K-12

PA education secretary Noe Ortega testifies at fair funding trial that the state cannot reach its goals for post-secondary enrollment and completion without investing more in K-12 education.

Michigan health officials identified at least 185 new COIVD-19 outbreaks last week, according to the state’s weekly coronavirus report updated Tuesday, Jan. 18. Combined with the 380 ongoing outbreaks from prior weekly reports, the Department of Health and Human Services was aware of 565 active outbreaks as of this week. Below is an interactive map of active COVID outbreaks noted in the Jan. 18 K-12 school outbreaks report. Region 2N (Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties): 38 clusters, with 10 new and 28 ongoing outbreaks. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 62 clusters, with 41 new and 21 ongoing outbreaks.

Democrats touted the pending arrival of universal preschool while Republicans said they have the answers to parent frustrations with pandemic education.

Michigan is changing its quarantine and isolation guidance for K-12 schools to align with federal recommendations, less than two weeks after state health officials chose to stick with the lengthier timelines. Guidance varies based on the presence of symptoms, vaccination status and willingness to wear a mask in school. Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and/or display COVID-19 symptomsThey should isolate regardless of vaccination status. In addition to the latest guidance on isolation and quarantining, the state continues to recommend a layered prevention strategy. The CDC came out with its updated guidance on isolation and quarantine in late December.

For the second year in a row, vehicles from Ford Motor Co. took two of the three North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year awards.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released updated K-12 guidelines for COVID-19 that reflect the updates the Centers for Disease Control made that include a shortened quarantine and isolation period in some cases.

Michigan health officials identified 102 new COVID-19 outbreaks last week, according to the state’s weekly coronavirus report updated Monday, Jan. 10. Additionally, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services noted 424 ongoing outbreaks from previous weekly reports, bringing the latest total to 526 active outbreaks. Below is an interactive map of active COVID outbreaks noted in the Jan. 10 K-12 school outbreaks report. Region 2N (Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties): 44 clusters, with nine new and 35 ongoing outbreaks. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 51 clusters, with eight new and 43 ongoing outbreaks.

Health officials identified 43 new COVID-19 outbreaks last week, the majority of which were linked to K-12 schools and long-term care facilities. The Department of Health and Human Services is also tracking 660 ongoing outbreaks from previous weeks, according to the MDHHS report published Tuesday, Jan. 4. On Monday, Jan. 3, Michigan reported a seven-day average of 12,442 daily COVID-19 cases, far surpassing the prior pandemic record. Below is an interactive map of active COVID outbreaks noted in the Jan. 3 K-12 school outbreaks report. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 93 clusters, with nine new and 84 ongoing outbreaks.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – K-12 schools in Kent County must continue to follow 10-day quarantine and isolation guidelines, despite new recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), local school leaders clarified this week. The CDC has recommended shortening the coronavirus isolation and quarantine period from 10 days to five, based on what officials say they currently know about COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.

Staff members at Detroit public schools will soon be required to get vaccinated for COVID-19 if they have not already, officials announced Friday.

In-person and virtual classes have been canceled for Detroit public schools next week as the district conducts widespread COVID testing and works to establish a learning plan amid an ongoing virus surge.

Michigan health and education officials are urging schools to postpone or make virtual large gatherings, including sporting events, if they are not “essential" — as COVID-19 cases spike across the state.

Michigan health officials identified 71 new COVID-19 outbreaks last week, including 42 in K-12 schools and 19 in long-term care facilities. The Department of Health and Human Services is also tracking 707 ongoing outbreaks from previous weeks, according to the MDHHS report published Wednesday, Dec. 20. Below is an interactive map of active COVID outbreaks noted in the Dec. 27 K-12 school outbreaks report. Region 2N (Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties): 53 clusters, with nine new and 44 ongoing outbreaks. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 96 clusters, with 26 new and 70 ongoing outbreaks.

Colorado analysts project K-12 student enrollment will remain stagnant over the next two school years, as it has this year.

DEAR ABBY: I was homeschooled K-12. I returned to my hometown and, with hard work and dedication, have moved up the career ladder in my district. (They assume that since this is my hometown, I attended school in the same district in which I work.) DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married for seven years. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips.

An end-of-year spending bill approved by lawmakers late Tuesday night will funnel additional money into COVID-19 testing in K-12 schools, rental assistance, water contamination cleanup and more — but the state still has a lot of unspent dollars at their disposal. The spending bill, House Bill 4398, was wrapped up after a lengthy session as lawmakers finished their last scheduled day of voting for the year. Highlights include $150 million for school screening and testing for COVID-19 and $140 million in rental assistance, both funded by federal funds allocated to Michigan via the American Rescue Plan Act. The legislation passed the House in a 94-9 vote and the Senate in a 35-1 vote. Other spending proposals for federal funding, including a $300 million bill to boost law enforcement programs and a $3.3 billion plan aimed at improving the state’s water infrastructure, remain pending in the Legislature.

Several schools have closed because of threats of violence. Each threat has to be taken seriously, but the closures are having an impact on students.

Michigan identified 107 new COVID-19 outbreaks last week, including 46 linked to K-12 schools and 39 associated with long-term care facilities. But instead of offering regional outbreak data across 16 setting types, the state is now only reporting outbreak data across a select six setting types. Region 2N (Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties): 72 clusters, with 18 new and 54 ongoing outbreaks. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 64 clusters, with 12 new and 52 ongoing outbreaks. If you have any COVID-19 questions that you’d like answered, please submit them to covidquestions@mlive.com to be considered for future MLive reporting.

Michigan health officials identified 236 new COVID-19 outbreaks last week, which was nearly a 45% increase from the week prior. Combined with 726 ongoing outbreaks from previous weekly reports, the health department was aware of 962 total active outbreaks throughout the state as of Monday, Nov. 22. For most of the pandemic, the state health department has broken its weekly outbreak data into 16 setting-based categories. K-12 schools make up nearly 60% of the new outbreaks discovered last week, and about 65% of the ongoing outbreaks from previous reports. Below is an interactive map of active COVID outbreaks noted in the Nov. 15 school outbreaks report.

Through a new K-12 school pilot program, launched this week in Charlotte, students, parents and staff can sign up to take home free kits containing two COVID-19 antigen tests. Those enrolled in the voluntary program at Charlotte Public Schools receive one at-home test kit, which includes the two tests and educational materials. “MDHHS is committed to looking for innovative ways to protect the public health during this pandemic,” Dr. Alexis Travis, senior deputy director for the MDHHS public health administration, said in the statement. Additional districts, including Benton Harbor Area Schools and Battle Creek Public Schools, will later be added to the program. This is an expansion of the MI Safe Schools Testing Program, begun in January and intended to support schools incorporating SARS-CoV-2 testing into their plans to resume in-person learning.

Michigan’s health officials identified 181 new COVID-19 outbreaks last week, to go along with 744 ongoing outbreaks from prior weeks. In total there were 925 active outbreaks included in the Department of Health and Human Services’ weekly outbreaks report published Monday, Nov. 8. Long-term care facilities followed with 38 outbreaks, while childcare/youth programs had 10 outbreaks and manufacturing/construction sites had eight. Related: 666 infected across 104 new coronavirus outbreaks at Michigan schoolsBelow is an interactive map of active COVID outbreaks noted in the Nov. 8 school outbreaks report. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 97 clusters, with 30 new and 67 ongoing outbreaks.

A culture war has erupted over critical race theory and how schools should grapple with the history of race and racism in America.

Health officials identified 195 new COVID-19 outbreaks throughout Michigan last week, marking a 41.3% increase from the prior week. Additionally, the state is tracking 655 ongoing outbreaks from previous weekly reports, bringing the total active outbreaks to 850. Region 2N (Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties): 104 clusters, with 21 new and 83 ongoing outbreaks. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 62 clusters, with 24 new and 38 ongoing outbreaks. Two (one new and one ongoing) clusters linked to an outdoor community exposure like a concert, rally, protest, parade, etc.

MIDLAND, MI - The Midland Department of Public Health issued an emergency order relating to the isolation and quarantine of students in K-12 schools. The order, which went into effect on Monday, Oct. 25, sets a framework of emergency procedures that are to be followed by K-12 schools. The order states that it also applies to educationally affiliated extracurricular activities, including school athletics. The order states that those who are identified as close contacts can choose to remain in school by opting to participate in ‘serial testing’. Schools are also required to publish and post the new health order so that it is visible to all staff, students, attendees or visitors.

Michigan health officials identified 138 new COVID-19 outbreaks last week, which was a reduction of almost 28% from the prior week. However, with 678 ongoing outbreaks carrying over from previous weekly reports, the state is monitoring 816 active outbreaks as of Monday, Oct. 25. Related: 428 infected across 76 new COVID-19 outbreaks at Michigan schoolsBelow is an interactive map of active COVID outbreaks noted in the Oct. 25 school outbreaks report. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 56 clusters, with 15 new and 41 ongoing outbreaks. Two clusters (both ongoing) linked to personal services, such as a hair and/or nail salon, or a gym or spa.

Michigan health officials identified 191 new COVID-19 outbreaks last week, which was up nearly 19% from the previous week. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services’ weekly outbreaks report noted 593 ongoing outbreaks as of Monday, Oct. 18. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 70 clusters, with 20 new and 50 ongoing outbreaks. A total of 412 outbreaks involved K-12 schools, with the remaining eight outbreaks on or around college campuses. Read more on MLive:Look up 2020 non-COVID vaccination rates for Michigan schools, day care centersMichigan COVID-19 caseload is 3 times higher than this time last year.

Coronavirus vaccines have been a popular topic of conversation for more than a year now, but mandatory vaccines aren’t a new concept. Michigan requires children to be vaccinated against 14 communicable diseases, or obtain a waiver based on medical, religious or philosophical reasons, before enrolling in a K-12 school or childcare program. Children need to be fully vaccinated, or have received at least one dose of each required immunization and be awaiting receipt of the subsequent doses.

Monroe Public Schools has not had to cancel a class or sports event due to transmission rates, which means the mask mandate works, officials said.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is recommending schools follow new federal guidance that would redefine the number of cases needed to constitute a school outbreak of COVID-19.

Michigan reported 758 active COVID-19 outbreaks last week, up 5.7% from the prior week when there were 717. The health department’s latest outbreaks report, published Monday, Oct. 11, included 161 new outbreaks and 597 that carried over from previous weekly reports. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 68 clusters, with 13 new and 55 ongoing outbreaks. A total of 393 outbreaks involved K-12 schools, with the remaining 11 outbreaks on or around college campuses. 42 clusters (11 new and 31 ongoing) occurred at child-care centers or youth programs not associated with a school.

“We’re engaged in a trade-off right now,” Dr. Navin said. “We know that school is good for kids, we know COVID is bad for kids and we’ve decided that a little bit of COVID is the price worth paying to have kids in school.”

COVID-19 cases in K-12 schools accounted for 56% of all recorded new outbreaks in Michigan last week, according to state health department data reported by...

Michigan reported 717 active COVID-19 outbreaks last week, up 12.7% from the prior week when there were 636. The health department’s Monday, Oct. 4, outbreaks report included 167 new outbreaks, including 94 linked to K-12 schools and 26 associated with long-term care facilities. Region 2N (Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties): 68 clusters, with 14 new and 54 ongoing outbreaks. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 72 clusters, with 20 new and 52 ongoing outbreaks. Three clusters (all ongoing) linked to personal services, such as a hair and/or nail salon, or a gym or spa.

Wayne, Oakland and Washtenaw counties are keeping their K-12 school mask mandates in place, but it’s a mixed bag across the rest of the state.

Michigan health officials reported 636 active COVID-19 outbreaks last week, up 9% from the prior week when there were 583. Related: 614 infected across 106 new COVID outbreaks at Michigan schools, per Sept. 27 reportSince last week, the state has identified 106 new COVID outbreaks linked to schools, resulting in the infection of 614 students and staff. New outbreaks were identified in 41 counties, while ongoing clusters covered 49 of the state’s 83 counties. Below is an interactive map of active COVID outbreaks noted in the Sept. 27 school outbreaks report. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 66 clusters, with 18 new and 48 ongoing outbreaks.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Parents and families protested Washtenaw County’s K-12 mask mandate by stationing themselves outside the county’s human services building in Ypsilanti Friday morning. There is ample evidence confirming the effectiveness of masks when worn in a school setting, Washtenaw County Health Department Spokeswoman Susan Ringler-Cerniglia said. The health department’s order has resulted in protests from students and parents in Washtenaw County in recent weeks. Around two dozen students entered Manchester High School without masks on Sept. 7 in protest of the mask mandate issued by the Washtenaw County Health Department. READ MORE:Unmasked Manchester students enter building in protest of mandateSaline students walk out to protest COVID mask mandateIndoor mask mandate now required for all Washtenaw County K-12 schools

Many K-12 school districts are tapping federal funds to pay for regular surveillance testing of students. It's an effective pandemic tactic, when used alongside mask-wearing and other precautions.

We're now several weeks into the new school year, with COVID-19 outbreaks becoming more and more common in the classroom.

The Monday, Sept. 20 outbreaks report included 175 new clusters, including 98 linked to K-12 schools. The rest of the report included 408 active and ongoing outbreaks identified in previous weekly reports. Below is an interactive map of active COVID outbreaks noted in the Sept. 20 school outbreaks report. Region 2N (Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties): 61 clusters, with 16 new and 45 ongoing outbreaks. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 65 clusters, with 29 new and 36 ongoing outbreaks.

Last fall, there was an explosion of COVID-19 cases at Michigan universities and colleges — but not at K-12 schools. Last year, fewer K-12 students returned to in-person classes as districts embraced fully online or hybrid-learning. This year, as districts returned to in-person instruction, many K-12 students aren’t eligible for a vaccine yet and mask mandates across the state vary. Read more: See what Michigan public school districts have mask mandates - mlive.comMask mandates have been widely debated among parents and school boards in Michigan. Last September, GVSU was reported as having the highest number of active coronavirus cases among all universities in Michigan.

On Thursday, the president announced a series of actions to encourage K-12 schools to mandate masks for all and require vaccines for employees.

Below is an interactive map of active COVID outbreaks noted in the Sept. 7 school outbreaks report. Region 2N (Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties): 47 clusters, with 12 new and 35 ongoing outbreaks. Region 2S (city of Detroit and Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties): 49 clusters, with 10 new and 39 ongoing outbreaks. 25 clusters (three new and 22 ongoing) linked to private social gatherings, such as a wedding, funeral or party. Nine clusters (two new and seven ongoing) linked to an outdoor community exposure like a concert, rally, protest, parade, etc.

Health officials in Washtenaw County have issued an emergency order requiring masks to be worn at all K-12 schools effective Sept. 7.

Washtenaw County health officials have issued an emergency order that will require face masks to be worn at all K-12 schools this fall.

We’re tracking which Michigan school districts and colleges are requiring face masks to be worn during the upcoming school year amid the ongoing COVID pandemic.

Here’s what’s coming up on Local 4 News at 4:

State Budget Director Dave Massaron instructed the leaders of Michigan state departments to prepare contingency plans for a possible government shutdown in an email on Friday. While the governor has already signed a budget for K-12 education, the portion funding the operations of state government remains unsettled. “We are closing in on the month of September and we are without a signed budget for fiscal year 2022. The last time the possibility of a state shutdown loomed was in 2019, when the legislature went ahead on a budget without Whitmer. Whitmer proposes biggest-ever state budget at $67B, bolstered by federal dollarsWhat to know as Michigan budget talks advance

"I feel like this is a big problem, and it's really easy to get sucked into and become spoiled," said a school district board member.

Illinois school employees from K-12 to college will be required to be vaccinated and Illinoisians from the ages of 2 and up must wear masks indoors.

Oakland County said the increase in cases is the reason it’s mandating masks at all K-12 schools. It’s decision not everyone is happy with.

Missouri’s ambitious school testing plan landed with a thud. What can it teach other schools about keeping the delta variant out of classrooms?

Face masks will be required to be worn inside all Plymouth-Canton Community Schools district buildings until at least Oct. 31, 2021.

Allen Park’s public school district has adopted a universal masking policy for the upcoming school year amid the ongoing pandemic.

Face masks will be required to be worn inside all Dearborn Public Schools buildings at least until Oct. 1, 2021.

All students attending Warren Consolidated Schools (WCS) this fall will be required to wear face masks as COVID-19 continues to spread throughout Metro Detroit and Michigan.

Parents say school supplies are in high demand and cost are up. An expert give tips on saving costs.

Parents say school supplies are in high demand and cost are up. An expert give tips on saving costs.

The group officially announced the nationwide effort at a Grand Rapids press conference on Thursday, Aug. 19. Moms across the country are uniting against mask mandates in public schools, said Kimberly Fletcher, founder of Moms For America. In Michigan schools, mask mandates have been fiercely debated by parents over the last year. RELATED: Michigan hasn’t adopted school mask mandate despite top doc’s adviceSome local health departments in Michigan have mandated school masking at the county level. The Moms for America founder said she thinks the group will be successful in reversing mask mandates because schools will lose per-pupil revenue if students leave their district and enrollment goes down.

We’re tracking which Michigan school districts and colleges are requiring face masks to be worn during the upcoming school year amid the ongoing COVID pandemic.

The mandate, effective Oct. 18, applies to all K-12 teachers and staff in the state. The news comes as states around the country grapple with rising cases and the return of in-person schooling.

ANN ARBOR, MI -- An Ann Arbor area school will soon win a food truck visit and free smoothies, thanks to a contest from Beyond Juicery + Eatery. Any K-12 school within 15 miles of a Beyond location can be nominated to win through the restaurant’s online form. The school with the most nominations will receive a visit from the Beyond food truck and free strawberry-banana smoothies for every class. From 2 to 5 p.m. Aug. 27, a school identification card will get students the grade they are in off as a percentage of their check. To nominate a school to win a food truck and free smoothies, fill out Beyond Juicery and Eatery’s nomination form here.

With most students and educators returning to in-person learning this fall amid the ongoing pandemic, several questions still remain about how things will operate in the classroom.

Starting high school can understandably create nervousness among parents and kids.

“Back to school” is going to mean something a little different for each community this year, and experts say it’s important to prepare for what that will look like for your family.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Kent County’s top public health official says masks are effective at “significantly limiting COVID transmission” in schools, but he doesn’t plan to mandate their use by students at this time. On Friday, state health officials strongly recommended universal masking in schools to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Most school districts in Kent County, including Grand Rapids, are making masks optional, but encouraging their use, for K-12 students. Kent County Commissioner Phil Skaggs, who represents portions of East Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids’ Southeast Side, said county health officials can and should be doing more to protect children and the community from the spread of COVID-19. Without a doubt.”Wooden represents parts of Plainfield Township and Grand Rapids’ Northeast Side.

Students at Chippewa Valley Schools will not be required to wear face masks when heading back to the classroom this fall.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – After a year of mandatory masking in Michigan’s K-12 schools amid the coronavirus pandemic, Grand Rapids-area schools won’t be requiring students and staff to wear face coverings this fall. Nearly every public school within the Kent Intermediate School District has announced masks will be strongly recommended, but not required, for the start of the 2021-22 school year. The list of schools making masks optional includes Grand Rapids Public Schools, the largest school district in West Michigan, as well as other large area districts like Rockford, Kentwood and Hudsonville. “And now, when there’s a concern again of increases in positive cases, I’m getting a recommendation (from the health department), not a public health order. More on MLive:Grand Rapids area schools must quarantine students identified as close COVID-19 contacts, health officials sayKent County lead educational agency encourages universal masking in area schoolsMasks won’t be required at Grand Rapids Public Schools this fall

The state of Virginia has a new public health order that mandates masks for all students and staff in K-12 schools.

The vaccine mandate for K-12 educators comes as schools return from summer break amid growing concerns of the highly contagious Delta variant.

As K-12 schools prepare to resume in-person learning in Michigan and across the nation this fall, many are discussing whether children should be required to wear face masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Detroit mayor Mike Duggan will try to clinch a third term as the city’s mayor this fall after advancing in the Aug. 3 primary election.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bipartisan funding bill on Wednesday giving Michigan’s K-12 schools a boost.

Here's what's coming up on Local 4 News at 5.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill into law Wednesday morning that significantly increases funding for K-12 schools.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed a supplemental spending bill that releases $4.4 billion in federal coronavirus rescue funding designated for K-12 schools.

The Michigan Senate has voted unanimously to allocate nearly $4.4 billion in federal COVID-19 aid to K-12 schools after Republican lawmakers and Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration reached an agreement.

Michigan is tracking coronavirus outbreaks in schools across the state.

The city of Detroit is receiving hundreds of millions of dollars from the federal government, and Detroiters are being asked to share their thoughts on how the money should be spent during a meeting Tuesday.

Utah’s governor says the state has no plans to renew a mask order for K-12 schools next fall.

The state got nearly $1.8 billion to help schools under the package enacted in late December. Noting that GOP legislators had not negotiated with her, the governor vetoed $652 million in other aid, including $97 million in federal school funds, until a deal is reached. The House on Wednesday quickly passed bills to restore the $652 million that was vetoed, including $405 million in state funding for pandemic-affected businesses. But many Democrats voted no, pointing out — as the governor has — that GOP legislators did not include all federal funding for rental home and food assistance. Michigan is due to receive billions in additional funding under the package headed to Biden's desk, including $3.8 billion for schools.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, talks Thursday, April 23, 2020, in Detroit about the initiative to give about 51,000 K-12 public school students in Detroit computer tablets and high-speed internet to help transition from classroom to virtual learning during the coronavirus pandemic. As schools closed in March as part of the state's stay home order to slow the spread of the virus many suburban districts quickly moved teaching online. Detroit lagged because nine of 10 students don't have access to tablets, computers or the internet. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

In a letter to families, Detroit Public School Community District (DPSCD) officials announced that all grade levels at all schools will resume face-to-face learning beginning Monday, March 8. Students do still have the option to continue with online learning even as schools reopen amid the pandemic. Earlier this week, Detroit public schools reopened learning centers in the city following COVID-related closures, allowing students to learn remotely while in a classroom setting. Gretchen Whitmer “strongly encouraged” Michigan public schools to reopen for in-person learning by the beginning of March. Whitmer gave for Michigan schools returning to in-person learningWhitmer’s administration prohibited face-to-face learning for high schools in mid-November to help curb the spiking coronavirus cases.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Teachers feeling pressure to return to the classroom without being fully vaccinated want parents and administrators to step back and pause. The Ann Arbor Public School District has 18,000 students who have been learning remotely since last March. Teachers are concerned about being pushed back into the classroom without being fully protected against COVID-19. READ: More education coverageDuring a recent K-12 Alliance Michigan meeting, the threat of declining mental health of students, teachers and parents is now rising to the top of a list of concerns that includes COVID-19. On Wednesday night, the board voted to bring some students back to face-to-face learning if their family situation cannot accommodate remote learning any longer.

LANSING, Mich. – Parents and student athletes rallied in Lansing Saturday to urge state officials to resume winter sports sooner than the Feb. 21 deadline. “The kids need to play. “Going forward, these kids need something. “The opportunities that these kids are missing out on are building relationships with their friends and community,” Hutson said. It’s absolutely terrible.”More: Michigan parents set to file lawsuit demanding restart of high school sports

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan High School Athletic Association is pushing for high school sports to resume before the current Feb. 21 deadline. There was a legislative hearing Thursday that resulted in an unanimous senate resolution that said high school sports should start earlier. The Michigan High School Athletic Association’s executive director, Mark Uyl, held a press conference Friday where he said their data suggests high school sports are good and not a problem. AdMark Uyl, with MSHAA, said their data suggests high school sports are good and not a problem. More: Detroit schools superintendent urges Whitmer to resume high school contact sports

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan High School Athletic Association spoke out Friday on the hiatus of winter sports in the state. They are asking for the state to resume practice and competition in the four main contact sports sooner than the Feb. 21 deadline. Let Them Play, Inc. has been threatening a lawsuit unless winter high school sports are resumed by Monday. Mark Uyl, with MSHAA, said their data suggests high school sports are good and not a problem. More: Detroit schools superintendent urges Whitmer to resume high school contact sports

Michigan parents are in the process of filing a lawsuit against the state over the current pause on high school sports amid the coronavirus pandemic. A few have scholarship opportunities ... it’s part of the health and the welfare of the kids.”More: Michigan parents set to file lawsuit demanding restart of high school sportsAs coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths rose rapidly at the end of 2020, high school sports were put on pause in Michigan to help curb virus spread. Gretchen Whitmer is urging schools to resume in-person learning by March 1, and has extended the pause on high school sports until at least Feb. 21 under Michigan’s latest epidemic order. “The continuing suspension of winter ‘contact’ sports contradicts the message that it is safe to return to in-person learning,” Vitti added. “One only needs to ask any winter ‘contact’ sport athlete and they will tell you we are sending mixed and contradictory messages to them.”More: Detroit schools superintendent urges Whitmer to resume high school contact sports

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, talks Thursday, April 23, 2020, in Detroit about the initiative to give about 51,000 K-12 public school students in Detroit computer tablets and high-speed internet to help transition from classroom to virtual learning during the coronavirus pandemic. As schools closed in March as part of the state's stay home order to slow the spread of the virus many suburban districts quickly moved teaching online. Detroit lagged because nine of 10 students don't have access to tablets, computers or the internet. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Friday announced that the tools and practices are in place for public schools to safely bring more students back into the classrooms. The governor wants schools to have their own in-person learning plans in place by March 1 after many Michigan schools shifted to remote learning amid the coronavirus pandemic -- and parents and students are eager to return to school. Whitmer encourages Michigan public schools to reopen for in-person learning by March 1“As a parent, I know how hard it has been to not have children engaged in in-person learning,” said the state’s chief medical executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun Friday. Still, parents like Michelle Phillips -- who has five kids in K-12 schools -- are cautiously optimistic about students returning to in-person instruction. “My children will be very happy to be back in school, but we also want to be safe,” Phillips said.

Gretchen Whitmer on Friday strongly encouraged all K-12 schools in Michigan to offer in-person instruction by March 1, stopping short of requiring it but saying face-to-face classes should at least be an option. “The value of in-person learning for our kids is immeasurable,” Whitmer said, adding it is safe if schools require masks and adopt infection-prevention protocols. The Democratic governor last month lifted her administration’s temporary ban on in-person learning in high schools as a spike in COVID-19 infections receded. Under a 2020 law, Michigan schools that deem it safe to provide face-to-face classes during the pandemic must prioritize the option for K-5 students. The governor said she did not attempt to force schools to offer some in-person instruction because there are hundreds of districts and charter schools with differing circumstances.

Leaders from across Michigan believe school districts will require $1 billion in state and federal support in order to recover from the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Since the onset of the pandemic, schools, teachers and students have been forced to adjust to an ever-changing learning landscape. Michigan schools have had to apply various learning models and implement health and safety protocols in an effort to prevent students and staff from catching or spread COVID. School leaders are worried that there could be tens of thousands of students who fell all the way through the cracks because of the pandemic. Leaders say Thursday, however, that that’s only a small fraction of what they’ll need moving forward.

GROSSE POINTE, Mich. – All students within the Grosse Pointe Public School System (GPPSS) are returning to remote learning next week as coronavirus spread worsens among the community. Students receiving special education programs and services will also switch to a virtual instruction on Monday. Superintendent Gary C. Niehaus says that, similarly to other districts, Grosse Pointe schools are facing staffing issues amid rising COVID-19 cases in Michigan, as teachers are forced to quarantine due to coronavirus exposure. Buildings will be open for GPPSS staff to access their classrooms, materials and technology. Click here for a list of COVID-19 cases and their associated schools within the GPPSS community.

TROY, Mich. – The Troy School District is switching to remote learning as increased coronavirus spread impacts the community and their teaching staff. All K-12 students in the Troy School District will continue their education virtually only beginning on Monday, November 9. The district already canceled all in-person learning for high school students this week on Tuesday due to the impact of coronavirus spread. Oakland County has specifically struggled with coronavirus spread recently. “... we will evaluate whether the data, trends and public health guidance will necessitate an extended return to virtual learning,” Machesky wrote.

OXFORD, Mich. – In-person learning at Oxford Middle School has been canceled for the remainder of the week as a precautionary measure due to rising COVID-19 cases among the community. Officials announced Tuesday that students at Oxford Middle School will switch to remote learning for Oct. 7-9 as the district works with the county health department to confirm positive COVID-19 cases. “Rather than risking potential additional exposures in the interim, we are choosing to temporarily close Oxford Middle School for the remainder of the week. Oxford Middle School students are expected to engage in virtual learning for the remainder of the week. Students can return to school for in-person learning on Tuesday, Oct. 13, following an already-scheduled break on Monday, officials said.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan schools are now required to notify the public about any probable or confirmed cases of COVID-19 within 24 hours under a new emergency order. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) director Robert Gordon issued an emergency order Tuesday that will requires K-12 schools to publicly disclose any probable or confirmed virus cases on their website within 24 hours of learning of the cases. The MDHHS says local health departments will continue to conduct contact tracing and directly communicate with individuals who may have been exposed in addition to the schools' required public notices. Tuesday’s order comes just after the MDHHS issued a new order Monday requiring face masks, restricting gathering sizes and limiting some businesses following the Michigan Supreme Court’s ruling against Gov. Monday’s emergency order maintains some of Whitmer’s orders that have been deemed invalid by the state Supreme Court’s decision.

DETROIT – The list of Michigan schools linked to coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks continues to expand, with college campuses still posing a major issue. K-12 schools aren’t hotspots for the coronavirus in Michigan, but the same can’t be said for universities. Amazon has rescheduled its annual Prime Day for mid-October after the company canceled the event due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Many public health experts have warned that it’s especially important to get a flu shot this year because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, even if you don’t usually get on. One in three said they plan to skip the flu shot for their children.

NOVI, Mich. – Students at Novi High School are learning virtually for the remainder of the week after several students tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). School leaders said that five high school students have tested positive for the virus this week alone. Matthews said that the school shuttered its doors immediately following the news of the confirmed positive cases. “Novi High School teachers will be in contact with students to ensure that they understand what to do on Thursday and Friday,” reads a statement from Matthews. To err on the side of caution, we need Novi High School students to be home Thursday and Friday.”Novi High School will follow the regular bell schedule, 7:15 a.m. to 1:59 p.m., on Thursday and Friday.

14 new COVID-19 outbreaks reported in Michigan schools; 9 in colleges, 5 in K-12 schoolsPublished: September 14, 2020, 5:23 pmFourteen cases were reported in Michigan colleges and grade schools. Nine of the cases were reported in colleges and five in K-12 schools.

DETROIT – Here’s what’s coming up on Local 4 News at Noon:Michigan to start reporting coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in K-12 schoolsOn Monday, the state of Michigan is set to begin reporting coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in K-12 schools. Parents are anxiously awaiting the results from state officials.

CLARKSTON, Mich. Oakland Schools will still offer a trade program that was recently abruptly cut, affecting dozens of students plans. The district abruptly canceled one of its trade programs at Northwest Technical Campus on Thursday, telling students they lost the teacher. The 61 students enrolled in the visual imaging program reportedly got a letter from the dean stating that they lost their instructor and were unable to find a qualified replacement. The Oakland Schools visual imaging program dates back to 1972. Its recent cancelation took an emotional toll on the dozens of students enrolled in the program who rely on the course to advance their academic and professional careers.