Because COVID-19 (coronavirus) is a rapidly-evolving situation with cases now identified in Michigan, I want to assure you that we are continuing to stay on top of the most recent information from county, state and federal agencies as well as local experts in the fields of public health and infectious diseases.

Managing the public threat of COVID-19 is something we are all facing together and although the risk remains low to our children, we are committed to doing what we can to prevent its spread and to protect our community including parents, grandparents and those at a greater risk.

To that end, we are implementing the following restrictions on staff and students who are traveling to high-risk areas per the Centers for Disease Control protocols.  We will provide guidelines for other travel prior to spring break as information is collected.

Travel to Level 3 Travel Notice Areas

Any RPS staff member or student who travels to a COVID-19 Level 3 Travel Notice Area will be required to follow the restrictions below before re-entry to any Rockford Public School program or building:

  • Maintain a self-quarantine and social distancing protocol for 14 days upon return from any Level 3 Area
  • Monitor personal temperature daily and report any occurrence of fever or other symptoms to your school
  • Provide a doctor’s statement to the district at the end of the 14-day quarantine period stating that the staff member or student is symptom-free and able to return to school

COVID-19 behaves like a common cold and starts slowly with a persistent dry cough. It may not be recognized until several days after onset, meaning it can be spread before a person realizes they have it.  Therefore, regardless of travel, we ask that anyone who exhibits a fever OR dry cough OR persistent body aches stay home until you are symptom-free for 24 hours or as advised by your physician to help contain any cold, flu or other viruses such as COVID-19. If a student develops these symptoms at school, they will be isolated to our health room and parents will be asked to promptly pick their child up.

Moving forward, we will continue to disinfect facilities and engage in planning conversations with our staff in Rockford and our colleagues in Kent County to make decisions in the best interest of our school communities. We will keep you informed of any impact to group events, district-sponsored travel, or school calendar changes.

You will be receiving ongoing communication from me as more information becomes available. We appreciate your cooperation and trust as we work together proactively for everyone’s safety.

Dr. Michael Shibler
Superintendent of Schools