Updated Letter from February 13th. I received notice over the weekend that our three (3) day waiver was approved.
February 18, 2019
Dear Mesick Families and Community Members,
I want to take this time to update you regarding our snow day situation. It has been a crazy winter this year and it has really impacted school for our students. As of today we have taken a total of 15 weather days and it is only the middle of February. If you remember from the previous letter the State of Michigan allows for six (6) days to be forgiven for weather. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) can grant an additional three (3) days to be forgiven through an application process. We have applied for the additional three (3) day waiver and received notice over the weekend that our waiver was approved. As of today, this leaves six (6) additional days to still be rescheduled. Michigan schools are required to attend school for 180 days and have 1098 clock hours.
With that being said, as of today, our last day of school would be Thursday, June 20. Please make preparations for your child to attend school through June 20. We are also considering attending school on Good Friday, April 19 to help alleviate the burden in June. We are well aware that nobody wants to be attending school that late into June. We will continue to keep you informed when/if potential changes are made. Please also remember that additional closings may still occur.
The Wexford/Missaukee ISD and numerous other districts have submitted letters to local legislatures to release the day requirement and only require the 1098 required clock hours. This morning Representative Hoitenga introduced a bill that would forgive an additional three (3) days missed due to the Governor’s declaration of State of Emergency, the bill also would allow schools the option to just count the total clock hours, and eliminate the 180 day requirement. I have been told that the she believes the bill has a good chance to pass and is in the process to have the bill fast tracked. We really appreciate her listening and looking for a solution to a very challenging year. There also have been additional bills introduced to allow for more days to be forgiven this school year.
This has not been an ideal winter and has been very challenging. The decision to close school is never easy and is always made by putting the safety of our children first. I appreciate your support and patience as we continue to serve our children.
Blessed to be a Bulldog!
Scott Akom – Superintendent