Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is pushing for investments that would help students manage their mental health.

High school students in Michigan may be able to earn college credits at no cost to them through programs offered by the state.

Michigan officials put $17 billion into education in the 2022 budget, but the need is much larger than that.

“Because many students have yet to be vaccinated and students under age 12 are not yet eligible, layered prevention measures, including universal masking, must be put in place for consistent in-person learning to keep kids, staff and families safe,” reads a MDHHS release.

Michigan health officials are strongly recommending schools to require universal masking when students return for in-person learning.

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.

“We’re teaching them something that honestly just breaks my heart, that we don’t have responsibility to care for and about one another,” Eisenberg said.

“We’re teaching them something that honestly just breaks my heart, that we don’t have responsibility to care for and about one another,” Eisenberg said.

Michigan has revealed its updated COVID-19 safety guidelines to protect students from the virus when they return to in-person learning.

Some Metro Detroit school districts claim to be consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state guidelines, but don’t appear to be.

Officials aren’t issuing mask mandates despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance that fully vaccinated people should still wear masks indoors.

Michigan has revealed its updated COVID-19 safety guidelines to protect students from the virus when they return to in-person learning.

Michigan has revealed its updated COVID-19 safety guidelines to protect students from the virus when they return to in-person learning.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the School Aid budget into law on Tuesday.

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

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

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

Detroit will see an increase in funding of about $27 million. That money could go a long way to help repair buildings, replace books and equipment and set the district on a better path forward.

The funding raises the amount of money spent on each student from $8,100 to $8,700.

Michigan health officials have issued 12 safety recommendations to protect students and teachers from COVID-19 during in-person learning at schools.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer held a news conference Tuesday afternoon to announce a plan to invest more into early childhood education in the state.

Specs Howard School of Media Arts is set to become part of Lawrence Tech, officials announced.

Utica Community Schools’ continuing education center has plenty of success stories, but very few have the experience like Hermelinda Sporea does.

The coronavirus pandemic has created many hurdles for special education teachers looking to provide students the life skills they need to succeed. But now, we’re seeing how some teachers are making it work -- virtually.

OXFORD, Mich. – A COVID-19 outbreak has forced Oxford High School to return to virtual learning as 200 students are being quarantined, school officials confirm. The shift to remote learning is in effect through this week, and officials hope to return to in-person instruction on March 22, according to the school website. Of those student cases, one is at Daniel Axford Elementary, six are at Oxford Middle School and 11 are at Oxford High School, the data shows. There are exactly 201 Oxford High School students -- 10% of the student population -- quarantining due to potential exposure to a school-related case, according to the data. Three Oxford Middle School staff members are under quarantine due to potential exposure in a school-related case, the website says.

DETROIT – An estimated 20,000 Detroit Public School Community District students are set to return to classrooms Monday, but their teachers may not be there. READ: Detroit public schools to resume in-person learning on March 8The DPSCD said there are not enough teachers who are willing to go back into classrooms to meet the demand. AdREAD: Student demand for in-person learning far outweighs the number of teachers willing to return in DetroitSome parents spoke out and said they don’t want their children to be taught on a screen in a classroom. Even thought schools within the DPSCD will return to in-person learning Monday, some parents -- like Kimble and Ta’Mara Williams -- are choosing to keep their students at home. “The teachers are not ready and the students are not ready as well.”The bottom line is that the in-person demand for in-person learning exceeds number of teachers willing to return to the classroom.

READ: Detroit public schools to resume in-person learning on March 8That amounts to about 20,000 children, but Detroit teachers willing to return to the classroom are only about at 20-30%. Detroit teachers were moved to the head of the line and anybody wishing to have the vaccine has had access. “We’re going to need services relative to trauma, we need mental health services,” Martin said. Constant cleaning, a max of 20 children per classroom, masks and social distancing, plus an extra $750 per quarter for teachers willing to return to the classroom. In the beginning Vitti says, “There will be a disconnect between family demand for in person learning and teachers willing to teach in person.”More: Return To School

DETROIT – Detroit public schools officially announced Monday that they will return to in-person learning on March 8. The Detroit Public Schools Community District’s return to in-person learning includes all schools and grade levels, officials said. Detroit students will return to school one week after the state’s recommended date for districts to reopen their classrooms. Recent family and teacher surveys showed twice as many wanted to return to in-person learning than when then 2020-2021 school year began in September. Ad“The decision for (the) Detroit Public Schools Community District to have face-to-face learning as an option was a decision made based upon the current data available,” said Terrence Martin, president of the Detroit Federation of Teachers.

Gretchen Whitmer has created a Student Recovery Advisory Council, which is aimed to help students get back on track during the COVID-19 pandemic. On Thursday (Feb. 4), she signed Executive Order 2021-02 to create the Student Recovery Advisory Council of Michigan. Last summer, Whitmer launched the Return to School Advisory Council to develop a framework to inform K-12 districts planning for the 2020-2021 school year. “It is an honor to serve as the chairperson of the Student Recovery Advisory Council,” Kevin Polston said. Being part of the Return to School Advisory Council is a perfect example of the collaborative and interdisciplinary approach we must take in order to understand the diverse impact of the pandemic and move forward.”

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.

Gretchen Whitmer announced on Friday her push for Michigan public schools to resume in-person learning by March 1. Whitmer encourages Michigan public schools to reopen for in-person learning by March 1Ibrahim has two kids in elementary in the Farmington Public Schools. Kids need their education... Our children are the future.”Like other parents, David Phillips, who has two kids in school in Fraser, knows that kids are better in school. And I think we’re putting our kids in harm’s way,” he said.

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 held her second COVID-19 briefing of the week Friday to discuss the future of in-person learning, vaccine distribution and how current trends affect the possibility of reopening restaurants in the state. READ: 8 Michigan businesses cited for COVID-19 safety violations, state saysHere are the takeaways from the Jan. 8, 2021, briefing. Public schools encouraged to reopenWhitmer “strongly encouraged” Michigan public schools to reopen for in-person learning by the beginning of March. Whitmer recommended schools resume in-person instruction by March 1 or earlier. Vaccine not required for teachersThe governor said she doesn’t think teachers should be required to get the COVID vaccine because support for it is increasing.

Gretchen Whitmer “strongly encouraged” Michigan public schools to reopen for in-person learning by the beginning of March. 8 takeaways from Whitmer’s COVID briefing: In-person learning, vaccine distribution, restaurantsPublic schools in Michigan were shut down during the fall due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. “The value of in-person learning for our kids is immeasurable, and we must do everything we can to help them get a great education safely,” Whitmer said. Whitmer recommended schools resume in-person instruction by March 1 or earlier. Ensuring school plans are in place in coordination with their local health department if there are any positive COVID-19 tests.

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The U.S. Justice Department said Friday it’s on the side of Michigan faith-based schools that are challenging the state’s ban on in-person classes in high schools. The department's Civil Rights Division filed an argument in favor of three Catholic high schools and the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools. “The state has failed to make any provision for consideration of the religious need of plaintiffs for in-person religious education which they sincerely believe cannot be done remotely,” the Justice Department said. A three-week ban on in-person classes at high schools and colleges was extended this week through Dec. 20. Indoor restaurant dining is also prohibited, along with high school sports, group fitness classes and trips to theaters and casinos.

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.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan officials have implemented a new series of stricter COVID-19 regulations that will go into effect today. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

With many school districts in Metro Detroit and across the state of Michigan returning to remote learning, others have recently sent their students back to school. While masks are mandated in all Michigan schools, some have different abilities to reduce the spread of COVID-19 with smaller classes, more space, and better ventilation. Parents, administrators, and community members want to know what role schools are playing in Michigan’s COVID-19 spike. There have been outbreaks -- defined as two or more connected COVID-19 cases in people not of the same household -- in Michigan schools. Different districts have different risk tolerance and resources to reduce risk, which is why decisions shave been left up to local leaders.

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.

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.

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.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Washtenaw Community College and the Washtenaw Community College Education Association (WCCEA) teachers union have agreed to one-year extensions for two current contracts. The extensions delay contract renegotiations for both the WCCEA master agreement and the part-time adjunct teaching contract until 2022 and 2023, respectively. The contract extensions were unanimously ratified by the WCC Board of Trustees at its October meeting last week. In a release from the Ann Arbor college, WCC President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca thanked faculty. Almost 70 percent of union membership voted, according to WCCEA President Dr. Julie Kissel, who said that support was “overwhelmingly positive.”

We’re a couple months into a very different school year because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Some students are learning online, some are back in the classroom and others are doing a hybrid of both. With the number of new coronavirus cases on a dramatic rise, families that committed to virtual school are glad they did. The parents Local 4 spoke with whose kids are in virtual school are happy with how its going. For teachers, there is some frustration in the limitations of online learning.

NOVI, Mich. – School is in session at Village Oaks Elementary School in Novi, but what school looks like for each child is different. Assistant superintendent of academics for the Novi Community School District R.J. Webber said 55 percent of the students are learning virtually and 45 percent are using a hybrid model. Tyler and Max Piculu are students in the elementary school and they learn from home. That’s why the Novi Community School District hired a moving company to bring the unused school furniture to Novi families who needed it. She thinks having the appropriate learning equipment will only make things better especially during a time when the learning situation is different for every child.

DETROIT – Volunteers with the Detroit Public Schools Community District are going door-to-door and trying to get students back in the classroom or in front of a computer screen. School has been in session for more than three weeks, but hundreds of students still haven’t shown up. In a district with ostensibly 51,000 students registered, it amounts to 8% who have somehow gotten lost because of COVID-19. Then they get signed up, signed in and resource packets are handed to families with school supplies and information. Since the canvassing started volunteers have made contact with 2,500 students and an estimated 600 students have already shown up in class, in learning centers or online.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has put unprecedented pressure on parents, students and teachers. There are concerns about teachers getting burned out, and the affect could be felt for years. “Our teachers are working twice as hard,” Gutman said. MORE: Tracking coronavirus cases, outbreaks in Michigan schoolsNatalie Ford teaches remotely in the Berkley School District. “People aren’t going into teaching,” Gutman said.

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. State officials updated the school COVID-19 numbers Monday. The top three universities in terms of COVID-19 outbreaks are Michigan State, with 1,295 cases, Grand Valley State, with 811 cases, and Western Michigan, with 452 cases. Michigan Tech only has eight new cases this week on top of the 40 previous ones.

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.

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.

The early and extended closure of school buildings has also heightened the risk of legionella. Legionella is the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease, and it has been detected in several schools near Dayton, Ohio, and in a Pittsburgh suburb. “These things happen with old buildings or buildings that aren’t used often, so, I mean, we trust the experts that they flushed the system,” parent Derek Coatney said. Officials said those guidelines, including testing and flushing water systems, can apply to schools. Hot tubs or spas that have been shut down in gyms could also be a legionella risk.

DETROIT After a long, uncertain summer for schools around Metro Detroit, the first day back was disrupted by severe weather and ongoing concerns about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Tuesday was noticeably different as students in the Detroit Public Schools Community District headed back after the summer. DPSCD schools arent as full this year, with some parents opting to keep their children at home for virtual learning. READ: Detroit public schools scramble to prepare for start of uncertain semesterThis is a first for school districts all over Michigan, as nobody truly knows what to expect. Severe weather and power outages greeted the first day of school in metro Detroit.

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.

DETROIT The Detroit Public Schools Community District is scrambling to finish the final preparations for whats sure to be an unusual fall semester. Right now, while all school buildings will be open, some will not be schools, but learning centers. For parents who need to work, their children will be sent to learning centers. Cass Tech and Renaissance are among the high schools that will be learning centers. Its possible in the next week or two that learning centers could be returned to face-to-face classrooms, depending on the mix of willing teachers and willing parents to reenter buildings.

A business in Commerce Township is jumping in to help Detroit school students, donating 60,000 reusable masks. Fred Hajjar, of Mask Market, is working with the Detroit Public Schools Community District to make sure every student has a mask. Its a two ply mask, Hajjar said. Mask Market saved and raised $200,000 for the donation. Were donating masks, and this was an opportunity to give back to the community, Hajjar said.

Cyber security experts are concerned about attacks on Michigan schools ramping up early in the school year, especially with many students learning remotely. Last year, more than 500 schools across the country were hit by ransomware, cyber security experts said. To make matters worse, the attacks usually picked up in the first few weeks of school when students, parents and teachers had their guard down. Security experts told the Local 4 Defenders that ransomware attacks are on the rise, targeting schools and colleges across the nation. All of them need to be on the lookout for cyber attacks.

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. While many schools in Metro Detroit will start their year after Labor Day, others kicked off the fall semester on Monday. For families who were given a choice between in-person and remote learning, Monday was a big day. Pardee Elementary School in Dearborn Heights is one of many schools welcoming students back Monday, but not before their coronavirus (COVID-19) screenings. The idea is to limit contact between students, just in case the virus sneaks its way into the school. Thats obviously much more difficult in high school, but block schedules have created smaller groups to try to limit the spread.

DETROIT An agreement to reopen schools was reached between the Detroit Public Schools Community District and the Detroit Federation of Teachers. For some of our families and students, this means face-to-face instruction and for others it is online learning.Schools are expected to reopen Sept. 8. Nearly all schools will offer some level of face-to-face instruction, even if most teachers and students will function online at particular schools. Required use and distribution of masks for students, teachers, and all staff. For more information on the reopening of schools, visit the official DPSCD website here.

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.

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.

DETROIT Classes at Detroit Catholic Central High School began last week, and a faculty member has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). While the Oakland County Health Department continues contact tracing, school officials are encouraging students to remain vigilant. School officials said personal protective equipment and social distancing plans are working. The faculty member took a COVID-19 test over the weekend, and the results came back positive on Monday. The faculty member who tested positive will quarantine for 14 days and then take another test before being allowed back to the school, officials said.

DETROIT According to the Detroit Federation of Teachers (DFT), 91 percent of its membership approved a strike vote which would allow the union to call a strike in the event negotiations break down with the school district. The Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) offered in-person summer school and anticipated about 25 percent of its student population would opt for in-person instruction. As of right now, it does not appear there will be sufficient teachers to accommodate in-person instruction. Wednesdays vote doesnt mean a strike is imminent but that the union has authorized one if negotiations break down. Detroit is scheduled to return back to school Sept. 8.

DETROIT Teachers at Detroit public schools are holding a vote Wednesday that could put a hold on in-person learning, though remote classes could still go on as planned. Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Nikolai Vitti said teachers are voting on whether to give leaders of the Detroit Federation of Teachers the authority to use a possible strike as a bargaining tool. VIEW LIST: Heres what Michigan school districts have planned for the fall amid the pandemicBut the vote could quickly put the brakes on any plans for in-person learning when classes resume. The problem is remote learning isnt feasible for many in the district. Vitti has been a proponent of continuing in-person learning for about 25% of the school population.

DETROIT Teachers at Detroit public schools are calling for a strike vote that could keep them from returning to classrooms for in-person learning. The Detroit Federation of Teachers and the Detroit Public Schools Community District are actively negotiating what the return-to-school plan will look like. VIEW LIST: Heres what Michigan school districts have planned for the fall amid the pandemicBut the strike vote could quickly put the brakes on any plants for in-person learning when classes resume. While negotiations continue with no breakdown during the process, DFT has called for a Wednesday strike vote among its membership. A strike vote is usually called when negotiations have broken down.

DETROIT The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has forced many Michigan schools to find new ways to fundraise. COVID-19 has shut down many traditional fundraising options, such as bake sales or going door-to-door to sell everything from coupon books to pizza dough. Many schools are now using Read-A-Thon, an online project raising money with books. We are helping schools monetize something their students are hopefully already doing: reading, said Howard Gottlieb, the founder of Read-A-Thon. Click here to decide if a Read-A-Thon fundraiser could be right for your school.

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.

Gretchen Whitmer is holding a briefing on Friday at 11 a.m. to update the states response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. With the start of the school year fast approaching, there are lingering questions about how it all will work. The Michigan Senate has scheduled a rare Saturday session to pass a bill package to address the start of the school year. Under Whitmers current COVID-19 plan, its up to individual school districts to decide its fall academic plan and some districts are opting for a hybrid approach. The Senate will also discuss the issue of the funding mechanism for schools, which has always relied on in person, in seat attendance.

LANSING, Mich. The Michigan Senate is calling a special Saturday session to tackle the debate centered around forcing school districts to offer an in-person option. Among the topics of debate is whether schools would risk losing their funding if they dont offer an in-person option, but thats not a done deal. Some districts, such as the Detroit Public Schools Community District, are offering in-person summer school. Other districts, such as Ann Arbor, have decided to keep everything remote at the start of the school year. The Michigan Senate is set to debate a number of school-related issues Saturday, including the in-person mandate.

DETROIT Government and school officials in Michigan have said they want to follow the science when it comes to reopening schools this fall, but studies continue to yield mixed findings in terms of the connection between children and the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). There are objective numbers in these studies, but everyone has their own take on what the numbers mean, especially in terms of reopening schools. In the same timeframe, there were eight pediatric deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 0.3%. Using historic mortality data, the authors were able to show that there were no additional deaths that might represent undetected cases of COVID-19. Even with increased pediatric cases, according to the data, children represented between 0%-0.4% of all COVID-19 deaths in individual states, with 19 states reporting zero child deaths.

You are going to have them probably alone with your kids for several hours, former FBI agent Ned Timmons said. Weve got to see who these people are.With many Michigan schools announcing virtual learning in the fall, some families with financial resources are considering hiring tutors to help their children. They hired a longtime private tutor and former teacher who was out on bond after allegedly soliciting a student for sex. His advice is to do a comprehensive, nationwide background check. A nationwide background check like the ones Timmons referenced can cost between $100-$150 and take two or three days to complete.

DETROIT As the nation continues to battle the coronavirus (COVID-19), the future of school sports and all extracurricular activities remains unclear. The uncertainty is having a major affect on the mental health of students, from elementary school to college. Playing high school football is something Mason Ziegler has been working toward most of his life, but his first season isnt going as expected. When we live our life day-to-day, right here, right now, we tend to be happier, even if its a horrible situation, Houle said. For many children, the loss of extracurricular is more significant than the issue of going to school.

LANSING, Mich. More and more school districts are opting out of in person classes across Michigan while others are looking for guidance from Lansing before making decisions. READ: Heres what Michigan school districts have planned for the fall amid the pandemicIn a press conference Wednesday, Gov. Michigans recent uptick in COVID-19 cases continues to threaten the fall school semester. Whitmer said the counties that have opened school have done so while cases have declined and that Michigan isnt there yet. This is still concerning in terms of the number of positive cases that weve seen.There are a number of other metrics the state is using.

YPSILANTI, Mich. Parents with students at Ypsilanti Community Schools said they support the districts decision to no longer have a school resource officer on campus. Thats one of the reasons officials with Ypsilanti Community Schools is making changes. My initial feeling was sadness because our school resource officer, Deputy Guynes, has been awesome, teacher Dan Schunck said. Were on top of the social unrest theyre seeing right here in the Ypsilanti community. Parents said theyd still like to see the district partner with the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office and the Ypsilnati Police Department in other ways.

UTICA, Mich. – The superintendent of Utica Community Schools has announced she’s retiring this fall. “I’m 100% confident that we will do as good a job as is humanly possible under these circumstances,” said Utica School Board president Bob Ross. “I think it’s been time for a new leadership, so I’m looking forward to better collaboration with between the Association and the district,” said Utica Education Association president Liza Parkinson. “There was a tremendous amount of friction between the Utica Education Association and the superintendent,” Parkinson said. The school board said they’ll hire an interim superintendent for the upcoming 2020-21 school year while they begin a nationwide search for Johns’ replacement.

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

DETROIT With most Metro Detroit schools planning at least some remote learning in the fall, theres a major concern about cyber criminals taking advantage. Officials believe Cyber Criminals are looking to target thousands of students learning online in Michigan. FBI agents are already working to get ahead, issuing alerts to help parents, students and districts prepare from a security standpoint. FBI officials are warning schools about an attack involving a virus that holds computer systems hostage until a payoff. The threat could cost schools and students severely if they arent prepared, FBI officials said.

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.

The president of the Michigan chapter spoke with Local 4 about the key factors pediatricians say need to be considered. We have to invest in schools, Swindell said. There are staff and teachers in the school that will be susceptible, and will be susceptible to getting quite sick, Swindell said. Distancing recommendationsOne of the big differences we think with children is that we can be a little more flexible (with) what that distance is between children, Swindell said. Wearing masksIn terms of wearing masks, it depends on the students.

DETROIT Summer school is offering lessons about what education in Metro Detroit might look like with coronavirus (COVID-19) safety measures in place this fall. Much of the concern about returning to in-person classes has centered around children being unpredictable, but so far, schools are finding the real wildcard can often be parents. Schools in Metro Detroit plan to have some version of in-person learning this fall, using the current summer school model as a dress rehearsal. But some parents cause students to become holes in the chain link fence of safety precautions that school districts are trying to build for in-person learning. You can watch Paula Tutmans full story in the video posted above.

DETROIT School teachers are speaking out against the White Houses push for schools to be fully opened in the fall. There is a growing ground swell of teachers who said they feel bullied into going back into the classroom. As weve reported, almost a third of teachers and parents dont feel safe returning to the classroom under any circumstances that dont include a proven vaccine against COVID-19, reliable antibody testing and mass testing. But eight percent of Michigans teachers surveyed said theyll quit or retire rather than be forced back into the classroom if they dont feel its safe. President Donald Trump and Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos are threatening to withhold funds to any school district that does not deem it safe to reopen fully.

LANSING, Mich. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel are set to discuss the use of federal relief funds for Michigan schools. Whitmer and Nessel will address the steps taken by the state to ensure those funds are properly allocated to public and private schools across the state. They are expected to speak around 2 p.m. Tuesday. You can watch live in the stream above.

DETROIT School districts in Michigan are facing a likely substitute teacher shortage as some full-time teachers might not want to return to the classroom when schools reopen. Many full-time teachers might not feel comfortable with in-class sessions, which leads to another concern: a shortage of substitute teachers. School officials said they dont even know what resources theyll have to try to attract substitute teachers and fill those holes. Gutman is also the vice president of the Tri-County Alliance, which represents thousands of schools and tens of thousands of students. School districts are working to put together plans for what comes next.

DETROIT As teachers around Michigan work to navigate the uncertain times of the coronavirus (COVID-19), online learning will continue to increase in popularity. As a result, universities are coming up with curriculums to help teachers educate online. Teaching online is not something that we foresee -- or at this point, most foresee -- going away any time soon, said Emily Barnes, president and CEO at Cleary University. Thats why Cleary University is launching a new degree program: MBA in e-learning design and instructional technology management. While teachers learn to teach at home, parents will continue to learn how to let their children learn at home, too.

DETROIT Pointing to seven straight days of spikes in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said that moving the state to phase five was off the table. Whitmer is also asking the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) to switch the fall and spring sports seasons. READ: Here are the 6 stages in Michigan Gov. Nikolai Vitti (@Dr_Vitti) June 30, 2020

Gretchen Whitmers return-to-school plan was a lot for educators and parents to take in, but now that theyve digested the major points, Local 4 asked them what they think. Theres plenty of discussion surrounding how social distancing will work when students return in the fall, as well as face coverings and bus capacity. Detroit Public Schools Superintendent Nikolai Vitti tweeted Tuesday, I appreciate the Return to Learn Task Force recommendations. We will make a few adjustments to align with the requirements to submit our plan in advance of the deadline. We believe the association will eventually agree with our position.You can hear from more superintendents and parents in Steve Garagiolas full video above.

Gretchen Whitmer rolled out her plan to restart school in the fall. Schools will need to develop three separate plans, depending on which phase of the reopening plan the state is in. Michigan coronavirus casesWhitmer lifted her months-long stay-at-home order June 1 and moved the remaining six regions to phase four of her reopening plan. Tuesday marked Michigan’s second-highest daily increase of June, with 373 new confirmed cases. Whitmer’s handling of pandemic :Reopening Michigan :Health questions, advice :Unemployment :Personal stories :