Detroit Public Schools Charts Path to Summer, Fall Classes

Detroit’s public school system has released a proposed plan for a return to the classroom.

The state’s largest school district is preparing its re-opening for summer school and fall classes. Detroit Public Schools Community District outlined plans for social distancing, alternate-day schedules and sanitation protocols during a meeting with parents Wednesday night.

“If students have an elevated temperature they will not be able to stay in school that day.” — Iranetta Wright, DPSCD

School staff will begin to return to school buildings June 22nd – ahead of the start of summer school in July. 

If teachers “have an elevated temperature, which we know to be one of the most pronounced symptoms, then they won’t be able to work that day,” Wright said. “If students have an elevated temperature they will not be able to stay in school that day.”

For in-school learning, precautions will include required mask-wearing in class and hand-washing stations. Wright outlined plans that include alternate-day scheduling for high school students, smaller class sizes for Kindergarten through 8th grades as well as social distancing and sanitation protocols.

“We are expecting as a district to have a separate stand-alone K-12 virtual school.” 

Parents and students in lower grades can choose between online or in-person summer school. High school students will mainly study online.

The district is asking the state to loosen requirements on attendance next year and to support a plan for a virtual K-12 school option.

“We are expecting as a district to have a separate stand-alone K-12 virtual school so that students can remain a part of our school district and also receive instruction virtually,” said Iranetta Wright, vice superintendent with the Detroit Public Schools Community District.

The district plans to provide all of its students with devices to support at-home learning.