Coronavirus (COVID-19)/ Return to Learn Resource Center
Page updated 2/25/2021
In response to MASA member questions regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), MASA is working with partners in state government and the association world to provide resources to educators and school administrators.
This page will be updated as resources are made available.
This is a public health issue, so educators are encouraged to contact their local health department with any questions or inquiries about COVID-130
February 15
MASB In-Person Board Meeting Resolution
SEL Survey from AASA and Yale University
USDA P-EBT Guidance:
February 8
MDHHS Winter Sports Guidance and Resources
E.O. 2021-2 – To create the Student Recovery Advisory Council of Michigan.
February 4
Gatherings and Face Mask Order
COVID-19 and Sports Infographic
Gathering Guidelines Infographic
No matter the situation, HMH is here for you!
Whether you are an educator, student, or family member, you can count on us for support during the academic year and throughout the summer. As schools and districts facilitate and plan for continued at-home learning, we’re here to help with digital access and services, free online resources, and ongoing support, so you can keep teaching and learning no matter where you are. Visit our dedicated At-Home Learning Support Website to find free online resources, program access, activities, and more! #distancelearning #remotelearning #virtuallearning
February 1
Digital Learning Guides for Teachers and School Leaders
The U.S. Department of Education (USED) has released two new resources to help teachers and school leaders continue to support students learning at a distance.
- Teacher Digital Learning Guide (Teacher Guide)
- School Leader Digital Learning Guide (Leader Guide)
- Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide
January 25
EPA Resources: Cleaning, Disinfection and Ventilation in Schools
MASA recently received information from the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) regarding cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation, as well as contact information for those who may want to reach out to subject matter experts. This information is of great importance as there is much hype being “sold” to school decision-makers about products and tools they should be using during these unprecedented times. US EPA is receiving a steady stream of tips and complaints concerning potentially false or misleading claims, including efficacy claims, associated with pesticides and devices. Review the EPA information here.
January 13
January 12
Revised Guidance for Schools Reopening for Face-to-Face Learning by March 1
Statement from AFT-Michigan, MASA, MASB, Middle Cities Education Association, and MEA
January 4, 2021
Michigan Learning Channel Arriving
Archived Member Updates
Click on the [+] symbol to view the archived updates.
Archived Member Updates
May 11, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – May 11, 2020
May 8, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – May 8, 2020
May 6, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – May 6, 2020
MASA Webinar – High School Commencement: Here’s What/So What/Now What
May 4, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – May 4, 2020
May 1, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – May 1, 2020
April 29, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – April 29, 2020
April 27, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – April 27, 2020
April 24, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – April 24, 2020
April 22, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – April 22, 2020
April 20, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – April 20, 2020
MASA/State Budget Office School Finance Webinar
April 17, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – April 17, 2020
April 15, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – April 15, 2020
April 13, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – April 13, 2020
April 10, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – April 10, 2020
MASA/Thrun Legal Webinar Recording
April 6, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – April 6, 2020
April 8, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – April 8, 2020
April 3, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – April 3, 2020
April 2, 2020
Joint Statement on the Suspension of Face-to-Face Learning for 2019-2020
Message to MASA Members: Executive Order – Next Steps
April 1, 2020
Senate Fiscal Agency’s Analysis of Federal CARES Act
March 31, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – March 31, 2020
March 30, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – March 30, 2020
CARES Act Education Information – Sen. Peters
March 27, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – March 27, 2020
March 26, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – March 26, 2020
A Look at the Stimulus Package
March 25, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – March 25, 2020
March 24, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – March 24, 2020
March 23, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – March 23, 2020
Special Message Regarding Gov. Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Order
Gov. Whitmer Signs “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order
March 20, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – March 20, 2020
March 19, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – March 19, 2020
March 18, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – March 18, 2020
March 17, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – March 17, 2020
Education Organizations Blast Inaction on COVID-19 School Support
Statement From MAISA, MASA, MASB, MASSP, MSBO State Testing Mandate Waiver from the USDOE
MDE, State Board of Education Letter to Secretary DeVos Urging for Waiver of State Assessments
March 16, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – March 16, 2020
March 15, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Update – March 15, 2020
March 14, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Daily Update – March 14, 2020
March 13, 2020
MASA COVID-19 Daily Update – March 13, 2020
Statement from MAISA, MASA, MASB, MASSP, MSBO Regarding School Closures Across the State
Memo to MASA and MAISA Members
COVID-19 Recommendations from Education Week Articles
March 11, 2020
Gov. Whitmer, MDHHS Provide Recommendations to Stop Spread of COVID-19
March 9, 2020
MASA/Thrun to Host Coronavirus Legal Webinar on March 17
March 3, 2020
MSPRA Relases Communications Toolkit about Coronavirus
February 28, 2020
MDE/MDHHS Letter
Resources
Check out the Detroit PBS Kids Daily Newsletter for educational resources for every grade level and even parents!
Click on the [+] symbol to view the available resources.
Return to Learn
February 15
USDA P-EBT Guidance:
February 8
MDHHS Winter Sports Guidance and Resources
E.O. 2021-2 – To create the Student Recovery Advisory Council of Michigan.
February 1
Digital Learning Guides for Teachers and School Leaders
The U.S. Department of Education (USED) has released two new resources to help teachers and school leaders continue to support students learning at a distance.
- Teacher Digital Learning Guide (Teacher Guide)
- School Leader Digital Learning Guide (Leader Guide)
- Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide
January 12
Revised Guidance for Schools Reopening for Face-to-Face Learning by March 1
Statement from AFT-Michigan, MASA, MASB, Middle Cities Education Association, and MEA
November 2
Extended COVID-19 Learning Plan Technical Assistance Documents
Return to School Mental Health Toolkit
October 26
Form 5734 , the Teacher and Support Staff COVID-19 Grants Certification
October 9
MDE Memo on School Meals in 2020-21
September 28
Special Legislative Update: Gov. Whitmer Issues EO Mandating Masks for K-5 Students
Alternative Education and Innovative Programs (Hours and Days) Waivers 2020-21 Application Process
September 21
In-Person Instruction Maxtrix from MDHHS
Stratix Chromebook Purchasing Form
September 16
Flyer: Extended Summer Food Service Program Available to All School Districts
September 14
The Big FAQ: Athletics (Organized Sports), Facial Coverings, and Pupil Accounting
Career and Technical (CTE) Early Middle College (EMC) Return to Learn Guidance -Fall 2020
GELN Extended COVID-19 Learning Plam ISD (RESA)/Authorizing Body Approval Guide
September 8
Sample of Complete ECOL Plan and Clarifications
Press Release: USDA Announces Extension of Federal Waivers
August 31
Return to Learn Guidance for Students with IEPs
August 5
Grand Traverse County Health Department COVID-19 Return to School Toolkit
MAISA/SEILN Return to School FAQ for Special Education Practitioners
July 29
MDE Response Plan Template
COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan – MEMO #COVID-19-080
EO 2020-142 – Provision of preK–12 education for the 2020–2021 school year
July 23
MSPRA Toolkit for Communicating about Return to School Plans: Section II
July 21
MAISD Plan in Progress
July 20
Joint Document Regarding the Governor’s Roadmap
MASSP Remote Learning Checklist
MI Safe Schools Phase Category Comparison Checklist
Muskegon Area ISD Approach to Preparedness Planning Process
July 9
GELN Template for COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan
- Sample 1 (released 7/16) is very safety-focused and addresses specifically what is required by the Executive Order.
- Sample 2 (released 7/17) includes all aspects of planning (i.e. mental and social-emotional well-being, instruction, and school operations) and aligns to the Roadmap.
MASA Partner Resources
No matter the situation, HMH is here for you!
Whether you are an educator, student, or family member, you can count on us for support during the academic year and throughout the summer. As schools and districts facilitate and plan for continued at-home learning, we’re here to help with digital access and services, free online resources, and ongoing support, so you can keep teaching and learning no matter where you are. Visit our dedicated At-Home Learning Support Website to find free online resources, program access, activities, and more! #distancelearning #remotelearning #virtuallearning
Take a Virtual Farm Tour of a Local Michigan Dairy Farm
Whether you are teaching in the classroom, online or both, bring the farm to your students! Working on behalf of Michigan’s dairy farm families, United Dairy Industry of Michigan invites you and your students on a FREE Virtual Farm Tour of a Michigan Dairy Farm.
Our LIVE virtual tours offer a great opportunity to have your students visit a dairy farm. These interactive tours help students learn how dairy farmers care for their cows, the land and provide delicious milk and other dairy foods we all enjoy. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions.
Siemens Infographic
Regardless of how things shake out in the long run, there are immediate challenges that will need to be addressed and Siemens is uniquely positioned in order to provide solutions to address a large number of those concerns.
Hanover Research Superintendents Leadership Council
Hanover hosted its latest Superintendents Leadership Council on May 7 with a conversation around academic and operational considerations for the summer and fall, specifically dealing with questions about reentry scenarios, effective communication strategies, and mitigating “summer” learning loss. You can access a recording of the session here.
Financial Recovery Research Brief – Hanover Research
COVID-19 pandemic, and several states have already announced funding reductions. Although the CARES Act allocates $13.5 billion in federal funding for school districts, experts project state funding reductions to exceed this amount. In addition, many school districts are facing additional revenue losses from programs such as early childhood education. To support districts anticipating financial challenges, Hanover Research has prepared this Financial Recovery Research Brief exploring strategies used by school districts to establish financial priorities during financial crises.
Hanover Research Toolkit + Infobrief
- Toolkit: Planning and Delivering Online Instruction
- Infobrief: Supporting Families’ Social-Emotional Needs
- Infobrief: Supporting Students’ Social-Emotional Needs
Some Thoughts from Nancy Colflesh, Ph.D. – Nancy Colflesh, Leadership Coach
Communications Roadmap – The Donovan Group
The Donovan Group, a national school PR organization that focuses on public education, has made a comunications roadmap available to school leaders. This resource will help districts keep stakeholders informed over the next several months. It includes numerous issues education leaders will need to address and plan for this spring and summer—and perhaps well into fall.
Coverage information for MESSA members – MESSA
MESSA is fully covering online and telehealth medical and mental health visits 100% for our members and their covered dependents through June 30. Members will not be responsible for paying deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance.
Michigan Virtual Free Resources for Educators During School Closures – Michigan Virtual
For the duration of school closures, Michigan Virtual is offering a variety of free resources designed to help educators and parents keep their students learning. This includes free access to content from over 70 of our online student courses, evaluation and readiness tools for teachers, online professional development courses, a series of webinars on best practices for remote instruction, a Facebook group devoted to facilitating statewide conversation, and more. Our state certainly has some amazing educators. Thank you to all of you who are going above and beyond to support your students during this difficult time.
School Closure Learning Continuity Readiness Rubric – Michigan Virtual
“Keep Learning Michigan” Facebook Group – Michigan Virtual
Webinar on Supporting District Reponses to COVID-19 – Hanover Research
Legal (Personnel/Students/School Boards)
February 4
Gatherings and Face Mask Order
COVID-19 and Sports Infographic
Gathering Guidelines Infographic
January 13
January 4, 2021
Memo: PPT Reimbursement Correction Process
Comprehensive District Template Policies on Title IX 2020 Regulations
With the final Title IX regulations implemented as of August 15, AASA is proud to share a free copy of the ATIXA (The Association of Title IX Administrators) Model Policies and Procedures for K-12 compliance with the 2020 Title IX regulations. Please feel free to review and share these widely. ATIXA has created a home for all 2020 Regulations related documents and resources linked here. ATIXA recognizes that schools vary in size, structure, governance, capacity, and resources and has drafted this model to comply with the 2020 Title IX Regulations. View the policy template here. Direct any questions related to the regulations to Sasha Pudelski (spudelski@aasa.org).
MASA/Thrun Legal Webinar Recording – April 9, 2020
Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce – CISA
Retirement reporting and the statewide closure of all K-12 school buildings – ORS
Holding School Board Meetings During COVID-19 Pandemic FAQs – MASB Legal Counsel Brad Banasik, J.D., March 16, 2020
Feeding Children During School Closures – MDE
Questions and Answers on Providing Services to Children with Disabilities During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak – U.S. Department of Education
A Legal Guide for School Leaders – National School Boards Association
Disclosing Student Information During School Emergencies for Schools – Future of Privacy Forum
Joint HIPPA/FERPA Guidance – U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services
CASE Considerations for Special Education Administrators – Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE)
Safety/Health
February 15
USDA P-EBT Guidance:
January 25
EPA Resources: Cleaning, Disinfection and Ventilation in Schools
MASA recently received information from the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) regarding cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation, as well as contact information for those who may want to reach out to subject matter experts. This information is of great importance as there is much hype being “sold” to school decision-makers about products and tools they should be using during these unprecedented times. US EPA is receiving a steady stream of tips and complaints concerning potentially false or misleading claims, including efficacy claims, associated with pesticides and devices. Review the EPA information here.
February 4
Gatherings and Face Mask Order
COVID-19 and Sports Infographic
Gathering Guidelines Infographic
January 13
December 11
Michigan COVID-19 Vaccination Interim Prioritization Guidance
COVID-19 Vaccine Press Briefing
December 7
MDHHS Extends Epidemic Order 12 Days to Ensure COVID-19 Surge is Stabilizing
- Social Gatherings Guidance
- Pause to Save Lives Infographic
- Safe Social Pods Guidance
- Key Metrics Infographic
- FAQ
November 16
Emergency Order Under the Public Health Code (MCL 333.2253)
Teacher and Support Staff COVID-19 Grant -REP/NPSPR Guidance
Free Webinars from MiMTSS Technical Assistance Center
November 2
Return to School Mental Health Toolkit
Mental Health Screening Toolkit for Schools
Last week, MDE’s 31n team shared this Mental Health Screening Toolkit developed by the TRAILS Program at the University of Michigan Medical School in response to the mental health recommendations in the Governor’s Return to School Roadmap. This may beneficial to share as you continue developing your plans to meet the mental health needs of your students as you head back to school in the fall.
Omina Partners COVID-19 Resources
Video Explaining How to Flatten the Curve – PBS
Michigan 2-1-1: Free Service Connecting You To Resources
Map of Available Meals for Children During School Closure
Coronavirus Fact Sheets Available in Four Additional Languages – Michigan.gov/Coronavirus
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Video Update
Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks – LA County Health Department, California
Measures to Keep You Safe During Events – Detroit Regional Chamber
About Cornoavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights Letter
Map of COVID-19 Global Cases – Johns Hopkins CSSE
Policies/Procedures
February 4
Gatherings and Face Mask Order
COVID-19 and Sports Infographic
Gathering Guidelines Infographic
January 13
July 20, 2020
Muskegon Area ISD Approach to Preparedness Planning Process
March 13, 2020
School Closure Learning Continuity Planning Checklist – MASSP
March 12, 2020
Pandemic Flu Checklist: K12 Administrators – CDC
March 4, 2020
Pandemic Response Plan Template – Berrien County Health Department & Area Superintendents
March 3, 2020
Responding to Coronavirus: A Downloadable Guide for Schools – Education Week
Communications
March 30, 2020
Sample Letter to Communicate Postive Case in School District – MSPRA
Note: Please work with your legal counsel about how to communicate a positive case in your district.
March 27, 2020
Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus – NPR
March 23, 2020
How to Communicate about COVID-19 – MI Charters
Free Icons for Coronavirus Awareness – IconFinder
March 18, 2020
Document with Questions and Resources – MSPRA
Basic Guidance for Public Information Officers – FEMA
March 12, 2020
Ludington Schools Community Communications
East Lansing Public Schools Community Letter
TBAISD Community Communications
March 11, 2020
Talking to Children about COVID-19 – National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
March 3, 2020
Response Plan: Communicating a Confirmed Coronavirus Case in Your Schools – The Donovan Group
March 3, 2020
Toolkit for Communicating about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Michigan School Public Relations Association (MSPRA)
Communicating about Coronavirus? Find Help in Member Resources – National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA)
March 1, 2020
Coronavirus Communication: What Should School Leaders Do Right Now? – The Donovan Group
Digital Learning
January 4, 2021
Michigan Learning Channel Arriving
November 30
Hotspots Available
- Unlimited data which may be throttled at 50GB with content filtering
- Content filtering options
- AccessMyLAN – $20
- Enterprise Traffic Protector – $15
- Ever 24 devices, will receive one free “teacher line”
- The service must be ordered prior to 12/31/2020
- The District must acknowledge that they will keep the content filtering on
- The price remains in effect until 12/2022
Here is the new order form and the product brief on the Moxee hotspot, as well.
Search your area for the best Internet and Television providers. The team at Broadband Search put together extensive research on the providers and plans available across the U.S., which includes download speeds, upload speeds, pricing data caps, fine print, and more.
Virtual Farm Tour
Family outings may be canceled but that doesn’t mean fun and learning have to end! Take your herd on a LIVE virtual farm tour with our friends @MilkMeansMore. The event is Tuesday, April 21 at 10 a.m. via their Facebook LIVE. You will see cute cows, get an inside look on how milk is produced, learn more about dairy farming and how Michigan dairy farmers are bringing nutritious dairy products to your home.
Free Preschool on Facebook Live – Play to Learn Preschool
‘Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction (EBLI) – EBLI Reads
Online Resource Toolkit – Macmillan Speakers
Educator Engagement Guide – Saginaw ISD
Family Engagement Guide – Saginaw ISD
Free and Low-Cost Online Resources – MDE
Teachers Share Resources for Teaching Online During Coronavirus School Closures – EducationWeek
Curriculum and Reading Material for Homebound Students – Kim Marshall
Detroit PBS Kids Daily Newsletter/Resources
Hanover Reserach Library for Digital Learning, Hybrid Courses, Best Practices, and Effective Models – Hanover Research
School Closure Learning Continuity Readiness Rubric – Michigan Virtual
“Keep Learning Michigan” Facebook Group – Michigan Virtual