REMOTE LEARNING

Ann Arbor Public Schools Superintendent Jeanice Swift made the announcement through an email on Tuesday afternoon stating that the sudden switch was due to staff illness and absence.

All Ann Arbor public schools will return to in-person learning next week, except for Skyline and Pathways high schools, said Superintendent Jeanice Swift in a district update on Friday.

The majority of public schools in Ann Arbor will resume in-person instruction next week.

Leaders of the state’s largest school district, Detroit Public Schools Community District, made the call to keep all 50,000 students home until Jan. 14, in hopes the number of COVID cases will be down by then.

Students in Ann Arbor Public Schools will start the first week of January learning from home as COVID cases surge locally.

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.

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.

WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. – The West Bloomfield School District is going fully remove for all students after health officials moved Oakland County to the highest risk level for spreading COVID-19. The West Bloomfield School District is going completely remote as of Monday (Nov. 2), at least through Nov. 27. District officials are planning to return to the hybrid instruction model from kindergarten through eighth grade, special education and Oakland Early College on Nov. 30. 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.

The Huron Valley Schools district is shifting to remote learning for at least a week after Oakland County’s coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak risk level was increased last week. A level E risk determination means that there are 150 or greater cases per million with a 20 or greater percent positivity rate. There are school districts in the state and country that are operating in counties with a level E risk determination. Huron Valley Schools will be moved to full remote learning for at least the week of November 2nd. The state’s new risk level appears to be largely due to an increased infection rate and rapid increase of daily new COVID-19 cases.

DETROIT – Students at Holy Redeemer grade school in Detroit are switching to remote learning for the remainder of October due to increasing COVID-19 cases among students. According to a letter sent to families Monday, Holy Redeemer teachers have already sent out learning schedules for students' remote learning. The school is asking students and families to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or believes they may have been exposed should contact their primary healthcare provider or get tested for the virus. COVID-19 symptoms can develop up to 14 days after exposure to the virus.

A Metro Detroit woman is giving parents an option to keep their children off the couch and learn a new skill. Parents are looking for creative ways to add fun back into their children’s day. One way is the new trend of socially distanced sewing camps and classes. “Alongside their friends but in a super safe atmosphere and environment.”Some of Victoria’s popular sewing camps are entirely virtual. “I know some schools are virtual,” Victoria said.

Going to school is an exercise in accountability, not only for the school, but for the parent and the student. READ: Digital divide: How some Michigan students are being left behindThere are thousands of students struggling to stay connected in Wayne County. A teacher in the Wayne-Westland district is going above and beyond to make sure her students stay connected in any way she can. Sandy Wade has been working with her tech staff to make sure more students can stay connected and is trouble-shooting students who have tech issues. Like so many other teachers, Wade is determined to not lose a single student.

That’s why the Wayne-Westland Community Schools District has found a unique way to get its children to school while staying at home. On another day, at another time in history, school buses would be bringing children to school, but amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the school buses in Westland are delivering school to the children. The Wayne-Westland district has about 10,000 students learning remotely. In the mornings, 21 buses are deployed to various communities in the Wayne-Westland Community Schools district and, during school hours, the buses beome beacons for technology. The Wayne-Westland Community School District has the big yellow bus hotspot program funded through the rest of the year and, if needed, will find additional funding next year.

These are responses to our callout for sharing experiences with virtual learning at home, from parents, students and teachers. “This virtual learning is not for the K-3. Sounds familiar to 'No Child Left Behind.”-- Anonymous“This whole virtual learning thing is a complete nightmare for kids and parents. And if they are behind when they go back to school, then the teacher will be earning their salary for once. Private schools are open, why aren’t public schools?”-- VanessaVirtual learning is now well underway in many Michigan school districts.

ANN ARBOR – For the past 12-18 months, Concordia University Ann Arbor’s School of Nursing has been working on the development of enhanced virtual learning for their students. One of those enhancements being the mobile camera unit. Mobile Camera UnitThe mobile camera unit is comprised of three cameras simultaneously directed at a patient that provides viewpoints from the ceiling, front, back, and sides of the room. Mobile camera unit platform used by CUAA nursing staff - allowing students to choose the camera angle that fits their learning needs. Within the next few months, the SON also plans to start embedding information from the mobile camera unit into AR & VR headsets.

These are responses to our callout for sharing experiences with virtual learning at home, from parents, students and teachers. I would like to give credit to all the students, parents, support friends/family and most of all the teachers during these unprecedented times. We all need to stick together, we are in this together.”-- Kelly“Is virtual school chaotic? I feel fortunate to have great teachers for my two daughters. However, Plymouth-Canton school district is doing a terrible job at teaching my nephews.

WESTLAND, Mich. – It’s a challenge that has been playing out in several school districts with so many students needing devices for remote learning. The supply chain hasn’t been able to keep up, so one school district is pulling together to answer the call for help. For the Arnold family, the first days of virtual learning have been tough as they’ve been sharing one computer between the three of them. There are a variety of reasons households do not have the devices they need in order for children to learn at home. The District isn’t done as it still has grade levels with children who don’t have devices to call their own, but this is an example of the hard work school districts are putting in to to get children educated amid the pandemic.

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.

These are responses to our callout for sharing experiences with virtual learning at home, from parents, students and teachers. -- Anonymous“As a teacher, online school is failure. It is hard for the students, it is hard for the parents, and it is hard for the educators who have limited training on how to teach virtually. Instead of providing proper training, testing virtual platforms, and manipulating the curriculum to fit virtual learning, they waited in hopes for a face-to-face instruction. We are trying our best to adapt a curriculum to online learning.”-- AnonymousVirtual learning is now well underway in many Michigan school districts.

I have three kids who feel like they are failing after one week of school. I am juggling a full-time job and three kids in online school. My children both have learning disabilities and do much better with in-class, face-to-face instruction rather than being stuck in front of a computer for their whole school day. Some kids are really struggling and need the extra help that they would get in a traditional classroom setting. parents that don’t care and their kids are going to be lost, and not succeed.”-- AnonymousVirtual learning is now well underway in many Michigan school districts.

These are responses to our callout for sharing experiences with virtual learning at home, from parents, students and teachers. Í have done the best I could to recreate my sons spaces in school and give them a bit of normalcy. I can’t afford to leave my job, my back is against the wall and I’m becoming very stressed.”-- Anonymous“These kids NEED TO BE IN SCHOOL! My work does NOT help me with any of this.”-- AnonymousVirtual learning is now well underway in many Michigan school districts. We want to hear from parents and students about their experiences with this unprecedented situation.

These are responses to our callout for sharing experiences with virtual learning at home, from parents, students and teachers. People are paying for private tutors and teachers -- this is furthering the divide between the haves and have nots.”-- Tabatha“Online schooling at the elementary age is a complete nightmare. The program our school district is using is NOT at all user friendly. I made the choice this week to pull my child out of our school district because as a parent we advocate for our children. The middle school and high school students can fully operate the program used, but our elementary students are overwhelmed and sad, as are the parents.

These are responses to our callout for sharing experiences with virtual learning at home, from parents, students and teachers. Thank you parents for being patient and doing your best each day to help your kids get through. And thank you to those who are neither teachers nor parents but are trying to help out however they can. The teachers are trying their best to figure out how to use what they have. I had to go down to the school and prove to them that it’s not working the way it was supposed to.

These are responses to our callout for sharing experiences with virtual learning at home, from parents, students and teachers. “For teachers with school aged children, it’s a nightmare. I feel like my family has been ruined. Teachers do not know how to work the programs, kids can’t focus on a screen with 30 other kids. 8:15 to 2:30 is entirely too long for this.”-- EllenVirtual learning is now well underway in many Michigan school districts.

MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – When the L’Anse Creuse Public School district surveyed parents on what to do for a return to school, it reported 70% of parents wanted face-to-face education and 30% wanted remote learning. Unlike the districts around them, which opted for choosing remote starts and minimal face-to-face, the L’Anse Creuse Public School district -- the fourth largest in Macomb County -- decided to go with in-person learning to the chagrin of many students. RELATED: School report: How is virtual learning going? Let us knowLocal 4 put together a student roundtable with six students from the district -- half said they feel like their arms are being twisted to return to in-person learning against their wishes. They believe the school board was so intent on face-to-face education that the virtual option wasn’t properly considered.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – When coronavirus hit colleges, students were forced to make a choice; move back in with mom and dad or stick it out on potentially dangerous campuses. For a growing number of others, however, it was a chance for a change of scenery. Rauwerda also moved out with her friend Maggie Shea, a U-M theater directing major, also a junior. “For a theater major [online class] just doesn’t really work. “I think I’m kind of just going to ride this wave out here,” said Shea.

Virtual learning is now well underway in many Michigan school districts. We want to hear from parents and students about their experiences with this unprecedented situation. Please tell us how its going:More: Return to School coverage

DETROIT – For families starting the school year remotely, there is uncertainty with what the school year will look like and feel like. Tiffany Schlueter has three children and they’re in second, fourth and fifth grades in Indiana. Remote learning started the first week of August. Both mothers said it’s important that children have their own dedicated work space. Schlueter uses a virtual camp two days a week, her children do their online school from there with student teachers available to help.

DETROIT Members of the support staff at Detroit Public Schools Community District held a rally Sunday pushing for the district to switch to virtual learning only. The Change.org petition was started by a Detroit mother to call on the district to do more to prepare for virtual learning. Im in other groups with other parents who dont know what theyre going to do, Ferguson said. The Parent Academy was set up to help parents navigate their childs online learning. For more information on DPSCDs Parent Academy Parent Training and for a schedule of training classes, visit the official website here.

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.

BERKLEY, Mich. It has been challenging work for nearly two dozen Metro Detroit school districts that have rolled out their back to school plans. So what has the first week of remote learning looked like like for students and their families? But shes up for the adventure that is remote learning. Remote teachers are working longer hours because they cant turn it off. Without question, teachers, students and families are having a heavy learning curve adjusting to the new education plans.

At least a third of children couldn’t access remote learning when the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools, creating “a global education emergency,” the U.N. children’s agency said. At the height of lockdowns meant to curb the pandemic, nearly 1.5 billion children were affected by school closures, UNICEF said. “For at least 463 million children whose schools closed due to COVID-19, there was no such a thing as remote learning,” UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said. The highest number of children affection by region were in South Asia, at least 147 million, according to the report. The youngest children are also most likely to miss out on remote learning during critical years, the report said, largely due to challenges and limitations to online learning for young children and lack of assets at home.

ROYAL OAK, Mich. Shrine Catholic High School and Academy is finding a different way to offer remote learning with the help of Emagine Theater in Royal Oak. Students will alternate in person and remote learning so that 50 percent of the student body will be in the building on any given day. The school reached out to Emagine Theater for a creative solution. Students on a remote learning day, who need a supervised environment, will be able to go to Royal Oak Emagine for the day. Now they can drop their student at Emagine at 6:45 a.m. and theres Shrine staff waiting for them.

With many students beginning the school year remotely, parents are setting up spaces in their homes for learning. The Help Me Hank team reached out to parents through our website and the Local 4 Facebook page to get recommendations from parents to set children up for success with at-home learning. McPherson said a must for children is a water bottle or water close by. As an educator herself, McPherson supply recommendations includes a pencil caddy, folders and in and out baskets for completed work. McPherson said if parents are looking for a product to help with movement consider a wobble stool.

Tips for creating the best remote learning classroom in your homePublished: August 25, 2020, 4:23 pmAs many children prepare to continue learning remotely this fall, parents are trying to figure out the best way to create classrooms around the house.

These and other places are taking on a somewhat unlikely new role this fall welcoming children for supervised distance learning while their parents go to work. The sites provide a lifeline for families that struggled through virtual learning last spring, but organizers acknowledge they are a poor substitute for schools with professional educators. Its creating the same situation as we would for having the children in school, said Florida International University epidemiologist Dr. Aileen Marty. San Francisco is creating community learning hubs at 40 sites across the city to assist with distance learning for children who are poor, homeless, in foster care or learning English as a second language. In Kansas City, Missouri, the parks department is working with the Boys and Girls Club and the group Camp Fire Heartland to offer virtual learning to hundreds of students.

As many children prepare to continue learning remotely this fall, parents are trying to figure out the best way to create classrooms around the house. For students and their families to embark on the brave new world of remote learning, homework is just the beginning. Preparing a new learning space for at-home students should be an intentional and thoughtful exercise. Thats what will make it a good learning experience.Experts believe each child should have their own learning space, if possible. They recommend making the preparation of a learning space an adventure.

Distelrath is just one of the countless students looking forward to a traditional campus lifestyle. But just like so many others, He was disappointed seeing the email from the school president announcing there will be no in-person learning this fall. Jerry Cortez, whos another RA is just worried about the students who use on-campus housing as a resource. You can make the assumption that students who are utilizing off campus housing whove had to sign leases for the school year. School president, Dr. Samuel Stanley addressed that today during a virtual discussion.

DETROIT – With the school year fast approaching it may be time to rethink where your student is set up for remote learning. Children will likely be spending a chunk of time learning from home at the start of the school year. Eboni Creighton is tired of doing school work at the kitchen table. Creighton went online and stocked up on things for her daughter she would use in a second grade classroom. She said one of the best investments a parent can make to teach their child at home is a simple whiteboard.

Meanwhile, the largest district in the state that’s currently offering face-to-face instruction has now quarantined more than 1,150 students because of possible coronavirus exposure. According to numbers released Wednesday, around 70 students and staff members in the Cherokee County district have tested positive for COVID-19. Washington stateSeattle schools to start with remote teachingThe Seattle school board has voted unanimously to begin the academic year with remote teaching only. The Seattle Times reported the state’s largest school district approved the plan Wednesday. The remote learning plan passed with a wide-ranging amendment from school board members that directs the superintendent to explore creating outdoor classes.

DETROIT Local 4 is hosting a virtual town hall on education and the return-to-school amid the coronavirus pandemic. The town hall event will be held on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. on ClickOnDetroit. You can still submit questions ahead of the town hall right here. Become an Insider Introducing WDIV Insider: A new way for loyal Local 4 fans to gain access and customize your ClickOnDetroit news experience. Learn more about WDIV Insider - and sign up here!

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.

(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)Heres a table of select Michigan districts listing how each plans to start the 2020-21 academic year, and a link to their website or official plan. Hybrid start means the district is offering virtual, in-person or a mix of both options to start the academic year. Please contact us with updates on districts or information from districts that we are missing.

UTICA, Mich. – Utica Community Schools will be offering a remote classroom with the option to transition to in-person learning and a 100 percent online virtual academy. READ: More return to school coverageThe UCS Virtual Academy is a completely online program taught by UCS teachers. If a student in the virtual academy wants to return to the classroom, they will be assigned to the school in their attendance area. Class days at the virtual academy will follow traditional daily school schedules and calendar. Click here for more information about the virtual academy

DETROIT School districts are starting to decide if theyre going to hold classes remotely this fall or not. Dearborn schools announced last week that the district will offer an online-only option for students amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. READ: Heres what Michigan school districts have planned for the fall amid the pandemicDistricts are expected to get their back-to-school plan to the state by Friday. The states largest district, with 51,000 students -- Detroit Public Schools Community District, has a split model and superintendent Nikolai Vitti said that parents should have a choice. Out of 29 school districts, most are leaning toward remote learning only.

DETROIT Even without a global pandemic, keeping children engaged and learning is no easy feat during the summer months. But this year, Teach For America came up with a solution. Teach For America Detroit took the initiative to teach more than 500 Detroit students onlineJackson Brooks was just learning how to read when the schools shut down. It allows for some more for you to share more of your personality because were in our own personal spaces.McCoy is the summer enrichment director at Teach For America Detroit. She said the program was more beneficial for the students because of the one-on-one interactionI was very shocked, McCoy said.

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.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. Students at Father Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor will be able to choose between in-person or virtual enrollment for school this upcoming fall. Announced through its website, the private Catholic high school shared its Roadmap for Reopening for the 2020-2021 school year. Those enrolled in the in-person plan may be switched to virtual classes if exposed to COVID-19. The plan also notes that the private high school will offer spiritual support as well as mental and social-emotional health support for both in-person and virtual students. Related: Ann Arbor Public Schools anticipates fully virtual start to school year

DETROIT Its a problem emerging in all school districts across Metro Detroit: If schools held online classes in the fall, would families have the technology need for every child to keep up? A family of seven just got a special delivery from the Detroit Public Schools Community District. But for children who have no connectivity or digital devices, education becomes difficult to grasp. READ: Detroit public schools, protesters head back to court over COVID-19 testing decisionIn April, the Detroit Public Schools Community District forged a $23 million partnership with corporations called Connected Futures. READ: Southfield Public Schools plan to balance student safety, needs at home

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

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