HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – A scene more in keeping with March 30, 2020 has emerged at two Lakeshore school districts.
Holland Public School officials announced on Tuesday (Mar. 30, 2021) that classes at Holland High School, Holland Early College and Holland Virtual Tech will be held remotely for the next two days (Mar. 31 and Apr. 1). “As you may be aware, there is an increase in (positive) rates that are impacting the number of COVID 19 cases in high schools across the county and state,” Superintendent Brian Davis said in a district statement. “Unfortunately, this impact is now impacting Holland High School.
“Our elementary and middle school programs will continue to operate on their regular schedule for the remainder of this week. As a proactive measure, students in grades PreK-8 will come home with their devices and chargers on Thursday, in the event that we need to transition these programs into remote learning following our spring break recess.”
Davis did not disclose further details surrounding the COVID 19 situation that necessitated the move to virtual learning at HHS, HEC and HVRT. The district’s COVID-19 dashboard indicates 10 students have tested positive, 13 students are in quarantine, as are four teachers.
“This has been a year of many twists and turns, and we continue to appreciate your patience and support,” he added.
In Zeeland, all students from grades 6-12 will be in remote learning for Wednesday and Thursday (Mar. 31-Apr. 1), under similar circumstances to that of Holland.
“Due to COVID-19, ZPS is experiencing a surge in absenteeism and students being quarantined at both the middle and high school levels,” the district said in a statement. “Attendance is currently between 65 to 75 percent in our middle and high school buildings and are continuing to decline. Normally, we would expect 95% attendance on these dates.
“Attendance at the elementary level remains consistent and does not require any change to scheduling.”
Both districts are slated to return to full in-person learning on Monday, April 12.
Holland Christian Schools is on the State of Michigan’s outbreak list, with five people diagnosed with the virus and 29 students and two teachers quarantined.
