Officials with the Detroit Public Schools Community District said 92% of students have already returned their consent forms to show they’re ready to return to in-person classes.

The interior at Oxford High School has been upgraded before students return for classes for the first time since the deadly mass shooting.

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.

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

Thousands of students in Metro Detroit are returning back to school Tuesday amid uncertainty about the upcoming school year.

A new poll by the University of Michigan reveals what parents around the country are worried about heading into the 2021-2022 school year.

With most students and educators returning to in-person learning this fall amid the ongoing pandemic, several questions still remain about how things will operate in the classroom.

“Back to school” is going to mean something a little different for each community this year, and experts say it’s important to prepare for what that will look like for your family.

Two virtual schooling options will be available this fall for Ann Arbor Public Schools famlies.

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

Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updating its mask-wearing and COVID-19 testing guidance, the president of the American Federation of Teachers said all children should be back in school five days a week in the fall.

Rochester Community Schools and its school board president are already named in a federal lawsuit accusing them of costing a parent her job because she criticized board policies on a return to face-to-face instruction.

In-person instruction has been an emotional topic for school districts around Metro Detroit.

You can now sign up your K-8th-grader for virtual summer camp at U-M's Museum of Natural History.

Register to get tested at Huron High School's drive-thru on Saturday.

People protested Sunday outside Pioneer High School, pushing for Ann Arbor Public Schools to allow more students back into the classroom.

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.

The Detroit Publish School Community District announced that is pausing in-person learning until May.

AAPS plans to reopen for hybrid learning for grades 4-12 on May 3.

Michigan officials are asking for schools to voluntarily suspend in-person learning due to spring break travel and the surge in COVID cases.

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.

Ann Arbor Public Schools announces it is delaying the return to school for its older students due to "rapid," "significant" area COVID cases.

ANN ARBOR – Ann Arbor Public Schools welcomed preschool- through kindergarten-aged students back into school buildings on Thursday as part of its hybrid learning plan for the remainder of the school year. The district is starting with the youngest students and the students with the greatest needs, and will bring back older students in phases. AdAccording to a recent survey, 67.3 percent of K-12 students in Ann Arbor opted to return to a hybrid model while 24.5 percent opted to remain virtual; 8.2 percent did not respond. In her March 10 update, AAPS Superintendent Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift shared what hybrid learning will look like and the district’s next steps. See some of those moments below:@A2_Carpenter We are excited to welcome all of our students to Hybrid Learning!

ANN ARBOR – Local parent Nick Bagley has penned an open letter to the Michigan legislature and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer calling for legislation that would ensure children return to school full time this fall. “I think a lot of parents are feeling kind of hopeless about this school year,” said Bagley. Ann Arbor Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift has publicly said that school will be back full time in the fall. “They’ve shredded the trust they had in the community.”He criticized the state’s decision to leave school openings during the pandemic up to the districts.

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.

FARMINGTON, Mich. – The Farmington Public Schools Board of Education unanimously voted 6-0 on Tuesday to increase in-person learning and relax the 6-foot social distancing measure in order to increase in-person learning for students. The district will continue other mitigation practices such as mask wearing, hand washing, cleaning and sanitizing, air filtration and student partitions. The board also granted interim Superintendent Bobbie Goodrum to make decisions for the district on how to move forward. Districts across the state are seeking clarification on the March 22 date.”AdThe district is currently looking to offer five four-hour days of in-person learning for elementary students with no in-person lunch, as well as four full days of in-person learning for middle and high school students. Families who have chosen remote learning and learning at a distance can continue to have their children learn in those models.

It’s a struggle every day for every district -- how do local schools balance COVID safety and prevent panic from spreading when the inevitable case is reported? It’s a phone call that no parent wants to receive -- a confirmed case of coronavirus is at their child’s school. While his son is currently quarantined and that is unnerving, Mathis said he’s satisfied with how the Fraser Public School District is handing COVID for students in face-to-face learning. As of March 4, there are 11 cases of COVID throughout the district -- 11 teachers and nearly 150 students are quarantined. That’s less than 1% of the district with 70% of its students opting for five-days a week face-to-face learning.

Carlson Elementary is part of the Van Dyke Public Schools district, the only district in all of Macomb County that has not offered traditional face-to-face instruction yet. Most parents in the district have not asked for in-person learning yet. When students can return to in-person learning on Tuesday, March 2, nearly 60% of families will be keeping their kids at home. AdRelated: Detroit public schools to resume in-person learning on March 8Remote learning has been working for them as the small school district has been able to offer more personalized virtual learning. We’re doing this in the safest and most effective way possible,” said Piper Bognar, superintendent at Van Dyke Public Schools.

Gretchen Whitmer has been vocal about her desire to see all school districts off some kind of in-person learning option by Monday. A group of parents spoke with Local 4 about what they think is best for their children. They acknowledged that Whitmer wanting to return to in-person learning by March 1 was a step in the right direction, but they still want her to do more. The parents are urging Whitmer to take more action while it still can be done. “We just need to get them back into what they’re used to and what’s been proven to be best for our children,” Miller said.

Ann Arbor Reasonable Return co-founder Jesse Kauffman holds a sign at a rally organized by the group in downtown Ann Arbor on Jan. 30, 2021. ANN ARBOR – Parent group Ann Arbor Reasonable Return released a statement on Wednesday afternoon in response to the Board of Education’s vote to offer a hybrid learning option. “Today, we celebrate the vote by the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education to offer Hybrid/Hyflex learning,” reads the statement. The grassroots organization founded by local parents, including medical professionals, has been advocating for the safe return to face-to-face learning. Ann Arbor is the only district in Washtenaw County and one of few in the state that has remained virtual since the coronavirus pandemic began.

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

ANN ARBOR – In a rare move, Mayor Christopher Taylor and several members of City Council have sent a letter to the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education urging them to stick to their plan of returning to a hybrid learning model. “Ann Arbor students and families are stretched to the breaking point,” reads the letter. If the science shifts, or a virus variant changes everything, Ann Arbor will understand. If the science shifts, or a virus variant changes everything, Ann Arbor will understand. AdThe City of Ann Arbor and Ann Arbor Public Schools have a long and successful history of working together to promote our children’s education, community, and health.

A high school student holds up a sign at a protest outside Skyline High School in Ann Arbor on Feb. 20, 2021. ANN ARBOR – Dozens of students and parents stood outside Skyline High School holding signs and giving speeches on Saturday, calling for the Ann Arbor Board of Education to continue with their original plans to return to school buildings beginning in March. AdAnn Arbor Public Schools students hold up signs at a rally to reopen schools at Skyline High School on Feb. 20, 2021. Skyline High School senior Eli Hendricks addresses a crowd of students and parents outside his school in Ann Arbor on Feb. 20, 2021. Signs posted outside Skyline High School's student entrance in Ann Arbor call for the return to hybrid learning.

ANN ARBOR – The Ann Arbor Board of Education released a statement on Friday evening clarifying the details of next week’s vote after considerable uproar from some community members. “At our meeting on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education voted to direct Superintendent Jeanice Kerr Swift to explore the feasibility of modifying its current Return to School Plan,” the Board clarified. “The Board apologizes for any confusion this vote on Wednesday may have caused our community during an already stress-filled school year due to the pandemic. Ad“The Board’s vote did not change or alter the approved transition to hybrid-in school learning option,” read the statement. In response to the Board’s motion, parent group Ann Arbor Reasonable Return launched a GoFundMe on Thursday, raising more than its $30,000 goal in less than 24 hours to establish a political action committee.

ANN ARBOR – A GoFundMe organized by parent group Ann Arbor Reasonable Return has surpassed its $30,000 goal in under 24 hours. “Ann Arbor Reasonable Return is exploring all options to get relief for families in the Ann Arbor Public Schools who have been in virtual only learning since March 13, 2020,” reads the GoFundMe page. “We are raising funds for establishing a political action committee (PAC) that can then take steps like retain professional legal and lobbying counsel. According to the Board of Education, if they vote to keep school virtual, children with the greatest needs will be able to return to buildings at the end of March. AdCo-founder of Ann Arbor Reasonable Return Lena Kauffman said that the group is currently in the process of signing with the firm.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Parents are pushing for a recall of four Chippewa Valley Schools Board of Education members over decisions related to in-person learning. It targets Board President Frank Bednard, Vice President Denise Aquino and trustees Beth Pyden and George Sobah. Parents who support the recall said the issue is the lack of in-person options for students -- a frustration that goes back to last August when Chippewa Valley Schools went completely virtual. Since the recall language has been approved and neighboring districts have moved to offer greater in-person choices, a letter went home to parents advising them that Chippewa Valley will discuss implementing more in-person options next week. “Dakota High School is the biggest high school in the state right now and Chippewa Valley is right behind it, so we have special challenges we need to overcome when we have that many children,” he said.

The Ann Arbor School Board will vote next week whether or not to continue virtual learning through the end of the school year. ANN ARBOR – In a Board of Education meeting that lasted nearly six hours on Wednesday, the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board approved a resolution to modify its plan to return to in-person learning in favor of finishing the school year virtually. The Board voted 5-2 in favor of the motion. Trustee Kelly questioned the legality of the motion and urged the vote be postponed by a week. During next Wednesday’s Board of Education meeting, the Board will vote on Superintendent Swift’s recommendation to continue in-person learning through the end of the school year for the majority of students.

DETROIT – The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention released its new guidelines on how to safely reopen schools for in-person learning Friday. READ: CDC: Strong evidence in-person schooling can be done safelyIn a telephone briefing, health officials said the CDC is not mandating that schools open, but rather it’s providing a road map for how to do so safely. They highlighted five key mitigation strategies, stressing two are most important -- universal and correct mask usage being required for all students and staff, and physically distancing of at least six feet between people. “These two strategies are incredibly important in areas that have high have high community spread of COVID-19,” Walensky said. “Which, right now, is the vast majority of communities in the United States.”Other key strategies include washing hands, cleaning facilities and improving ventilation; and contact tracing, isolation and quarantining.

ANN ARBOR – More than 350 local physicians and psychologists have signed an open letter and petition to the Ann Arbor Board of Education and Ann Arbor Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift, urging them to reopen schools for students who choose to learn in-person by Gov. “The scientific, health and psychological consensus is clear: It is possible for children and teachers to safely return to school with proper mitigation measures. Ad“My own experience of seeing the devastation caused by school closure among Ann Arbor’s children has been eye-opening and heartbreaking. “It’s time for Ann Arbor to make the rational decision to allow students and families a choice of in-person schooling. AAPS students deserve better.”This is the third letter that Ann Arbor healthcare providers has sent to AAPS and coincides with efforts by parents to reopen the schools due to negative impacts their children are facing during the closures.

Her health department, Wayne County, has said to not call for a vaccine, but to call your health provider. Nearly 2,000 Pfizer first doses were delivered to Wayne County, along with 3,900 Moderna first doses. Wayne County health workers started distributing the vaccine at the Wayne County Community College Campus in Taylor. “It didn’t even hurt.”Local 4 camera crews tried to find senior citizens at the campus getting vaccinated and were unable to find any. Why are 200,000 Wayne County seniors being left out?

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.”

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) said it is moving forward with offering a voluntary COVID-19 testing program to educators. Officials said the MI Safe Schools Testing Program, which began Tuesday, will provide weekly tests for educators at private and public schools. Approximately 300 schools and 9,000 staff members have signed up for testing so far. Gretchen Whitmer pushed for schools to resume in-person learning by March 1. Everyone has a role to play in ending this pandemic.”The state paused high school in-person learning in November.

Members of parent group Ann Arbor Reasonable Return hold a banner at a rally demanding the return of hybrid learning in downtown Ann Arbor on Jan. 30, 2021. ANN ARBOR – Parent group Ann Arbor Reasonable Return rallied outside the downtown post office on Saturday afternoon to demand that Ann Arbor Public Schools reopen by March 1 -- Gov. Ann Arbor Public Schools have been closed since the coronavirus pandemic began in March. Parents and children hold signs at a rally calling to reopen Ann Arbor Public Schools in downtown Ann Arbor on Jan. 30, 2021. They wear them all day long.”AdAlan Simpson-Vlach with his wife, Rita, and daughter Marguerite at a rally to reopen Ann Arbor Public Schools on Jan. 30, 2021.

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.

A sign for Ann Arbor Reasonable Return is posted next to the Ann Arbor Farmers Market on Dec. 9, 2020. ANN ARBOR – Ann Arbor Reasonable Return, a grassroots organization founded by local parents, will be holding a rally on Saturday in downtown Ann Arbor in support of Gov. The group, which also goes by A2R2, is made up of parents and medical professionals. The rally will begin at noon at the Ann Arbor Post Office at 200 E. Liberty St.“The community is urging Ann Arbor Public Schools to follow state guidance and finally offer the safe in-person option they advertised to the community at the start of the year,” read a press release. More than 500 parents have already petitioned the district, and the advocacy group presented a letter from more than 130 area doctors and pediatric nurses recommending a safe return to in-person learning.

In research published Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers conclude that in-person learning has not meaningfully contributed to community spread of COVID-19, and in-person classes should resume with precautions in place. Gretchen Whitmer was asked Monday about the ban on certain Michigan high school contact sports and whether they might be allowed to resume in the near future. Right now, only certain sports, including football, are allowed to compete at Michigan high schools. This has become a controversial topic across the state as the governor urges all schools to resume in-person learning by March 1. “One only needs to ask any winter ‘contact’ sport athlete and they will tell you we are sending mixed and contradictory messages to them.”Click here to read Vitti’s entire letter.

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.

DETROIT – School districts across Michigan are struggling to meet Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s target to return to in-person learning by March 1. Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti said 10-20% of students have been absent since the COVID pandemic started. The Southfield Public School District, has been 100% since March and while recognizing the importance of bringing students back to their teachers, Dr. Jennifer Martin Green said the science dictates the district remain remote. Both districts believe vaccinations are a key part in getting students and teachers back in the classroom safely.

ANN ARBOR – Ann Arbor Public Schools announced in an email to teachers and parents on Wednesday morning that the district is aiming to begin hybrid in-school learning in early March. According to the initial timeline, Stage 4 is targeted to begin after spring break. Whitmer encourages Michigan public schools to reopen for in-person learning by March 1In-person learning will be offered for all levels and families who decide to stay home and continue virtual learning have the option to do so. As the district monitors COVID cases and vaccinations ahead or reopening, the Superintendent will recommend specific target dates to reopen in February, approved by the Board of Education and confirmed with staff and parents. Final start dates will be announced two weeks prior to the anticipated return of students.

ANN ARBOR – In her most recent message to the Ann Arbor Public Schools community, Superintendent Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift announced on Friday that the school district is focused on returning to in-person learning as soon as possible. However, she said that reopening the schools is dependent on several key factors in order to return safely. Swift said AAPS has also acquired enough PPE for its staff to use once in-person learning begins. According to the announcement, the youngest students and students with the greatest needs will be the first to return to school. “As a result of their work, there is promise in this rapidly emerging testing process.”AAPS has not yet named a date for the return of in-person learning.

Gretchen Whitmer held a press conference stating she wanted children back in classrooms by March 1. FARMINGTON, Mich. – On Friday, Farmington Public Schools announced the district will return to in-person learning beginning Monday, Jan. 11, 2021. Gretchen Whitmer held a press conference stating she wanted children back in classrooms by March 1. After Whitmer made the announcement on children returning to school by March parents on both sides of the heated debate weighed in on the issue. Families across the state are split on whether or not to send children back to classrooms amid the ongoing pandemic.

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.

DETROIT – School officials said it’s simple -- cancelling in-person holiday gatherings greatly raises the odds of in-person learning in January. Multiple school districts across Metro Detroit returned elementary school to face-to-face education so that they can squeeze in a little in-person learning before winter break. Parents and teachers are split on the decision as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. READ: Tracking coronavirus cases, outbreaks in Michigan schoolsThe key to returning students to school safely rest with all of us, whether we have children or not. The leads to frustration for administrators and decision makers who are following the science.

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.

NORTHVILLE, Mich. – Northville Public Schools has worked with a hybrid school year with students learning in person. On Monday, the district met to discuss the future of in-person learning. ”Whatever happens it’s not going to please everyone,” said district superintendent Mary Kay Gallagher, who laid out a recommendation for the district. During public comment, several parents, who are also doctors and healthcare workers, pushed hard for in-person learning. READ: Michigan’s ‘3-week pause’ COVID restrictions in effect: What to knowYou can watch the full report in the video posted above.

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.

If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. Copyright © 2020 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and pubished by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings.

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.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Parents in Clinton Township made their voices heard for face-to-face learning. On Monday, a smattering of protestors -- parents and their children who want in-person learning -- were outside the Chippewa Valley Schools administration building. Earlier this summer, the district thought it could provide some in-person learning, but pulled back on that option just before the start of school, sending all 15,000 students into remote learning. The district acknowledges the fact that most children do better with face to face learning, but said that science says it’s not safe. However, some parents, like Pearce, said there is still no reason why students could not be in school.

UTICA – The remote start to school has been tough for most parents, even more so for Kristin Rosales who has twin girls in first grade and a son in fifth grade. Rosales learned her district -- Utica Community Schools -- is bringing students back, starting with kindergarten, first grade and special education students. “I was very excited when we got the email today (Friday) that we are going to start with K-1 going back. Tim McAvoy from the school district said the district has a plan and is sticking to it. This phase also includes middle school athletics and starts next week.

If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. Copyright © 2020 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and pubished by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings.

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.

People work much better when they feel energized and the same is true for students -- especially those who are starting the school year learning virtually. Read more: Kids at HomeRemember as a school kid, how great it felt going back to class after recess? You go out to the bus stop, you walk into your school building and now we’re just kind of waking up and we’re going right to the computer," Nakfoor said. They can spend a minute, two minutes jumping, which is such good movement for the body.”She also recommends cup stacking for younger children. It’s really important get your older kids standing up and they can even do some work while they’re standing up.”Nakfoor said her oldest son like to do wall squats while doing school work.

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.

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.

The following is a response to our call for people to share thoughts and concerns about Michigan schools returning to in-person learning this fall. How can this be safe?-- AnonymousFor many students, being in school face-to-face is critical, especially students with learning or emotional challenges. We should do everything, as a community, to help schools support as many students as possible in-person. Gretchen Whitmer revealed her plan to help schools across the state return to in-person learning this fall. Please share your thoughts and concerns about returning to in-person learning this fall -- we want to hear from you:Related:

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.

The following is a response to our call for people to share thoughts and concerns about Michigan schools returning to in-person learning this fall. I was at one of the Connected Futures device distribution days a couple of weeks ago at a DPSCD school. Giving up sports for one year is better than the risk.-- JoeI work at a school and Im considered high risk for health related reasons. The MI Safe Schools Return to School Roadmap is a 63-page document that outlines coronavirus (COVID-19) safety protocols for each phase of Whitmers reopening plan. Please share your thoughts and concerns about returning to in-person learning this fall -- we want to hear from you:Related:

The following is a response to our call for people to share thoughts and concerns about Michigan schools returning to in-person learning this fall. Or, there is also option c ... they are lying.-- AnonymousView more: School ConfessionalsMichigan school districts, colleges and universities are working to prepare for a return to in-person classes this fall amid the coronavirus pandemic. Gretchen Whitmer revealed her plan to help schools across the state return to in-person learning this fall. The MI Safe Schools Return to School Roadmap is a 63-page document that outlines coronavirus (COVID-19) safety protocols for each phase of Whitmers reopening plan. Please share your thoughts and concerns about returning to in-person learning this fall -- we want to hear from you:Related:

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.

MACOMB, Mich. As students are starting to return to school across Metro Detroit, photos online has left at least one Macomb County father worried about the school year. The private Macomb school only offered in-person learning for the 2020-21 school year. In a statement, the school superintendent said they tried to put the best plans in place but are still subject to change. Weve had our first few days of school and our first look at these plans with students in the building. Our teachers are committed to the plans that we have in place to help keep our students and our teachers safe.

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.

West Bloomfield schools hold first day of in-person learningPublished: August 27, 2020, 6:33 pmWest Bloomfield Schools District opened its first day of in-person learning for the new school year. For more information: https://www.clickondetroit.com/.

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.

Anchor Bay Schools officials, families try to adjust as learning plans changePublished: August 20, 2020, 6:41 pmFamilies and Anchor Bay school officials are trying to work through changes of in-person and virtual learning in 2020-21 academic year. For more information

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.

Howell Public Schools kicked off its fall semester with in-person learning. For more information: https://www.clickondetroit.com/. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

Howell Public Schools kicked off its fall semester with in-person learning. For more information: https://www.clickondetroit.com/. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

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.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Between virtual classrooms, homeschooling or even in-person learning -- how do you talk to your children about what their learning environment will look like in the fall? READ: Here’s what Michigan school districts have planned for the fall amid the pandemicNo matter what happens, parents with school-age children have some really tough decisions to make about school right now -- one of the hardest parts is talking to your children about it. I was like OK, we’re not going to have this battle.”Crieghton was a former elementary school teacher who spent 15 years working in the Southfield Public School District. “I made the decision early on for my own personal sanity and for hers.”For started, Crieghton said no matter what you decide to do about school, talk to your children about it openly and don’t put off having that conversation. Try to speak to your children, maybe if you have multiple children, at different times of the day,” Crieghton said.

The following is a response to our call for people to share thoughts and concerns about Michigan schools returning to in-person learning this fall. “I don’t understand why they want kids in school but all school board meetings are online, and all of the state employees are working from home. I guess they want money from the government and they don’t care about the health of our children!”-- AnonymousView more: School ConfessionalsMichigan school districts, colleges and universities are working to prepare for a return to in-person classes this fall amid the coronavirus pandemic. The “MI Safe Schools Return to School Roadmap” is a 63-page document that outlines coronavirus (COVID-19) safety protocols for each phase of Whitmer’s reopening plan. Please share your thoughts and concerns about returning to in-person learning this fall -- we want to hear from you:Related:

The following is a response to our call for people to share thoughts and concerns about Michigan schools returning to in-person learning this fall. “As a household with two working parents, we are stuck in a position of feeling like we are choosing our job vs. our child’s wellbeing. We need more protection for working parents at this time who shouldn’t have to choose between their child’s health or being able to put food on the table. The “MI Safe Schools Return to School Roadmap” is a 63-page document that outlines coronavirus (COVID-19) safety protocols for each phase of Whitmer’s reopening plan. Please share your thoughts and concerns about returning to in-person learning this fall -- we want to hear from you:Related:

DETROIT – Michigan State House Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo is calling on the Detroit public schools superintendent to reconsider the district’s plan to offer in-person classes at the start of this fall semester amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) has has been very clear that it has wanted parents to have a choice between face-to-face or remote learning. The approved plan includes the choices of in-person or online learning, smaller in-person class sizes and daily safety protocols like cleaning, masks and social distancing. Gay-Dagnogo said Superintendent Nikoli Vitti and the school board should reconsider the plan. For more information about DPSCD’s return-to-school plan, go here: https://www.detroitk12.org/returntoschoolRelated: How Detroit public schools are bridging the digital divide

The following is a response to our call for people to share thoughts and concerns about Michigan schools returning to in-person learning this fall. I have heard parents openly state that they will be sending their children back to school this fall without face masks. As teachers, we cannot avoid our students in the classroom.-- AnonymousView more: School ConfessionalsMichigan school districts, colleges and universities are working to prepare for a return to in-person classes this fall amid the coronavirus pandemic. The MI Safe Schools Return to School Roadmap is a 63-page document that outlines coronavirus (COVID-19) safety protocols for each phase of Whitmers reopening plan. Please share your thoughts and concerns about returning to in-person learning this fall -- we want to hear from you:Related:

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!

The following is a response to our call for people to share thoughts and concerns about Michigan schools returning to in-person learning this fall. My kids attend private Catholic school and I am concerned they are not doing enough. !-- AnonymousView more: School ConfessionalsMichigan school districts, colleges and universities are working to prepare for a return to in-person classes this fall amid the coronavirus pandemic. The MI Safe Schools Return to School Roadmap is a 63-page document that outlines coronavirus (COVID-19) safety protocols for each phase of Whitmers reopening plan. Please share your thoughts and concerns about returning to in-person learning this fall -- we want to hear from you:Related:

The following is a response to our call for people to share thoughts and concerns about Michigan schools returning to in-person learning this fall. And, the reality is I dont want my daughter to be a human experiment. Gretchen Whitmer revealed her plan to help schools across the state return to in-person learning this fall. The MI Safe Schools Return to School Roadmap is a 63-page document that outlines coronavirus (COVID-19) safety protocols for each phase of Whitmers reopening plan. Please share your thoughts and concerns about returning to in-person learning this fall -- we want to hear from you:Related:

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.

The following is a response to our call for people to share thoughts and concerns about Michigan schools returning to in-person learning this fall. Sure everyone would like things to go back to normal, but going back in person would be a huge mistake. Gretchen Whitmer revealed her plan to help schools across the state return to in-person learning this fall. The MI Safe Schools Return to School Roadmap is a 63-page document that outlines coronavirus (COVID-19) safety protocols for each phase of Whitmers reopening plan. Please share your thoughts and concerns about returning to in-person learning this fall -- we want to hear from you:Related: