting of the exposed location has been completed. The MCC Adult Education Program will be temporarily suspended while work closely with District Health Department #10 to identify Close Contacts of School Associated Cases of COVID-19. Anyone identified as a Close Contact will be notified by the health department as a part of the COVID-19 investigation process. Please answer the phone if the health department contacts you, as a contact tracer may be trying to reach you with important information. We recommend taking action to help limit the spread of COVID-19, even if staff members or students are not experiencing symptoms: • Wear a mask (covering mouth and nose) while in public places or if people who do not live with you must visit your home. • Practice social distancing (maintaining a distance of 6 feet apart). • Practice frequent handwashing (using soap for 20 seconds or hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol). • Follow capacity restrictionsof social gatherings. • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or with the inside of your elbow and immediately wash your hands. • Stay home if you are sick; you can also get tested. Thank you for understanding that, due to medical privacy laws, we are not able to release the names of the individuals with COVID-19. We will continue to communicate changes and updates with you. With your participation, we believe we can maintain a safe environment while also providing quality education. If you have any questions, contact District Health Department #10 at 231-845-7381. For answers to your COVID-19 questions, please call the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 or visit Michigan.gov/coronavirus. Sincerely, Jeff Mount Superintendent

The Mason County Central Schools Salute our Nation's Veterans!!!

Due to the forecast this morning and the weather radar I will be canceling the outdoor coffee and conversation annual Title I meeting time today at the middle school. If you have questions about academic or social / emotional supports for your middle school student please remember to reach out to the middle school principal Mr. Dennis or you may reach out to me the State and Federal Programs Director via email ataylor@mccschools.org or by calling (231) 757-3713 ext. 131.

Dear MCC School Family, When you get a chance, please check out a letter from the Regional Superintendents posted in the News Feed on this App or the district Website[ www.mccschools.org ]. The letter is in regards to all of us staying extra vigilant in our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses as we enter the Flu season. We so want to keep our schools open and continue to provide extracurricular activities through this school year. Just so you know, our students and staff have been wonderful in their efforts here at school to learn and teach in a safe and healthy manner. Stay Healthy and Strong Spartans!!

Victory Early Childhood Center has openings in our Great Start Readiness Preschool Program. There is still time if your child will be 4 on or before September 1st, 2020. If your child turns 4 before December 1st, 2020 still give us a call as we might still be able to help you get into this high quality FREE program for those that qualify. Ms. Angie is waiting for your call at 843-2410. We have both onsite and offsite learning options. We also have openings for families who are over income as guidelines have been lifted for the 2020 / 2021 school year. ONLY TWO OPENINGS LEFT!!

Just a reminder to Parents and Students that there is no school tomorrow, October 9th for Mason County Central Schools as this is a scheduled professional development day for our staff. Have a great weekend! Stay Healthy and Strong Spartans!