MCS K-8th grade students to return to in-person learning on Thursday

Update 12-7-20: The State of Michigan has extended the virtual learning requirement for 9th – 12th grade students through December 20th so those grades will not be returning to in-person learning later this week. This possibility was anticipated by the district and addressed in the article below. 

When Manchester Community Schools took an in-person learning pause beginning November 14 scheduled to end December 10, many families wondered if as the end date neared, the District would extend district-wide virtual learning through the end of Christmas break. On Friday, December 4th, superintendent Brad Bezeau let families know that despite the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in our community, the district is indeed planning to return to in-person learning for grades pre-K through 12th grade on Thursday Dec. 10.

In the letter to families, Bezeau  explained that the pause has been incredibly difficult on families experiencing access and technology inequities and on families without an adult with the time to keep younger learners logged on and focused throughout the day. He also explained that despite the dramatic increases in positive cases within our county, our district has only had six positive cases among students. He stated, “This is a testament to our families, students, and all of you and the willingness to participate with the required mitigation strategies and protocols.”

Lastly, he explained that while the pause for K-8th grade was a district decision, 9th – 12th grade students were required to be virtual due to a Michigan Health Department order. If that order is extended, which is a possibility, the district is still planning to bring K – 8th grade students back to in-person learning on December 10.

All families, whether they were virtual or in-person before the pause, have the option of staying virtual through Christmas break by contacting Bezeau at bbezeau@mcs.k12.mi.us and the principal of their student’s building.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.