COVID-19 Archive 2019-2020

This plan was developed in accordance with the requirements of Michigan Governor Whitmer's Executive Orders, including, but not limited to, Executive Order 2020-70, which requires entities that remain open for in-person work to develop and maintain a COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan.

The primary purpose of this plan is to assist in the mitigation of COVID-19 and to protect employees, students, contractors, and visitors of the LISD. This plan was developed through guidance from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Please click the link below to view the plan in full.

LISD COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan (Updated 06/16/2020)

A Message from Lenawee County Superintendents

As members of the Lenawee County Superintendent’s Association we want to collectively express our appreciation for the efforts of our students, parents/guardians, teachers, support staff, administrators, and community to quickly adapt to the change from in-person to remote instruction and learning. We recognize that this sudden shift has not been without its challenges, and we thank you for working to overcome such amidst the uncertainty of COVID-19.    

We are committed to continuing to provide educational opportunities for students through the end of the current school year, and request your continued support with keeping students engaged in learning during this time.

Throughout this pandemic, our primary concern has been and continues to be the health and wellbeing of our students, staff, and communities. We hope that you are, have been, and will continue to be well both physically and mentally. If you have been personally impacted by COVID-19, please know that our thoughts and well wishes are with you and your family. Please take care of yourself and your family and seek out assistance if you are in need.

As we near the end of the 2019-2020 school year, we understand that many are beginning to think about next school year. We too have read the stories about how other states and school districts are planning to conduct school next year. While we recognize the need to plan for a variety of possibilities, the reality is that – at this time – we simply don’t know what things will look like in August.

For this reason, we are actively planning for three possible scenarios. Those are:

1. In-person, face-to-face instruction with proper precautions and safety measures;
    
2. Remote/distance learning through the use of technology and other means;
    
3. A combination of in-person, face-to-face instruction and remote/distance learning.

To the extent that remote/distance learning continues to be part of the instructional delivery model, we anticipate a more robust program with student participation, engagement, and assessment expectations more closely resembling that of traditional, in-person school.

As a group, we will be conducting weekly planning meetings through the remainder of the current school year and throughout the summer. Additional efforts will be occurring within individual school districts. We have and will continue to work with the Lenawee County Health Department and will rely heavily on their guidance and direction as we will that of the State of Michigan and Federal government, including the recently released United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for reopening schools.

We are committed to maintaining transparency and openness in our planning, while also exercising a degree of caution knowing that any plans that we decide on are subject to the actions of our government officials and bodies. As plans are further developed, we will provide additional information. In the interim, we ask for your patience and understanding.

Finally, for those families with children who will be entering kindergarten next year, our districts are still accepting kindergarten registrations. We would encourage you to register your child as soon as possible as it assists us in our planning for next year. Please visit our websites to learn more about the registration process.

LISD School Building Access and Social Distance Requirements

Updated 05/23/2020

In accordance with Michigan Governor Whitmer’s Executive Orders 2020-65, 2020-59, 2020-70, and guidance provided by the Lenawee County Health Department, the following building access and social distancing requirements are required to be followed by any person accessing a Lenawee Intermediate School District (LISD) campus and/or building:

1. District employees will only be allowed to visit/access school buildings as is necessary to conduct minimum school operations consistent with the LISD’s and/or an LISD constituent school district’s approved continuity of learning plan. Employee access will be limited to only those persons necessary and must be coordinated with the building and/or program supervisor in accordance with these requirements. All other work will be performed remotely.
    
2. Students are prohibited from visiting/accessing any LISD campus and/or building.
    
3. Parents/guardians of LISD students may be permitted to visit school property for the sole purpose of obtaining materials and/or equipment pursuant to the LISD’s and/or an LISD constituent district’s approved continuity of learning plan. To the extent feasible, materials and/or equipment necessary to implement the LISD’s or a constituent district’s approved continuity of learning plan shall be provided via mail or another shipping service, dropped off outside the student’s home in a secure location, or through other methods which do not require parents/guardians to visit school property. If materials and/or equipment cannot be feasibly delivered through one of the previously listed means, pick-up must be arranged via drive-thru during which the parent/guardian remains in their vehicle and items are passed through an open passenger window onto an unoccupied front seat or placed in the trunk of the vehicle if this option is available without requiring the driver to leave his/her vehicle.  
    
4. Child care workers at a child care located within an LISD building are permitted to be physically present within the child care center within the LISD building provided that the child care center is only providing child care services to essential workers as defined by the State of Michigan and as approved by the LISD Superintendent.
    
5. If individuals are to be present on LISD property in accordance with a permitted purpose, those individuals must maintain a distance of at least six (6) feet from one another to the maximum extent possible at all times. Individuals must also engage in frequent hand washing with soap and warm water for a period of at least 20 seconds.
    
6. Individuals (including parents/guardians picking up educational materials/equipment) who have any current symptoms of illness or who have experienced any symptoms of illness within the past 7 days, have been around someone with known symptoms of illness within the past 14 days, have been around someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days are strictly prohibited from visiting LISD campuses and buildings. The health and safety of our LISD community is of utmost importance. Individuals who fail to strictly adhere to these requirements are placing the health and safety of others at risk and may be subject to disciplinary or other action at the discretion of the LISD. 
    
7. All individuals who enter a LISD building and who are medically able to tolerate wearing a face covering must wear a covering over his or her nose and mouth. Face coverings may include a homemade mask, scarf, bandana, or handkerchief. To the extent feasible, the LISD will provide non-medical grade face coverings to its employees who are required to perform work within a LISD building and who do not wish to provide their own face covering.  
    
8. Prior to accessing a LISD building each time (in the case of employees or contracted service providers, prior to beginning the work day), individuals will be required to complete a COVID-19 screening questionnaire. The questionnaire must be completed, signed, and provided to the individual’s direct supervisor (if an LISD employee) or to the LISD employee who has coordinated the individual’s access to the LISD building. The individual also must report any changes to their responses to their direct supervisor (if an LISD employee) or to the LISD employee who has coordinated the individual’s access to the LISD building. The questionnaire is available at the top of this page.

Please click the link below to view the 2019-2020 LISD Continuity of Learning Plan.

LISD Continuity of Learning Plan (Updated 05/11/2020 with Early Childhood Addendum)

The LISD TECH Center has created a schedule to return personal items to students and gather any LISD TECH Center items that students may still have at home. In compliance with executive orders from Governor Whitmer, students may not pick up or return these items. Parents will pull into the bus loop and roll down their passenger-side window. This will apply to programs at both the main campus and the Center for a Sustainable Future. If you need to make alternative arrangements, please contact Jake Graf by email at jake.graf@lisd.us or by calling 517-265-1658.

Thursday, May 21, 3:00 - 6:00 PM (LISD CSF)

• Agri-Tech
• Horticulture
• Natural Resources
• Natural Sciences

Friday, May 22, 3:00 - 6:00 PM

• Building Trades
• Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
• Dental Assisting
• Education Careers
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Engineering, Design, and CAD
• Nursing Prep
• Residential Construction

Tuesday, May 26, 3:00 - 6:00 PM

• Computer Information Services
• Computer Programming
• Custom Class
• Graphic Imaging Technology
• TC 10
• Video and Audio Production

Wednesday, May 27, 3:00 - 6:00 PM

• Automotive Collision Repair & Refinish
• Automotive Services Technology
• Engineering, Robotics, & Mechatronics
• Health care Careers
• Machining and CAM
• Welding Technology

Thursday, May 28, 3:00 - 6:00 PM

• Accounting
• Biochemical Technology
• Culinary Arts
• Marketing & Entrepreneurship

Friday, May 29, 3:00 - 6:00 PM

• JC/LISD Academy

Please see communications from all 11 local districts on food service available during the mandated school closure beginning Monday, March 16, 2020. Please note: students who attend LISD classrooms may pick up meals from their home district/community. Please continue to check your local district's website/social media for any updates. Information for each district includes a date for the last available updates.

Governor Whitmer's "Stay Home, Stay Safe" executive order makes specific allowances for school food service to continue serving meals to children throughout the order.

I92 Ministries has also established additional food distribution locations with the help of some of their partner churches and schools. Please visit the I92 Ministries Facebook page for the latest updates.

Addison

Updated 4/8/2020

On each Monday, parents and students will be able to pick up breakfast and lunch for the week. 

Students can pick up the meals during the hours of 11:00 AM -1:00 PM in the bus loop driveway.

Adrian

Updated 4/28/2020

Meal packs are Mondays 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM at Michener, Drager, and Adrian High School. 

Blissfield

Updated 4/8/2020

Our free meals program will continue to run every Monday from 10:00 AM -12:00 PM outside of the high school cafeteria through the mandatory shutdown. If you have signed up to receive free meals, the anticipation from our staff is that you will continue to receive meals for the remainder of the shutdown. If you have signed up and no longer wish to receive the meals, please contact Amy Yates at 517-486-2148 ext. 310 or email her at ayates@blissfieldschools.us. Also, please contact Amy if you would like to sign up to receive the free meals.

Britton Deerfield

Updated 4/28/2020

Meal packs are available on Mondays 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Please call (517) 451-4581 x101 for the number of meals requested and the preferred building for pickup (Britton or Deerfield).

Clinton

Updated 4/2/2020

Clinton Community Schools will be offering food pick up on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday only. Food for two breakfasts and two lunches will be provided on pick up days.  Pick up times will be from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM. Location will remain the west side of Clinton High School.

Hudson

Updated 4/18/2020

Grab and Go 5 Day Lunch and 5 Day Breakfast Packs are available on Mondays from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Pickup is at Hudson Middle School, Junior/Senior High School main entrance (771 N. Maple Grove Ave.) Monday through Friday, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM.

Delivery for the week is also available. For delivery or other questions, email Michell at mdunn@hudson.k12.mi.us or call 517-448-8912 x 227.

Madison

Updated 4/13/2020

Food will be available as pick up only on Mondays from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM from the HS cafeteria. Packs will include 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches for each student. To reduce potential exposure, staff will no longer be delivering meals.

Morenci

Updated 4/23/2020

The next scheduled food delivery date is Wednesday, April 29th. This will be for eight days of food. The remaining food delivery dates will be May 11th, May 21^st, and June 2nd. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact Mrs. Love at slove@morencibulldogs.org

Check our Facebook page for the latest updates.

Onsted

Updated 4/3/2020

5 days’ worth of meals can be picked up for each child. Meals can be picked up Monday, April 6th and every Monday afterward until further notice. Pickup will be between 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM in the HS parking lot.

Meals will be available for pickup Monday’s only moving forward on a weekly basis.

Sand Creek

Updated 4/22/2020

Grab and Go meal packs will be available on Tuesdays through the end of the school year. 7:00 - 9:00 AM at the HS doors and from 4:30 - 6:30 PM at Ruth McGregor Elementary. Please sign up on the SC website for meal service. If you have any questions, please call (517) 436-3108 or email info@sc-aggies.us. 

Tecumseh

Updated 4/20/2020

Food service will continue distributing lunch and breakfast items throughout the duration of the closure. Meals will be available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Pickup locations will be the High School (enter from Brown Street) and South ELC. We will no longer be serving from Compass.

Bus distribution will continue as is, with the addition of a third bus that will remain at South for families to pick up.

NEW Mobile Delivery: Buses will deliver meals at these locations-times:

• SOUTH ELC BUS
  • Lee Villa- 11:15 AM
  • Russell Square Apartments- 11:30 AM
  • Ravenwood Apartments (Pawnee Heights)- 11:45 AM
• COMPASS BUS
  • Homestead Apartments (Marlboro Ct)- 11:15 AM
  • Shelter (Herrick)- 11:30 AM
  • Southwestern Apartments- 11:45​​​​​ AM

LISD Educational Programs Develop Continuity of Learning Plans for the Remainder of the 2019-2020 School Year

In accordance with Michigan Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-35, Lenawee Intermediate School District (LISD) teachers and school administrators have actively been working on developing continuity of learning plans for all LISD programs, while also working to support the development and approval of our local school districts’ continuity of learning plans. These plans will provide for the continued education of students via distance measures for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.

The LISD expects to begin the implementation of its continuity of learning plan on Monday, April 20, 2020. Students and parents/guardians should expect to hear from their teacher and/or a school administrator regarding additional detail around the components of the learning plan that are relevant to the student’s program/classroom sometime before the end of the day on Friday, April 17, 2020, including the educational opportunities to be provided and the expectations for students. Additionally, the LISD continuity of learning plan will be posted on the LISD website by 5:00 PM on Friday, April 17, 2020.

Should you have any questions regarding the educational programming planned for your child or the expectations of them, please contact your child’s teacher.

We want to thank you for your continued patience as we navigate these unchartered waters. We also want to encourage you to continue to follow the stay-at-home and social distancing guidance issued by our governmental officials.

Please continue to monitor your email and the Blackboard Connect instant messaging system for informational updates. Additionally, you can visit the LISD COVID-19 page or check the LISD Facebook page for additional information and updates.

Governor Closes Michigan Schools Through the end of the 2019-2020 School Year in an Effort to Mitigate the Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

On Thursday, April 2, 2020, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-35, requiring the closure of all Michigan schools through the end of the current (2019-2020) school year. This means that students – including students enrolled in Lenawee Intermediate School District (LISD) programs and services – will not physically attend school at a school building for the remainder of the school year. This decision was made for the sole and important purpose of continuing to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

As educators, this was a disappointing, but understandable decision by the Governor. We want very much to provide instruction and learning for students through face-to-face interactions in our classrooms and facilities. However, we also understand that one of our primary obligations to students and families is to ensure the health and safety of our students, staff, and community. Today, staying home will best achieve that most important responsibility.

Although we will not have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with our students for the remainder of the current school year, students will still be expected to continue their education in some capacity, albeit from the comfort of home. Pursuant to the Governor’s directive in her executive order, the LISD will be providing distance learning opportunities for all students enrolled in an LISD education program. Additionally, the LISD will be working with each of our constituent, local school districts to support the implementation of a continuous learning plan.

The sudden shift from largely face-to-face, classroom-based instruction to exclusively online learning presents significant challenges for our schools, and, in many cases, our students and families. We recognize that not all students have access to technology and/or adequate internet service. We also know that not all students are equipped to learn in this way. In particular, many of our students with disabilities require services which are not easily duplicated virtually. Knowing this, we continue to actively work on a continuous learning plan that will maximize educational opportunity for all students to the best of our ability under the circumstances.

As we further develop our continuous learning plan, LISD principals, program supervisors, teachers, and other staff members will be making personal contact with students and/or parents to provide additional details about what distance learning will be required through the reminder of the year. They will also be inquiring about challenges that may exist such as technology and/or internet limitations. We ask for your assistance and cooperation as we work to develop instructional and learning opportunities that will work for all students.

We also recognize that closure of school and the inability to gather in large groups necessitates the postponement and/or cancellation of a number of year-end activities and events that are valued by our students and families, such as graduation ceremonies. The LISD is evaluating alternative options to the typical year-end graduation ceremonies and will communicate with impacted students and parents as soon as a decision has been made. Most other events and activities will be cancelled or, in limited cases, postponed. Information will be shared with affected students and parents as these decisions are made.

While there continues to be a number of unknowns, the Governor’s executive order addressed a few items, which are summarized here:

• High school seniors will graduate from high school as long as their school district determines that they were on pace to graduate before the state-mandated shutdown, which began on March 16, 2020.
• Students in grades kindergarten through 11th grade will advance to their next grade at the beginning of the next school year, provided that their school district determines that they were on pace to advance before the state-mandated shutdown, which began on March 16, 2020.
• Michigan’s third-grade reading law, which recommends third-graders who are more than a year behind in reading be retained in third grade, will not be enforced this year.
• Current high school juniors will be given an opportunity to take the SAT in the fall of 2020 at the expense of the state, to make up for the state-funded college entrance exam that they would have taken in March of this year if schools had not been closed.

Food service will continue to be provided by Lenawee County’s local, public school districts. For additional information on food service options, please visit the LISD website (www.lisd.us/covid19).

We want to thank you for your continued patience as we navigate these unchartered waters. We also want to encourage you to continue to follow the stay-at-home and social distancing guidance that has been issued by our governmental officials.

Please continue to monitor your email and the Blackboard Connect instant messaging system for informational updates. Additionally, you can visit the LISD’s COVID-19 page (www.lisd.us/covid19) or check the LISD’s Facebook page for additional information and updates.

El gobernador cierra las escuelas de Michigan hasta el final del Año Escolar 2019-2020 en un esfuerzo por mitigar la propagación de Coronavirus (COVID-19)

El jueves 2 de abril de 2020, el gobernador de Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, emitió la Orden ejecutiva 2020-35, que requiere el cierre de todas las escuelas de Michigan hasta el final del año escolar actual (2019-2020). Esto significa que los estudiantes, incluidos los estudiantes inscritos en los programas y servicios del Distrito Escolar Intermedio de Lenawee (LISD), no asistirán físicamente a la escuela en un edificio escolar durante el resto del año escolar. Esta decisión se tomó con el único e importante propósito de continuar reduciendo la propagación del Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Como educadores, esta fue una decisión del Gobernador, decepcionante pero comprensible.  Queremos proporcionar instrucción y aprendizaje a los estudiantes a través de interacciones cara a cara en nuestras aulas e instalaciones. Sin embargo, también entendemos que una de nuestras obligaciones principales con los estudiantes y las familias es garantizar la salud y la seguridad de nuestros estudiantes, el personal y la comunidad.  Hoy, quedarse en casa, logrará  cumplir con la responsabilidad más importante.

Aunque no tendremos la oportunidad de reunirnos cara a cara con nuestros estudiantes durante el resto del año escolar actual, se espera que los estudiantes continúen su educación de alguna manera, esta vez desde la comodidad del hogar.  De conformidad con las instrucciones del Gobernador en su orden ejecutiva, el LISD proporcionará oportunidades de aprendizaje a distancia para todos los estudiantes inscritos en un programa educativo de LISD. Además, el LISD trabajará con cada uno de nuestros distritos escolares locales constituyentes para apoyar la implementación de un plan de aprendizaje continuo.

El cambio repentino de la enseñanza cara a cara, en gran parte presencial en las aulas, al aprendizaje exclusivamente en línea presenta desafíos importantes para nuestras escuelas y, en muchos casos, para nuestros estudiantes y familias. Reconocemos que no todos los estudiantes tienen acceso a tecnología y / o servicio de internet adecuado. También sabemos que no todos los estudiantes están en posibilidad para aprender de esta manera. En particular, muchos de nuestros estudiantes con discapacidades requieren servicios que no se duplican fácilmente de manera virtual. Sabiendo esto, continuamos trabajando activamente en un plan de aprendizaje continuo que maximizará las oportunidades educativas para todos los estudiantes lo mejor que podamos bajo las circunstancias.

A medida que desarrollemos nuestro plan de aprendizaje continuo, los directores de LISD, los supervisores de programas, los maestros y otros miembros del personal estarán en contacto personal con los estudiantes y / o padres para proporcionar detalles adicionales sobre qué aprendizaje a distancia se requerirá a través del recordatorio del año. También preguntarán sobre los desafíos que pueden existir, como la tecnología y / o las limitaciones de Internet. Solicitamos su ayuda y cooperación mientras trabajamos para desarrollar oportunidades de instrucción y aprendizaje que funcionen para todos los estudiantes.

También reconocemos que el cierre de la escuela y la incapacidad de reunirse en grupos grandes requiere la postergación y / o cancelación de una serie de actividades y eventos de fin de año que son valorados por nuestros estudiantes y sus familias, como las ceremonias de graduación. El LISD está evaluando opciones alternativas a las típicas ceremonias de graduación de fin de año y se comunicará con los estudiantes y padres afectados tan pronto como se haya tomado una decisión. La mayoría de los demás eventos y actividades serán cancelados o, en casos limitados, pospuestos. La información se compartirá con los estudiantes y padres afectados a medida que se toman estas decisiones.

Si bien sigue habiendo una serie de incógnitas, la orden ejecutiva del gobernador abordó algunos elementos, que se resumen aquí:

• Los estudiantes de último año de secundaria se graduarán de la escuela secundaria siempre que su distrito escolar determine que estaban en camino de graduarse antes del cierre ordenado por el estado, que comenzó el 16 de marzo de 2020.
• Los estudiantes de kindergarten a 11º grado avanzarán a su próximo grado al comienzo del próximo año escolar, siempre que su distrito escolar determine que estaban en camino de avanzar antes del cierre ordenado por el estado, que comenzó el 16 de marzo de 2020.
• La ley de lectura de tercer grado de Michigan, que recomienda que los alumnos de tercer grado que tienen más de un año de retraso en lectura sean retenidos en tercer grado, no se aplicará este año.
• Los estudiantes actuales de secundaria tendrán la oportunidad de tomar el SAT en el otoño de 2020 a expensas del estado, para compensar el examen de ingreso a la universidad financiado por el estado que habrían tomado en marzo de este año si las escuelas no hubieran estado cerrado.

Los distritos escolares públicos locales del condado de Lenawee continuarán brindando servicios de alimentos. Para obtener información adicional sobre las opciones de servicio de alimentos, visite LISD website (www.lisd.us/covid19).

Queremos agradecerle por su paciencia continua mientras navegamos por estas aguas desconocidas. También queremos alentarlo a que continúe cumpliendo con la guía de distanciamiento social y de permanencia en el hogar emitida por nuestros funcionarios gubernamentales.

Continúe monitoreando su correo electrónico y el sistema de mensajería instantánea Blackboard Connect para obtener actualizaciones informativas. Además, puede visitar la página LISD’s COVID-19 page (www.lisd.us/covid19) o consultar la página de Facebook de LISD para obtener información adicional y actualizaciones..

Para información adicional sobre COVID-19, por favor visite:

• Lenawee County Health Department (www.lenawee.mi.us/917/2019-Novel-Coronavirus)
• State of Michigan Coronavirus Page (www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/)
• United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/)

On Thursday, April 2, 2020, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-35, which suspended in-person instruction for Michigan students in kindergarten through 12th grade for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. The following FAQ document was prepared after initial review of the Executive Order. Content contained within this document is subject to change as additional information becomes available and/or as information contained in the Order is interpreted.

1. Will students be expected to participate in online or other means of distance learning for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year?
    

   The Executive Order indicates that to continue to receive funding from the State of Michigan for the current school year, schools must develop, have approved, and implement a continuity of learning and COVID-19 response plan (referred to herein as “plan”) that will address (among other items) the following:

   A.   The methods that the district will use to provide alternative modes of instruction other than in-person instruction and a summary of the materials that each student and the student’s parents/guardians will need to meaningfully access the alternative modes of instruction included in the plan.

   B.   Describe outreach and other strategies aimed at keeping students at the center of all educational activities and to continue to build relationships and maintain connections that help students feel safe and valued.

   C.   Describe plans to deliver content in multiple ways so that all students can access learning.

   D.   Describe plans to manage and monitor learning by students.

   E.   Describe how student learning will be managed and monitored.

   F.   Describe the methods that the district will use to notify students and parents or guardians of the plan.

2. What if a student does not have access to technology resources that are necessary for learning under the school district’s plan?
   
   The Order states that, “[i]f the plan relies on electronic instruction, the plan must ensure to the extent feasible that [students] have access to a connected device capable of accessing the electronic instruction and must not penalize a [student] for the [student’s] inability to fully participate.”
    
3. When will the school district be required to begin implementing the alternative learning methods described in the district’s plan?
   
   The school district’s submitted plan must state when the district intends to begin implementation of the plan, which must be no later than April 28, 2020.
    
4. Will schools be expected to continue providing food service?
   
   The Order states that schools should “provide or arrange for the continuation of food distribution to eligible [students].”
    
5. Will students be expected to go to the school in the summer or will next school year be effected?
   
   School districts may include in their plan additional schooling during the current school year (i.e. extended school year) and the 2020-2021 school year. This would, however minimally, need to be negotiated and agreed to by the district’s teacher’s union.​​​​​​​
    
6. Who reviews the plans developed by each individual school district?
   
   The Lenawee Intermediate School District (LISD) superintendent will be responsible for approving the plan developed by the local school districts. The plan must be approved if the LISD superintendent believes that the plan complies with the requirements of the Governor’s Executive Order and believes that represents a good-faith effort to provide adequate alternative modes of instruction under the circumstances.​​​​​​​
    
7. Will students receive credit and/or grades for participation in distance learning provided by the school?
   
   Each school district is responsible for determining whether or not credits will be issued and whether or not students will receive letter grades, pass/fail, etc. This will be required to be part of the school district’s plan.​​​​​​​
    
8. Will students or parents/guardians be allowed to visit the school to obtain materials and equipment pursuant to the plan?
    

   The Governor’s Order indicates that parents/guardians, not students, may be permitted at the discretion of the school district and provided that such is included in the district’s plan to visit school property for the purpose of obtaining materials and equipment necessary for student learning pursuant to the district’s plan provided that proper social distancing measures are followed.

   The Order does not permit anyone to visit school property to pick-up or collect student or other property that was left at the school that is not necessary for implementation of the district’s plan.​​​​​​​
    
9. Does the Executive Order address athletics and other extra-curricular activities?
   
   Yes. The Order states that, “K-12 school sports activities and other in-person extracurricular school activities are suspended while any state of emergency or state of disaster prompted by COVID-19 is in effect.”​​​​​​​
    
10. Will students be required to complete standardized tests such as the Michigan Merit Examination (MME), Michigan Student Test of Educational Placement (M-STEP), or Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)?
    
    Districts will not be required to provide these assessments to students during the 2019-2020 school year. In some cases, assessments may be administered during the 2020-2021 school year.​​​​​​​
     
11. Will students enrolled in advanced placement courses who are eligible to take examinations for advanced placement courses administered by the College Board be permitted to take the examinations?
     

    The Order states that districts must allow eligible students who are enrolled in AP courses to take the AP examination using the at-home testing option provided by the College Board.

    For students without internet access or a device necessary to access the internet, the district shall, to the extent feasible, districts shall, to the extent feasible, facilitate access to these items.​​​​​​​
     
12. How does this Order impacted 12th grade students scheduled to graduate from high school this year?
     

    The Order states that each district must implement a process to issue grades and credits necessary to graduate from high school to students in 12th grade. Districts may use one of the following options to do so:  

    A.   Award credits and grades for courses taken based on coursework through March 11, 2020.

    B.   Provide an optional final exam or other culminating activity to test student understanding of the subject matter of a course to the extent practicable.

    C.   Implement a process for students in grade 12 to be certified as eligible to graduate based on a prior learning assessment, a portfolio, or resume approach.

    D.   Offer an interdisciplinary culminating activity that encompasses essential standards missed by students due to the closure of schools.

    If a 12th grade student was failing a course as of March 11, 2020 the district must provide the student with an opportunity to the extent feasible to demonstrate learning in the subject matter of the course and receive credit for the course as determined by the district.​​​​​​​
     
13. If a student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a Section 504 plan, how will the student receive educational services?
    
    Districts are expected to make a good faith effort based on existing resources, technology, training, and curriculum, as well as the circumstances, to provide equal access to alternative modes of instruction to students with disabilities for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.​​​​​​​
     
14. How will Individualized Education Program (IEP)’s be reviewed and/or updated during the 2019-2020 school year?
    
    Annual or otherwise due IEP reviews, updates, etc. will occur either online, by telephone conference, or by video conference to the extent practicable under the circumstances.​​​​​​​
     
15. Where can I access a copy of my school district's plan?
    
    Districts are required to post a copy of their plan once approved on the district’s website.

Dear parents and families of LISD programs and services:

I would like to start by thanking you for your patience and understanding during our current challenge as a nation regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As we receive guidance from the state, we continue to make decisions in the area of educational services with the health and safety of students, families, staff, and the greater community in mind.

My apologies for not having any communication last week, but in many ways, nothing has changed in regard to educational services across Michigan. As you are aware, on March 12, 2020, Governor Whitmer announced the mandatory closure of all Michigan K-12 public, private, charter, and boarding schools from March 16, 2020, through April 5, 2020, in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to provide updates when there is new information to share.

On March 23, 2020, Governor Whitmer issued the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order, directing all Michigan businesses and operations to suspend temporarily in-person operations that are not necessary to sustain or protect life. The order also directs Michiganders to stay in their homes unless they’re a part of that critical infrastructure workforce, engaged in an outdoor activity, or performing tasks necessary to the health and safety of themselves or their family, like going to the hospital or grocery store. This order is effective beginning at 12:01 a.m. on March 24, 2020, and will last for at least three weeks.

As an educational community, we remain committed to connecting students with basic needs (such as food, if needed) and assisting with student engagement through educational enrichment activities that are both age and ability appropriate. This can be extremely challenging, since not all students have equal access to online resources and other materials. The challenge becomes even greater with the closure of public libraries and the other social distancing guidance we are receiving from the state government and other resources such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

During this time, we encourage you to do what you think is most appropriate for your family. Some activities may include reading aloud with children, encouraging students to read independently, playing board games, eating together, or spending time outdoors as the weather allows. There are many additional ideas for at-home activities being shared widely across social media platforms. During these unusual times, you should not feel undue pressure to do more than you are capable of or that your resources allow. The primary concern should be the health and safety of your family.

As indicated above, we remain under the order and precaution of having all school-related meetings and events canceled or postponed. All events and activities will be addressed on a case-by-case basis when we return to school. Until then, we will continue to follow state and federal guidelines on how to proceed with school-related events during the closure period.

As educators, our responsibilities at this time are to check on the well-being of students, maintain relationships, share information, and assist the greater community where we can within the restrictions that have been put in place. Please stay connected with your child’s educational team as you need or see fit. The LISD Staff Directory may be a good resource as we continue to go through these challenging times. 

We will try to assist you as we can, and if there is anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to contact me at mark.haag@lisd.us or 517-265-1628.  We may not always have an immediate answer, but we will attempt to answer your questions or connect you with the appropriate resources.  I would urge you to continue to check this page for further information and resources.

Sincerely,

Mark E. Haag, Ed.S.
Superintendent

Updated March 20, 2020

Governor Whitmer has signed an executive order to expand child care opportunities for members of the essential workforce. Essential workers in need of emergency child care (ages 0-12) can fill out the form linked below to get connected with a local provider.

Essential Worker Child Care Form

Essential Workforce as defined by Governor Whitmer

• Health Care Workers
• Home Health Workers
• Direct Care Workers
• Emergency Medical Service Providers
• First Responders
• Law Enforcement Personnel
• Sanitation Workers
• Child Care Workers
• Postal Workers
• Personnel Providing Correctional Services
• Public Health Employees
• Key Government Employees
• Court Personnel
• Others providing critical infrastructure (utilities, manufacturing, mass transit, groceries or other essential supplies, goods, or equipment)

Updated March 13, 2020

1. Lenawee County is scheduled to be on spring break beginning on Monday, April 6, 2020, and continuing through Sunday, April 12, 2020. The Governor indicated in her message that she hoped that schools would consider adjusting the spring break week so that all students were back in school on Monday, April 6, 2020. Are Lenawee County schools changing spring break?
   
   At the present time, there are no plans to adjust the scheduled spring break. Thus, spring break in Lenawee County is still scheduled for Monday April 6, 2020, through Sunday, April 12, 2020. Should the Governor and/or Legislature take action that obligates schools to return to session beginning on April 6, 2020, this may change.
    
2. Does this mean that school buildings are closed and unavailable for student, staff, and/or community access during the closure period?
   
   Although this will be an individual, district-level decision, at the present time, only those staff members whose essential duties require on-site performance will be allowed in school buildings. A determination of what constitutes essential duties and required on-site performance will be made at the individual, district-level. Students, parents, and community members are prohibited from being in school buildings unless such has been pre-authorized by the school district superintendent.
    
3. Will schools be required to make-up this time resulting in an extension of the school year?
   
   Michigan’s State School Aid Act stipulates certain day and hour requirements subject to a number of exceptions for student school attendance. In the past, the Legislature and/or Department of Education have adjusted legislative requirements or granted waivers that provide additional flexibility. At the present time, we have not received information from the State regarding whether or not there will be any flexibility to the student attendance day and hour requirements.
    
4. What will happen to students who rely on school-provided food service, including free and reduced meal eligible students?
   
   As school leaders, we recognize the importance of providing meals to many of our students. We are awaiting guidance from the Michigan Department of Education and the United States Department of Agriculture (administers the Federal free and reduced meal program). Lenawee school districts are actively planning ways to provide food for students, although specific details have not yet been determined.
    
5. Will students be expected to participate in provided at-home, on-line, or other learning opportunities?
   
   For a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to, internet accessibility and capacity issues, unavailability of technology, contractual obligations, and concerns about providing equitable services to all students, there are no current plans to require students to participate in learning opportunities during the closure period. In some instances, individual districts may provide optional enrichment or supplemental learning opportunities or resources. As you may know, March is National Reading Awareness Month, and students are always encouraged to read.
    
6. Will school athletic teams and other extracurricular activities continue during the closure period?
   
   No, at the present time, all school-sponsored activities are postponed indefinitely. The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) has suspended all winter team tournaments, and we anticipate additional guidance will be forthcoming for spring sports. There will be no practices, rehearsals, or other activities during the closure period.
    
7. What will happen with kindergarten round-up?
   
   All Lenawee County districts, who have not already held kindergarten round-up, have agreed to postpone such until after spring break. Additional information will be shared once those dates have been scheduled.
    
8. Will school district board of education meetings continue?
   
   This will be an individual, district-level decision, however, most districts have indicated they intend to continue to hold school board meetings in accordance with Michigan’s Open Meetings Act during the closure period. Board meetings are likely to focus on essential business only, and, to the extent practicable, social distancing measures will be encouraged.
    
9. Will school district employees continue to be paid during the closure period?
   
   This will be an individual, district-level decision, however, Lenawee districts have indicated that they intend to provide continued compensation and benefits to their employees during the closure period in accordance with Governor Whitmer’s request. It is important to note that this may be subject to contractual obligations, and district staff should expect further details from their district leadership.

A Message from Lenawee County Superintendents
Michigan Governor Whitmer Announces Statewide School Closings Due to Coronavirus

Last night, Michigan Governor Whitmer announced the mandatory closure of all K-12 public, private, charter, and boarding schools within the State from Monday, March 16, 2020, through Sunday, April 5, 2020, in order to slow the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result of this decision, all Lenawee County schools will be closed beginning on Monday, March 16, 2020.

The Lenawee County Superintendents understand that this decision by the Governor has created a number of questions. Unfortunately, at the present time, there are more questions than answers. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and United States Department of Education are continually issuing guidance regarding how local schools are expected to respond to this situation.

While school operations may seem simple to some, the reality is that these are complex systems subject to numerous State and Federal laws, rules, regulations, and contractual obligations. The immediate and unplanned closure of school for an extended period of time is unprecedented, and, for that reason, there are more questions than answers today. However, Federal, State, and local officials are working hard to provide guidance and make decisions that will assist in answering your questions and ours. As these answers become available, we will share them with you. Thus, please continue to monitor your email, Blackboard Connect instant messaging system and your school district’s website and social media pages for informational updates. School district staff should expect to receive additional information from your supervisor and/or other district administrators.  

Because we know that everyone has questions, we’ve attempted to provide responses to common questions that our schools have received. These can be found under the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section of this webpage.

These are extraordinary times, which require significant understanding and cooperation. These decisions, while difficult, have been made with the intent of protecting the health and safety of all Michiganders. We request your continued patience and understanding as this situation evolves.

Please continue to monitor your email, Blackboard Connect instant messaging system, and your school district’s website and social media pages for informational updates.

Thank you for your cooperation, and please take care of yourself and your family.

Lenawee County Superintendents’ Message Regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19)

This morning, Lenawee County’s 12 public school superintendents met with the Lenawee County Health Officer to review information related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and to discuss preparedness and mitigation strategies. At the current time, there have been two confirmed, positive cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, neither of which is in Lenawee County. Yesterday, the World Health Organization (WHO) categorized COVID-19 as a global pandemic. As additional testing occurs, it is anticipated that the number of confirmed, positive cases will increase. This is both an unprecedented and constantly changing situation.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has continued to state that the risk of COVID-19 to most individuals is low. In most cases, the symptoms of the virus are mild. However, the virus has proven to be dangerous for the elderly and those individuals with underlying health conditions.

Out of an abundance of caution and at the recommendation of the Lenawee County Health Department, Lenawee County’s 12 public school districts have collectively decided to immediately implement the following actions with the purpose of slowing the spread of COVID-19:

1. Suspend all non-essential school-sponsored travel, including student field trips.
2. Cancel and/or postpone all extracurricular school-sponsored and school-hosted events and activities that involve 100 or more persons.
3. Implement feasible social distancing measures.
4. Follow all Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) guidance regarding athletic competitions, events, and activities.
5. All meetings, which are not required to be held face-to-face, will occur via video/telephone conferencing.
6. Increased efforts to clean and disinfect our school facilities following the guidance of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
7. Continue to encourage personal protective measures among students and staff such as handwashing, not touching one’s face, and staying home when sick.

These actions will be implemented immediately and are – at the current time – effective through the end of spring break which is April 12, 2020.

It is critically important that students, staff, and community members who are feeling the effects of illness such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, increased tiredness/weakness, etc. stay home from school and consult your healthcare provider. This will assist in preventing the spread of illness, including COVID-19.

The Lenawee County Superintendent’s Association and Lenawee County Health Department are and will continue to be in constant communication regarding the status of COVID-19 in Lenawee County. In the event that circumstances necessitate further action on the part of our schools either individually or collectively, that information will be communicated with you. With that in mind, we encourage you to develop a plan for your family in the event that schools may have to close.  

Because this is a continually changing situation, additional updates regarding cancellations and/or other changes are likely. Those will be communicated as quickly as possible. We request your cooperation and understanding should cancellations and/or changes occur.

With student, staff, and community safety and wellness in mind, we thank you for your cooperation as we work through this unprecedented situation.

On February 28, 2020, the Lenawee Intermediate School District (LISD) sent an informational communication stating that we were actively monitoring information related to Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-2019). Yesterday, we were informed by Michigan Governor Whitmer that there have been two confirmed, positive cases of COVID-2019 in Michigan. Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) categorized COVID-2019 as a global pandemic. As additional testing occurs, it is anticipated that the number of confirmed, positive cases will increase. This is both an unprecedented and constantly changing situation.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has continued to state that the risk of COVID-2019 to most individuals is low. In most cases, the symptoms of the virus are mild. However, the virus has proven to be dangerous for the elderly and those individuals with underlying health conditions.

The LISD has been in regular communication with the Lenawee County Health Department and will continue to consult with and seek their guidance as well as that of the State of Michigan and CDC relative to the operation of our schools and protection of our students and staff.

At the current time, there are no known cases of COVID-2019 in Lenawee County. As a result, we remain in the preparedness phase of mitigation as defined by the CDC. This includes increased planning surrounding potential mitigation measures that may be implemented in the event that COVID-2019 reaches our community. It also includes the continued encouragement of personal protective measures such as frequent hand washing, staying home when sick, and increased efforts to clean and disinfect our school facilities following the guidance of the CDC.

It is critically important that students, staff, and community members who are feeling the effects of illness such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, increased tiredness/weakness, etc. stay home from school and consult your healthcare provider. This will assist in preventing the spread of illness, including COVID-2019.

Should COVID-2019 impact Lenawee County, we will consult directly with and follow the guidance of the Lenawee County Health Department and State of Michigan regarding decisions related to: the cancellation of events involving large gatherings of people; the exclusion of individual students or staff members from school; and the closing of schools and/or educational programs.

The LISD is evaluating school-sponsored trips on a case-by-case basis and will communicate with those students and parents who are impacted by any cancellation or other decision. Many organizations are cancelling events involving large groups of people out of an abundance of caution. To the extent that cancellations affect students, we will contact the individuals impacted as soon as possible.

Because this is a continually changing situation, additional updates regarding cancellations and/or other changes are likely. Those will be communicated as quickly as possible. We request your cooperation and understanding should cancellations and/or changes occur.

The Lenawee Intermediate School District (LISD) is closely monitoring information related to the novel coronavirus 2019, which is commonly referred to as COVID-19. At the present time, there are no known cases of COVID-19 in Michigan and only a limited number of cases within the United States. Despite this, the LISD is proactively working to be prepared should cases of COVID-19 emerge in Michigan and, more specifically, Lenawee County.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that the virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person in a manner similar to the viruses that cause the common cold and influenza. This means that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The CDC recommends the following everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

As is the case with any illness, the LISD – in following the guidance of the CDC – requests that parents/guardians keep any children home who are demonstrating signs of illness. Symptoms of COVID-19 include: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Additionally, it is recommended that you contact your child’s healthcare provider for additional guidance.   

The LISD maintains a facilities maintenance plan that includes routine cleaning and disinfecting of school surfaces. Despite this, students and staff are still encouraged to follow the CDC’s preventative actions listed above.

In the event that COVID-19 reaches Lenawee County, the LISD will work closely with the Lenawee County Health Department to respond in a manner that is respectful to the individual rights of our students and families, including the right to confidentiality, while also working to prevent the spread of illness in accordance with applicable law and administrative rules. This may include temporarily limiting the attendance of students with a communicable disease at school and school activities. In Michigan, any exclusion from school due to the presence of a communicable disease (beyond exclusion for an initial determination as to the presence of a communicable disease by a physician or local health official), must be made by the Lenawee County Health Department. R 325.175.

Please remind your children to practice the everyday preventative measures that are described above, and encourage their practice by doing the same.

Additional information from the CDC