All sports are also on hold including practices.  The current sports seasons are not cancelled at this time and will be determined later.

Because of the announcement by the Governor, we needed to make decisions for our Kindergarten through 8th grade students as well.  Based on our school's staffing, with so many middle school and high school teachers working at both levels, this is a very difficult task.  Also, these same teachers  work as the "specials" teachers in the elementary school, adding another layer to work through.

Also being considered are the local numbers of COVID-19 in Ottawa County.  In meetings with the Ottawa County Department of Public Health, the numbers shared regarding our county have risen dramatically over recent weeks.  

Because of these factors and despite our desire to serve our students in person, Black River will be moving to remote learning for all of its students K-12.

• Middle School students will begin remote learning at the same time as our High School students.  This begins on Wednesday, November 18 and will be in the same format and schedule as the first nine weeks of this school year.
• Elementary students will move to remote learning on Monday, November 23.  This instruction will be through our elementary staff and through the same platforms as before with the adjustments made to their class rosters since reopening to in-person instruction in place.
• All students will be in this remote setting until at least the end of the state's plan for high school students which is December 8th.  We will make our final decisions when more clarifying information is available to us.

While this is difficult, we are fortunate to be in a position where these timelines allow us to deliver remote learning materials to our currently in-person students before the change is in effect.

There will be a lot more information coming to you very soon.  Your patience and understanding is appreciated during this difficult time.

Thank you,

Shannon Brunink
Head of School