2021-22 Learning Updates

In-Person Learning for All Grades

  • Students in grades pre-K—12 will be able to attend school face-to-face following a typical schedule, with
    accommodations made to follow the COVID safety protocols listed below.
  • Pre-K—5 schools will use cohorted classrooms, meaning students will remain with their assigned class throughout the
    day, including specials classes, outdoor recess, breakfast and lunch in the classroom and other such activities.
  • 6-12 schools will utilize assigned seating and physical distancing to the extent possible.
  • The BCPS Adult Education program will provide in-person instruction by scheduled appointments only.

The BCPS 2021-22 Reopening Plan

At BCPS, we wholeheartedly believe that students have the best opportunities to learn and grow in face-to-face school settings. Our goal is to provide a safe, healthy learning environment for students, minimize missed classroom time due to quarantine requirements, and maximize time spent with teachers and friends. Our 2021-22 Reopening Plan was developed based on guidance released by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Calhoun County Public Health Department (CCPHD).

BCPS will continue to monitor transmission levels within the community and may adjust these protocols and strategies accordingly following further guidance from the organizations listed above.

Additional Resources:

Transportation Updates

BCPS is facing a severe bus driver shortage, which will impact transportation. As of now, bus service will not be available for some students throughout the district. We are working urgently to hire bus drivers and restore bus routes as quickly as possible.

  • If you did not receive a bus card before the first day of school or are unsure if one or more of your children is impacted, please email the BCPS Helpdesk at helpdesk@battle-creek.k12.mi.us.
  • If you need support finding transportation options for your child, please call your school building, who may be able to put you in touch with community organizations in your area.
  • If you are not able to secure any temporary transportation for your child and they must remain home as a result, you should sign them up to attend BCPS Virtual Academy on a temporary basis. Students who cannot attend in-person due to transportation challenges should start the year in Virtual Academy, and begin attending school in person as soon as transportation is available. Click here to learn more and sign up.

LEARN MORE

Health & Safety Information

Masks

  • Following CDC recommendations and CCPHD guidance, masks will be required for all individuals inside BCPS buildings.
  • Following current federal requirements, masks are required on buses or any school transportation.

Daily Screening

  • Families should continue to conduct daily symptom screenings at home.
  • All school staff are required to complete the District’s Health Safety Self-assessment form each day prior to coming to work.

Cleaning & Hygiene

  • Frequently touched surfaces, including light switches, doors, benches and bathrooms will continue to undergo
    cleaning at least every four hours.
  • The District will continue to provide supplies and signage to support healthy hygiene behaviors.
  • Students and teachers will be encouraged to wash hands with soap and water at transition times throughout the day.

Transportation

  • Following federal requirements, all individuals, if medically feasible, must wear facial coverings while on the bus.
  • Seating charts will be used to help limit the number of close contacts should a case arise.
  • All buses will be cleaned and disinfected on a daily basis.

Visitors

Parents/Guardians and visitors will be permitted to enter the buildings on a limited basis. All individuals entering the buildings will be required to:

  • Wear a mask at all times.
  • Practice physical distancing to the extent possible.
  • Check in and out at the front desk.
  • Follow other protocols put in place for building- or program-specific events.

Assemblies, Field Trips & Extracurriculars

Extracurricular events, before- and after-school programming, field trips and other gatherings will be permitted, following the guidance of CCPHD. All indoor and outdoor gatherings will comply with current and future CCPHD guidance.

Athletics

BCPS will comply with all guidelines published by the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Interim Guidance for Athletics, and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). For more information, click here.

Contact

If you need assistance or have any questions, please reach out:

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3 Van Buren West
Battle Creek, MI 49017

(269) 965-9500

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