2021-2022 COVID-19 Return to Learn

On August 24, 2021, The Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) issued an Emergency Order (2021 - 01) which, generally, requires universal masking for all individuals inside “educational settings” anywhere in the County.

The Emergency Order has raised a number of important and relevant questions.  We will continue to add more information as we receive confirmation regarding the answers.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What happens when one of our schools is informed of a Positive Case?

A:  An administrator from Holly Area Schools communicates to the Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) regarding the positive COVID-19 case.  With this communication, the administrator provides information to assist the health department with their case investigation including seating charts and contact information of individuals who may be identified by the health department as a close contact. 

Our district encourages OCHD to promptly notify any determined Close Contacts the need to quarantine pursuant to Rule 340.175(4) and the MDHHS Order, which gives local health departments the authority to order a quarantine.  Anyone receiving a classroom exposure letter from their school building is advised to await any possible further direction from the Oakland County Health Division. 

Q:  Can the school district just defy the OCHD directive?

A:  No.  A public school district is required to comply with a mandate from the county or state health department. 

Ignoring the mandate would be considered gross negligence.  Public school districts (and their employees) are largely protected by governmental immunity should students or employees become injured/ill while at school. One of the fundamental predicates of governmental immunity is that the governmental agency (school district) is engaged in a governmental function (running of a school, consistent with legal requirements).

If the school district was operating while openly and intentionally disregarding and violating an order from a local health department (which has the authority under Michigan law to dictate health, safety, and welfare protocols), the school district runs the risk of not being afforded the protections of governmental immunity and, therefore, being held legally liable for injuries/illness which may befall a student or employee.

Additionally, the COVID-19 Response and Reopening Liability Assurance Act, passed by the Michigan Legislature in October 2020, provided for individual and organizational immunity from liability for claims related to COVID illness. However, such protections are expressly conditioned on a good faith adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and orders – which would include the OCHD Emergency Order.

In short, open defiance of the Emergency Order would create significant legal exposure for the school district, its board of education, and staff.

Q:  If someone is vaccinated, do they still have to wear a mask?

A:  Yes. The Emergency Order applies to “students, teachers, administrative staff, attendees, volunteers, and other employees or volunteers of Educational Institutions.” The Emergency Order also requires that “all persons, regardless of vaccination status, ... consistently wear a facial covering ...”

Q:  What exemptions are provided in the Emergency Order, if any?

A:  The Emergency Order delineates five (5) exemptions:

1. Persons in the act of eating or drinking.
2. Persons under the age of four; however, supervised masking is recommended for children who are at least two years of age.
3. Persons with developmental conditions of any age attending school for whom it has been demonstrated that the use of a face covering would inhibit the person's access to education. These are limited to persons with an Individualized Education Plan, Section 504 Plan, Individualized Healthcare Plan or equivalent.
4. Vaccinated teachers who are working with children who are hard of hearing or students with developmental conditions who benefit from facial cues.
5. Persons who have a medical reason confirmed in writing from a Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) currently licensed to practice medicine in the State of Michigan.

Q:  Where can I locate information about COVID-19 vaccinations?

A:  https://oaklandcountyvaccine.com/appointments/#providers

Guidance/Resources

Quarantine and Isolation Information - Revised 1-11-22
HAS Classroom Quarantine Letter Fall 2021 - Rev 9-8-21
Quarantine Recommendation Handout Fall 2021 - Rev 9-15-21
Symptomatic Student Parent Letter 2021

Mask Medical Exemption for Students Procedure

In order for a student who is age 2 or older to be exempt from wearing a mask due to medical reasons, HAS will require parents to have their child’s doctor (MD or DO, as required by Emergency Order 2021-1), complete and return the district’s HAS Student Face Covering Exempt Request form.  Please follow the procedures outlined below for the consideration of medical exemption:

• Once a parent has expressed concern for their child wearing a mask to school due to medical reasons, the building principal, administrative assistant, or central office administrative assistant will direct the parent to the HAS Student Mask Exempt Form on our website. 
• The form will be returned to the Student Services Office, to Mrs. Flessa/Mrs. Stevens
  • If additional information is needed from the physician for the request to be determined, a Release of Information will be completed by the parent.
• Once the exemption request has been reviewed, the building principal will contact the parent.

Student Mask Medical Exemption Request Form

  Holly@Home

  Distance Learning Program
 

With the order from Governor Whitmer to close schools for the remainder of the school year, Holly Area Schools is introducing our Holly@Home Distance Learning Program for all students Y5-12th grades. Beginning the week of April 15, staff and students in Holly Area Schools will shift to a more structured approach to on-line remote learning.

Student and Family Meal Resources

Holly Area Schools in partnership with Chartwells School Dining will be continuing to offer FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH FOR ALL CHILDREN 18 years old & under and Special needs children age 26 and under.

Following Governor Whitmer’s original Stay Home Order, we are now transitioning into the Summer Food Program. Please click the link below for the Summer Meal Program Hours and Locations.

Health Information and Resources

With information changing daily, we encourage families to stay up to date on information regarding COVID-19 and protect yourself and the community.

Cancellations

• All Holly Area Schools Offices, Buildings, including Childcare will be closed to the public until Monday, April 6th.  (Stay tuned for any future announcements)
• All Activities and events including Community Center Events are suspended until further notice. 
• HAS Central Office Staff will be on a “Flex Schedule” with majority of work done from home.  
• The MHSAA has canceled 2019-20 winter and spring sports.  Physical practices and competitions in all sports are not permitted until the ban is lifted by the Governor.