Schools

Three Rivers Community Schools officials have released a statement regarding Pride flags in classrooms. Released Wednesday afternoon and posted on the district’s website, the message recapped the situation that led to middle school health teacher Russell Ball walking off the job Monday and ultimately resigning. District officials said they were notified by what they call “an external party,” Nov. 18. …

The Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education recently approved the purchase of vaping sensors to be installed in all bathrooms and locker rooms at Sturgis Middle School and Sturgis High School. The board selected Summit Fire Protection of Paw Paw to install the 46 Halo Smart Sensors, which are required to cover all bathrooms and locker rooms in the two buildings. In addition …

A Three Rivers teacher left his job in the middle of the school day Monday rather than adhere to a district-ordered mandate to remove a pride flag from his classroom. Russell Ball posted a video to social media minutes after resigning and leaving Three Rivers Middle School. Ball, age 43, taught physical education and health. Ball said an internal email …

Officials from Constantine Public Schools will have to return to the drawing board if they hope to pursue another millage-increase request. District voters Tuesday turned down a request for an additional two-tenths of a mill in order to complete a number of ambitious plans. Unofficial numbers from St. Joseph County show 266 voters OK’d the plan, while 356 opposed the …

The state issued updated guidance Wednesday to help Michigan schools and local health departments navigate whether asymptomatic students who have been exposed to a coronavirus-infected student should quarantine at home or stay in school. A change: Unvaccinated but masked students who were less than 3 feet from a COVID-positive student for at least 15 minutes can remain in school but …

A federal judge on Tuesday blocked Western Michigan University from enforcing a COVID-19 vaccine requirement against four female soccer players, ruling they are likely to prevail on claims it violates their constitutional religious rights. District Judge Paul Maloney in Grand Rapids, however, denied a motion by an employee who challenged Michigan State University’s broader vaccination mandate. He issued the temporary restraining …

At least half of Michigan’s public K-12 students must wear a mask in school, a figure that has grown as local health or education officials order requirements that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer supports but is hesitant to reinstitute statewide. Several counties, including six of the 10 most populated ones, now mandate face coverings for students, teachers and staff indoors regardless of …

A pair of St. Joseph County Intermediate School District Board of Education members were sworn into office and board officers appointed last month. Elizabeth O’Dell will remain as board president for 2021-22. She also was sworn in to a six-year term ending in June 2027. Meanwhile, Trustee Patricia Keller was sworn in to a four-year term ending in June 2025. …

The University of Michigan and Michigan State University will require all students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the start of the fall semester. Both university presidents said Friday that action is being taken due to the spread of the more infectious delta variant. Michigan State is taking things a step further and requiring masks to be …

Geri’s Resource Center and The Huss School Project have joined to present “Math Camp on the Farm.” The free, hands-on, outdoor learning experience is for students entering sixth and seventh grades. The first session starts Monday and concludes Friday. The second session runs Aug. 9 through Aug. 13. Both sessions are from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Take-home lunch is available …