9.11.

2020

Dear RCS Parents and Families,

Week one of the 2020-2021 school year is officially in the books. I am happy to share that we have had a very
positive start to the year with all factors considered. The beginning of any school year has its logistical challenges
as we all settle into a routine and have time to make necessary adjustments. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly
has added to the complexity of our lives but as a school community this week represents a solid step in the right
direction.

Our students have been incredible at all levels. They should be commended for being diligent in learning and
following all of our safety protocols. Additionally, the added responsibility and ownership they need to show with
learning in a virtual environment is growing day by day. Please take a minute to thank them on my behalf this
weekend.

I would also like to recognize the incredible efforts of our administrators, teachers and support staff. Seeing their
return last week was great but to see them welcome back students and engage your children this week is the best
thing that has happened in my life since March 13th. There is still a great deal of uncertainty and new learning in
their work but they have embraced our plan and are fully committed to our success.

I also want to share with you that the return of staff and students over the past couple of weeks has also brought us
closer to the reality of COVID-19 in our school community. We have been made aware of some incidents of
confirmed cases in some of our students' homes that have resulted in those students needing to quarantine
according to health department guidelines. We have also unfortunately had a confirmed case in one of our
students and a staff member since our return to school. These instances are taken very seriously and we are
working directly with the Macomb County Health Department every step of the way. Staff and parents are being
informed per our Case Management protocols and thorough contact tracing is occurring.

I think we would be naive to think that with over 5000 students and close to 500 employees that we wouldn’t
experience some confirmed cases in connection with our school community. What I can tell you at this time is that
none of these confirmed cases are believed to have been contracted in our schools.

I would like to take this opportunity to reinforce three extremely important things and request your full support in
helping us to keep our students, staff and families safe.

1. DAILY AT HOME SCREENING- ​Please be sure to constantly monitor your children and all members of
your household for the symptoms of COVID-19. Please conduct an at home screening of your child(ren)
every day before they come to school (including a temperature screening). If there are any suspected
symptoms please keep your child home and contact your school office. Additionally, you need to
communicate with your healthcare provider. I have attached two documents for your review:
- Two pages from the ​MCHD Parent toolkit​ (the full document is available on our COVID-19 webpage)
- The MCHD ​Student Self-Screening Sheet​ (a resource you can refer to)

OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

316 North Main Street • Romeo, Michigan 48065 |​ ​www.romeok12.org​ | (586) 752-0225 • Fax (586) 752-0228
 2. HOUSEHOLD CASES AND CONTACTS- ​It is imperative that if you have suspected or confirmed cases in
your household (persons of any age) that you contact your school office and inform them. Additionally,
your school age child(ren) need to stay home and quarantine per health department guidelines. We can
assist you in connecting with the appropriate health department personnel if needed.

3. SYSTEM OF SUPPORT- ​Managing quarantine protocols and cases is an extremely stressful process but
the system we have been building in coordination with county officials over the past several months is
working. The deployment of PPE and Cleaning supplies is evident and in place. Health Department
officials and staff have been readily available for us and contact tracing efforts have been comprehensive
and timely. Our COVID-19 Preparedness Plan and Return to Learn Roadmap have been effective and
support the essential elements of mitigating spread.

These are some of the most critical items at the core of what it means to do this “TOGETHE​R​”.

I’m asking all of our students, parents, and family members to be fully committed to supporting our efforts to make
this school year a success. Wear your facial coverings, practice social distancing, avoid close contacts outside of
your household, and practice good hand hygiene. I remain encouraged that we can continue to support the
learning option choice you have selected for your child(ren). Thanks for your continued support of our school
district.

Go Bulldogs!

Todd R. Robinson, EdD.

Superintendent

OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

316 North Main Street • Romeo, Michigan 48065 |​ ​www.romeok12.org​ | (586) 752-0225 • Fax (586) 752-0228