MASSP is dedicated to keeping our members informed as the situation with COVID-19 develops. Each day during the school shut down you can count on an email from us. We will compile and summarize the latest updates and provide the latest resources to help you navigate the challenges that may arise in the coming weeks. Governor Whitmer Orders Temporary Prohibition on Large Assemblages and EventsGovernor orders that events and shared-space assemblages over 250 people be canceled or postponedToday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-5 to cancel all events over 250 people and all assemblages in shared spaces over 250 people beginning on Friday, March 13 at 5:00pm and ending on Sunday, April 5 at 5:00pm. The governor’s executive order also closes all K-12 school buildings to students from Monday, March 16 until Sunday, April 5. Child care facilities will remain open during this time, whether they are attached to schools or free standing. MDE MEMO #COVID-19-001: Online Learning This is an important memo to read if you are considering offering online learning to students. Special education students must be included in your plan. Read this memo to ensure that you are in compliance. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has received a number of inquiries regarding a mandated closure of schools due to a state or federally declared public health emergency and the potential impact of such a closure on IDEA and MARSE compliance requirements and the delivery of special education programs and services. MDE MEMO #COVID-19-004: Student Assessment The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is providing this update on student assessment and the current COVID-19 public health emergency. This is an unprecedented time in our state with the Governor ordering all schools closed through April 5th. The Office of Educational Assessment & Accountability (OEAA) wants to emphasize that student, staff, and community health and safety are the top priorities. Please continue to look for updates from MDE and OEAA as things may continue to change. What if our Spring Break is the Week of April 6-10? Many districts are concerned about spring breaks that falls outside of the mandated closure period. Districts are encouraged to attempt moving your spring break to fall inside of the mandated school closure by the Governor. This will certainly present challenges. However, the Michigan Department of Education and Gov. Whitmer are advising this course of action and many districts are in communication with their union leadership. Statement From MAISA, MASA, MASB, MASSP, MSBO Regarding School Closures Across the State Last night Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and State Superintendent Michael Rice announced the closure of all K-12 school buildings—public, private and boarding—from Monday, March 16 to Sunday, April 5, 2020, in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. This morning, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-5 to cancel all events over 250 people and all assemblages in shared spaces over 250 people beginning on Friday, March 13 at 5:00pm and ending on Sunday, April 5 at 5:00pm. In response to these announcements, the executive directors of Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators, Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators, Michigan Association of School Boards, Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, and Michigan School Business Officials issued the following statement: "All of our organizations support the Governor's directives. This is a difficult decision and we understand the challenges that this will create, especially for families and students. As educators, we understand that we must work together to keep our communities, and especially our children, safe. School leaders have been and continue to take actions they believe are in the best interest of students. It has been a group effort by all educators – teachers, support staff, building and central office administrators – to find ways to support the whole child and ensure our three imperatives as educators – wellness, learning, and safety – are all addressed during this difficult period. Of primary concern at this time is the health and well-being of Michigan’s children. Our organizations are currently working with the Governor's office, lawmakers, the Michigan Department of Education and other state agencies to ensure students will be fed and vital services continue. Additionally, educators statewide are pulling together to share resources and collaborate around ways to support students to continue learning while they are at home. As this situation continues to evolve, we remain committed to working together to address problems and support all our students." MHSAA Suspends All Activities inSponsored Sports Through April 5The Michigan High School Athletic Association has directed all member schools to suspend activities in all sports for all seasons– effective Monday, March 16 through at least Sunday, April 5 – to fall in line with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s order that all schools close for the next three weeks in order to deter the spread of COVID-19. All athletic activities to be halted include practices, scrimmages and competitions/games, as well as strength training, conditioning and any other organized sessions and activities in all MHSAA in-season and out-of-season sports. The suspension of activities applies to sports for all three MHSAA seasons as Spring sports practices have begun, Winter tournaments were suspended Thursday and Fall sports coaches are working with limited numbers of athletes during the offseason. “By suspending all sports activities for the next three weeks, we are taking an additional step to maintain safety and minimize risk first, and also keep a level playing field for our schools and teams during this time of uncertainty,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said. “A number of schools across the state already were making this decision, and setting this as the standard across our membership is appropriate especially given the quick pace with which this situation is continuing to evolve. Given the rapid, fast-moving and unprecedented events of this week, the MHSAA will use the time during this all-sport suspension of activities to evaluate all options and next steps which will be shared with schools in a timely manner.” Updates will continue to be posted as necessary to the MHSAA Website at https://www.mhsaa.com/coronavirus. Other Resources |