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.
State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice Pens Memo to Education Leaders
Today, State Superintendent of Public Instruction penned an open letter to Michigan educators acknowledging all the challenges that schools are facing and providing a succinct summary of some of the most pressing or key information that we know about right now including brief updates on food, state testing, and child care.
New EO Addresses Remote Participation in Board Meetings
Under Executive Order 2020-15, public bodies that are subject to the Open Meetings Act, including boards, commissions, committees, subcommittees, authorities, councils, and nonprofit boards, can use telephone- or video- conferencing methods to continue meeting and conducting business during the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health crisis, so long as they follow certain procedures to ensure meaningful access and participation by members of the public body and the general public.
Michigan Virtual Offering Free Learning Opportunities
Michigan Virtual is offering all schools in Michigan access to the content of 70 of their online courses at no charge. You will find course titles that align with all of the required Michigan Merit Curriculum credits as well as many additional electives. This allows teachers to have the opportunity to access the content and curriculum and to customize or supplement as needed.
Staff Wellness Survey
The following staff wellness survey was adapted from Nicole Kirby (Capac High School.) This survey allows building administrators to check-in with staff members and confidentially assess how each individual is handling the recent school closure. Next week we will have a Student Wellness Survey for you.
To use a copy of this form, click on the link below. From there, you can customize to meet the needs of your staff and record individual answers pertaining to your staff.
Weekly Learning Opportunities
To connect building leaders with their students and families, advance learning through educational leadership, and assist students in maintaining a healthy routine during the extended school closure, MASSP has created a weekly learning opportunity roadmap that principals may choose to distribute to their students and families through established local communication systems (e.g., email, school messenger, blog, social media etc). Each week you will receive this ready to distribute resource to encourage students and families to stay sharp, collaborate and have fun.
There will be four recurring components to this weekly resource:
- Words of Wisdom: A message or quote upon which to reflect, knowing everything we say and do has an impact on others.
- Gettin’up: Practical strategies/resources for daily learning, movement, mindfulness, and connection to counterbalance the stress, anxiety and depression that are experienced by millions of young people, and typically amplified in times of crisis and rapid change.
- Keepin’ Up: Linked News Article for students and families to examine and discuss. Each article contains comprehension and critical thinking questions, as well as “Background” and “Resources” (including video clips, maps and links) below the questions to give students a better understanding of the news story.
- Challenge: Weekly challenges designed to provide a break from traditional learning activities while fostering connection, confidence, and competence. Weekly challenges combat social isolation by promoting increased interaction amongst friends and family while honoring social distancing.
Being a school leader is challenging even in the best of times and these are not the best of times. Know that MASSP is here to support you so you can support your students, staff and families during this crisis.
If you have words of wisdom, model practices, resources to share, or topics you would like to see in future editions, please feel email colinr@michiganprincipals.org.
Latest MDE Memos: Mental Health
The Michigan Department of Education released a memo sharing guidance and resources related to mental health services for students during the extended school closure. The memo includes a list of consultants assigned to each ISD as well as their contact information to field any questions that schools may have regarding student mental health services.
To view all MDE communications, click here.
Other Resources
The Seven C's of Remote Leadership
MACUL Guidelines for Helping Classroom Teachers Transition to Online Learning
5 Helpful Tips for Transitioning to Teaching On-line (YouTube video)
How to detox from the news and media, sleep issues, specific anxiety with kids and more
PBS has a daily newsletter people can sign up for with learning resources
