PINE RIVER AREA SCHOOLS -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

12:57 a.m., March 13, 2020

At a press conference late last evening (March 12, 11:00 p.m. EST), Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and State Superintendent Michael Rice announced that all K-12 school buildings—public, private and boarding—are ordered to be closed from Monday, March 16 to Sunday, April 5, 2020, in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.

In compliance with this directive, Pine River Area Schools will be closed from March 16 through April 5 with school to resume on Monday, April 6. 

“This is a necessary step to protect our kids, our families and our overall public health,” said Gov. Whitmer. “I am working with partners across state government to ensure educators, parents and students have the support they need during this time, and to ensure our children who rely on school for meals have access to food. I know this will be a tough time, but we're doing this to keep the most people we can safe. I urge everyone to make smart choices during this time and to do everything they can to protect themselves and their families.” 

As of 11 p.m. on March 12, the number of presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Michigan was 12; there were two as of March 11.

“Closing our K-12 school buildings is the responsible choice that will minimize the risk of exposure for children, educators and families and mitigate the spread of coronavirus,” said Michigan State Superintendent Michael Rice.

“Pine River Area Schools will work under the direction of state government and focus our energy in helping our students, staff, and community respond to this disease,” stated Pine River superintendent Matt Lukshaitis.  “This action is about taking precautions, being proactive, and protecting ourselves.”

“Closing our school buildings is the smart thing and the right thing to do for the public’s health,” said Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun.

Pine River Area Schools supports the efforts of state government and its agencies in this effort to reduce the spread of this terrible virus.  It is hoped that this fast, aggressive effort will reduce the spread of this disease. This will be hard on our district, families, and students, but as the Governor said, it was not an easy decision.  Pine River is committed to our kids and we will comply with this directive fully.  Please make arrangements to keep your children safe and close to home during this hiatus. 

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We will continue to provide information as it becomes available.