School Closure Update 3-27-20
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| March 27, 2020 Dear Brandon families, As we end the second full week of the State Closure and prepare for Brandon’s spring break week, I wanted to provide you our most recent updates: What are the current orders for schools? The State of Michigan has a shelter in place order for all citizens other than essential workers through 4/13/2020. https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/0,9309,7-387-90499_90705-522626--,00.html This includes schools and all in-person school activities, so we will minimally remain closed through 4/13/20. What about school days, hours and distance learning? – All schools across Michigan continue to wait to hear from our State leaders as it relates to required instructional days, hours and flexibility as it relates to delivering education. Since our last communication, nothing has changed so the distance learning activities will remain optional but highly encouraged at this time (same with all non-virtual public schools). What are some of the challenges that are slowing a decision: Length of the Closure – Our leaders are still not certain how long things will be closed. A solution to a 3 week closure could look very different than a 12 week closure. Access to technology – More than 1/3 of Michigan students have no access to technology. State superintendent, Dr. Michael Rice, has indicated that any solution must not leave any of the 1.5 million Michigan students behind. Access to reliable internet – There are huge portions of the State and even within our own community where reliable internet is an issue. Burden on families – Parents are working from home and some are not as prepared as others to assist with distance learning. Leaving some students behind – Dr. Rice and his team have highlighted many significant challenges with distance learning as it relates to special education and other at-risk students in Michigan. What is Brandon requesting? We would love to be able to have local flexibility to best serve the students within the Brandon School District. We have a very good plan to implement if we were given this flexibility. In the meantime, stay tuned and we would encourage your children to continue with the learning activities that have been sent out for the past two weeks. Technology Deployment – As the restrictions have rapidly increased for Michigan citizens, our plans for deployment of technology to those in need have adjusted over the past two weeks. At the beginning of this crisis, the district collected information from students that did not have technology or reliable internet in their homes. As we continue to wait for clarity from the State, we want you to know that we have a technology deployment plan that will be implemented if the State closure extends beyond April 13th. We are sharing the following link for any other families that may be in this situation. http://www.bit.ly/2UHodh1 Where to get your information – These are the recommended sources for gaining factual information regarding the current situation. Federal - The Center for Disease Control - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America - https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/03.16.20_coronavirus-guidance_8.5x11_315PM.pdf State - State of Michigan Coronavirus information site – www.michigan.gov/coronavirus County - Oakland County Health Department - https://www.oakgov.com/covid/Pages/default.aspx In closing, I wanted to wish you all the best for spring break week. While I know that it may not be the same as vacations to places like Florida, I am hopeful that you will enjoy this gift of time. We will continue to keep you up-to-date and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions at all. Sincerely, Matthew S. Outlaw Matthew S. Outlaw Superintendent for the Brandon School District |
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