REMOTE LEARNING

Sixth-grade students at Pioneer Middle School in Plymouth Township will switch to remote learning for the rest of the week due to a high number of COVID-related absences, officials said.

Swift said the district is looking into the factors that made several schools shift to remote learning recently.

The Kennedy Learning Center in Southfield will be closed Tuesday and students will be shifted to remote learning due to a staffing shortage.

A2STEAM families were notified this morning that school would be going remote.

Forsythe, Huron and Skyline will go remote on Friday.

Burns Park Elementary has temporarily paused in-person learning due to rising COVID cases.

There has been talk about shortages with secretaries, custodians and school bus drivers; however, when teacher vacancies in Eastpointe topped more than 20%, the district went back to remote learning for middle school students.

Two University of Michigan professors partnered with the 'nose of Ann Arbor' to bring students innovative, scent-based programming.

This week Local 4 News is pleased to be a part of a first. There will be a virtual international conference to discuss the topic of early childhood education.

There’s a tug-of-war emerging between school boards and educators over which decision is best for kids.

The Detroit Public Schools Community District had a special board meeting Thursday night to discuss coronavirus, community spread and how it might impact education.

Wayne State University is pausing in-person instruction starting Wednesday in an effort to “depopulate” the campus amid a surge in coronavirus spread in Michigan.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Utica Community Schools’ Eisenhower High School sent a letter to parents Monday alerting them the school will be going fully remote starting March 23 until April 19. The school has 40 positive cases and 400 students in quarantine. Related: Students at Shelby Township school returning to remote learning due to ‘significant number’ of COVID casesSpring sports tryouts are being put on hold but winter season sports will be able to complete their seasons as long as the adhere to state Covid-19 testing protocol. AdElsewhere in Macomb County, Warren Consolidated Schools has decided to take the whole district remote the week of April 12, which is the week following spring break, in order to slow the rise in cases across the district.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Students at Eisenhower High School will return to remote learning beginning Tuesday, March 23. The letter stated that students will remain in remote learning through spring vacation, which begins April 2. Following the break, Eisenhower students will follow the previously communicated schedule for the week of April 12. Students participating in winter post-season competition will be able to compete following new guidelines from the state regarding testing. Read more: Return to School section

Kindergarten students are experiencing school for the first time -- and they’re doing it remotely because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Laura Janik is a kindergarten teacher with Wayne-Westland Community Schools. She devised a system to be able to speak to her class remotely in a way that teaches them the basics. Everything has to be bigger on the screen to capture and keep a child’s attention. Janik said you also have to inspire them and show them that you’re proud.

FARMINGTON, Mich. – As Michigan students approach a full calendar year of learning primarily from home, there is growing impatience to get them back to full-time face-to-face learning. Farmington Public Schools currently has a hybrid model, meaning that about a quarter of students are in the building at the same time. The district’s school board affirmed that that’s the plan it would like to keep until next year. At Tuesday’s board meeting, members read comments submitted by parents urging them to both reconsider and stay the course. Just 15% of districts planned to be fully remote, down from 35% in January.

ANN ARBOR – The Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education is expected to decide this week whether school remains remote for the rest of the year. Three Skyline High School seniors spoke to Local 4 about their hopes for an in-person option. “We’re one of two school districts in this state that don’t have some kind of hybrid option,” he said. All three students are hopeful the district will offer a hybrid in-person learning option and commit to a start date. READ: Ann Arbor students, parents rally at Skyline High School to demand return to hybrid learning

'The Cube' is motionless in the video portraying an empty U-M campus. ANN ARBOR – Life during the coronavirus pandemic has been turned upside down, and for college students whose normal experience relies so heavily on social interactions, this year in isolation has left many feeling disconnected. In response, University of Michigan’s Student Life recently launched Find Community, a new website geared toward helping students connect with one another. The site has suggestions for a variety of interests, including those who want to:Join a student organizationJoin a fraternity or sororityConnect with others and exerciseConnect with others and volunteerLearn about leadership opportunitiesConnect with resources during a difficult time“Meeting people, participating in Student Orgs, volunteering and just getting involved is so essential to the campus equation,” Susan Thwing from Student Life Communications wrote A4 via email. “Student Life’s new Find Community website is available to help by providing many options for getting involved either virtually or through activities with safety protocols in place.”For more information, visit www.studentlife.umich.edu/find-community.

Screenshot from the live Q&A session by experts at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital on Jan. 28, 2021. Mott Children’s Hospital hosted a live Q&A session for parents who have questions and concerns about returning to face-to-face learning during the coronavirus pandemic. “Schools do need to keep kids from congregating,” said Tribble, who said that talking in close groups does raise the risk of transmission. “Mask wearing remains number one for population spread,” said Terry Bravender, chief of adolescent medicine at Mott.

Pupils arrive at Manor Park School and Nursery in Knutsford, England, as schools across England return after the Christmas break, Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. (Martin Rickett/PA via AP)ANN ARBOR – After months of remote learning, some students are returning to schools as districts begin to reopen. Returning to school may bring social, emotional and behavioral challenges for some children and teens as they readjust to classes during a pandemic. Mott Children’s Hospital will host a live Q&A session with its experts to answer families’ top questions about undergoing these changes at noon on Thursday. “Parents may have questions about everything from COVID-19 exposure risks to supporting their child or teen’s emotional, social and mental health.

SOUTH LYON, Mich. – Parents in South Lyon are urging their district to go back to full-time in-person learning. Gretchen Whtimer encouraged schools to reopen in-person learning by March 1. Andrew-Shevitz said she and her family built a home in South Lyon 11 years ago because of the South Lyon school district. However, she and her husband became so frustrated, that they moved their two youngest kids to the Brighton district where in-person learning is full time. READ: High schoolers in Utica Community Schools return to class amid pandemicREAD: Metro Detroit schools torn on Whitmer’s goal to return to in-person learning March 1“They’re learning.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The University of Michigan has announced its plans for the winter semester, including a no-tolerance approach to COVID-19 safety rules and even more remote learning. Remote learningFor the winter semester, the current remote learning approach will continue, with more courses offered remotely, when possible, the university announced. Implement mandatory weekly testing for all undergraduate students who come to campus to attend in-person classes or activities, use facilities (e.g. Require a negative test for undergraduates departing university housing before returning to their permanent residence. U of M staff members working from home will continue to do so throughout the winter semester.

The revised plan includes increased COVID-19 testing capacity, including mandatory testing for all students prior moving into university residence halls and mandatory weekly testing for undergraduate students who live, study or work on campus. The expanded testing plan includes weekly asymptomatic testing for the remaining students, faculty and staff on campus. For those quarantining off campus, testing will be expanded, and departure testing will still be required for undergraduates returning home, as was the case for the Thanksgiving holiday. While mandatory for undergraduates, departure testing is recommended for all other students. In addition to a reduction of in-person classes, density in U-M residence halls will be reduced by more than half.

Google, YouTube and other Google services reported massive outages on Monday morning. According to DownRightNow, Gmail, YouTube, Google Drive, Google Docs and other Google tools were not working on Monday morning across the globe. TechCrunch reports that some services are coming back online as of about 7:45 a.m. (I tried to access Google and YouTube and was successful)We are aware that many of you are having issues accessing YouTube right now – our team is aware and looking into it. We'll update you here as soon as we have more news. — TeamYouTube (@TeamYouTube) December 14, 2020The outage comes as many schools around the world are using these services to facilitate remote learning.

As coronavirus cases are surging around the U.S., some colleges and universities are rethinking some of their plans for next semester. By November, a total of 76 of the roughly 1,400 students on campus had tested positive, the school said. When students come back for the spring semester, St. Michael’s will begin testing them weekly. Schools that are bringing students back are adjusting testing protocols, introducing new screenings, and eliminating spring breaks to discourage students from traveling to help keep campuses open. In the spring semester, Colby College in Maine wants to add some rapid antigen tests to twice-weekly tests for students, faculty and staff.

DETROIT – The Wayne County Public Health Division has issued an advisory, strongly recommending that all public, non-public and boarding schools in the county’s jurisdiction should shift to remote learning through Jan. 15, 2021. “We have reached a point in the pandemic that we hoped the County would never see,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “Wayne County includes many tightly knit communities and we cherish our time together with our families. The recommendation addresses “an age group that can spread COVID-19 without showing signs or symptoms,” officials said. “We are working extremely closely with our school districts to prevent further spread,” said Dr. Mouhanad Hammami, Wayne County chief health strategist.

CANTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – On Monday, Plymouth Canton Community Schools Superintendent Monica L. Merritt announced in a letter to families that the district will be moving to a fully-remote learning environment. Effective Monday, Nov. 23, P-CCS will pivot to a fully-remote learning environment for all students in its early childhood, elementary, special education, and post-secondary programs, with a planned return to in-person learning for these programs on Monday, Dec. 7. Within our district, we currently have 193 students and 82 staff members in quarantine due to COVID-related reasons (positive, probable, or close contacts). The requirement to quarantine staff and students compromises our ability to provide a consistent, high-quality instructional program for our in-person students,” said Merritt. Gretchen Whitmer announced new COVID restrictions as cases continue surging and hospitals statewide are on track to reaching full capacity.

DETROIT – With hundreds of thousands of power outages in southeast Michigan because of high winds, some kids got a “snow day” away from classes. One family found a way to navigate through losing power in the age of COVID-19 and virtual learning. “We kind of told the kids that it would be a snow day. That’s a new snow day,” Rozyzki said. “That’s fun to navigate from work, trying to get them logged into their classes and everything over the phone while I’m trying to work,” Rozyzki said.

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Why is Michigan shutting down indoor dining at restaurants for three weeks even though there aren’t as many outbreaks linked to restaurants compared to other activities? From Wednesday (Nov. 18) through Dec. 8, Michiganders will only be able to order takeout from restaurants, unless outdoor seating is available. Gretchen Whitmer was asked the following question Sunday when she announced the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service’s new COVID-19 rules. “Restaurants and bars were able at least to mitigate some difficulties earlier in the year with outdoor dining. “That’s why this activity, like the others that are being addressed, fell into this category.”Whitmer said shutting down indoor dining at restaurants is among the actions health experts recommended to slow the spread of COVID-19.

On Wednesday, Michigan will enter a three-week period of heightened COVID-19 restrictions, including no indoor dining at restaurants, remote learning for high school and college students and much more. But what will determine whether three weeks is long enough or if those restrictions need to be extended? We know masks protect the wearer, protect your family who you’re going home to every day, and you don’t want to bring something home. "Three weeks from now and every day in between the three weeks, we will be watching the numbers. We’ll be watching our percent positivity rates.

DETROIT – The Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) is shifting from face-to-face learning to online learning starting Monday, Nov. 16. Here is a note from the district on Monday:“We are shifting to online learning for your student. All classes will now be held online, students should be logging in everyday to attend class and complete assignments. Use this helpful link, Transition to Online Sway to access many resources that are available to support you during this transition to online learning.”Here’s that link again: sway.office.com. Read more: Detroit public schools shifting to online learning starting Monday, Nov. 16Related: Why Michigan is forcing high schools, colleges to go remote, but not younger students

While announcing the new MDHHS order for three weeks of stricter COVID-19 regulations, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she hopes residents follow the new laws to avoid another stay-at-home order. During Sunday’s announcement, Whitmer mentioned the possibility of another stay-at-home order. Three days and more than 15,000 new COVID-19 cases later, MDHHS announced the three-week pause. Michigan reported 7,072 new COVID-19 cases and 65 additional deaths Saturday -- one day after reporting a single-day record 8,516 cases.

The state of Michigan could soon see 1,000 COVID-19 deaths per week, according to a model referenced by Gov. “A leading model shows that if we don’t take aggressive action right now, we could soon see 1,000 deaths per week here in Michigan,” Whitmer said. As of Saturday afternoon, the state of Michigan has reported 251,813 COVID-19 cases and 7,994 deaths since the first cases were confirmed March 10. Michigan reported 7,072 new COVID-19 cases and 65 additional deaths Saturday -- one day after reporting a single-day record 8,516 cases. “By Feb. 15, models predict we could have as many as 20,000 additional deaths due to COVID-19 in Michigan,” Khaldun said.

Michigan officials announced Sunday that in-person learning will be shut down for college and high school classes for three weeks due to COVID-19. “Of the 200 outbreaks that we are currently investigating ... 49% of them are associated with high schools," MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said. "Of the total number of individual cases associated with these outbreaks, almost two-thirds of those are associated with high schools. “We know that in-person instruction is really important for younger students,” Michigan Gov. “We know that the high school students -- it’s easier for them to learn online,” Khaldun said.

The group that represents Michigan restaurants called the decision to shut down indoor dining “disappointing.”READ: MDHHS announces stricter COVID-19 rules for Michigan restaurants, high schools, colleges, remote workingThe new restrictions are slightly familiar territory for Michigan restaurant owners who have had to change the flow of their business to stay open, but they’re not exactly looking forward to them being in place yet once again. “I am very worried," said Jeff Baldwin. “We’re very well equipped now,” Gabriella Baldwin said. Both Jeff Baldwin and Gabriella Baldwin said they’re mainly concerned about their employees and if they’ll be able to keep them employed. No stimulus now," Jeff Baldwin said.

Shortly after Sunday’s announcement that universities, colleges and high schools will go with fully remote learning, the Northville Public Schools district announced it will comply. READ: MDHHS announces stricter COVID-19 rules for Michigan restaurants, high schools, colleges, remote workingHigh schools and colleges will be closed for the next three weeks. As the 2020-21 school year has gone on, state health officials have pointed to high schools as major areas of concern. “Of the 200 outbreaks that we are currently investigating, 49% of them are associated with high schools,” Khaldun said. I think that’s one thing that’s going to be difficult on a college campus is simply is how it’s going to be different.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan officials have announced stricter COVID-19 regulations that present large challenges for families and business owners. READ: MDHHS announces stricter COVID-19 rules for Michigan restaurants, high schools, colleges, remote workingWhy take these serious steps? “A leading model shows that if we don’t take aggressive action right now, we could soon see 1,000 deaths per week here in Michigan,” Whitmer said. “Getting this health crisis under control is absolutely essential to getting our economic crisis under control,” Whitmer said. “If our public isn’t healthy, our economy isn’t healthy.”State Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey released a statement that reads, in part:“We are disappointed that Gov.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan officials have announced stricter COVID-19 regulations involving restaurants, bars, high schools, colleges, in-person working and more. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued the restrictions Sunday evening, and Michigan Gov. On Saturday, Michigan reported 7,072 new COVID-19 cases and 65 additional deaths, bringing the state totals up to 251,813 cases and 7,994 deaths since the start of the pandemic. “Right now, there are thousands of cases a day and hundreds of deaths a week in Michigan, and the number is growing. The health care system can capsize if you don’t keep it under control.”They all weighed in on whether stricter government COVID-19 rules were inevitable as cases spike in Michigan.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan officials specified 17 segments of the state that will remain open during the three-week pause that includes many new restrictions due to COVID-19. Here are 17 segments of the state that will still be allowed:Indoor gatherings between two households and with no more than 10 people. During her Thursday press briefing, Whitmer and Dr. Joneigh Khladun, chief medical executive of MDHHS, painted a harrowing picture of Michigan’s current COVID-19 situation. Hospital leaders concernedEarlier Thursday morning, leaders from Michigan’s major hospital systems came together for a virtual discussion about their concerns. He and other state health care leaders are concerned about what’s ahead for hospitals if the trends don’t reverse.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan officials have implemented a new series of stricter COVID-19 regulations that will go into effect this week. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced Sunday that the new restrictions will be in effect from Wednesday (Nov. 18) through Dec. 8. Whitmer had previously been issuing restrictions without the approval of the Republican-led Legislature, but now the orders fall to MDHHS. During her Thursday press briefing, Whitmer and Dr. Joneigh Khladun, chief medical executive of MDHHS, painted a harrowing picture of Michigan’s current COVID-19 situation. Hospital leaders concernedEarlier Thursday morning, leaders from Michigan’s major hospital systems came together for a virtual discussion about their concerns.

Suspension of face-to-face learning to continue until Jan. 11, 2021If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Students at Lawrence Technological University will switch to online instruction next week due to increasing coronavirus spread, officials said. Lawrence Tech announced Wednesday that the university will move to remote instruction beginning Nov. 16 as COVID-19 cases climb throughout the state of Michigan. According to the university’s website, Lawrence Tech currently has eight active “residential” COVID-19 cases, 14 overall active cases, 62 “residential” individuals in active quarantine and overall 132 individuals in active quarantine, as of Nov. 11. Regions throughout the state of Michigan are experiencing a surge in coronavirus spread and confirmed COVID-19 cases. On Wednesday, the state reported 6,008 new COVID-19 cases and 42 new deaths since Tuesday.

FARMINGTON, Mich. – The Farmington Public Schools Board of Education voted on Tuesday for elementary schools to remain in remote learning until at least Jan. 11, 2021. Following the Guidance for In-Person Instruction, it says that Districts should consider remote instruction for the entire district. Disruption to FamiliesWe acknowledge the disruption of this constant move from in-person to remote instruction causes for families. “We know that other districts in Oakland County are struggling, as well, with the factors listed above.”Students in the Individualized Education Program will continue to follow the district’s recommendation and remain in remote learning. The district is still planning to have middle and high school school return to in-person learning on Jan. 25, 2021.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. – The Bloomfield Hills Board of Education decided Friday in-person learning will be paused for at least 21 days. RELATED: West Bloomfield schools fully remote after Oakland County deemed high risk for in-person learningOfficials with the Bloomfield Hills school district said students will finish class in-person Friday, but classes will be done remotely starting Monday. More information can be found on the Bloomfield Hills Schools official website here. The Oakland County Health Division changed the county’s COVID-19 risk determination level to an E, which is the highest level on the chart that provides guidance for in-person learning. Click here to view the Oakland County coronavirus dashboard.

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.

As community spread of COVID-19 increases, so does the number of Michigan schools reversing their decision to bring students back for face-to-face learning. Right now, Oakland County is at a level “E” in community spread -- the highest and least desirable place to be. High school students in the Troy School District have been pulled back less than 30 days after returning to face-to-face learning. Macomb County is also considered at level “E” for community spread of COVID-19. More: With spike in COVID-19 cases, Metro Detroit school districts make decision to go fully remote

With major spikes in COVID-19 cases, school districts make decision to go fully remoteIf you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. – Bloomfield Hills High School is transitioning to a fully remote schedule because of the number of substitute teachers quarantining. RELATED: West Bloomfield schools fully remote after Oakland County deemed high risk for in-person learningOfficials with the Bloomfield Hills school district said several teachers have had to quarantine “out of an abundance of caution.” As a result, the high school will halt in-person classes for the time being. “The building will be open for students to gather belongings and the blood drive on Wednesday, Nov. 4.”Click here to view the Oakland County coronavirus dashboard. The Oakland County Health Department would have contacted anyone needing to quarantine, district officials said. The West Bloomfield School District is going completely remote as of Monday (Nov. 2), at least through Nov. 27.

WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. – The West Bloomfield School District is going fully remote for all students after health officials moved Oakland County to the highest risk level for spreading COVID-19 through in-person instruction. UPDATE: West Bloomfield schools to remain remote through Jan. 15, 2021Last week, the Oakland County Health Division changed the county’s COVID-19 risk determination level to an E, which is the highest level on the chart that provides guidance for in-person learning. The West Bloomfield School District is going completely remote as of Monday (Nov. 2), at least through Nov. 27. West Bloomfield High School and Lakers Online will remain fully remote, officials said. “We appreciate your support, understanding and grace as we work to ensure the safety of our students, staff and their families.