COVID-19

KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY UPDATED ON COVID-19 Information

It is important for our ZPS community to have access to accurate and timely information about the COVID-19 health pandemic at ZPS and beyond.

Zeeland Public Schools will work under the guidance of The Ottawa County Health Department and in conjunction with area schools, medical professionals, and educational professionals to ensure the safety of all at ZPS and beyond.

COVID-19

Not feeling well?

Parents can use this helpful symptom checker to understand what to do when a child doesn't feel well. This was designed for ZPS families.

 

The CDC also has a symptom checker to assist families who may have concerns about whether or not they may have COVID.

 

 

COVID checker

 

 

February 27, 2022

COVID-19 Update: Changes to CDC Guidance

As shared last week, ZPS and other area districts continue to reference guidance from the CDC when implementing COVID-19 and illness policies. The link to CDC guidance can be found here at their website. 

An update to the CDC guidance came late in the day on Friday, February 25, 2022. This update includes guidance for masking on school transportation. Ottawa County Department of Public Health also confirmed that masking on school buses is no longer a requirement for school employees or students. 

Beginning immediately, masking is no longer required on school transportation. This includes before and after school care and educational and childcare programs. The district will continue to have masks available should your child need or request one.

Parents of students in all grade levels should continue to monitor their child(ren) for symptoms daily and keep them home if ill. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

February 22, 2022

As the number of positive COVID-19 cases continue to decline, the Ottawa County Department of Public Health has recently updated its guidance and shared a COVID-19 Prevention in Educational Settings Statement. ZPS has met with our local health department professionals to better understand how this statement impacts our district students and families.  

ZPS and other area districts will reference guidance from the CDC when implementing COVID-19 and illness policies. The link to CDC guidance can be found here at their website.

Parents of students in all grade levels should monitor their child for symptoms daily and keep their child home if ill. If you have any questions regarding your child’s symptoms, please reach out to your school building or healthcare provider.

Isolation:

All staff and students who test positive with COVID-19 are required to isolate for at least 5 full days. Day 0 is the day of a positive test or the onset of symptoms. Day 1 would be the day after the positive test or onset of symptoms.

If fever-free and symptoms are largely improved, individuals may return to school beginning day 6 while wearing a well-fitting mask through day 10.

Quarantine:

For household close contacts, ZPS will reference CDC guidance when making recommendations for quarantine. 

Transportation:

Students are still required to wear masks on Public Transportation including school buses as ordered by the US Department of Transportation. That requirement extends through March 18, 2022.  

Ongoing Mitigation Strategies:

Regular cleaning of shared surfaces will occur.

Hand sanitizer will be readily available in classrooms and common areas.

Masks will be provided on transportation and will be required to be worn by staff and students in accordance with the order by the US Department of Transportation.

Masks will be provided at the entry of all school buildings as an option for staff and students.

January 14, 2022

Throughout the past twenty-two months, the ZPS community has come together time and again to collaborate and problem-solve the various challenges that COVID-19 has presented. In every circumstance and decision, our students remain our focus. 

On January 11, 2022, the Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH) released a Reconciliation Order that changed protocols primarily related to quarantine, contact tracing, and household COVID cases. Since ZPS does not have a universal masking policy (masks are strongly recommended, but not required at ZPS), the following changes are included in this order:

COVID-19 Positive Individuals:

Isolation for 10 days 

May return after 10 days if symptoms have improved and no fever (without medicine) for at least 24 hours.

The day symptoms start is considered day zero.

If there are no symptoms, the testing day is considered day zero.

Close Contacts of COVID-19 in the Household:

For individuals not fully vaccinated:

If unable to isolate from COVID positive individuals, quarantine at home for 10 days and may return masked for days 11-15. If unwilling or unable to mask at school, they may return after day 15.

If able to isolate from COVID positive individual, quarantine for 5 days after last contact and may return masked for days 6-10. If unwilling or unable to mask at school, they may return after day 10.

Always monitor for symptoms and keep close contacts home if they are sick.

For individuals fully vaccinated:

Adults (individuals who have a booster) do not need to quarantine but must wear a properly-fitting face mask through day 15.

Children (2 weeks after second shot) do not need to quarantine but must wear a properly-fitting face mask through day 15.

Close Contacts in School:

The OCDPH no longer requires contract tracing. Because OCDPH recognizes that the risk for transmission is greater with household cases than within the school setting, the updated Order prioritizes quarantine for household close contacts. ZPS will continue to monitor and record positive cases, update our dashboard regularly, and maintain frequent communication with OCDPH.

Monitoring for Symptoms

All individuals should continue to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and stay home if they have any of the symptoms below:

Any one of these symptoms:

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Confusion or change in mental status
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds, depending on skin tone
  • Inability to wake or stay awake

Any two of these symptoms:

  • Fever of ≥100.4 or feeling feverish
  • Chills
  • Rigors (uncontrollable shaking)
  • Muscle aches
  • Sore throat
  • Diarrhea 
  • Nausea or vomiting 
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Headache
  • Fatigue

 

*Per ZPS policy, any individual who is vomiting or has a fever of 100.4 or greater must remain home.

ZPS will continue to offer resources to meet the various needs of our students, including physical needs (food scarcity), mental health needs, and emotional needs.  We will work together to maximize the resources with a steady focus on ensuring that relationships come first and connection remains an important focus for all students in the 2021-22 school year.  

ZPS remains incredibly appreciative for the flexibility and understanding of our students, families, and staff during this ever-evolving situation. The District continues to communicate regularly with the OCDPH and neighboring districts to make decisions focused on our students. Your continued partnership and patience during this unprecedented time is deeply appreciated.

*Please note that the federal order requiring masks on school transportation is still in effect. 

 

December 30, 2021

We hope that this break has given you and your loved ones an abundance of time and opportunity to rest and reconnect.  A new year always brings optimism and motivation for new opportunities and achievements. As we look ahead with anticipation to 2022, we recognize the many challenges that lay ahead. We are optimistic that while we may have varying perspectives, we will come together as a community, unified in our goal of valuing education and each other. 

There are many questions regarding how ZPS will respond to the ever-changing landscape of educating our students while COVID-19 continues to circulate within our community. ZPS will continue to collaborate with our professional health officials to sustain learning environments that keep students, staff, and volunteers safe. ZPS will also continue to comply with mandated health orders. We will maintain our enhanced cleaning and sanitizing protocols and socially distance and cohort when feasible. The Ottawa County Department of Public Health is reviewing the new CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines, and they are working to update their guidance. We anticipate this information early in the new year. For the latest updates shared by the Ottawa County Department of Public Health, please visit their COVID-19 Prevention and Response website. 

Upon our return to school on January 3, the Ottawa County Department of Public Health will strongly recommend, but not require, masks for students and adults in educational settings to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.  As a result, ZPS will also strongly recommend, but not require, universal use of face masks for PreK - 12th grade students in educational settings. Please note that the federal CDC order still requires masking on all buses and school transportation. These policies are subject to change if further mandates come from our local health departments.  

Finally, ZPS respects the various views when it comes to the health of a child. With the availability of vaccines for individuals ages 5 and up, we recognize that deciding to vaccinate your child is dependent on parent choice. If you would like more information on how to have your child vaccinated, please visit your personal healthcare provider or the Ottawa County Department of Public Health website. 

Divisive issues continue to dominate our global landscape, and we know that an array of perspectives also exist within our own community. ZPS is grateful for our inspiring students, dedicated staff, supportive families, and involved community as we enter a new year of opportunities amidst the challenges.

August 24, 2021

Zeeland Public Schools is grateful and appreciative of our enduring partnership with the Zeeland Community. The Administration team and the Zeeland Public Schools Board of Education continue to closely examine plans for returning to school for the 2021-2022 school year. We also continue in our commitment to speak collectively in an effort to communicate clearly with the best interests of students as our priority.  

In the previous Return to Learning Plan on August 4, 2021, ZPS noted the importance of flexible planning in addition to layered and measured mitigation strategies to combat COVID-19. On August 4, 2021, transmission rates were ‘moderate’ in Ottawa County. At the time of this update, Ottawa County is now operating under a “high” transmission rate. Given the current transmission rates of COVID-19 in our community, previous measures will continue to be implemented with additional measures taken to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the community: 

  • ZPS will be open for full-day, in-person instruction and learning. Families seeking an online learning alternative (ZConnect) should contact their building principal by August 27. Before and after school extracurricular activities will be provided for the enrichment of our students. 
  • Layered and measured approaches increase safety and protection for staff and students. As such, ZPS will promote physical distancing as much as is feasible. 
  • In compliance with the OCDPH, at this time, face coverings are required  for students age 4 through 6th grade when inside any of our school buildings and for any persons (staff, volunteers, visitors/parents) in proximity of students age 4 through 6th grade.
  • For grades 7-12, face coverings are highly recommended, but not required at this time. Face coverings are required for all students and staff in multi-grade settings where 6th grade students are present.
  • All staff and students are required to wear face coverings on ZPS transportation due to a federal order that districts are required to follow.
  • Curriculum-related volunteers, mentors, and visitors (including parents and guardians) will be allowed in school buildings with prior approval from the building administrator. Face coverings are required for anyone in proximity of students age 4 through 6th grade.
  • Parents and guardians, visitors and volunteers are welcomed to attend announced events (such as open houses, sporting events, concerts, etc.). Face coverings are required for anyone who is in proximity of students age 4 through 6th grade.
  • Students and staff will not be tested for COVID-19 unless it is mandated by the MHSAA, MDHHS, or the OCDPH. The COVID-19 vaccination is not required for school enrollment or attendance. 
  • ECC and childcare programs will follow licensing requirements set forth by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the OCDPH.
  • ZPS will continue to comply with orders from local and state health departments surrounding the mitigation of COVID-19.

We are fortunate to have a mutually respectful partnership with the Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH). Our local health department understands the importance of uninterrupted in-person learning for students. 

In times like these, it is important for us to acknowledge that we are all dealing with highly emotional circumstances and diverse opinions. Although it may look different at times, Zeeland Public Schools will do all that we can to provide opportunities for students to interact and collaborate in thriving learning environments that are respectful, relationship-based, and positive.

August 4, 2021

Zeeland Public Schools appreciates the enduring patience and flexibility the community has shown throughout the past several months as the Administration team and the Zeeland Public Schools Board of Education have worked extensively  on plans for returning to school for the 2021-2022 school year. While we value the many perspectives that have been shared, we speak collectively as one school district in an effort to communicate clearly with the best interests of students as our priority. Every conversation and decision has reflected our motto, which is that every child is safe, valued, and loved as a part of the ZPS district.  

With this deep care for all students in mind, a key aspect of this Return to Learning Plan will be adaptable, flexible measures in order to carefully observe rates of transmission in our community as well as other variables which might warrant a reconsideration of current measures. 

At the time of this draft, transmission rates remain ‘moderate’ in Ottawa County, though last academic year in Ottawa County we were operating at ‘substantial’ to ‘high risk’ transmission levels. Given the current transmission rates of COVID-19 in our community, the following are aspects of the ZPS Return to Learn plan to be implemented:

  • Schools will be open for full-day, in-person instruction and learning. Families seeking an online learning format for their student can contact their building principal by August 13.
  • Layered and measured approaches increase safety and protection for staff and students.  As such, ZPS will promote physical distancing/cohorting as much as is feasible. 
  • Staff, students, and visitors will be encouraged but not required to wear face coverings, regardless of vaccination status. ZPS will not separate students or staff based on whether or not an individual chooses to wear a face covering. 
  • Staff and students are required to wear face coverings while on ZPS transportation due to a federal order that districts are required to follow. [Order under Section 361 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 264) and 42 Code of Federal Regulations 70.2, 71.31 (b), 71.32 (b)]
  • ZPS will comply with orders from local and state health departments if a face covering order is issued due to elevated levels of community transmission of COVID-19.
  • Students and staff will not be tested for COVID-19 unless it is mandated by the MHSAA, MDHHS, or the OCDPH. The COVID-19 vaccination is not required for school enrollment or attendance. 
  • The OCDPH will continue to require quarantine for household close contacts of COVID-19 cases and close contacts in outbreak situations (two or more connected cases).
  • Before and after school extracurricular activities will be provided for the enrichment of our students. 

Once again, key aspects are reliant on current COVID-19 transmission. ZPS has several measures in place to maintain low levels of transmission, including an emphasis on personal hygiene (frequent hand washing), continuous deep cleaning, and regular communication with the local health department to monitor transmission rates. If transmission rates increase, additional mitigation measures may be warranted, and ZPS will comply with mandates by local, state, or federal agencies.

ZPS is committed to pulling together all resources to meet the various needs of our students, including physical needs such as food scarcity, mental health supports, and emotional health supports. We will remain vigilant in our commitment to provide every possibility for a learning environment where excellence thrives. Together, we will meet the challenges of this academic year with strength, sensitivity, and resilience.

May 7, 2021

Quarantine Rules Changed For Schools

Effective immediately, the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services will no longer require the county health departments of Ottawa, Muskegon, Ionia and Kent counties to quarantine students who have possibly been exposed to COVID-19 at school. This announcement is backed by extensive data that indicate minimal transmission occurs in the regional school setting. 

Students currently quarantined due to contact tracing at school are immediately approved to return to school and are immediately eligible to participate in athletics, extra-curricular and co-curricular activities. 

In the event of a positive COVID case, the affected individual must follow the 10 day isolation protocols to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Furthermore, immediate family members of a COVID positive individual and close contact, non-vaccinated school employees are still required to quarantine. The health department will make case-by-case decisions regarding outbreaks, including localized outbreaks, such as a single classroom. 

As a result of these changes, schools will begin contact tracing to a 3 foot distance, rather than the previous requirement of 6 feet. ZPS will inform all close contacts as a required notification but will no longer mandate students to quarantine. Instead, parents can make their own informed decisions whether it is necessary to quarantine.  ZPS will honor each decision and will remain flexible with attendance guidelines, as permitted. 

This announcement serves as an official notification that students quarantined due to school related contact tracing are no longer quarantined. Those quarantined due to contact tracing outside of school must still follow the guidelines set by the Michigan Department of Public Health. If you have questions about your child’s situation, please contact your building. 

ZPS emphasizes the importance to monitor children daily for symptoms associated with COVID-19. If your child displays symptoms, please stay home. ZPS has an online symptom checker available to assist families who are unsure of necessary steps or protocols. 

Under state order, masks continue to be required indoors while at school, on the bus, and outdoors in groups over 100. Additionally, there is no change to the current state athletic requirements at this time.

ZPS appreciates the collaborative partnerships with all neighboring school districts and the Ottawa County Department of Public Health as we navigate through this pandemic together. 

April 19, 2021

All buildings are open. Families will be contacted with necessary information regarding the need to quarantine, if and when necessary. Currently, all quarantines are 14 days from the last date of exposure.

ZPS Middle & High Schools Switch to Remote March 31 and April 1

Due to COVID-19, ZPS is experiencing a surge in absenteeism and students being quarantined at both the middle and high school levels. Attendance is currently between 65 - 75% in our middle and high school buildings and are continuing to decline. Normally, we would expect 95% attendance on these dates. Therefore, to mitigate further spread of COVID-19, all students grades 6-12 will participate in remote learning both Wednesday, March 31 and Thursday, April 1. 

  • Wednesday will follow a remote late start EVEN schedule. 
  • Thursday will follow a remote late start ODD schedule. 
  • Specific schedules will be shared directly from the school buildings.

Students in grades 6-12 can order meals available for pick up at ZEHS or ZWHS each day. Orders must be placed prior to 8 am through the Remote Learning Deli. This link can also be found on the ZPS Food Service webpage. 

 Attendance at the elementary level remains consistent and does not require any change to scheduling. 

 ZPS plans to return to in-person learning for all grades on Monday, April 12. 

Traveling for Spring Break?

ZPS follows the guidelines set by the CDC and does not follow differing rules to travel. These guidelines are backed by the OCHD and can be found here.

December 10 Update

Students in grades PK-8 are scheduled to return Monday, December 14, 2020 for in-person learning. 

November 11 Update

Read this update in Spanish

Although many questioned how long in-person learning could last during a pandemic, we are proud of all our students and staff for all that has been achieved in the first academic quarter. It has been nothing short of amazing to see the strength and tenacity of teaching and learning in every corner of our district over the last 11 weeks. Thank you for supporting your children and our staff throughout this experience and this academic year. 

Although student attendance remains near 89% (normal is 98%), the challenges associated with this pandemic have reached a new level both at ZPS and throughout West Michigan. The virus has expanded its reach into our community and our buildings. As local COVID cases increase, our state and local health systems are taxed to keep up with testing and results. Additionally, local community tracing is now done at the state level. This high case load translates to a delay in communication, sometimes up to a week, before a school building has sufficient detail and contact tracing within ZPS can be completed.  Each building is experiencing numerous classes without substitute teachers and other staffing gaps that cannot be filled.  As we all work tirelessly to maintain a healthy physical environment at ZPS, we are also mindful of the mental health and well-being of students and staff who must then be placed under quarantine. As our numbers escalate, so does our need to adjust quickly and effectively. 

Therefore, it is for the health and well-being of our students, staff, and community that ZPS will alter the immediate in-person academic calendar to a remote calendar until after Thanksgiving Break. Specifically:

Thursday, November 12: Parent-teacher conferences remain as scheduled. The virtual half day for students is canceled to provide staff time to organize for remote learning.

Friday, November 13: No school (previously scheduled day off)

Monday, November 16: No school for PK-8 and Remote Learning for 9-12 

Tuesday, November 17 - Tuesday, November 24: Remote Learning PK-12

Wednesday, November 25 - 27: Thanksgiving Break, no school

Monday, November 30: Return to in-person learning

Let’s all do our part so we can resume in-person learning. 

Please continue to follow the CDC guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

We understand there are many questions. We will do our best to provide  information on key areas below.

Food Service

Families can sign up for ZPS Meal Service by emailing foodservice@zps.org or calling 616-748-3128 before noon on Fridays. Food pick up is held every Tuesday from 2-5 pm at The Bridge in downtown Zeeland and includes a week's worth of breakfast and lunch per student at no cost. 

Z-Kids Childcare 

Z-Kids Childcare is operating under the remote schedule plan. There is currently a waiting list for this program. 

Early Childhood Center Preschool

The Early Childhood Preschool, as well as special education programs, will begin remote on Tuesday, November 17 to coincide with the K-12 schedule. At this time, ZPS childcare at the Early Childhood Center remains open for currently enrolled families. 

Extra-Curricular Activities for Grades 6-12

Currently, extracurricular activities will continue with safety precautions in place. Students who participate in any extracurricular activity will receive information from their director or coach. 

Zeeland Recreation 

Currently, all Zeeland Recreation activities and the Zeeland Recreation Fitness Center remain open with safety precautions in place. 

Z-Connect Families

Z-Connect Online Learning students in grades Y5-5 will receive calendar updates from Leslie Rindfliesch, Z-Connect Director. Of immediate importance, Y5-5 students will have no academic requirements for Thursday, November 12. Z-Connect Online Learning for grades 6-12 is not affected by the calendar change. Students in grades 6-12 will continue with their self paced schedule. As a reminder, Friday, November 13 remains a scheduled day off for all Z-Connect students.

Remote Schedules and Class Information

Buildings and classrooms will provide further information about the remote schedule. Families can expect an update by Monday with more details. 

We know this is a difficult undertaking for our families, as well as our staff. We hope this break from in-person learning will provide sufficient time to slow the spread of COVID-19 and allow for our medical facilities to properly navigate the current situation. We know in-person learning is critical for many students and our hope is to regain the ability to teach and learn in person. We thank you for your continued grace and wish all of our families a safe and healthy remote experience. 


 

October 4 Update

On Friday, October 2, at approximately 5 PM, the Supreme Court ruled all State of Michigan Executive Orders placed after April 30 to be unconstitutional.

While ZPS understands there are numerous viewpoints associated with this highly sensitive topic, we ask for your continued grace and support while we navigate through this turning point for our state. ZPS is proud of the success experienced district-wide with mitigating the spread of COVID-19. While we understand it can be challenging, we couldn’t be more proud of the 6,000 students and 800 staff within our buildings who comply to maintain a safe and healthy environment. 

Guided by the district’s motto of Safe, Valued and Loved, ZPS will meet tomorrow with local legislators, neighboring districts, legal counsel, medical advisors including the Ottawa County Health Department, and Zeeland Education Association leaders to fully understand the scope of the Supreme Court ruling and ensure all current safety plans are appropriate, effective, and timely. 

Zeeland Public Schools will adhere to the safety guidelines currently practiced within the district as outlined in the Board of Education approved Preparedness Plan. This includes the continuation of wearing masks and practicing social distancing to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

ZPS will provide details as further guidance emerges. Until otherwise announced, ZPS will remain unchanged with current COVID-19 procedures.  

 

August 31, 2020

 

  • Message from Superintendent Calvin De Kuiper

July 31, 2020

July 21, 2020

May 12, 2020

Archived Links

State of Michigan Return to Learn Roadmap 2020-2021

COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan

ZPS Continuity of Learning/Extended Learning Plan

ZPS Preparedness Plan, BOE Approved on 7.31.2020

Return to Learning Infographic 2020-2021

Return to Learning FAQ 2020-2021 / Return to Learning FAQ en español

FORMS & Documents