BY MATT MACKINDER
Clarkston News Staff Writer

Teachers are busy studying Virtual At-Home Learning in order to start remote classes for Clarkston Community Schools on Monday, April 6.
“While we realize online learning cannot fully substitute the quality of a face-to-face classroom, we are prepared to provide our students with creative and unique opportunities to continue their education while schools are closed,” said Superintendent Shawn Ryan. “Our teachers have been preparing for our remote learning by creating engaging and purposeful online lessons that will allow students to engage with topic-related content and skills. Teachers will be reaching out on a weekly basis and will be inviting students to respond directly in order to facilitate meaningful two-way engagement. The expectations and daily time commitment for students will vary depending on their grade level.”
The district will distribute devices to make sure all students have what they need, Ryan said.
“We are committed to supporting all of our students and parents as we transition to remote learning,” Ryan said. “We are going to take this slow and steady to minimize as much stress as possible on the part of our students, parents, and teachers.”
Students will not receive grades or assessments for the online learning, and attendance will not be taken. The U.S. Department of Education has suspended all state testing for students, meaning CCS students will not be taking the M-STEP, PSAT, or SAT at school this year.
“All students who were on track to be promoted to the next grade or graduate will still do so,” Ryan said. “Because we recognize that some families may be struggling with illness or other challenges, students will not be penalized in any way if they are unable to complete assignments.”
Teachers’ weekly conversations with their students will help school officials know how they are doing academically, socially, and emotionally.
With Gov. Gretchen Whitmer reportedly ready to issue an Executive Order this week to close schools for the remainder of the academic year, scheduling is uncertain, Ryan said.
“I know our staff has missed seeing you and your children every day, and they look forward to reconnecting in a virtual setting,” he said.
Go to Clarkston.k12.mi.us/support for more information.