MASSP is dedicated to keeping our members informed as the situation with COVID-19 develops. Each weekday 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.
If you have resources or information you think should be included in an upcoming update or on the MASSP COVID-19 resource center, please send them to Alicia Pilmore for consideration.
Template Released for Continuity of Learning and COVID-19 Plans
The Michigan Department of Education has put out the template for local school districts and public school academies to develop their Continuity of Learning and COVID-19 Response Plans. Submissions of plans must go to the intermediate school districts for local education agencies and to charter school authorizers for public school academies. The only specific deadline districts have to meet is that they need to plan to begin delivering instruction no later than April 28 for their plans to be approved. However, ISDs must be ready to approve plans as soon as April 8 and districts must have an approved plan in place in order to receive a seat time waiver for the remainder of this school year. Schools Per MDE, questions can be directed to the appropriate intermediate school district or public school academy authorizer, or to the relevant office within the Michigan Department of Education. More comprehensive guidance will be coming early next week from MDE similar to the Continuation of Learning plans we shared last week from Illinois and Kansas.
MHSAA Cancels Remainder of 2019-20 Winter & Spring Seasons
This is a sad day for Michigan student athletes, coaches and parents. No one wants to see athletes who have worked hard for years unable to fulfill their postseason dreams, especially the seniors and MHSAA officials agonized over this decision. This was the right move as the health of our students has to come first.
Leader2Leader April 2 Recap
We are in the middle of an intense moment for our country and our world. We're all adapting to a new normal, struggling to figure out how we care for one another and our students, and finding new ways to spend entire days at home.
With Governor Whitmer's Executive Order to suspend in-person instruction for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year, schools must begin the development of a Continuity of Learning & COVID-19 Response Plan. While suspending in-person instruction and moving to distance learning is a difficult decision, MASSP supports the Governor's actions, which put the health and safety of students and educators first.
During Round 3 of Leader2Leader on Thursday, April 2 MASSP provided an executive
briefing of the Executive Order, as well as explored Continuity of Learning Plans, Communication and Leadership, Reasonable and Appropriate Learning Opportunities, and need to prioritize time, tasks, and well-being
as we transition to distance learning.
Click here to view the recorded webinar.
Click here to view the webinar handouts.
Click here to add questions regarding the executive order.
We look forward to engaging with you again next Thursday, April 9 beginning at 1 p.m. to further explore opportunities and challenges related to the extended school closure. Until then, please know that we will continue to update members on the details of this new process as they become available.
Khan Academy Can Be Part of Your Schools Learning Plan
When educators hear “Khan Academy” many still think of it as an excellent Math resource. It is important to note that the platform now contains excellent content and mini-lessons for students in grades K-12 in all subject areas. Additionally, students in grades 9-11 can access the FREE official, customized SAT practice (Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order still provides in school PSAT & SAT testing for students in grades 8-11 in October - w/o accountability concerns). This link provides a video of how to access these resources and a handout overview of how to link College Board and Khan Academy accounts.
Open Letter to the Class of 2020
Although there are still many unknowns now is the time to communicate with seniors and their parents. Charlie Hollerith, Principal at Bloomfield Hills High School, is a long time MASSP member that put out a great open letter to serve as a model.
Student & Staff Engagement YouTube Tributes
The Governor’s announcement suspended face to face instruction brings an even greater need to find ways to connect personally with students and staff. We have great examples from:
News Items and Resources
Michigan school districts, firms churn out masks with 3-D printers
Michigan closes K-12 schools: What parents, teachers, kids need to know
State's school districts move to retool education for next three months
Whitmer cancels classroom instruction for remainder of school year over coronavirus outbreak
It’s official: Michigan schools will remain closed through the end of the school year
‘How do we keep these kids motivated?’ Parents and educators react to Michigan school closures.
Heard in the Twitterverse:
