CASD COVID-19 Resources & Updates ~ 2020-2021 School Year

                                                       CASD COVID-19 Logo

We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our entire CASD family in varying ways and has created anxiety among many. To provide you with the latest information and updates as to how the COVID-19 virus is affecting our school district during the 2020-2021 school year, we have created this web page. Please check back frequently as we will be adding new information on a regular basis.

CASD Record of School-Associated Cases

 

CASD Self-Screening at Home Guide 2020-2021

GHS/GMS Damaged Device Exchange

What happens if a student or staff member tests positive?

What happens if my student's building is closed because of COVID-19?

Google Classroom

Seesaw

Click here for "Grayling Elementary School: Preparedness and Response Plan Guidance"

Click here for "Grayling Middle School: Preparedness and Response Response Plan Guidance"

Click here for "Grayling High School Preparedness and Response Plan Guidance" 

Parent and Caregiver Resources

Talking to Kids about COVID-19 provides information and resources regarding how to explain COVID-19 to children of all ages (birth-18) in ways that children are able to understand. Please click above to access additional resources for parents and caregivers.

Counseling & Mental Health Resources

Please click above to access the contact information for area counseling and mental health resources.

School Social Worker's Google site

Please click above to access the Google site created by Kari Wheeler, our school social worker. It contains links, videos and documents about mental health and social/emotional learning topics that students, parents and families may find useful during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pandemic EBT ImagePlease click below for important information from the Michigan Department of Education and the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services for parents and guardians of CASD students who are eligible for free and reduced lunch:

PDF DocumentGrayling Elementary School P-EBT Program Flyer
PDF DocumentGrayling Middle School P-EBT Program Flyer
PDF DocumentGrayling High School P-EBT Program Flyer

Click here for Bus Reminders for Parents

                                         MHSAA Logo

For all information related to MHSAA programming updates, follow this link: MHSAA Update Center

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June 10, 2021

Hello CASD Staff and Families:

As we end our traditional year, it is important to pause and reflect on the year that has been.  From the beginning, our highest priority has been to keep our buildings open for in-person learning.  The collective efforts of our families, students, and staff combined to make this happen.  You did it.  We did it. As a school family, I hope we all take a moment to celebrate this accomplishment.  Again, my deepest thanks to everyone for doing your part - large and small - to care for our students and our school community.

Moving forward, we anticipate all broad mitigation measures to be relaxed on July 1.  Until that time, existing mitigation protocols in our buildings will remain as current until at least June 30.  Summer activities, including our ELY classes, all busing, summer school, and MHSAA/sports conditioning, are required to continue to follow these measures until July 1.  Once these anticipated changes are confirmed, I will update everyone. 

Though we are wrapping up one school year, we are already making preparations for next year.  As a reminder, any online student planning to re-enroll in our buildings should contact the appropriate building immediately.  Again this is very important to help us appropriately plan for next year. Our school offices will be open for the next few weeks, and any student who is planning to return to a building should contact the appropriate building principal now.  

Over these last weeks, it has been great to host so many events that we were forced to cancel or modify last year.  Recently, our high school graduation was held outside at our stadium.  Sitting on the stage, it was a welcome feeling to look out at our graduates and families and feel the return to those important traditions we hold dear.  It has also been exciting to visit our businesses and watch our communities reawaken.  I look forward to seeing our staff, families, and community members over the summer - relaxing and enjoying this amazing place we get to call home.

I want to wish our graduating seniors all the best in the years to come, and again thank each of you for your support.  Have a great summer! 

Sincerely,

Justin Gluesing

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May 14, 2021

Hello CASD Staff, Families, and Community:

The updated CDC guidance announced last night is encouraging, and I know for our school buildings, we are excited to see a return to pre-COVID operations.  At this time, we are waiting for additional clarification from MDHHS and local DHD officials.  Based on preliminary information shared as a part of the DHD10 update yesterday afternoon, I would expect further guidance in the coming week.  For now, we are continuing to follow all current protocols.

We are less than a month from the end of our traditional year calendar, and we are also in our final weeks with our graduating seniors.  Please watch for information from your student’s building regarding important end-of-year items and events as we move through May and into June.  These last weeks of school are always busy, and I am excited that we are able to offer most of the events we typically do this time of year.  

As we near the end of one school year, many families are asking about next year.  What will school look like in August?  What about sports?  While we have not been given any specifics, the CDC announcement yesterday and other indications are that we should see a more normal return. Next year, our first day for ELY students is Tuesday, August 10.  The traditional year calendar will begin on Tuesday, August 31. 

I want to again extend my thanks to our families and community.  Your patience and support has helped greatly.  I’m proud of the effort our staff has made over this difficult year, and I am equally proud of our students for staying positive and for working hard throughout the year.  Special thanks and congratulations to our graduating seniors.  I wish each of you the very best moving forward.  Enjoy your last days at GHS.  Be safe. Finish strong!

I will keep everyone updated as we move forward.   

Sincerely,

Justin Gluesing

CASD Viking Logo

 

 

 

 

 

April 9, 2021

Hello CASD Staff, Families, and Community:

This morning, Governor Whitmer and Dr. Kaldun urged districts to shift high schools to distance learning and to pause sports for two weeks.  This is a request, not a requirement, and unlike the mandated high school closure in November and December, the ultimate decision is for each district to make. At this time, CASD will remain open for in-person learning at all buildings.

Throughout this year, we have kept our analysis focused on our district - what we are actually seeing with cases in our buildings.  We have maintained constant and open communication with our health department, and we will continue to do so to make the appropriate decisions for our school community.  At this time, DHD10 is supportive of our district determining what is appropriate based on the cases and circumstances we are seeing.  If we begin to see additional cases in the week ahead, we may shift to distance learning at the impacted buildings.  

Spring sports can continue and will follow all mitigation protocols including weekly antigen testing as required by MDHHS.  Spring weather has been warmer than normal, and our teams are already outside for most activities.  In addition, spring sports have the fewest “contact” sports when compared to our other seasons.  As with our building operations, we will make decisions based on cases and what we are actually seeing within our programs.  

I have repeatedly stressed with staff, parents, and our community that the responsibility to maintain a safe learning environment rests with each of us.  Each of us can help keep our buildings open and in-person.  Each morning it is imperative that families take the necessary precautions to pre-screen their students for symptoms before sending them to school.  Each day it is important that our buildings follow all mitigation protocols.  Each afternoon it is important that our teams conduct practices safely and consistent with all mitigation requirements.  Each evening it is important that our custodial staff continue to deep clean our classrooms and common areas.  Each day, every day, from now until the end of the school year, we can all contribute to keeping our schools open.

Thank you again for all your efforts.  I will keep everyone updated as we move forward.

Sincerely,

Justin Gluesing

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March 22, 2021

Hello CASD Staff and Families:

On Friday, we begin our spring break, and when we return, we will be into the month of April.  

As you are all aware, in recent weeks we have seen a slight increase in COVID-19 cases in our community.  This has transferred over into our buildings as well, and we have continued to follow our protocols in response.  

To date, all staff who have requested to receive a vaccine have completed both doses.  While this will help prevent the need for staff quarantines, we are still obligated to contact trace and quarantine students who are determined to be close contacts.  As we move into spring break, it is important that families review again the CASD Self-Screening at Home Guide and continue to follow the screening requirements before students report to school each day.  

Effective today, students age 16 and older living within DHD#10 are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.  Anyone 18 and older can now schedule online at www.dhd10.org/schedule.  Students aged 16 and 17 must have a parent or legal guardian place them on the waitlist. The parent or legal guardian will then be contacted directly to schedule the appointment.  If you do not have a computer/smartphone, call 888-217-3904 for assistance.   Consistent with current DHD/CDC guidelines, individuals who meet all three of the following criteria do not have to quarantine following a known exposure:

  1. have completed the vaccination series,
  2. are two weeks out from the last shot of the series and 
  3. remain asymptomatic

We have partnered with DHD#10 to utilize our Viking Activity Center at Grayling High School to offer vaccination clinics.  These are by appointment only, and we are proud to partner with DHD#10 to offer this important service to our community.  

Again, my thanks to our entire school family for helping to keep our schools safe and open for in-person learning.  I wish everyone a safe and restful spring break.  

Sincerely,

Justin Gluesing

         CASD Viking Logo

 

February 26, 2021

Hello CASD Staff and Families:

It’s hard to believe that Monday will be March 1, and we will be in our final two weeks of Trimester 2.  Over the last month, we have continued to see a significant downward trend in COVID-19 case rates in our region and in our county. At present, case rates are at or near the lowest levels we have seen this school year. In addition, by the start of the final Trimester, 100% of our staff who have requested to get a vaccine will have received both doses. My grateful thanks to District Health Department 10 staff and all of our frontline workers for taking care of us so we can take care of our students.  

I am extremely proud of our staff and the efforts they have given to bring us back in-person at the start of the school year and for their continued efforts to keep us open over these many months.  With the exception of the mandated distance learning at our high school, our buildings have been open for the vast majority of our instructional days. Over the last month, we have seen the full return of winter sports, and our Grayling High School Players recorded and streamed a fantastic performance of Clue. Though we have not been able to bring back everything that our traditions desire, we continue to lean in and look for ways to celebrate our students and our community.

On Monday, March 15, we will begin our final Trimester of the school year. For our fully online GLOE families, if you are interested in returning to in-person learning now, we request you contact your student’s principal not later than next week. If you are interested in returning next fall, please contact your principal not later than April 15. Though next school year seems far away, we are already beginning our scheduling process for classes and section needs. Helping your student complete the necessary course requests and/or determining our grade-level section needs at our elementary are tasks that we complete by late April. Again, working with your administrator will help with the transition back to in-person learning.

Living in Northern Michigan, we know winter is still here for a while yet, but with the coming of March, our thoughts begin to shift to spring. For me, I think of last year and all that was lost for our families, staff, and students. A year ago, our last day in-person was the last day of Trimester 2 - March 13, 2020.  We are just a little over a week away from that anniversary. My belief remains that this year will end differently than last year. I believed that in August, and I believe that now. Because of what was lost last year, I want to see the return of spring sports. I want a graduation ceremony for our seniors. I want to see our buildings be able to have the many end-of-year events that mark the next steps in our student’s lives. We all want these things. Let us again recommit to our individual responsibilities for maintaining a safe learning environment for our students and staff.

As always, my best to our CASD staff and families.  

Sincerely,

Justin Gluesing

       CASD Logo


January 3, 2021 

Hello CASD Staff and Families: 

Happy New Year and welcome to 2021! 

Over the winter break, we have continued to monitor case trends in our region and county/school district. Overall trends remain optimistic. Daily positivity rates and new cases have continued to decline and are at the lowest levels since October. Consistent with the data and the current epidemic order, all buildings/all grade levels will be open for in-person learning under normal building schedules on Monday, January 4. 

As we return to school tomorrow, it is important that all staff and families continue to follow prescreening protocols each day. For families, please remember to review the Self-Screening at Home Guide before sending your child(ren) to school. All safety and mitigation measures remain in place and will continue as normal in our buildings and on our buses. 

Please remind your student(s) to return/bring with them all technology devices that were checked out prior to the break. Also, please remember to charge devices tonight. 

We are excited to welcome everyone back to school in the new year! My best to our CASD staff and families, and I look forward to seeing our students back in our buildings tomorrow. 

Sincerely, 
Justin Gluesing 
 

As mentioned prior to the break, we are adjusting our procedures for School Associated Case alerts. We will continue to email and text case alerts to staff and families through our Skylert system, but we will no longer be utilizing recorded voice calls. To receive text messages from our Skylert system, families need to “opt-in” to this feature. Please text “Y” or “Yes” to 67587 to register the mobile number with our system. If you have previously registered but have not been receiving text messages, please contact your school office. 
 

          JUSTIN GLUESING . SUPERINTENDENT . KIM SCHMIDT . BUSINESS MANAGER 
                    1135 NORTH OLD 27 . GRAYLING, MI . 49738 . PHONE 989.344.3500 
                                               www.casdk12.net . FAX 989.348.6822

 

The following data came from https://www.mistartmap.info/ - 1-3-21 at 10:00 a.m.

Daily COVID-19 cases per million in Crawford County chart

 

COVID-19 Daily positive test rate in Crawford County

 

       CASD Logo

December 18, 2020

Hello CASD Staff and Families:

On Monday and Tuesday, all students will be engaged in distance learning.  Information has been shared from our buildings regarding these two days.  Our building offices will be open both days, and if you have any questions or concerns, please contact your school office for guidance.  

We will be offering grab and go meals on Monday only.  Meals will include breakfast and lunch for both days and will be available for pick up from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the following locations: 

  • Grayling Middle School and Grayling Elementary 
  • Beaver Creek Township Hall
  • Frederic Township Hall
  • Lovells Township Hall

As of today, we plan to return all buildings to in-person learning on Monday, January 4.  From the District Health Department briefing yesterday, case trends are moving in an optimistic direction.  In addition, the new MDHHS Epidemic Order released today allows for schools to return to in-person learning at all grade levels “subject to local health department and school district decisions” regarding distance learning.  Over the winter break, we will continue to monitor trends in our county and region, and if we are needing to extend our distance learning following the break, I will update families right away.  Again, though, our current plan calls for a return to in-person learning at all buildings/all grade levels on January 4.

As we move into the new year, we are adjusting our procedures slightly for School Associated Case alerts.  Beginning in January, we will continue to email and text case alerts to staff and families through our Skylert system, but we will no longer be utilizing recorded voice calls.  As a reminder, to receive text messages from our Skylert system, families need to “opt-in” to this feature. Please text “Y” or “Yes” to 67587 to register the mobile number with our system. If you have previously registered but have not been receiving text messages, please contact your school office.

After Tuesday, we will officially be on our Winter Break, and I want to wish our staff and families a well-deserved rest and a safe holiday.  Thank you again for your support.  I promise to keep all of you informed as we move forward.

Sincerely,
Justin Gluesing

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December 7, 2020

Hello CASD Staff and Families:

Today we learned that the new MDHHS Epidemic Order will extend distance learning for our high school students through the end of the year.  Grayling Middle School and Grayling Elementary School remain open for in-person learning.  As a reminder, we previously announced that Wednesday, December 9, would be a full day of school.  Originally this was scheduled as an early release day with teacher professional development in the afternoon.  In addition, we are still planning for distance learning on December 21 - 22 for all buildings/all grade levels.  We are also planning to embed our teacher professional development on these days.  

For Grayling High School, we are now projecting a full return to in-person learning on Monday, January 4.  For Grayling Middle School and Grayling Elementary School, we will maintain in-person learning provided we are able to avoid staffing shortages because of precautionary quarantines, and we are not seeing COVID spread within our buildings.  Current DHD and CDC data indicate that transmission rates within school settings remain low, and we will continue to work with our District Health Department leaders to make informed decisions on school operations.

Additional information will follow from Grayling High School regarding distance learning.  The new order does have some limited flexibility for academic supports and tutoring, as well as special education and CTE programming.  We will update our GHS families in the near future on these.  For now, it is important for our high school students to remain engaged in classes each day. 

K-12 athletics and extra-curricular activities are also suspended under the current order.  I know this is particularly difficult and disappointing for our students and families.  We will continue to look for ways to offer these programs within the margins of the requirements, and we look forward to these opportunities resuming in the weeks ahead.

As we move closer to the holiday break, I want to encourage our school family to support our local businesses during this time.  Our community businesses provide unwavering support to our schools and school programs.  Please join me in supporting our local restaurants and businesses.  

Thank you again for your support.  I promise to keep all of you informed as we move forward.  

Sincerely,
Justin Gluesing

        CASD Logo

October 23, 2020

Hello CASD Staff, Families, and Community:

This week we announced our first School Associated Case of COVID-19.  A “School Associated Case” is defined as a case of “probable or confirmed COVID-19 amongst students, teachers, staff members, coaches, volunteers, or any other person who was present on school property or at a school function ... that may result in the transmission or contraction of COVID-19 during the infectious period.”  

In the September 4th update shared at the start of the school year, we provided information about how we would respond when we receive official notice of a positive COVID-19 individual.  In response to this case, we followed these procedures and utilized our Skylert messenger system to notify families and staff across our district.  As shared in September, when notified of a positive case, district administration will work with our health department regarding contact tracing, and those required to quarantine will receive a direct contact from a health department staff member.  Our district-wide Skylert message is for awareness only, and those students and staff members not required to quarantine are simply encouraged to continue with prescreening protocols each day before arriving at school.  Also, as we are obligated to protect the privacy of our students and staff, we will not release any personally identifiable information of the infected student or staff member.  

I am including an updated copy of our procedures for School Associated Cases for your review and reference.  There have been minor changes because of recent MDHHS orders, but the process essentially remains unchanged from the start of the year.  Also, please note that if we are not able to conduct the necessary contact tracing prior to the next day of school, it may be necessary to close an individual building or the district temporarily.  In consideration of this, it is important for families to have a plan in case of a closure.  Anytime we do close, additional guidance will be provided to those families and staff who are impacted.

As a district, we have made and are continuing to make extra efforts in order to offer activities for our students that are consistent with the current MDHHS directives and our COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan.  In order to maintain these offerings, it is important that participants and spectators in attendance follow our district protocols.  As a reminder, students or other children who attend evening events should not be wandering or playing in our hallways, mezzanine areas, or other areas of our buildings. We invite everyone to enjoy the event from the appropriate seating areas.  Also, when in attendance, only individuals from the same household should sit together in a common area.  Family members who live in different households should socially distance as appropriate.  All spectators in attendance at our events are required to wear masks at all times.  With winter just ahead, all our events will shift to indoors and these mitigation measures will become increasingly important.  In addition, effective immediately, we will be recording the names and contact numbers for individuals attending home events, including athletic events, band concerts, or other evening performances.  This is a requirement of the recent MDHHS orders and will be used only for contact tracing if necessary.

With November a little over a week away, winter is just ahead, and we will be utilizing our Skylert messenger system for weather-related school closures.  If we need to close school because of inclement weather, a text message and email will be sent.  We will not utilize the voice call feature as these decisions are often made early in the morning.  We will continue to utilize other notifications methods, including television and other media.  To receive text messages, you will need to “opt-in” to this feature. Simply text “Y” or “Yes” to 67587. This will register the mobile number with our system.  You can stop this service by replying “STOP” to any one of our messages later.  If you have previously registered for text messages but have not been receiving them, please contact any school office to help fix the problem.

Since the start of the school year, I have been encouraged by the efforts of our families, staff, and students, but I always recognized that it was not a matter of “if” but a matter of “when” we would experience our first case.  Moving forward, it is a good time to recommit to the efforts we made to start the year by echoing a statement from the same September update mentioned earlier: the responsibility to maintain a safe environment rests with each of us.  From the prescreening checks conducted at home, to the bus safety protocols, to the extra cleaning we do before, during, and after school, each of these efforts matter each and every day.   

Thank you again. 

Sincerely,
Justin Gluesing

All COVID related information can be found through our website (www.casdk12.net) by clicking on the “COVID-19 Resources and Updates” image.

 

         CASD Viking Logo

September 18, 2020

Hello CASD Staff, Families, and Community:

Next week we will enter the fourth and seventh week for our traditional year and ELY students respectively. Again, I want to extend my thanks to all our families for their cooperation and continued support. I remain encouraged by the efforts to keep our students and staff safe and to keep our buildings open for in-person learning.  

When we mailed our school calendars in early August, we reminded everyone that dates and/or the format for certain events may change. We will communicate in advance to alert everyone of any changes. Please watch for adjustments as we move forward this year. If at any time you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact your student’s building for more information.  

For our GLOE families, we have resolved several issues with our vendors, but we are still working with Lincoln Learning, our K-2 vendor, regarding consumable materials. We will update families as we know more. Also, during these first weeks of school, we have had several students return from GLOE to in-person learning in our buildings. For any family considering a return, it is important that this occur prior to September 30. Any requests after this date through the end of the trimester will be handled on a case-by-case basis.   

As mentioned in my last update, Executive Order 176 cleared the way for the MHSAA to reinstate football for a limited fall season. For athletes participating in MHSAA contact sports (football, basketball, soccer, wrestling), the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) maintains that these sports should be avoided at this time. CASD is following the executive order and MHSAA guidance to offer these programs in as safe a manner as possible. It is important for families to recognize that COVID-19 transmission cannot be completely prevented, particularly when players are in repeated physical contact. Participation in any sports program brings with it risk, and it is important for families to evaluate this risk within the context of COVID-19 when permitting your student(s) to participate in organized sports (contact or non-contact). Parents and students accept these risks when voluntarily agreeing to participate in our interscholastic sports programs. Any parent or student needing more information is encouraged to visit the CDC or DHHS online. Also, face-covering (mask) exemptions do not apply to athletes in organized sports. All student-athletes must follow the specific guidelines for their sports as it relates to masks.  

Because of participant/spectator limitations for our stadium and consistent with our mitigation and safety measures, there will be no general admission ticket sales for the three varsity home football games. We know this will be disappointing for many in our community, but tickets for these events have been prioritized for the immediate family of players and marching band members and for GHS students (on a limited basis). Tickets will be available for family members on a “reserved for sale” basis only for these three events. Other events will have limited general admission tickets sales at the door, but these events remain subject to participant limitations. Home varsity football games will be broadcast on the radio. We are waiting on the installation of a video system that will stream all games at the stadium and in our gymnasium. Unfortunately, with the demand for this system so high, the installation has been delayed. We are looking into other options for streaming events, and if able, we will share additional information on streaming options in advance.

For spectators attending one of our sporting events, MHSAA regulations require all individuals to wear a mask at all times. Additional information can be found on our website and through the GHS Facebook page. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Nate Maury, CASD Athletic Director, at 989-344-3523.  

Thank you again for your support.  

Sincerely,
Justin Gluesing

 

GMS gym floor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



                              GMS Gym Floor - September 16, 2020 


          JUSTIN GLUESING . SUPERINTENDENT . KIM SCHMIDT . BUSINESS MANAGER
                      1135 NORTH OLD 27 . GRAYLING, MI . 49738 . PHONE 989.344.3500
                                                   www.casdk12.net . FAX 989.348.6822

          CAD Viking Logo

September 4, 2020

Hello CASD Staff, Families, and Community:

Traditional year students returned on Tuesday for the first day of school, and our ELY program just ended its fourth week of classes. I want to extend my personal thanks to all our staff and families for your help in starting our year safely. I also want to thank our students for their cooperation and for working through the operational adjustments at each of our buildings.   

As a reminder, CASD buildings require masks when entering, and we encourage everyone to wear an appropriate facial covering when picking up your student if you are outside your vehicle and gathered near an entrance to one of our buildings. Also, if attending one of our sporting events, MHSAA regulations require all individuals not in active participation to wear a mask at all times. This includes events inside our gym and outdoor events at the stadium.  

Last night, the governor signed EO 176 that cleared the way for the MHSAA to reinstate football for the fall season. Teams will begin regular-season games on September 18. Please note that our spectator limit for our stadium is 500 individuals. This is inclusive of all athletes, coaches, game officials, event workers, spectators, our marching band, etc. Our athletic department will communicate more in the near future regarding these limits.  

Included with this letter is information on how we will proceed if/when a student or staff member tests positive. If/when we do have a positive case, we will work with our health department regarding contact tracing. Those required to quarantine will receive a direct contact. If you are not contacted, you do not need to quarantine. To keep our staff and families informed, we will do a Skylert phone and email message to parents/staff of the same building where the positive case is identified using the sample script included in the informational handout. If the positive case is also a bus rider, we will notify families of other student riders on the same route. Again, these Skylert messages are only for awareness, and only those required to quarantine will receive a personal contact. As we are obligated to protect the privacy of our students and staff, we will not release any personally identifiable information. Students currently attending in-person instruction in our buildings who need to be isolated or quarantined will continue to engage in learning through Google Classroom/See Saw, and/or through additional materials/resources that may be necessary depending on the course/grade level of the student.  

As shared earlier this week, the United States Department of Agriculture announced the extension of federal waivers allowing child nutrition programs to continue feeding all Michigan children during the pandemic. Meals will be provided to children ages 18 and under at no cost through December or until funding runs out. As a reminder, if you normally complete a free and reduced meal application, it is very important that you still complete the application and return it to school. All meal charges from this school year will be reimbursed and deposited back into the student’s account. If you have any questions or would like the money in your child’s account refunded, please contact Kim Schmidt at 344-3757 or through email at kschmidt@casdk12.net.

For our families attending GLOE, we are working with our vendors regarding a number of items, including online licenses. I have had personal contact with those vendors that have been slow to respond to our needs. Thank you for your patience as we work through the delay.

I have included a picture of our GMS gym floor below. The installation is progressing, and we expect the new maple floor to be placed by the end of today. There is still sanding, painting, and sealing that needs to happen before we can begin using the new floor. We expect to have the project completed in the next few weeks.  

As we move forward into the year, the responsibility to maintain a safe environment will rest with each of us. Thank you in advance for your continued efforts and support.  

Sincerely,
Justin Gluesing

GMS unfinished gym floor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            JUSTIN GLUESING . SUPERINTENDENT . KIM SCHMIDT . BUSINESS MANAGER
                        1135 NORTH OLD 27 . GRAYLING, MI . 49738 . PHONE 989.344.3500
                                                   www.casdk12.net . FAX 989.348.6822

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        CASD Logo

August 14, 2020

Hello CASD Staff, Families, and Community:

This week we welcomed back our ELY staff and families. My thanks to everyone for helping us start the year in a positive way. The first day was a little different than we are accustomed to, but it was a great feeling to see our students and staff return to school. Special thanks to all our parents for working with us to support proper mask use and practice social distancing when possible. I know the first-day-of-school pictures look a little different this year, but we’ve all become better at reading eyes and of the students I was able to welcome, their eyes were smiling.

As we begin school in all our buildings, there will be changes and with that can come some anxiety. Please know that we recognize this and our staff is prepared to support our students and families as they return. All our building offices are open and able to answer questions. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to call.

As a reminder to our families, our own Great Lakes Online Education (GLOE) school is a fully online option this year. For families wanting to enroll in GLOE, we request that enrollments be completed by Friday, August 21. If you have questions about GLOE, please call Mr. John Gantner, GLOE Principal, at 989-344-3535. GLOE is also an excellent option for any homeschool families, and Mr. Gantner can answer any questions you may have.

The first day for our traditional year students is Tuesday, September 1. The first week of school will be three (3) days (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday), followed by a four (4) day weekend for the Labor Day holiday. The short week will allow our students and staff to adjust to some of the changes this year. It will also allow our building teams to reflect on our operations and make small adjustments where needed.

Last year ended like no other in my career. Certainly, this year will also begin like no other. Both this past spring and again now, as we prepare for a new school year, my belief in what a great district we have is reaffirmed. There have been many efforts over these last months to adjust operations and embed numerous safety and mitigation measures at all levels and in all areas. We have prioritized safety in order to maximize in-person learning for our families. For all our families, it is important to have plans in place in case we are directed to close temporarily or in case a student is needing to quarantine for a time. We recognize that we will have challenges like this in the months ahead, but together, we will work through them.

I remain hopeful that our school year will end in a more “normal” place. As we begin, let us each commit to supporting one another - each student, each staff member, each parent, and each member of our larger school community. We each have a responsibility to help maintain a safe learning environment for our students and staff. Please take time to review the information that was mailed recently with our school calendars and remember that you can find additional information on our website at any time.

My best to our entire CASD school family and welcome to the 2020 - 2021 school year.

Sincerely,
Justin Gluesing

 


            JUSTIN GLUESING . SUPERINTENDENT . KIM SCHMIDT . BUSINESS MANAGER
                        1135 NORTH OLD 27 . GRAYLING, MI . 49738 . PHONE 989.344.3500
                                                   www.casdk12.net . FAX 989.348.6822

         CASD Logo

August 6, 2020

Hello CASD Staff, Families, and Community:

On Monday night, the CASD Board of Education has approved our district Preparedness and Response Plan. A copy of this plan will be available on our website shortly by clicking on the image below on our main web page (www.casdk12.net). The district plan will provide an overview of operations as we return to school, and each building will be detailing procedures and protocols in compliance with the overall district plan.

As we begin the year, we are planning for in-person learning five days a week (M-F) at all our buildings and have implemented numerous safety and mitigation procedures to help make this happen.

As shared previously, we offer full-time online K-12 programming through our Great Lakes Online Education (GLOE) school for families who want to be fully online. John Gantner, GLOE Principal, can help answer any questions you may have regarding program options (989-344-3535). For families planning to enroll in GLOE, we request that enrollments be completed by Friday, August 21. For any family considering a homeschool option, I would encourage you to speak first with Mr. Gantner, as the GLOE program provides curricular materials that you may use along with the necessary technology to support home learning options. Maintaining enrollment in GLOE also assists with the transition back to school when that time comes.

You have been mailed our annual district calendar. This is an important informational resource for our school community, but please recognize that dates and/or the format for some events may change. We will keep families informed as we move into the school year.

Here are links to several handouts for your review:

❏ CASD Transportation Request Form 2020-2021 - Please complete and return if you plan to use district transportation.

❏ CASD Bus Reminders - If you are using district transportation, please review these reminders with your student.

❏ Social Emotional & Mental Health Resources - This resource provides a good overview of how you can support your student’s transition back to school. There are also numerous points of contact identified if you need additional assistance.

❏ CASD Self-Screening Guidance - This important resource is for parents to use each day. Families are expected to conduct self-screening at home before sending your student to school. Please keep this guide nearby and available for your review each day.

❏ Facial Covering Guidance - This information will further help clarify guidance for families regarding the use of facial coverings in our buildings. Specific to students, as of today, a general summary is as follows:

■ All students are required to wear facial coverings while on a school bus/using district transportation.

■ For GES students: Face coverings must always be worn in hallways/common indoor areas (Library, etc.) except for during meals. Students may remove face coverings when in classrooms. Teachers have discretion based on the activity to require face coverings when in the classroom.
■ For GMS and GHS students: Face coverings must be worn at all times by all students except for meals at GMS and GHS.
■ Facial coverings can be removed when outdoors and proper social distancing measures are followed.

❏ Numerous Health Department Resources: DHD#10 has put together numerous resources to help guide our families as we begin the year. Much of our information is based on the guidance they have provided. These items are another resource for families to reference.

As we welcome our students back to our buildings, we are excited to return to in-person learning. We know that there will be adjustments, and as we begin, our plans will adapt based on need and new information. I want to again extend my thanks to our entire staff, our school families, and our larger school community. Though we continue to work through challenges, I repeatedly see our staff, our families, and our community rally to meet the needs of our students.

I am excited to welcome our ELY students and families back on August 11 and our Traditional Year students and families on September 1.

My best to our entire CASD family.

Sincerely,
Justin Gluesing
 


           JUSTIN GLUESING . SUPERINTENDENT . KIM SCHMIDT . BUSINESS MANAGER
                       1135 NORTH OLD 27 . GRAYLING, MI . 49738 . PHONE 989.344.3500
                                             www.casdk12.net . FAX 989.348.6822

          CASD Logo
 

July 30, 2020

Hello CASD Staff, Families, and Community:

On Monday, the CASD Board of Education will review and adopt our CASD Preparedness and Response Plan. As noted in previous updates, this plan will provide a balcony view of operations as we return to in-person learning, and each building will be detailing procedures and protocols in compliance with these overall requirements.

Over the last several weeks, input has been gathered through parent survey data, Board of Education meetings, meetings with employee bargaining unit representatives, conversations with District Health Department #10 leaders, Superintendent Parent Advisory Council (SPAC) briefings, CASD Administrative Team planning sessions, COOR ISD leadership meetings, staff meetings, and individual building level teams. Click here to review a draft copy of the district’s plan. If you would like to address the Board prior to the plan’s adoption, there will be an opportunity to do so. Our regularly scheduled Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 3 at 6:00 p.m. Click here for information on how to join this meeting virtually.

On August 4, Grayling Elementary Principal Gina Brunskill and I will also host an informational briefing for ELY families at noon and at 5:30 p.m. Both sessions will be the same and will provide an opportunity to address specific questions regarding GE ELY plans. Information regarding this briefing will be shared with our GE ELY families by Principal Brunskill (Save the Date). ELY calendar (first day with students) is August 11.

Additionally, there will be a Superintendent Briefing and Q&A for interested families on Wednesday, August 5 at 6:00 p.m. This briefing and Q&A will provide a general overview of our return to learn plans and an update for interested families. For information on how to join, click here.

All buildings will continue to detail specific procedures for building operations as we move into August and more updates will follow from each building. Traditional year calendar (first day with students) begins September 1.

Next week, we will be mailing our district calendars to our families, along with additional resources, including information on busing.

As a reminder, CASD offers full-time online K-12 options through our Great Lakes Online Education (GLOE) school. GLOE provides local points of contact for program support. John Gantner, GLOE Principal, works closely with all our CASD buildings (GE, GMS, GHS) to help coordinate instructional planning for each student and assists when students return to in-person learning. There is no cost to enroll, and if you have any questions, Mr. Gantner can be reached at 989-344-3535.

We are continuing to monitor changes at the state level, and as we know more, we will update our families. For our fall sport athletes, the MHSAA has now announced a phased-in approach. Specifics on this can be found at the MHSAA.com website. As we move into August, you are encouraged to contact your building principals if you have specific questions about your student or about specific building operations.

Thank you again.

Sincerely,
Justin Gluesing

 

           JUSTIN GLUESING . SUPERINTENDENT . KIM SCHMIDT . BUSINESS MANAGER
                      1135 NORTH OLD 27 . GRAYLING, MI . 49738 . PHONE 989.344.3500
                                                 www.casdk12.net . FAX 989.348.6822 

 

         CASD Logo

July 17, 2020

Hello CASD Staff, Families, and Community:

As we look forward to seeing our students and staff back in our buildings this school year, our planning has focused on a safe return to in-person learning.

Reviewing the requirements and recommendations from the Return to School Roadmap and the guidance from our local health officials, our best chance to stay face-to-face with our students is to implement as many of the mitigation strategies as we are able. Specific to facial coverings/masks, these will be a requirement when we begin school this fall.

At this time, we anticipate the following:
1. All students and staff will be required to wear facial coverings while on a school bus. This would include normal to/from school routes and extra-curricular travel.
2. Facial coverings must always be worn in hallways and common areas by preK-12 students in the building except for during meals.
3. Facial coverings must be worn in classrooms by all students at GMS and GHS. Currently, other than the common area requirements noted above, our GE students will not be required to wear facial coverings when in classrooms as we begin the year.
4. Facial coverings must be worn by staff except for meals. PreK-4 and special education teachers will be able to use clear masks that will allow our younger students to see their full faces.
5. Any visitors entering any district buildings must wear a facial covering. Please note that visitors allowed into the interior of any building will be kept to a minimum as we start the year.

Please recognize that this is where we will start the year. In addition, depending on the setting, there will be some flexibility as noted below.

● In gym class when outside and following social distance protocols or when engaged in aerobic activity
● When there is a safety concern when working near equipment in our woodshop, or when another mask is required per OSHA guidance.
● For staff, when in an office space where only one person is present, facial coverings are encouraged but not required. Common area offices (e.g. main offices) will require masks at all times.

Our buildings will also work to plan for masks “breaks” during the day. Again, this is where we will begin, but as the school year progresses, I know we are all hopeful that we will reach a better place that will allow us to return to more normal operations.

In anticipation of this requirement, families can help prepare younger students by establishing routines and working with your student to develop a comfort level with wearing a mask. As a district, we will have a supply of reusable cloth masks available when we start, but it may be better to find a facial covering that your child is comfortable with now. I know that many families have already acquired facial coverings for their students. The CDC provides guidance on appropriate face coverings (click here for more information). Any facial covering, including those that are homemade, will be allowed, provided they are consistent with CDC guidance and our school dress codes.

For any student or staff member who cannot medically tolerate a facial covering, a waiver may be secured by providing documentation from a doctor indicating that the accommodation is required “at school”, and clarify if a face shield is/is not an appropriate alternative. For the vast majority of our staff and students, this should be rare.

Our Extended Learning Year (ELY) program begins on August 11 with the remainder of our students beginning September 1. The initial preparedness plan will be approved in advance of our ELY students returning but additional specifics will be updated as we approach the beginning of our traditional year on September 1. More detailed information will be released to families as we near the start of each school calendar.

Again, our planning remains focused on safety and in-person instruction for the coming school year. However, if schools are forced to close again for in-person instruction, CASD will be ready to serve our students and families through our Grayling Viking Distance Learning program.

We recognize that some of our families are considering fully online options for next year. CASD offers full-time online K-12 programming through our Great Lakes Online Education (GLOE) school. John Gantner, GLOE Principal, is available to answer any questions you may have (989-344-3535) and families interested in this option are encouraged to enroll now.

I know we all recognize that COVID-19 remains a fluid situation. Please be alert for additional information and increasing communications as we move into August.

My thanks to our entire CASD family.

Sincerely,
Justin Gluesing


From CDC (June 28, 2020)
 

[The] CDC recommends that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

■ Cloth face coverings may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others.

■ Cloth face coverings are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings.

■ Cloth face coverings should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

Evidence for Effectiveness of Cloth Face Coverings
Clip art of woman wearing a face mask

Cloth face coverings are recommended as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the cloth face covering coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice. This is called source control. This recommendation is based on what we know about the role respiratory droplets play in the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, paired with emerging evidence from clinical and laboratory studies that shows cloth face coverings reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth. COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), so the use of cloth face coverings is particularly important in settings where people are close to each other or where social distancing is difficult to maintain.

Cloth face coverings are a critical preventive measure and are most essential in times when social distancing is difficult. If cloth face coverings cannot be used, make sure to take other measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread, including social distancing, frequent hand washing, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.



Child masks tips




         


             JUSTIN GLUESING . SUPERINTENDENT . KIM SCHMIDT . BUSINESS MANAGER
                      1135 NORTH OLD 27 . GRAYLING, MI . 49738 . PHONE 989.344.3500
                                                 www.casdk12.net . FAX 989.348.6822 

        CASD Logo

July 10, 2020

Hello CASD Staff, Families, and Community:

On June 30th, the State of Michigan’s Return to School Roadmap guidance was released (click here). Yesterday, we received the reporting template we need to complete and approve to return to school.

With our ELY program beginning on August 11th, the timelines required under Executive Order 2020-142 will accelerate our work to finalize the initial plan not later than August 4th. As shared previously, we will have our plan in place in advance of our ELY students returning, and update the plan as needed for the September 1st start of our traditional year.

The Return to School Roadmap details the requirements our district will need to follow based on the MI Safe Start phase of our region. CASD is currently in Phase 5 (Region 6). Under the guidance, the following summarizes how schools may open depending on the regional phase.

1. Phase 6 - Open for in-person instruction with minimal required safety protocols
2. Phase 5 - Open for in-person instruction with moderate required safety protocols
3. Phase 4 - Open for in-person instruction with more stringent required safety protocols
4. Phases 1-3 - Do not open for in-person instruction and instruction is provided remotely

Within the Roadmap guidance, districts must follow all safety protocols identified as “required” and may choose to implement additional recommended practices where possible.

Over the next two weeks, our district will be participating in meetings with our regional health partners from District Health Department #10 and continuing discussions and planning with our administration, staff, and ISD leaders. I will keep you informed as we move forward.

My best to our CASD families and staff.

Sincerely,
Justin Gluesing

 

 

            JUSTIN GLUESING, SUPERINTENDENT , KIM SCHMIDT. BUSINESS MANAGER
                      1135 NORTH OLD 27 , GRAYLING, MI . 49738 . PHONE 989.344.3500 
                                               www.casdk12.net . FAX 989.348.6822 

Click here for CASD's 2020-2021 COVID-19 Preparedness & Response Plan - July 29, 2020

 

MIOSHA - COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan information for CASD employees.

Marching Band Rolls with the Changes, Finishes 2020 Season

CASD in the time of COVID-19

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Click here for CASD COVID-19 information from the 2019-2020 school year. 

 

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