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.
Governor Whitmer Suspends In-Person Instruction for Remainder of School Year
Today, Governor Whitmer issued Executive Order #2020-35, which suspends in-person instruction in all public, non-public and boarding schools for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year and lays the groundwork for schools to transition to distance learning, beginning with the development of a Continuity of Learning & COVID-19 Response Plan. MASSP has compiled the most important take-aways from the Governor’s Executive Order and press conference.
Joint Statement from MASB, MASA, MAISA, MASSP Regarding Governor Whitmer’s Order Suspending Face-to-Face Learning for 2019-20
The executive directors of the Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators, the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators, the Michigan Association of School Boards, and the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, today released the following statement regarding Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s decision to suspend in-person instruction in Michigan schools for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.
State Superintendent Comments on School Closure Executive Order
The Michigan Department of Education issued the following press release following the Governor’s Announcement suspending in-person instruction for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year.
Our teachers have earned the benefit of the doubt. Be patient during pandemic:
Detroit Free Press Opinion by Nick Gregory, Assistant Principal, Waterford Kettering High School
“As schools throughout the nation close for the remainder of the year, take a minute to consider what this will mean for thousands of teachers who are doing their best to educate our children. School leaders and local officials are scrambling to “flatten the curve” of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is our top priority, and as we retrofit our education system on the fly to meet the needs of millions of students, we ask for your patience and understanding.”
Do You Miss Your Bracket?
Let’s admit it: no March Madness was a real bummer for all of us. Even though it is now April the concept of creating a bracket and voting on various things to determine a winner can cause a lot of conversation and camaraderie. We’ve assembled a variety of bracket voting options along with a generator to create your own to connect your school community.
News Items and Resources
Detroit TV stations to broadcast COVID-19 town hall with Whitmer tonight at 7pm
What's Next: Schooling or Learning?
Higher Ed- Preparing for a Fall Without In Person Classes
Parent Resources:
YouTube: Learn@Home
If you have parents looking for enrichment or additional learning opportunities YouTube has created a YouTube Learning channel- Learn@Home. These resources are not meant to replace homework assigned by teachers, but meant to complement that work. Channels can be explored by age group and by topic. Some really cool things here- in the Families with Preschoolers category they have Betty White doing a read aloud of Harry the Dirty Dog!
Good Thoughts for Principals to Consider:
Tim Elmore YouTube Clip: How are you supposed to help others when you need help yourself? In this video, Dr. Tim Elmore shares a story along with two ideas to help you overcome your stress so you can continue to help others.
Inspirational:
‘Stay Safe, Detroit’ video supports city hit hard by coronavirus
For Your Entertainment:
