Detroit Public Schools Community District Rolls Out Action Plan to Families During COVID-19 Three-Week Closure
DETROIT – March 13, 2020 – Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) announced today its action plan to provide students and families with resources during the closing of schools due to COVID-19 containment based on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order. During the three-week school closure, all central office staff, principals, assistant principals, cafeteria workers, police and security will report to work. The District will close all school buildings for 72 hours for deep cleaning and will provide regular updates to families.
“The ‘CD’ in DPSCD are more than letters in an acronym. They stand for ‘Community District’ and we are the city’s and people’s real school and community district. This means we advocate and care for our students and families beyond the classroom, especially in times of crisis. This is the moment to show that our work goes beyond rhetoric,” said Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent, DPSCD.
Breakfast and lunch will be served starting Wednesday, March 18 at 58 DPSCD buildings (See below for a list of schools). A “grab-and-go” breakfast will be served, Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., and a “grab-and-go” lunch will be served from 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Students will not be allowed to enter the building.
District staff has developed K-8 learning packets with a focus on Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science and Social Studies for students for pickup at the same select school buildings starting Wednesday, March 18. In addition, the lessons will be available through Clever, a mobile application. Students in grades 8-12 will have access to Khan Academy to complete lessons in preparation for PSAT/SAT and PSAT/SAT workbooks will also be available at the 58 sites. In addition, K-8 students will have access to reading materials through myON. iReady will be available for grades K-8 reading and math lessons.
The Homework Hotline is available to families and students, Monday – Friday between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. for academic support, please call 1-833-466-3978. Students and parents can find additional academic resources at www.detroitk12.org/covid19.
“We are working diligently to ensure the safety of our employees, students and families while taking in consideration their need for food and educational resources during this closure,” said Iris Taylor, Board President, DPSCD.
The District has provided a centralized website that includes all online academic materials and information from the CDC and local health officials to keep families informed on COVID-19 related information. Please visit, www.detroitk12.org/covid19.
About Detroit Public Schools Community District
Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) is Michigan’s largest public education system. It is governed by a locally elected, seven-member board with Dr. Nikolai Vitti serving as superintendent. The District’s mission is to provide every student with a beneficial and rightful educational experience, preparing students to be career and college ready, and qualified to compete in the global market. The District has more than 100 schools and educates 51,000 children. For more information, visit detroitk12.org.
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