As school districts across Metro Detroit work to normalize the learning experience for the 2021-22 school year, a concerning trend is developing.

A total of 116 called in sick, 47 of them at Grosse Pointe North High School.

GROSSE POINTE, Mich. – Despite COVID-19 cases rising, Grosse Pointe parents are pushing for face-to-face learning. They took their argument to the Grosse Pointe School Board on Monday night. Tonight the parents say the drawbacks of online learning far outweigh the risk of their kids getting sick from face-to-face learning. “I agree with these parents, I want our kids back,” said Grosse Pointe School Board President, Margaret Weertz. Elementary students are back in person part of the week, and parents say it’s hurting middle and high school students.

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.

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.

GROSSE POINTE, Mich. - There was a moment of silence held at the Grosse Pointe South football game as students and parents cope with a crash that left a 15-year-old seriously injured Thursday. Superintendent Gary Niehaus said a 15-year-old sophomore was riding a bicycle on Jefferson Avenue near Lakeland Street when a 17-year-old boy driving a vehicle accidentally ran into the 15-year-old. The victim is in the intensive care unit in critical condition. The game announcer spoke about the 15-year-old during the game and the players are also rallying around the driver. The district is offering counseling to students who are trying to cope and the Grosse Pointe Community is coming together.