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.
EO Coming to Address Rest of School Year
Last week, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said that it was 'very unlikely' that students would return to their school buildings this year. In a tele-townhall with the Detroit Regional Chamber earlier today, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist confirmed that school buildings will remain closed to students through the end of the year and that a detailed executive order (EO) will be coming later this week with full details. MASSP can add that we are confident that the EO will include provisions on days and hours of instructional time. Knowing what is coming, even in broad strokes, we would also add that schools need to start thinking now about how they can transition to distance learning for all students for the remainder of the school year. Read our article on how this process has worked in Illinois and Kansas for some ideas to start your thinking.
Social and Emotional Resources for Students
MDE has curated a list of resources to support the social and emotional needs of students. There are websites, videos and articles from a variety of sources that may be beneficial for sharing with staff, students and parents.
The New Zoom Reality
If you are using the Zoom platform for staff meetings and for instruction we have a few tips to share and some pitfalls to avoid. Learn how to change your background so your kitchen isn’t on display during your meeting and other Zoom 101 features.
Leader2Leader, Round 3
Join MASSP and Principals from around the state on Thursday, April 2 beginning at 1 p.m. to participate in this week’s webinar focused on the role of building administrators in leading stakeholders during the extended school closure.
End of Year Activities
In the event that year end recognition ceremonies are postponed, how can schools creatively honor student achievements? What might be done to provide some closure for winter athletes and to recognize spring athletes who may not get to compete? We’ve started gathering some options for you.
MDE Releases COVID-19 FAQ for CTE
The Michigan Department of Education has released an updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to clarify career and technical education (CTE) requirements during the ongoing school closure. This FAQ includes information on such topics as work-based learning, allowable uses of Perkins funding, and credential assessments for students. It also addresses a number of issues that are program-specific, primarily for programs that require students to complete work requirements or clinical hours. MDE indicated that the document will be updated as necessary, as the situation evolves.
Read all of MDE's memos regarding COVID-19 here.
Additional Food Assistance for 350,000 Michigan Families
Nearly 1.2 million people in Michigan received federal SNAP benefits through the state’s Food Assistance Program as of February. Households eligible for Food Assistance Program benefits will receive additional benefits in March and April to bring all current SNAP cases to the maximum monthly allowance for that group size.
News Items and Resources
Resources to Share with Staff
The Institute for Social and Emotional Learning Tips for Distance Learning
PBS has great free tools for teachers to use: Lesson Builder, Quiz Maker, Storyboard and Puzzle Builder
Communicating with students effectively during online learning
Resources to Share with Parents
How to Help Your High School Senior Cope With Having Their Year Cut Short
Supporting Your Child's Social and Emotional Needs During School Closure
3 Levels of Stress Management | Psychology Today
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