If you have not already subscribed to the Z for Me district email list, you will want to do so now to stay up to date on any future district wide announcements.
The update sent via email on 11/19 reads as follows:
Dear ZPS Families,
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we have so much to be thankful for. There is much to celebrate, including the resiliency of all our staff and students in the midst of another year of challenges. I am also grateful for the unwavering support of the ZPS community. Together, we have been able to provide relational, high-quality, in-person school for our students for the past twelve weeks.
It hasn’t been easy, but our hardworking and dedicated professional staff have gone above and beyond this year, doing more than ever before to meet the needs of our students and the ZPS district. There hasn’t been one school day yet this year that we have had enough substitute coverage which has caused teachers and support staff to cover for those who are absent.
Given the staffing shortages we are experiencing currently, we have decided to close the entire week of Thanksgiving, Monday, November 22, through Friday, November 26, including ZKids childcare. The decision to close was based on many conversations with local health officials, hospitals, district staff, and numerous neighboring districts, as well as the review of parent communications throughout the district. These additional two days will hopefully provide ample opportunity for rejuvenation, so that upon our return on November 29, we are all healthier.
Additionally, COVID-19 rates continue to climb, and while ZPS has committed to numerous mitigation strategies to contain the spread of this virus, a nine-day break with the loss of only two scheduled days is one more way we can combat the possibility of interrupted learning in the long term while also dealing with the continued staffing shortages brought on by COVID-19.
There will be no remote instruction during this time. Activities and events related to co-curricular and extracurricular events will be handled on a case by case basis, and communication will come directly from program directors and coaches. For students needing meals, please contact The Bridge at 616.772.3843. Families are welcome to come to The Bridge between 11am - 1pm on Monday and Tuesday. Their address is 210 East Main Avenue.
The overall health and well-being of our students remain the focus of all decision-making, and I encourage you to spend this break doing whatever fills your hearts with joy. Take extra walks, connect with friends and family, and absorb these precious days with your children who will grow up all too soon.
We are thankful for the support of our families, the dedication of our staff, and the effort put forth by our students. We acknowledge the potential strain this decision places on some of our families. Together, with family and community, we are grateful to play such an important role in preparing our students for a lifetime of learning. We look forward to welcoming students back on November 29.
Gratefully,
Dr. Brandi-Lyn Mendham
Superintendent
Zeeland Public Schools
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