Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

E-TC board learns about COVID-19 protocols

By JAN TUCKER

[email protected]

Ewen — Ewen-Trout Creek Superintendent Dave Radovich updated parents about continued protocols being taken by the school district to protect children and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Radovich said the district will continue to follow its preparedness and response plan.

In an email to parents, Radovich said: “All E-TC students, staff and visitors, must continue to wear masks, wash masks, wash hands and social distance each day, except masks may be taken off during lunch time. Our school will continue to be sanitized throughout the day and at the end of each day. All current busing protocols will also be in effect.”

He continued, “Be advised that our Preparedness Plan is fluid and will be adjusted on government rulings and Michigan Department of Education, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and guidance and recommendations made by the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department.”

Principal Patti Witt noted how challenging the school year has been and how much she appreciates all the hard work the entire staff has done to accomplish a safe environment for the entire school district.

Those statements were echoed by Radovich. The superintendent met with staff on Sept. 30 and discussed stress-related concerns for all employees of the district. Radovich said teachers have had a “very difficult time” and the board discussed giving teachers and other staff a one-time $750 stipend. That action is expected at the October meeting.

The school rejected the request of the senior class for an open campus, but Witt reported that a senior lounge was created. Radovich said that the lounge is being used by members of the class daily.

The superintendent gave an update on the Fab Lab and a possible grand opening for the community. He said each class will have a half-hour session to get the students acquainted with the Fab Lab, with a class to be offered in the next semester.

The board is also in discussion about reducing its membership to five members, from seven. Radovich said one reason to consider this move is that it is getting more difficult to get enough people to run for the board. He added that any move in this direction would require a referendum of the people, which could not be on the ballot until next year.

Pat Kitzman commented to the board of the denial of the county board to share PILT funds with the school. He said the county board only took funds from the federal land on the south end of the county and not the state funds from the north. The superintendent said he has been in contact with legislators for the region and they are working to change the law.

In other action, the board:

—Recognized Jonah Nordine for breaking the 5k cross country school record.

—Heard the USDA extended the summer food program through Dec. 31.

—Decided to advertize for snow bids.

—Thanked Brad Besonen for making a 5K cross country trail for school and community use.

 
 
Rendered 03/05/2024 23:18