BY MATT MACKINDER
Clarkston News Editor

As summer continues on in Michigan, parents can’t help but wonder what school will look like come September with COVID-19 still an issue.
Last Friday, Clarkston Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Shawn Ryan sent out an e-blast to school families letting them know two options – face-to-face instruction and online learning.
A blended hybrid version of face-to-face and online will not be an option.
“We are moving forward in our plans for our August 31 return to school at an intense pace,” said Ryan. “In looking forward to the 2020-2021 school year, our Return to School task forces are developing a comprehensive plan which prioritizes the health and safety of our students and employees.
“We are currently evaluating district capabilities and resources, working through the MI Safe Schools Roadmap created by the Return to School Advisory Council, and analyzing community feedback from our recent survey to develop a comprehensive district plan to present to our Board of Education in early August.”
Ryan noted Clarkston Community Schools plans to go back to school in as much of a traditional school setting as possible.
“We are also considering the needs of our students, staff, and families and our first priority for returning to school is ensuring the physical and mental well-being of our school community,” Ryan said. “According to the governor’s plan, in-person teaching and learning will occur five full days of instruction a Continued from Page 1
week if we are in Phase 4 or 5 of the MI Safe Start Plan. While this will look different from traditional school in order to meet safety standards, it is our intention to return students to classroom routines that are as close to the traditional model as possible.”
As mandated in the MI Safe Schools Roadmap, face coverings will be required for all staff district-wide and students in grades 6-12 at all times. Masks are required for K-5 students on school buses and during passing periods only, at this time.
Two Oakland County public health nurses will be designated to serve the district.
To help with social distancing and the spread of the virus, furniture will be spaced as far apart as possible, daily schedules will be altered to minimize mixing of students, classrooms will be cleaned and sanitized frequently, opportunities for frequent handwashing will be provided, and education and training will be provided to ensure healthy hygiene habits for our students. Hand sanitizer will be made available in buildings and on buses, and signage will encourage distancing.
Employees will self-screen each day prior to coming to school, and visitors will be limited and screened upon arrival.
In terms of the online schooling, 30 percent of respondents to a recent survey sent to Clarkston parents said they choose this option.
“Knowing not all families will be comfortable returning to school in-person, Clarkston Community Schools proudly offers Clarkston Virtual, a 100 percent online learning program for students in grades K-12,” explained Ryan. “The Clarkston Virtual program is a standards-based curriculum that is delivered in a flexible learning environment. This free program is supported by Clarkston teachers and Clarkston teacher mentors who are working specifically with students in this optional virtual program.
“Clarkston Virtual is a well-established, comprehensive program that looks and feels very different from the district-wide ‘crisis schooling’ we experienced this spring, and it is a strong option for families who are not comfortable returning to school buildings.”
Classes will be taught by Clarkston teachers, and small group and individual support and lessons will be available. Students will not have daily attendance or login times, but learning will be flexible and self-paced supported by Clarkston mentors.
Both in-person and virtual meetings will be conducted to support both students’ and family needs.
Clarkston Virtual students may participate in educational and extracurricular opportunities, though their schooling would still be entirely done on the home front.
Students may transition back to traditional face-to-face classroom instruction only at the semester break, and Clarkston Virtual students will graduate with a CCS diploma.
“The specific protocols and expectations for both learning environments are still being defined according to public health information available at this time,” Ryan said.
Send question and concerns to Fall2020@clarkston.k12.mi.us.

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