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!

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.

So... What confusing times we are living in. I just received this notice from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services regarding MDHHS Director Issues Epidemic Public Health Order Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director Robert Gordon today issued an Emergency Order under MCL 333.2253 restricting gathering sizes, requiring face coverings in public spaces, and places limitations on bars and other venues. Under MCL 333.2253, if the MDHHS director determines that control of an epidemic is necessary to protect the public health, the director by emergency order may prohibit the gathering of people for any purpose and may establish procedures to be followed during the epidemic to insure continuation of essential public health services and enforcement of health laws. Today’s orders largely reinstate, under the department’s authority, three major aspects of prior emergency orders issued by Gov. Whitmer: "Requirements to wear masks at indoor and outdoor gatherings: The order requires individuals to wear masks when in gatherings, defined as any occurrence where persons from multiple households are present in a shared space in a group of two or more and requires businesses and government offices to enforce those requirements for gatherings on their premises. The order also requires the wearing of masks at schools for all grades, except for in Michigan Economic Recovery Council Region 6. Limitations on the size of gatherings: The order reinstates limitations on gathering sizes that mirror the requirements that Governor Whitmer had previously put in place. These include indoor gatherings of more than 10 and up to 500 people occurring at a non-residential venue are permitted within the following limits: In venues with fixed seating, limit attendance to 20% of normal capacity. However, gatherings up to 25% of normal capacity are permitted in Michigan Economic Recovery Council Region 6. In venues without fixed seating, limit attendance to 20 persons per 1,000 square feet in each occupied room. However, gatherings of up to 25 persons per 1,000 square feet are permitted in Michigan Economic Recovery Council Region 6. Non-residential outdoor gatherings of between 100 and 1,000 persons at venues with fixed seating are permitted at up to 30% of normal capacity and at 30 persons per 1,000 square feet at venues without fixed seating. Limitations on certain establishments: Although the order does not close bars, it requires them to close indoor common areas where people can congregate, dance, or otherwise mingle. Indoor gatherings are prohibited anywhere alcoholic beverages are sold except for table services where parties are separated from one another by at least six feet. In addition, athletes training or practicing for or competing in an organized sport must wear a facial covering, except when swimming, or consistently maintain six feet of social distance." The order is effective immediately and valid through October 30, 2020. So... Now What? Well, we will continue to get more information and clarifying guidance in the coming days/weeks. In the meantime, we will continue to follow our original Preparedness and Response Plan but now must reinstate the requirement that masks are also to be worn in schools for all of our K-12 students. As stated last week, our K-5 staff will be creative in finding safe ways to provide mask breaks throughout the school day. Hang in there Spartans!!

Dear MCC School Family, You may have heard that last Friday afternoon, the Michigan Supreme Court answered a question from a federal court that basically had the effect of finding the governor's executive orders after April 30, in regard to a declared state of emergency, unconstitutional (i.e., in violation of the Michigan constitution). This has created a lot of confusion for all and will require clarification from the courts, the legislature, the governor, and other state and local agencies, which have other, separate authorities to issue various orders. I will be learning much more about all of this over the next few days and sharing relevant summaries with you all. For now, please understand that we continue to function under our COVID Preparedness and Response Plan and our Extended Continuity of Learning Plan, the latter of which is the result of enacted law, passed by the legislature and signed by the governor. So what does all of this mean? The Mason County Central School District will stay the course with our plan that has been in place since the start of the school year. For our K-5 students, we will NOT require masks be worn in the classroom but rather encourage them. For our 6-12 students and staff, masks are still required as stated in our plan that was approved by the Mason County Central Board of Education and approved by the State back in August. Stay Healthy and Strong Spartans!