MUSKEGON, Michigan — Muskegon Public Schools will be closing for two days this November ahead of Thanksgiving break. The two days will serve as a time for cleaning and decompressing.
The closures will take place Nov. 22 and 23. According to Superintendent Matthew Cortez, all Muskegon Public Schools buildings will be deep cleaned and sanitized during the break to prevent the spread of of the following:
- COVID-19
- Influenza (Flu)
- Upper Respiratory Infection (URTI)
- Norovirus
- Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
- Chickenpox
The break is also a time for students and staff to have a mental health and wellness break.
“The adjustment back to a learning environment after 18 months virtually has proven to be a stressful and anxious time for many of us,” Cortez said. “While this couple of days of time is not a solution, it is a step in the right direction toward encouraging relief and self-care that we all need to practice."
“These days will help to keep Muskegon Public Schools in a proactive response stance allowing us to avoid as much illness, stress, and burnout as possible for our students and staff.”
Muskegon Public Schools will also be closed Nov. 24-26 for Thanksgiving break, resulting in a nine-day break from school for students, teachers and staff.
"Mentally they need a break," Cortez said. "We need to be able to unplug and rejuvenate. I can see the stress in students, the anxiety levels are higher."
By using two emergency days the district will go into the winter months with four emergency days remaining for snow days.
Cortez hopes district parents use the time to check in with their students and make sure they're ready to give their best effort from the Monday after the Thanksgiving break until Christmas break.
Families that wish to do a food pickup for the missing days can request the 2 lunches, 2 breakfasts, 7 dinners, and 7 snacks by calling Brenda at 231-720-2013. The meals will be available for pickup on Monday 11/22/21 from 11:00am - 1:30pm at the Muskegon High School Cafeteria.
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