K-12

South Carolina Republicans are one step closer to restricting how race gets taught in K-12 classrooms.

Republican Gov. Brian Kemp says he wants Georgia to provide grants to school districts to help students catch up on what they didn’t learn because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Republican-led Michigan Senate has approved a 5% increase in base funding for K-12 schools but pared back Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposals to recruit and retain teachers and didn't include her proposed $1 billion fund for school infrastructure projects.

There are thousands of eighth grade students in the Detroit school district, and officials want just as many to attend high school in Detroit.

Wayne County health officials are no longer requiring students to wear face masks while at school.

Washtenaw County health officials are lifting their COVID orders for all K-12 schools at the end of February.

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

ROSEVILLE, Mich. Roseville Community Schools voted Monday to begin the 2020-21 school year online only after initially announcing a return to full-time, in-person instruction amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Roseville students will begin classes online on September 8 with expectations to return to in-person instruction by October 12. Roseville schools are also offering a separate, online-only learning option for the entire 2020-21 school year. Click here to read the full announcement from Roseville Community Schools. A number of Michigan school districts have opted to begin the upcoming school year entirely online to protect students and faculty from COVID-19 exposure.

NOVI, Mich. A faculty member at Detroit Catholic Central High School has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), according to an announcement sent to parents on Monday. Officials say the Oakland County Health Department will carry out contact tracing and communication related to the infection. Catholic Central students, faculty and staff can get tested on site. Catholic Central officials say the infected faculty member adhered to social distancing guidelines and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements. The faculty member reportedly received a positive test result on Monday and did not come into school that day.

Michigan health officials reported 14 coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks at K-12 schools and universities as of Thursday, Aug. 20. NEW Aug. 26, 2020: Michigan starts reporting data on COVID-19 outbreaksThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) said the outbreaks are reported to them by local health departments. Here’s where the outbreaks are:1 in Region 18 in Region 2S2 in Region 2N3 in Region 3You can find the regions on the Michigan Emergency Preparedness Regions map here. Meanwhile, the number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 94,697 as of Thursday, including 6,368 deaths, state officials report. The state reported its highest one-day testing total with more than 41,000 diagnostic tests on Aug. 12.

DETROIT Back to school anxiety has taken on a whole new meaning for the 2020-21 school year. Whether your kids are heading back to the classroom -- or back home in front of a computer -- this will be a school year like no other. RELATED: Heres what Michigan school districts have planned for the fall amid the pandemicA survey of 12,000 U.S. parents by Deloitte finds 66% are anxious about sending their children back to school this fall. Licensed Therapist Jody Baumstein said no matter what decision you make about school, talk to your children about it openly. Therapists encourage parents to also keep an open dialogue with their children because feelings can change.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan legislators gave final approval Monday to bills that would provide flexibility for K-12 schools as they prepare to open amid the coronavirus pandemic, waiving physical attendance and minimum instruction requirements to allow for remote classes. Their student count, the foundation of state funding, would be weighted heavily toward last year's figure and less so on uncertain enrollment in the new academic year. Instead, schools would have to make sure there are two-way interactions between 75% of students and their teachers. Lawmakers who voted against the bills said they should not include testing requirements nor burden schools with monthly reporting rules. The agreement does not yet tell schools their actual per-student funding despite their starting in late August or early September.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. Chippewa Valley Schools (CVS) have decided to begin the 2020-21 school year remotely amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Note : The deadline to register for or opt out of the Chippewa Valley Virtual Academy is today, Aug. 13. Students who are not enrolled in the districts virtual academy are automatically enrolled in the remote start option. Officials say students enrolled in the remote start option can request a laptop from the district for at-home use. Visit Chippewa Valley Schools website here for more information.

Plymouth-Canton Community Schools (PCCS) will begin the 2020-21 school year entirely online in the fall amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the district is planning to transition to in-person learning following the remote start. The transition will begin with small groups of students and will include both in-person and online learning models. Middle and high school students should also expect to participate in synchronous instruction for about three hours each day. Click here to view Plymouth-Canton Community Schools entire fall plan.

GROSSE POINTE, Mich. Dozens of parents gathered Sunday to protest the Grosse Pointe Public School systems back-to-school plan. The district made the decision to have all students start with remote learning. While parents of Detroit students have protested against in-person school classes, Grosse Pointe parents rallied for the opposite. Grosse Pointe school officials said theyre planning to get back into the classroom when its safe, but that wasnt good enough for parents. While they noted what some parents wanted ultimately, the district said they just didnt feel it was safe to return to class.

NORTHVILLE, Mich. Northville Public Schools announced Thursday a plan to begin the 2020-21 school year entirely online in the fall due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the district plans to transition students to in-person learning no later than the first week of October, officials said. The Virtual Start program will be executed at all elementary, middle and high schools in the district. All classes begin on Sept. 8 and the transition to in-person learning is slated to begin on Oct. 2. Middle school students will engage in core math, science, language and history classes in person and engage in elective courses online.

ROCHESTER, Mich. Rochester Community Schools will temporarily begin the 2020-21 school year remotely due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, officials announced Wednesday. The temporary remote learning model will include more structure and communication with educators compared to the districts emergency remote learning measures in the spring, officials said. The following remote learning student schedules were provided by Rochester Community Schools. Kindergarten through fifth-grade remote learning student schedule:A learning schedule for K-5 students in the Rochester Community Schools district for the beginning of the 2020-21 school year. (Rochester Community Schools)Sixth- through twelfth-grade remote learning student schedule:A learning schedule for 6-12 students in the Rochester Community Schools district for the beginning of the 2020-21 school year.

Heres whats coming up on Local 4 News at 4:Parents face tough school decisionIn-person instruction has been put on hold for K-12 schools in Michigan since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic hit in March. As COVID-19 cases increased at a rapid pace again in July and into August, school districts are deciding how -- and if -- they will resume in-person classes in the fall.

DEARBORN, Mich. Dearborn Public Schools announced Tuesday that the district will offer an online-only option for students this fall amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Dearborn parents and guardians who would like their students to participate in the remote learning model are asked to enroll in the program by Aug. 17. This provides an option for parents who know they want their children learning online for at least this school year. Middle school and high school students should expect to spend five to eight hours a week on each class, totaling 30 or more hours each week. Official plans for how the district will resume learning in the fall are expected to be announced next week.

GROSSE POINTE, Mich. Another Michigan school district has decided to begin the upcoming school year entirely online amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Grosse Pointe Public School System Superintendent Gary Niehaus announced Friday that the district will start the school year with remote learning only, with a plan to gradually reintroduce students to in-person learning. Officials say a task force developed plans for in-person learning, virtual learning and a hybrid of both options -- which has been required by Michigan Gov. Niehaus said Friday that the districts intention is to transition to a hybrid or traditional in-person learning model, but only once it is safe to do so amid the pandemic. As the district moves to begin the school year fully online, officials say staff will still have access to child care, school buildings and learning materials.

DETROIT The upcoming 2020-21 school year will come with never-before seen challenges. A new survey finds that parents are worried about the impact it may have on their children. According to a national survey by Nationwide Childrens Hospital, 90% of parents have concerns about the upcoming school year -- with about two-in-five worrying about their childrens emotional health. Behavioral health experts claim parents dont have to pretend to have all the answers, but should be reassuring. RELATED: Why leaving your nose uncovered defeats the purpose of wearing a mask

Whitmers current plan for returning to school in the fall requires each Michigan school district to establish learning plans for phases three through five of the states MI Safe Start Plan. A 15-year-old boy has been charged as an adult with second-degree murder after allegedly fatally shooting a 10-year-old boy in the chest in Warren last week. Christopher Deshawn Simmons, of Detroit, has been charged with one count of second-degree murder, one count of carrying a concealed weapon and felony firearms, officials said. The second-degree murder charge mandates a life sentence in prison. The bottom line is they want to make sure schools are 100 percent safe not only for the staff, but the students as well.

Phase four allows districts to resume some in-person learning, but with a number of safety protocols in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Regions in phase five would be allowed to resume in-person learning with fewer safety measures in place. However a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases in Michigan has established doubt over whether resuming in-person learning is safe at all amid the pandemic. Whitmer said Tuesday that she won’t be making any decisions about in-person learning until the last minute when the most recent data is available. In-person learning would only be prohibited in Michigan regions that return to phase three of the MI Safe Start Plan.

Heres whats coming up on Local 4 News at 4:Teachers concerned about COVID-19 weigh decision -- are they in or out? While its time for K-12 parents to reflect on if they want to send their children to school -- its also time for teachers to make decisions. Are they in or are they out?

DETROIT While its a time of reflection for K-12 parents about whether to send their children to school -- its also a time for teachers to make decisions. The question is: How many teachers will be willing to teach in-person classes? READ: All DPSCD summer school students to be tested by MondayThe Tri-County Alliance is an organization that represents thousands of school districts, teachers and students and said there is real concern. Read: More education reportsGiven the sheer number of retirement applications filed just this summer that go above and beyond the usual longevity retirements, it appears many teachers are already making the decision to opt out of teaching at all. Watch the video above for the full report

ANN ARBOR Ann Arbor Public School students can anticipate returning to school virtually at the end of August. In a Wednesday night study session meeting, officials from Ann Arbor Public Schools discussed plans for a remote-learning start to the next academic year. Ann Arbor Public School superintendent Jeanice Swift acknowledged how officials are hardwired for safety and that they must put student safety first. While there were no objections, a formal decision will be made by the Ann Arbor Public School Board of Education on Wednesday, July 29. Related:Heres what Michigan school districts have planned for the fall amid the pandemicWe do not feel safe: Ann Arbor teachers voice concerns for in-person school

DETROIT With the deadline to make decisions about returning to school quickly approaching across the United States, many experts are looking overseas for guidance. More than 20 countries reopened their schools in June and some -- including Taiwan and Sweden -- never fully closed them. In recent weeks -- hundreds of millions of students across the globe have returned to school, but almost every country is doing it differently. A study in China that followed 68 children with the virus and found that 65 likely got it from adults. READ MORE: Return to SchoolPlease share your thoughts and concerns about returning to in-person learning this fall -- we want to hear from you:View more: School Confessionals

Dearborn Heights School District #7The Dearborn Heights School District has not released an official plan for the fall. Hudsonville Public School DistrictThe Hudsonville Public School District has not yet announced an official plan for the upcoming school year. Lansing Public School DistrictThe Lansing Public School District has not announced a final plan for the upcoming school year. Southgate Community School DistrictThe Southgate Community School District has not shared plans for the upcoming school year. West Ottawa Public School DistrictThe West Ottawa Public School District has not announced a final plan for the upcoming school year.

WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. The West Bloomfield School District announced Thursday its plans for reopening K-12 schools in the fall amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Elementary and middle school students, however, will engage in a blended-learning model in the fall while in Phase 4. Officials say cohorts will be comprised of about 15 students in elementary schools and about 18 students in middle schools. Community members can learn more about the districts fall plans during Zoom presentations at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on July 21. Regions experiencing phases 5-6 can also offer traditional in-person learning with fewer protocols in place.

DETROIT Detroit Public Schools (DPS) are preparing to host in-person summer classes beginning Monday -- nearly four months after Michigan K-12 schools shut down due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. DPS Superintendent Nikoli Vitti told CNN that the school system has seen a desperate need for in-person learning. The district will offer both in-person and virtual learning courses, and families have the ability to decide which option they prefer. The district says in-person learning will require daily self-assessments for COVID-19 symptoms and temperature checks for both staff and students. MORE: Trump undercuts health experts again in schools debateThough there is not currently a clear mandate for how -- or if -- schools should resume in-person learning in the fall, officials are still preparing for that option.

(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)WASHINGTON U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are holding a news briefing to discuss reopening K-12 schools amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. You can watch live at 3 p.m. in the video player below.

EAST LANSING, Mich. Michigan State Universitys College of Education released a guide to help K-12 educators prepare for the upcoming school year amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. School districts were forced to shift to remote learning during the unprecedented school closures, which many werent prepared to do. Recommendations include the familiar social distancing guidelines in addition to limiting classroom sizes and constantly transitioning from remote to in-person learning. Click here to read MSUs Re-Opening Schools During the COVID-19 Pandemic report. KEEP READING: Reopening Michigan amid the COVID-19 pandemic

Gretchen Whitmer has lifted some restrictions on overnight summer camps and K-12 school sport activities across the state. Whitmer issued executive order 2020-120 on Friday afternoon. School sportsThe executive order also allows certain K-12 school sports activities and other in-person extracurricular school activities to resume. Participants must follow social distancing guidelines, Whitmer said. While this is good news, theres still more work to do to protect Michigan families from the spread of this virus, avoid a second wave, and protect the heroes on the front lines.

Heres whats coming up on Local 4 News at 5:Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer lifts restrictions on overnight summer camps, school sportsMichigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has lifted some restrictions on overnight summer camps and K-12 school sport activities across the state. Whitmer issued executive order 2020-120 on Friday afternoon. It goes into effect Monday (June 15).

All K-12 Michigan schools have been ordered closed since March 16 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. During an interview with WWJ radio Friday morning, Whitmer said it’s very unlikely students will be able to return to classes this school year. Whitmer to hold coronavirus news conference“We are working diligently to come up with a plan to meet the needs of our kids. The administration is working together with teachers, administrators, and education experts to fashion a solution that upholds the health, safety, and education of Michigan students. Next week we will announce our plans to ensure our seniors graduate and that no child is held back as a result of a district’s ability to provide face-to-face instruction during the COVID-19 school closure."

LANSING, Mich. - The Republican-led Michigan Legislature on Thursday gave final approval to a K-12 budget that would boost base per-student funding for most schools by $240, or 3%. The minimum per-pupil grant, which many districts and charter schools receive, would increase from $7,871 to $8,111. The school aid budget would spend $387 million more in state money, about $136 million less than what Whitmer proposed. She cited a study that found schools are underfunded by $2,500 per student and a task forces finding that special education is underfunded by $700 million. The Legislature is planning to send spending measures to her desk, while she is leaving open the possibility of vetoing parts of the budget.

LANSING, Mich. - The Republican-led Michigan Legislature is poised to give final approval to a K-12 schools budget after state House leaders cut a deal to change parts of the spending bill. The unspecified revisions will be unveiled at a conference committee meeting Thursday. Gretchen Whitmers office says the House will direct an additional $30 million toward special education, above what was in legislation that cleared the panel last week. Whitmer spokeswoman Tiffany Brown says its a move in the right direction, but still nowhere near what the governor proposed ... and far short of what our children deserve.But Republican House Speaker Lee Chatfield and Democratic House Minority Leader Christine Greig say the changes will improve the budget. School districts have been operating since July without knowing their state funding.

LANSING, Mich. - Michigan superintendents sounded the alarm Tuesday over starting school without knowing how much state funding their districts will receive, saying it affects staffing and other decisions. No state K-12 budget is in place because Democratic Gov. Funding would rise between $203 million and $395 million under House and Senate proposals, or 1.4% and 2.7%. "The differences between the House budget and the governor's proposed budget are significant," said Randy Liepa, superintendent of the Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency. The state's K-12 budget has increased for seven straight years but has largely been driven by state payments toward school retiree costs and federal funding.

Is a child who seemingly was in diapers yesterday now ready to start the final phase of K-12 education, otherwise known as high school? Here are five tips or things to keep in mind as your son or daughter begins high school, according to myOptions. RELATED: 3 tips to help avoid 'senioritis'Become involvedWhether it's sports, music or any other extracurricular activity, getting acclimated to high school life will only get easier by being involved. Select good electivesOne perk of high school is that kids get to select what classes they want to take beyond core classes in math, science or English. In high school, there is an increased expectation among teachers and counselors that kids are at the age where they can speak and stand up for themselves.

A total of 21 schools across the country will be awarded $5,000 each. (WDIV)DETROIT - This weekend, Sprint will be giving away more than $100,000 to K-12 school PTAs, and the local community can help determine the winners! A total of 21 schools across the country will be awarded $5,000 each based on who receives the most vote in each participating Sprint store head on down to a local Sprint store and vote for the schools in your community to receive the donation! After voting, and while supplies last, participants can spin a prize wheel and win their own back-to-school necessities See full promotion rules here bit.ly/SprintRules-BTS. WHAT:o By visiting select Sprint stores Friday, Aug. 9 Sunday, Aug. 11, parents, students and others can cast a vote for a local K-12 school they want to win $5,000.