COVID-19 Information

March 2022 Update

As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to decline around the state, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) updated its mask guidance recently, removing its public health advisory on universal masking in indoor public settings, including in schools. Following the MDHHS recommendations, the district consulted with the Calhoun County Public Health Department and, following their guidance, masks are optional for students, staff, and visitors in Battle Creek Public Schools. Following the CDC’s updated guidance on February 25, 2022, masks are now optional while riding BCPS transportation as well.

According to MDHHS, decreases in cases and hospitalizations and increased access to vaccines, testing and treatment indicate that Michigan is entering what it terms a recovery phase of the COVID-19 cycle. Please note that these changes will only remain in effect while our community remains in a recovery phase or better. If the COVID-19 exposure and transmission numbers begin to reach a level of concern, requiring our community to enter a “response” phase again, we will reassess and again lean on the guidance of local health officials.

BCPS PLAN SUMMARY (PDF)

Full BCPS 2021-22 Reopening Plan (PDF)

Translated Messages

Other Resouces

Updated Plan Summary

Masks

Masks are now optional for students, staff, and visitors in Battle Creek Public Schools.
It is recommended that individuals and families assess their own risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission — such as vaccination status and pre-existing conditions — and make choices about continuing to wear masks while at school.

Transportation

Effective February 25, 2022, CDC does not require the wearing of masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems. Following this guidance, masks are optional while riding BCPS transportation.
Students who become sick during the day will not be allowed to ride the bus home.

Screening for Symptoms

Anyone experiencing potential symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home and consider completing a COVID-19 test or contacting a family physician for guidance.

Visitors

Parents/Guardians and visitors are permitted to enter schools following building protocols.
All individuals entering the buildings should:
- Assess their own risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission — such as vaccination status and pre-existing conditions — and make choices about whether to wear a protective mask.
- Practice physical distancing as much as possible.
- Follow other protocols put in place for building- or program-specific events.

In-person Assemblies, Field Trips & Events

In-person events, before- and after-school programming, field trips, and other gatherings are now permitted based on building plans and protocols.
Some events may continue to be offered in a hybrid or fully virtual format.

Athletics

BCPS will continue to 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).

Positive Case Response Procedures

The families of those identified by the school as having been potentially exposed will be alerted and asked to continue monitoring for symptoms–they are no longer required to quarantine unless symptoms arise. If symptoms develop, the individual should remain home and consider completing a COVID-19 test or contacting a family physician for guidance.

Positive Case Isolation Requirements

Those who test positive should follow the following guidelines:
- Tested positive with symptoms: Stay home and isolate for 5 full days after the first day symptoms were identified.
- Tested positive without symptoms: Stay home and isolate for 5 full days after the day of the positive test.
On the last day of your isolation period, do you have no symptoms or are your symptoms resolving?
- If yes: you can return to normal activities on day 6 with mandatory continued use of a well-fitting mask through day 10.
- If no: If you continue to have a fever or your other symptoms have not improved after 5 days of isolation, you should wait to end your isolation until you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved. If your symptoms are not resolving or are worsening, seek medical care.

What are Resolving Symptoms?

“Resolving symptoms” means your symptoms have gotten noticeably better.

Some symptoms (like fatigue and loss of smell) may last a longer time. If you have questions, please call your medical provider to discuss.

Contact

If you need assistance or have any questions, please reach out to a school office or school nurse.

Spanish Language Support: (269) 419-1978
Burmese Language Support: (269) 601-6029