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)