Huron School District

Thanks to all of Huron's teachers for doing an incredible job and to all the students and families that have shown their support this week!

Attention Huron Families:

In the first week of April, Governor Whitmer signed an executive order which closed all school buildings for the rest of the 20192020 school year.  This same executive order mandated that instruction take place using “remote learning” options for the remainder of the school year. Remote Learning is learning that happens outside of the traditional classroom because the student and teacher are separated by distance and/or time. Remote learning can be real-time or flexibility timed, and it may or may not involve technology. It cannot be assumed that every family or every student has access to the necessary devices and appropriate internet connection at their home.

In order to help parents and students navigate remote learning options during the school building closure, the Huron School District has developed the new Huron Learning Hub.  The Huron Learning Hub can be accessed through the Huron School District Website at huronschools.org, beginning on Monday, April 20, 2020.  Parents will be able to view weekly learning schedules based on the grade levels of their students, and parents will be able to contact teachers and link to instructional sites from this platform.  Students will find ways to connect with teachers, log-in to Google Classroom sites for instruction, and explore content and resources.

Teachers will be communicating with students and parents through our school managed student Google Suite Accounts as well as classroom text applications, such as remind.  Students without internet availability will be provided with “hard copy” packets upon request, which will allow students to work without the use of the internet.  As part of the remote learning efforts, all students are required to participate in at-home learning for the remainder of the school year. This will give students opportunities to earn credit and make steady progress in preparation for next school year.

The Huron School District has completed a “Continuity of Learning Plan” that outlines the District’s efforts to provide remote learning options to students.  The plan follows a model that is consistent with the Huron School District’s strategic plan, providing instruction that stresses rigor, relevance, and relationships for all students.  This plan has been submitted to Wayne County RESA for approval.  Once approved, this document will be posted on the Huron School District website.

We are aware that some homes are not equipped with internet connectivity and/or internet capable devices. The Huron School District is working to provide internet connectivity options for families without internet at home.  We have also developed options for parents to sign-out a device for student use at home, in households where a need is present.

I know that parents with Senior level students have questions related to graduation, prom, and other senior activities.  I want you to know that we are monitoring the Stay Home/Stay Safe guidelines carefully, and we are considering all available options in order to celebrate our Senior students. We will be publishing more information about our seniors in subsequent communications and when more information becomes available.

The remainder of this mailing contains information regarding grade level learning schedules, daily learning timelines, Google Suite log-in information, updating parent contact information in MiStar, low cost internet connectivity options, calendar updates, free internet access at Huron High School, emotional support hotline information, and student grading information.

Thank you again for your patience and understanding as we finalize our remote learning plans.  I am proud of our staff and community, and I am looking forward to our remote learning launch on April 20, 2020.  As always, feel free to contact us if you have questions.   Have a great day, and stay safe out there. 
Sincerely,

Donovan Rowe
Superintendent of Schools,
Huron School District.

Please view the following documents for more information:

• Emotional Support Hotline (PDF)
• Low Cost Internet Flyer (PDF)
• Parent Letter Continuity of Learning Plan 4-15-2020 (PDF)
• Weekly Learning Plan Structure and Timelines (PDF)
• Updating your contact information in Mistar (PDF)

Attention Huron Families:

In the first week of April, Governor Whitmer signed an executive order which closed all school buildings for the rest of the 2019- 2020 school year. This same executive order mandated that instruction take place using “remote learning” options for the remainder of the school year. In addition, requirements have been established by the Michigan Department of Education, and schools must comply with these requirements in order to receive funding and continue services. As part of the remote learning efforts, all students are required to participate in at-home learning for the remainder of the school year. This will give students opportunities to earn credit and make steady progress in preparation for next school year.

As a result, the Huron School District has completed a “Continuity of Learning Plan” that outlines the District’s efforts to provide remote learning options to students. The plan follows a model that is consistent with the Huron School District’s strategic plan, providing instruction that stresses rigor, relevance, and relationships for all students. This plan is being submitted to Wayne County RESA for approval, in accordance with guidance from the Michigan Department of Education. Once approved, this document will be posted on the Huron School District website. 

In an effort to offer purposeful learning to all students, the Huron School District is launching a new web site called the Huron Learning Hub. This site is intended to help our students and parents as they transition to remote learning during the school closure. Parents will find information and resources on the site that will help keep them informed and equipped during this time. Students will find ways to connect with teachers, log-in to Google Classroom sites for instruction, and explore content and resources. We are working to develop the final details of the site now, and we will be launching our remote learning instructional program, along with the Huron Learning Hub site, on April 20, 2020. 

As teachers work collaboratively to develop and refine Google Classroom sites that will provide at-home learning opportunities, we are encouraging students to log-in to their student Gmail accounts and join their teachers’ Google Classroom(s) that have been developed and shared with students. The Google Classroom platform will be used as a primary resource for delivering remote learning within the district. More information pertaining to the student log-in process, Google Classroom, and The Huron Learning Hub will be mailed home later this week, prior to the April 20, 2020 remote learning launch. This mailing will contain information pertaining to remote learning weekly schedules, student grading, and the 2019-2020 remaining calendar. 

We are aware that some homes are not equipped with internet connectivity and/or internet capable devices. The Huron School District is working to provide internet connectivity options for families without internet at home. We are also developing options for parents to sign-out a device for student use at home, in households where a need is present. More information related to internet connectivity and devices will also be included in our upcoming mailing. 
In addition, the Huron School District is asking parents to update their email information in our MiStar web portal. Instructions can be found at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-7h4sZXybj-Y-SR2u4MzJAuCCvvR7_xnu9ZAuk8m5SE/edit?usp=sharing to help parents through the updating process.

The Huron School District will continue to provide continuity of meal service on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the school closure period. Starting Tuesday, April 14th we will be doing trunk food pickup only. We are asking that recipients pop their trunks and allow food service workers to place the food in the trunk of the vehicles. Recipients will also see a reduced number of bags; however, the amount of food will be the same. Our delivery dates and times will be the same: Tuesdays & Fridays 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, in the Huron High School circle drive. We will continue to distribute 3 days of food on Tuesdays and 4 days of food on Fridays. 

I know that questions still exist pertaining to the details of the learning plan and remote learning, and I hope that our upcoming mailing will help to answer those questions. I also know that parents with Senior level students have questions related to graduation, prom, and other senior activities. I want you to know that we are monitoring the Stay Home/Stay Safe guidelines carefully, and we are considering all available options in order to celebrate our Senior students. We will be publishing more information about our seniors in subsequent communications. 

Thank you again for your patience and understanding as we finalize our remote learning plans. I am proud of our staff and community, and I am looking forward to our remote learning launch on April 20, 2020. As always, feel free to contact us if you have questions. Have a great day, and stay safe out there. 

Sincerely,

Donovan Rowe

Superintendent of Schools

Huron School District.

Parent Letter Continuity of Learning Plan 4-13-2020.pdf

Attention Huron Families,

We have found ourselves in the midst of uncertain times, confronted with obstacles that we did not expect to encounter and uncertainty that weighs heavily on each of us.  Although these times can be frightening, and we are sometimes left grasping for answers, we are reminded that we are not alone in this.  We will work through this crisis together. 

This morning, Governor Whitmer held a press conference, and she announced that students in the State of Michigan will not be returning to physical classrooms for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.  This means that the students in the Huron School District will be continuing their learning through at-home learning opportunities for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. 

We are still awaiting information and guidance from the Michigan Department of Education pertaining to the details of the distance learning plan.  At this time, the Huron School District Team is working to provide a rigorous and relevant learning program for the students of the Huron School District.   Given that the regularly scheduled “spring break” runs from April 4-12, you can expect to receive relevant information and further instructions about the learning program on April 13, 2020.   

This type of education delivery will be different than what we are all used to.  Teachers and administrators are working hard to develop the best opportunities and learning activities that will help students build and retain skills during this time.  We are aware that we cannot replicate typical classroom experiences through distance learning opportunities.  Nonetheless, we are confident that our learning program will challenge students while offering them rigorous and relevant experiences.  

It is in times like these that I am reminded of the saying, “Only when it is dark enough, can we see the stars.”  The origin of this phrase has been credited to the British writer Thomas Carlyle in 1843, but the concept is still real enough today. 

Carlyle understood that, when times look dark, there are opportunities before us that we may not see otherwise.  In these times, many of us are staying home with our families, caring for loved ones, and looking for ways to keep our wits.  Today, another obstacle has presented itself to us, and this one pertains to the educational system.  Like many of these challenges, we will tackle this one together. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding in these difficult times.  I am thankful for our community and proud of the way that we have come together as a family.  Please keep your eyes open for more information coming in the near future pertaining to this issue.

Sincerely

Donovan Rowe

Superintendent of Schools

Huron School District

Parent Letter School Closure 4-2-2020 (PDF)

Attention Huron Families:

This morning, Governor Whitmer announced that she is instituting a state wide “Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order” in the state of Michigan. According to Governor Whitmer, this order requires all Michigan residents to remain in their homes “for at least the next three weeks.”

“Essential work” will be required to continue, in order to ensure state functionality and continuation of services. This includes banks, gas stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, and other “essential life-saving services.” Our school breakfast and lunch distribution fits into this category and will continue during this time, with the exception of the Spring Break, scheduled for April 6-10. No district employees will be working during the scheduled Spring Break on our calendar. I applaud the efforts of our food service department, custodial staff, and district volunteers who have participated in the food service distribution for community. This service is essential for students who need it, and I am grateful for all of the individuals who continue to work to serve our families.

Governor Whitmer’s announcement also included an amendment to the school closure executive order. The School closure has been extended through April 13, which includes the time of our already scheduled spring break, plus one extra day. At this time, classes are expected to resume on Tuesday, April 14, 2020. We can expect more information pertaining to the closure to follow from the Governor’s office and the Michigan Department of Education.

The Michigan Department of Education sent out a press release stating that the federal government has approved preliminary waivers for state M-Step testing for this year. In other words, it looks as though the state assessment requirements will be waived for the 2019-2020 school year. I have attached the press release to this email.

We are still awaiting information and guidance related to many questions impacting schools and the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. One question on everyone’s mind is the possible extension of the school year and the possibility of make-up days vs. waiving missed instructional days and time. We still have many unanswered questions, but new information seems to be coming out each day. I will attempt to keep you posted as this situation develops.

The Huron School District is also working to support our community in other ways. Today, in cooperation with Representative Darrin Camilleri, the Huron School District donated 250 face masks, 193 boxes of gloves, and one box of hand sanitizing gel to our local healthcare systems. We hope that these donations will help support our health care workers in their fight against COVID-19. I know that this crisis can seem overwhelming and is difficult for all of us. Please know that I am thinking of you and your families during this time. I will continue communicating more information as the situation develops. Have a good day, and be safe out there.

Sincerely,

Donovan Rowe

Superintendent of Schools

Huron School District

Parent Letter Stay Home Stay Safe Executive Order 3-23-2020 (PDF)

Attention Huron Families,

I would like to take a moment to say thank you to all of you for your patience and cooperation during this turbulent time. Attempting to communicate during an ever-changing crisis presents us with many obstacles; nevertheless, our students, parents, and staff have pulled together in an amazing way.

I am sending this letter in order to give you some guidance pertaining to educational resources and enrichment opportunities that we are making available to help students keep their minds sharp during our school closure. In addition, I will also attempt to provide other information that may be useful to you.

Obviously, we are unable to replicate classroom instruction during a prolonged school closure, and online instruction does not provide students with a seamless option for learning. Instead, our teachers are preparing a list of resources and enrichment opportunities that will help support students as they attempt to stay engaged and maintain skills during this time. You should receive communication from your student’s classroom teacher(s) by the end of the day tomorrow, March 17 with information regarding these resources and enrichment opportunities. Teachers will be using school email addresses and other platforms, such as classroom dojo, Remind, & Google Classroom in order to communicate. Please be sure to check your usual means of communication in order to communicate with your student’s teacher(s).

We are coordinating efforts at the district level, but different grade levels will have different forms of communication. For example, High School and Jr. High School aged students may receive emails and communications directly from teachers, but elementary communications will be provided primarily between parents and teachers. Although these communications may look slightly

different, teachers and administrators are working hard to provide consistent and coordinated communications at each level. Consequently, you should expect to have weekly communication with your student’s teacher(s) during our closure. The end of the 2nd trimester was Friday, March 13, and report cards will be mailed home. You should expect to receive them at some point next week.

Some parents have medications on file in our school offices. These medications can be picked up Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, March 18 from the office of your student’s school.

In addition, our Elementary schools are opening their buildings in order to provide parents with an opportunity to pick up classroom materials and items from their student’s locker. In order to limit the amount of individuals in the building at one time, we are asking that only one adult individual from each family come to the school, and we are posting times for parents to arrive based on their student’s grade levels. If you have students in multiple grade levels, we are asking that you choose one of the windows to pick up all necessary items for your child.

The schedule is as follows:

• Kindergarten – Grade 2: 9:00 – 11:00 AM, Tuesday, March 17 & Wednesday, March 18, 2020
• Grade 3 – Grade 5: 1:00 – 3:00 PM, Tuesday, March 17 & Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Thank you again for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Please contact your student’s school office if you have questions pertaining to report cards, resources, or enrichment opportunities.

Sincerely,
Donovan Rowe
Superintendent of Schools
Huron School District

COVID-19 Parent Letter 3-16-2020 Educational Resources and Enrichment Opportunities (PDF)

Dear Huron Families,

Starting on Tuesday, March 17, through Friday, April 3, the Huron School District will provide food service meals (breakfast and lunch) to ALL students in the District, 18 years of age and under, special education students 26 years and under, FREE of charge and regardless of students’ Free & Reduced Meal Status.

The Huron School District will be distributing meals from the High School Circle Drive via drive-thru pick-up service. One person may pick up meals for multiple students, and pick up is available two days per week using the following schedule.

Huron High School Site Pick-up:

• Tuesdays and Fridays: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Huron High School Circle Driveway (map shown below)

A week’s worth of USDA reimbursable meals will be available for each child, each week. There is no requirement to “sign-up” or “register” for any program in order to be eligible for free student meals. This is our school district’s first attempt of a meal delivery system at this scale. Every attempt will be made to feed ALL students who need a meal in our community. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this process.

If you have questions pertaining to the Huron School District Food Service Meal Program, please call our Central Office line at 734-782-2441 or visit our website at huronschools.org.

Sincerely, Donovan Rowe
Superintendent of Schools
Huron School District

COVID-19 Food Service Continuity Letter (PDF)

Dear Huron Families,

Per the direction of Governor Whitmer, ALL SCHOOLS IN THE HURON SCHOOL DISTRICT WILL BE CLOSED, STARTING MONDAY, MARCH 16. SCHOOLS IN THE HURON SCHOOL DISTRICT WILL REMAIN CLOSED THROUGH OUR SPRING RECESS, FRIDAY, APRIL 10, with classes scheduled to resume on Monday, April 13.

In the coming days, as we receive guidance from the governor and the Michigan Department of Education, I will be working with our staff on plans for continuation of various services, to the best of our ability. You can expect continued communications from the District in the days and weeks ahead.

I have met with our food service director, and we are coordinating our efforts with the Michigan Department of Education pertaining to food service.  

Going forward, we will continue to make decisions regarding school and school-related activities based on the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Wayne County Health Department, and the Michigan Department of Education.    

As always, I thank you for your support of the Huron School District.  Together, we will continue to do our best to provide for safe and secure learning.  

Sincerely, 

Donovan Rowe
Superintendent of Schools
Huron School District

Attention Huron Families,

As you have probably heard, two (2) cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the State of Michigan. As a preventative measure, Governor Whitmer has also declared a “state of emergency.” This declaration includes the release of “Community Mitigation Strategies,” coming from the Governor’s office. In relation to this, the Governor has issued the following statement.

“Community mitigation strategies are designed to be implemented at the individual, organizational, and community levels. They apply to businesses, workplaces, schools, community organizations, health care institutions, and individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and health profiles; everyone has an important role to play. These strategies provide essential protections to individuals at risk of severe illness and to health care and other critical infrastructure workforces.”

“’Michiganders have been preparing for COVID-19 for weeks, including by taking basic measures such as washing their hands often, covering their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, and staying home when they are sick,’ said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. ‘However, Michigan must take further action to avoid a rapid increase of cases in the state. Community mitigation strategies are crucial to slowing the transmission of the virus in Michigan, particularly before a vaccine or treatment becomes available.’”

In addition, I met today with representatives from the Wayne County Department of Health, Wayne County RESA, and Wayne County Superintendents. The Health Department made it clear that, at this time, they are NOT recommending the closure of schools, nor the cancelation of school events. Although this situation continues to change rapidly, Health Department officials are continuing to monitor the situation and to work closely with the CDC.

Obviously, these announcements have raised many questions within our community related to how this may impact our schools.

The Huron School District is continuing to follow the recommendations and guidelines issued by the CDC and the Wayne County Department of Health. In addition, we will continue to monitor the “State of Emergency” and “Community Mitigation Strategies” issued by the Governor. The Huron School District has also increased cleaning and disinfecting efforts within the district classrooms and school buses. As always, student safety is our primary concern. I thank you for your support of our school district, especially during this time. As the situation changes, we will continue to provide you with information and updates.

Sincerely, Donovan Rowe

Donovan Rowe
Superintendent of Schools
Huron School District

Huron School District COVID-19 Update 3-12-202 (PDF)