Michigan School Code 380.1307b states, “Any restraint that negatively impacts breathing is prohibited, EVEN DURING AN EMERGENCY.”
An art student at Lakeshore Middle school tried to adjust his mask on January 11, 2022 and was sent into the hallway for touching his mask. Here are some more examples of how the Grand Haven School Board and GHAPS personnel are treating students and parents, breaking their own policy, and breaking the law.
The following is a conversation between GHAPS Superintendent Scott Grimes, School Board President Carl Treutler, and a parent of a GHAPS choir student.
From the Parent to Scott and Carl -
Last night I brought up a question as to why Mr. Shelton is requiring all individuals to wear face coverings to the choir concert at White Pines on 1/12/22. In the approved meeting minutes dated 8/17/21 it clearly states that face coverings are NOT required for indoor extracurricular activities. Why does Mr. Shelton think he can override the board policies? I would like a response to this question as our 5th grade daughter is supposed to sing in this concert on Wednesday.
Will her grade be affected if my wife and I decide not to let her perform because of the principal's fraudulent requirement? What if my family and I show up without face coverings? Will we be punished?
I don't have Mr. Shelton's email but would hope the both of you would reach out to him and handle this issue before tomorrow so that all families are aware of this overreach by the principal.
Thank you,
Choir Parent
Scott Grimes’ Reply - I was in contact with Mr. Shelton after the meeting last night and he is aware (and in support) of masks being recommended, not optional. Thank you for bringing this up last night. — (What does recommended, not optional mean?)
Choir Parent’s Reply - So if not required, but only recommended then we should be able to choose tomorrow night what is best for us and our child, correct?
Scott Grimes’ Reply - Masks are NOT required at the concert, but recommended. Does that help?
Choir Parent’s Reply - I also hope that the choir teacher is aware that they are not required for extracurricular activities. It sounds like she may impose this on the children while singing.
Scott Grimes’ Reply - I'll let Mr. Shelton know.
A related email from the choir teacher to all parents – I’d highly recommend that 5th grade choir singers wear a mask for blending purposes since that is what students are used to practicing with at school.
This is a conversation between GHAPS Superintendent Scott Grimes and a different parent of a GHAPS student.
Parent 2 - It was said that the mask mandate may be dropped after January 2, 2022. Wouldn’t this be a good time for the board to drop the mandate when surrounding schools, even one in Grand Haven have done away with the mask wearing? Would there be any reason for keeping the mandate? We are having a hard time understanding.
I realize it has to be an item on the agenda, but could there be an emergency board meeting scheduled since our children’s health is being endangered? Last night parents did a great job presenting the facts of damage caused by wearing the masks, some with examples of what is going on right now in our classrooms. The board has the power to put an end to this nightmare. Nothing is more important to all of us than our precious children.
Scott Grimes’ Reply – Thanks for reaching out. Our board implemented the mask requirement in August 2021, prior to any action by the health department, as did other districts in Ottawa County. (Spring Lake, GH, West Ottawa, Holland, Black River Saugatuck)
In implementing the requirement they also approved making masks optional when the CDC risk status has moved into the “moderate” area for a period of 7 consecutive days. That’s why it has not been any type of agenda item since that time. I hope this helps.
Parent 2’s Reply - Thank you for your quick response, but again, where is your evidence that these masks are keeping anyone safe? Masks aren’t solving the problem if there are still Covid cases.
The following is an email conversation between a gym parent, GHAPS Superintendent Scott Grimes, and the GHAPS School Board.
Gym Parent - Good evening Scott and BOE, I wanted to provide you the info from MHSSA that I mentioned last night: "The wearing of face masks in some sports during active participation such as such as [...] basketball could create safety hazards that have been identified by national medical organizations." So their stance is not only are face coverings not required but not recommended for anyone to wear due to safety reasons. I have also included a picture of page 2 of the GHAPS "Prevention Strategy Form" that states mask ARE NOT required for indoor sports.
My kids at both White Pines and Lakeshore have said they are required to wear face coverings in PE. My son has also been sent to the principal’s office for merely trying to breathe while exercising in PE--which was not a rule violation.
This is going against Grand Haven's own published policy and could create safety hazards. I believe it should be communicated to the schools, principals, and PE teachers that this is against school policy and to cease the mandatory wearing of face coverings during athletics.
Scott Grimes’ Reply - It's true the MHSAA would rather not get into making mask mandates for their member schools. Last year, all interscholastic athletes were required to wear masks during practice and competition with the exception of wrestling in the winter, and spring sport athletes if they tested weekly. This year the MHSAA has left this up to county health departments and individual school districts.
The subsection on the "Prevention Strategies implemented" form located on our website titled "Wearing Masks Consistently and Correctly Over the Nose and Mouth states that "GHAPS required mask indoors at all school buildings during regular school hours until the Ottawa County COVID-19 Risk Level is "moderate" for 7 consecutive days. The others to which you are referring are statements regarding after school sports.
This has been our protocol since the beginning of the school year and while I know masking can be uncomfortable, it's my understanding that the PE teacher is allowing ample mask breaks for students during class. We all hope that once we get through this current surge, positivity numbers will come down to the moderate level for seven days and we can go mask optional.
Gym Parent’s Reply - Scott, thank you for your reply. I am still very confused. You said “The others to which you are referring are statements regarding after school sports.” So by that logic that would also mean that the students have to eat with their masks on and have masks on during outdoor recess because “indoor sports” is listed in the same exact spot as those things…? How do the safety recommendations for after school sports not apply for during school sports?
What is your definition for “ample breaks” when wearing masks during exercise? Are there medical professionals that have determined what is ample for breaks for children exercising in masks? Would it be possible for me to observe a PE class?
Scott Grimes’ Reply - I apologize for any confusion, I was simply trying to distinguish between after school athletics and PE during instructional time. Lunch masking has not changed. You are more than welcome to come in and observe the PE class, just set up your visit with Amanda Sorrelle.
Did you know that Scott Grimes is the president of MHSAA?
Mandatory masking of our children has gone too far.