Opportunity for Performing Arts Students

September 25, 2020

The Honorable Gretchen Whitmer
P.O. Box 30013
Lansing, Michigan 48909

Dear Governor Whitmer,

On behalf of the students, staff, families, and communities we serve, we respectfully request consideration for performing arts students to have the opportunity to perform with conditions similar to organized sports while Michigan is in Phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan. The MI Safe Schools Return to School Roadmap and Executive Order 2020-142 called for local control by requiring local school boards approve COVID-19 Preparedness and Response plans. Through shared responsibility for safety and public health, local districts have ownership and accountability over implementation. This implementation now includes athletics and learning at the local level. However, up to this point no accommodations, consideration or flexibility has been provided for our performing arts students.

A comprehensive education is a critical component of the public school experience for our students. Students in performing arts programs often have their most meaningful school experience while performing with a school ensemble. The rationale for allowing performing arts is one rooted in equity, access, and educating the whole child. We know given the serious nature of the pandemic there needs to be additional precautions taken for performing arts to protect students, staff and our communities. That is why we are recommending the following as a framework for performing arts to continue:

• Performances will only be for the school community in which the ensemble is a part of (including co-op ensembles), therefore not allowing competitions.

• Performances should take place outside strictly adhering to a minimum social distance of 6 feet, requiring face coverings for participants that cannot maintain 6 feet social distance, and for participants who wearing a face covering does not interfere with their performance (e.g. percussion, color guard, drum major)

• Indoor performances are permissible in accordance with provisions for organized sports in Executive Order 2020-176.

• All staff are required to wear face coverings at all times.

• Guests are permitted in accordance with provisions for organized sports in Executive Order 2020-176.

Time is of the essence with this request as the fall season is quickly passing and will soon be over. The weather is quickly changing; however, there is still time to allow students to have a meaningful performing experience for this school year. Allowing schools to make this decision at the local level will be in accordance with the spirit of the Roadmap and subsequent Return to Learn legislation that has empowered local school districts and public health officials to operate within a framework to make the best decisions respective of the unique conditions in each local community.

• Tom TenBrink, Superintendent Jenison Public Schools
• Ron Caniff, Superintendent Kent Intermediate School District
• Dr. Kevin Macina, Superintendent Byron Center Public Schools
• David Washburn, Superintendent Comstock Park Public Schools
• Dr. Heidi Kattula, Superintendent East Grand Rapids Public Schools
• Daniel Behm, Superintendent Forest Hills Public Schools
• Kevin Polston, Superintendent Godfrey-Lee Public Schools
• Bill Fetterhoff, Superintendent Godwin Heights Public Schools
• Dr. Ledrienne Roby Superintendent Grand Rapids Public Schools
• Roger Bearup Superintendent Grandville Public Schools
• Gerald Hopkins Superintendent Kenowa Hills Public Schools
• Mike Weiler Superintendent Kent City Community Schools
• Michael Zoerhoff Superintendent Kentwood Public Schools
• Dr. Mike Shibler Superintendent Rockford Public Schools
• Nate Fowler Superintendent Lowell Area Public Schools
• Samuel Wright Superintendent Kelloggsville Public Schools
• Rob Blitchok Superintendent Thornapple Kellogg Public Schools
• Craig Hoekstra Superintendent Wyoming Public Schools
• Dr. John Severson, Superintendent Muskegon Area ISD
• Bob Szymoniak, Superintendent Fruitport Community Schools
• Dr. Curt Babcock, Superintendent North Muskegon Public Schools
• Dr. Adam Bayne, Superintendent Holton Public Schools
• Tom Livezey, Superintendent Oakridge Public Schools
• Bill O’Brien, Superintendent Mona Shores Public Schools
• Jeff Johnson, Superintendent Montague Area Public Schools
• Jim Nielsen, Superintendent Orchard View Public Schools
• Greg Helmer, Superintendent Ravenna Public Schools
• Matt Cortez, Superintendent Muskegon Public Schools
• Steve Edwards, Superintendent Reeths-Puffer Public Schools
• Dr. Dedrick Martin, Superintendent Caledonia Community Schools
• Peter Haines, Superintendent Ottawa Area ISD
• Dr. Garth Cooper, Superintendent Allendale Public Schools
• Matt Spencer, Superintendent Coopersville Area Public Schools
• Andy Ingall, Superintendent Grand Haven Area Public Schools
• David Tebo, Superintendent Hamilton Community Schools
• Dr. Brian Davis, Superintendent Holland Public Schools
• Dr. Eric Forseth, Head of Schools Holland Christian Schools
• Thomas DeJonge, Superintendent Grand Rapids Christian Schools
• Dr. Doug VanderJagt, Superintendent Hudsonville Public Schools
• Dr. Tim Travis, Superintendent Saugatuck Public Schools
• Dennis Furton, Superintendent Spring Lake Public Schools
• Tom Martin, Superintendent West Ottawa Public Schools
• Cal DeKuiper, Superintendent Zeeland Public Schools
• Dr. Scott Korpak, Superintendent Northview Public Schools