Good Afternoon LPS Class of 2020 and Senior Parents,

We know you have been looking forward to receiving another update regarding graduation and commencement celebrations for this year.  Today, we are pleased to share that update with all of you!

Over the past several weeks, our high school leadership team (principals, student activities directors, senior class sponsors) and LPS district administrators have been planning ways to best celebrate and recognize our seniors.  We appreciate the feedback and input shared by students, parents and staff, as well as the ideas gained from colleagues in other school districts.  

Our hope was to have a definitive clearance regarding gatherings so that we could proceed with our originally scheduled plans.  However, in light of the current guidance, we have planned events that will allow us the opportunity to celebrate our Class of 2020 during the originally scheduled weekend of May 30th, enjoy a virtual ceremony & decorated car parade in June, while also holding on to the possibility of a rescheduled in-person commencement ceremony at USA Hockey Arena in early August.  

Attached you will find a special update for our Class of 2020 and the dates for their celebration and recognition.  We are excited to share these events with you!  We would like to thank each and every individual who has helped to put together the plan for our graduates.  

Next week, your principal will send out more detailed information, specific to your school, for each of the special events.

We look forward to all of the activities planned in your honor!

Sincere regards,

Andrea Oquist, Superintendent     

Daniel Willenborg, Director of Secondary Programs 

SAVE THE DATE FLYER -- CLICK HERE 

Letter from Superintendent Oquist to Class of 2020 

Letter from Mr. Willenborg, Principals and Activities Directors 

Please click on the following link to view the Highlights for Parents - Continuity of Learning Plan: 

Highlights for Parents - Continuity of Learning Plan 

Please click on the following link to view the LPS Parent Guide & Resources: 

Parent Guide & Resources

Dear LPS Families, 

First and foremost, we hope this letter finds you all in good health and with a hopeful outlook regarding our students’ educational futures.  We certainly acknowledge how the last five weeks have upended the lives of each of our students, our parents, and our entire staff, but we have also been encouraged by countless stories of adaptability, resilience, kindness and collaboration.  

Please know that we travel this journey through unprecedented times together and that we share in the effort to provide the best for our children and the young adults of our community. Our staff, along with school and district leaders, have been working diligently behind the scenes to plan for the next phase of learning for our students.  We are grateful for the efforts of many, put forth in the best interest of our students.

Please know that we are here for you, as we roll out the next phase of learning remotely. 

Continuity of Learning Plan

This week, the district has submitted the required Continuity of Learning Plan to our Intermediate School District, Wayne RESA and we received full approval on Thursday for this plan. This comprehensive document provides the framework from which we will work for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. The plan, which was required by the state as part of the Governor’s Executive Order extending the closure of schools, is posted on the district’s website.

What’s Next?

Thus far, students have been provided with many educational enrichment opportunities to keep their minds active and engaged. The next phase will entail online learning that will include both new and review instruction, through live or video lessons, screencasts, learning links and posted assignments. To be sure, these experiences cannot duplicate the rich instruction that takes place in-person with our teachers, but they are designed to keep our students learning and growing in preparation for the coming school year, or their next educational journey beyond high school.  

Our teams of teachers and administrators have determined the “5 Essential Learnings” that will be the primary focus of the new learning covered during the remainder of the school year.  Special Education staff will continue to focus on IEP goals and objectives and general education supports. Please take a few minutes to review the slide presentation below from the district, which will help provide some details for this next phase of teaching and learning. (entitled Highlights for Parents - Continuity of Learning Plan)  Additionally, each school or program will be sending out more specific information to families regarding a schedule for teaching and learning, which should provide a helpful structure for your child(ren).  

Staying Connected & Engaged

We recognize and respect that each family’s circumstances are different -- the new learning plans were developed with this in mind and provide a level of flexibility for our students, staff and families. To the extent possible, please have your child engage in the lessons, instruction and assignments that will be provided to them, and most importantly, stay connected to their teachers and classmates through their virtual classroom. Continued learning for our students is essential, especially given this extended time away from face-to-face instruction. Again, we understand the burdens on families at this time and know the level of engagement will vary for each student.  

Support for Families~We are here to help!

An important part of the plan is ensuring that each family has the support they need.  Principals and coordinators have sent out communications regarding device pick-up and inquiring if families need assistance with gaining internet access.  Please be in contact with your child’s principal, coordinator or team leader if we can assist with either of these needs. We truly want every one of our students to have the opportunity to connect and learn with their teacher(s) and classmates.  

Additionally, we are continuing to provide support for students’ social-emotional well being through the hotline that was established on March 16: Call (734) 744-2737  or email ses@livoniapublicschools.org.  Students or parents may reach out for mental health support via phone or email, and we will assist you. 

Food distribution continues each week at two sites:  Franklin and Stevenson High Schools. Families may pick up meals from either site on Tuesdays between 11 a.m.-1 p.m.  

Finally, we have put together some information that we hope will be helpful to you as we transition to new learning expectations. That information can be found in the attachment below entitled Parent Guide to Remote Learning & Resources.  

All information is housed on the district’s website at www.livoniapublicschools.org/covid19. 

Thank you for supporting your child/ren and for partnering with us throughout this school closure.  Wishing you and your family well!

Andrea Oquist

Superintendent 

Frequently Asked Questions
LIVONIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

This FAQ has been updated, following the governor’s executive order, which closes K-12 schools for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. 

Finishing the 2019-20 School Year

1. What does the school closure mean for student learning? 

A: Learning will continue. Although our buildings are closed, the school year will continue.  We are in the process of developing and submitting for approval our Continuity of Learning Plan, as required by the Governor, in which we will detail the next phase of our instructional plan.  

Moving forward, teachers will continue to provide opportunities for students to connect with their teachers and classmates, review content previously taught, and learn essential new content at their grade level or subject area. We ask parents to promote engagement and completion of these lessons by their child(ren).  

Until the plan is formally approved, our students continue to have opportunities each week to engage in learning through the activities sent out from their teachers.  We encourage our students to participate in these specially designed learning opportunities in order to keep their skills sharp and their minds engaged.  

1. What if my child does not have access to a computer or mobile device? 

A: We were pleased to provide families the opportunity to pick up a Chromebook for their child to use for online educational enrichment and learning when the Governor first announced school closure.  If your child does not have access to a device in your home, please contact your child’s principal directly via email (see email list below) so he/she can assist you.  

Q: What if my family does not have Internet access? 

A: The district is seeking options for families who do not currently have access to the Internet at their home, and will have more information available in the near future. Please communicate this need directly to one of your child’s teachers or the school principal.

For information, Comcast (Westland) and Spectrum (Livonia) have special offers for K-12 online education. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE OFFERS FROM BOTH PROVIDERS.

Q: Will students who are on track to move up a grade level next school year be able to move up?

• Seniors: Per the Governor’s executive order, the district is creating a process to review and award credits needed for graduation, provide for completion of the Michigan Merit Curriculum, and issue diplomas to pupils in Grade 12. Seniors who were on pace to graduate as of March 11, 2020 will graduate at the end of the semester. Those students who were failing a course as of March 11, 2020 will have an opportunity to the extent feasible to demonstrate learning in the subject matter of the course and receive credit for the course, as determined by the district.
• Other Grade Levels: Kindergarten through Grade 11 students will advance to their next grade at the beginning of the next school year. Students will advance from first grade to second grade, and second grade to third grade, etc., just like they would have during our regular summer rollover. A high school student's graduation year cohort will remain unchanged. Per the Governor’s executive order, students who were on track to be awarded credit for the courses in which they were enrolled will receive that credit. 

Q: Will standardized tests such as the M-STEP and PSAT/SAT tests be held as originally scheduled?

A: No. The Michigan Department of Education has cancelled all standardized testing that was to occur this spring.  It is our understanding that the PSAT and SAT will be rescheduled for Fall, 2020.

Q: My child is enrolled in AP courses in high school. What will happen with the previously scheduled AP exams?

A: The College Board has recently communicated to districts on this issue. Your child’s AP teacher has contacted students directly with an update and information regarding at-home testing. 

Q: My child is enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Program at Franklin.  Will he/she still be taking the IB exams?

A: We received an update from the IB Director General with regard to the IB examinations.  Mrs. Weber and Mr. Pesci have communicated directly with our IB students.  

Social Emotional Support

Q: Are there resources available to address my student’s social emotional needs during this time?

A: During these unprecedented times, we understand that some of our students may be experiencing anxiety, depression and other mental health issues over the extended school closure.  We want to support you. If your student is struggling with mental health issues, and would like a contact from a mental health provider from LPS, please use our Social Emotional Support Hotline.

Parents, Guardians & Students can contact the Livonia Public Schools Social Emotional Support (SES) Hotline in two ways: 

Call (734) 744-2737 or (734) 744-2SES

Email ses@livoniapublicschools.org or contact your child’s principal (see below)

If your student is experiencing significant difficulties and has expressed suicidal ideation, please call 911.

Elementary

Q: How will the transitional building level move-ups be handled? Will there be a time when incoming fifth graders will be able to check out their upper elementary before the new school year starts? 

A: We know this is an important part of transitioning to the next level, and we will provide incoming fifth graders an opportunity to visit their new school prior to the start of the new school year. Although we cannot determine a date right now, we will ensure students get an opportunity to visit prior to school starting.  More information will come to you via your child's principal later this spring. 

Q: Will students participate in state testing this spring?

A: State assessments, including M-STEP, and MI-Access will not be administered during the 2019-20 school year.  

Q: Is the Third Grade Reading Law still in effect for the 2019-20 school year?

A: Michigan’s Third Grade Reading Law, requiring the retention of third-grade students who are more than one grade level behind in reading, has been suspended, per the governor’s executive order. All current third-grade students will advance to fourth grade.

Secondary

Q: What is the plan for the Third Quarter Marking period?

A: Parents received a communication from the Director of Secondary Programs, Mr. Willenborg, on Monday, April 6 regarding closing out this card marking and preparing report cards for parents to access online.  

Q: How will the transitional building level move-ups be handled? 

A:  Incoming ninth graders had the opportunity to visit their high school in late-January during the Incoming Ninth Grade Nights. Additionally, we will provide incoming seventh and ninth graders an opportunity to visit their new school prior to the start of the new school year. Although we cannot determine a date right now, due to the governor’s Stay-At-Home order, we will ensure students have an opportunity to visit prior to school starting.

Q: What is the plan for end-of-the-year grades and report cards?

A: We are currently using the guidance from the state to determine how grading and report cards will be handled at the end of this school year. More information will be shared with students and parents as the district finalizes its Continuity of Learning Plan, as required by the state.  Students will advance to the next grade level as they typically would each summer, if they were on track to move up, as of March 12. 

Q: Will students participate in state testing this spring?

A: State assessments, including M-STEP, MI-Access, and the PSAT will not be administered during the 2019-20 school year. Students who were scheduled to take the PSAT during the school day in the 2019-2020 school year will take the PSAT during the school day in the fall of the 2020-2021 school year.

Q: How will secondary students select their courses for the 2020-21 school year?

A: The process for course selection had begun prior to the school closure. The district has developed a plan to complete this process remotely and will notify parents/students if additional information is needed.

Q: What does this mean for high school senior prom, graduation and other special events? 

A:  We know that these special milestones are on the hearts and minds of our senior students and their parents, and understand the significance they hold.  We very much want and plan to celebrate and honor our seniors, and will seek input from students and staff on the best ways in which to mark these important milestones in the lives of our students from the Class of 2020. 

Special Education

Q: Will IEPs that are due before the end of the year take place?

A: Yes, your case provider and/or service provider will be in contact to schedule a virtual IEP. We have held many virtual IEPs thus far with participation from all required team members.   If you decide you would rather not hold a virtual IEP, the District will schedule an IEP within 30 school days of our return to school.

Q: Will transition IEPs from one building/program still take place?

A: Yes. Case providers and/or service providers will be in contact regarding the need for a Transition IEP. This transition is to a new building/program for the 2020-2021 school year (e.g. Riley RCR to Holmes RCR or Frost Center to Churchill Center). This change may be indicated on the programs and services page of the IEP as well as on the Notice page listing where the student will attend school and receive their services for the 2020-2021 school year. 

Q: Will my student receive programs and services as documented on his/her IEP?

A: Your case provider and service provider will be in contact regarding contingency IEP service times and delivery of service plans. Classroom instruction will be online in Google classrooms or Unique classrooms or available in an alternative mode. Service may also be provided in these classroom settings; in service provider Google classrooms, resources or activities, and/or individual contact with students. Consultative services are currently taking place between service providers, special education teachers and general education teachers.

Q: Will my student receive accommodations (IEP and Section 504)?

A: The most common IEP and 504 accommodations can be applied to our new learning plan (i.e. extended time, assignments read, etc.). Case providers and service providers will be in contact to discuss contingency plans for more specific accommodations (i.e. Braille, hearing aid equipment, etc).

Athletics

Q: What is the status of winter and spring sports for the secondary schools?

A: All athletic activities have been cancelled for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year, per the Michigan High School Athletic Association. 

Q: Will parents be refunded Spring pay to participate fees?

A: For athletes who participate in a Spring sport only, the district will refund the pay to participate fee. 

Q: Will there be athletic activities held during the summer months?

A: Most decisions regarding summer programs, camps and other athletic activities will be made once the Governor lifts the Stay-At-Home order, as well as the restrictions on large gatherings of people in the state.  A few school-based summer athletic camps have been cancelled.   Following that, the district will work with athletic directors and secondary administrators to guide next steps. 

Yearbooks and Personal Belongings

Q: Will there still be yearbooks and/or memory books at the schools? And if we already ordered a school yearbook, will we still receive a yearbook? 

A: Watch for communication from your school on their plan for yearbooks.

Q: Will students/parents be allowed to gather their belongings from schools and also return school items, such as library books?

A: There will be a plan created and a schedule announced for students to access their personal items, as well as return school items. This cannot occur until the governor’s Stay-At-Home order is lifted. Please watch for communication from your school on the specifics related to their plan for this process.

Q: When and how will Chromebooks distributed by LPS be returned to the school?

A: There will be a plan created and a schedule announced for students to return borrowed Chromebooks at the end of the school year. 

Q: How is musical instrument rental being handled? 

A: Any musical instrument rentals are contracts between individual families and the music store. Families will need to contact the source of the rental for details. 

Refunds for 2019-2020

Q: Will I get a refund from my daycare, preschool, and/or SACC payment?

A:  The district is working on issuing refunds for March 13-31. Fees for April 1 and beyond were not invoiced and will not be invoiced until programs resume.

Q: Will parents be refunded for field trips paid for prior to the closing?

A: Any payments made directly to Livonia Public Schools for field trips not taken as a result of the closure will be refunded by the district. Refunds for payments made by parents to outside organizations will need to be arranged between the parent and the organization.

Q: Will parents be refunded Spring pay to participate fees?

A: For athletes who participate in a Spring sport only, the district will refund the pay to participate fee. 

Lunch/Breakfast Programs

Q: Will the meal program continue?

A: We will continue to provide lunch and breakfasts to families on Tuesdays from 11 AM - 1 PM (or until meal supplies are depleted for that day). More information on the meal distribution can be found by CLICKING HERE.  The meal distribution flyer is on this page on the LPS website.

Summer 2020

Q: Is summer SACC (School-Aged Childcare) cancelled? 

A: At this time, we do not know when the governor’s Stay-At-Home order will be lifted and what that transition will entail. We currently have a plan for Summer SACC and will adjust that plan, based on the guidance from the State.  If we are able to move forward with opening Summer SACC, a registration period will be announced to our families.

Q: Will Jackson Center Childcare be open this summer?

A: At this time, we do not know when the governor’s Stay-At-Home order will be lifted and what that transition will entail. We currently do not know whether it will be safe to open the childcare center and will adjust our plans, based on the guidance from the State.

Q: Does this mean summer educational programs are cancelled? 

A: At this time, we do not know when the governor’s Stay-At-Home order will be lifted and what that transition will entail. We currently do not know whether it will be advisable to open our Summer Camps for Elementary students. Our secondary summer schools are primarily on-line credit recovery courses and it is likely that those may be able to continue, in order to provide students those opportunities this summer.  We will make a determination on these classes in the coming weeks.  

Registration and School of Choice

Q: How will I register my kindergarten student for next year?

A: The district is currently creating an electronic registration process to facilitate this for our families. Details are being finalized and will be posted on the LPS website front page and will be updated on this FAQ. Once that is available, we encourage families to move forward with registration so that we may plan accordingly for school staffing.  

Q: How will I register my Young 5’s student for next year?

A: The district is currently creating an electronic registration process to facilitate this for our families. Details are being finalized and will be posted on the LPS website front page and will be updated on this FAQ. Once that is available, we encourage families to move forward with registration so that we may plan accordingly for school staffing. 

Q: We are new to Livonia Public Schools, how do I register my student for the 2020-2021 school year? 

A: The district is currently creating an electronic registration process to facilitate this for families. Details are being finalized and will be posted on the LPS website front page and will be updated on this FAQ.  Once that is available, we encourage families to move forward with registration so that we may plan accordingly for school staffing.  

Q: How do I apply for the Limited Schools of Choice program for out-of-district students? 

A: The 105c Limited Schools of Choice program application window has been adjusted to April 13 - April 30 and the district is finalizing an electronic application process. Details will be posted to the LPS website front page. The lottery will be held May 8 and notification to families will occur by May 12. 

Q: How do we apply for Niji-Iro Japanese Dual Immersion Elementary School for next school year? 

A: The registration window for Niji-Iro will be open April 20 through May 15. A lottery will be held on May 20 and parents will be notified by May 22.  

Other questions

Q: Are the school tracks, bleachers and playground equipment open during the closure? 

A:  No. For the safety and well-being of all, our school properties – including the tracks, bleachers, basketball courts, and all equipment – are closed during the duration of the governor’s Stay-At-Home order. We ask that everyone please abide by this closure until we can reopen our properties when the governor lifts the order. 

Q: I’m not certain how to access Parent Connect. 

A: There is a Parent Connect link on every school website, under Quick Links, and also under the Parents tab. CLICK HERE FOR A TIP SHEET.

Contacting Your Principal

Elementary Schools

Buchanan Elementary Principal Jon Wennstrom: jwennstr@livoniapublicschools.org

Cleveland Elementary Principal Rob Witherspoon: rwithers@livoniapublicschools.org

Coolidge Elementary Principal Kristina Collyer: kcollyer@livoniapublicschools.org

Cooper Upper Elem. Principal Shalonda Owens: sowens@livoniapublicschools.org

Grant Elementary Principal Jennifer Keatts: jkeatts@livoniapublicschools.org

Hayes Elementary Principal Larry Grezak: lgrezak@livoniapublicschools.org

Hoover Elementary Principal Julie Linn: jlinn2@livoniapublicschools.org

Johnson Upper Elem. Principal Shanan Wheeler: swheeler2@livoniapublicschools.org

Kennedy Elementary Principal Danielle Daniels: ddaniels@livoniapublicschools.org

Niji-Iro Japanese Immersion Elem. Principal Lawrence Deluca: ldeluca@livoniapublicschools.org

Randolph Elementary Principal Mike Daraskavich: mdaraska@livoniapublicschools.org

Riley Upper Elem. Principal Kristyn Cousino: kcousino2@livoniapublicschools.org

Roosevelt Elementary Principal Bill Green: wgreen4@livoniapublicschools.org

Rosedale Elementary Principal Paula Kohler: pkohler@livoniapublicschools.org

Webster Elementary Principal Lora Boka: lboka@livoniapublicschools.org

Middle Schools

Emerson Middle School Principal Ann Owen: aowen@livoniapublicschools.org

Frost Middle School Principal Anthony Abbate: aabbate3@livoniapublicschools.org

Holmes Middle School Principal DeAnn Urso: durso@livoniapublicschools.org

High Schools

Churchill High School Principal Kevin Etue: ketue@livoniapublicschools.org

Franklin High School Principal Andrew Pesci: apesci@livoniapublicschools.org

Stevenson High School Principal Gary Harper: gharper@livoniapublicschools.org

LCTC Principal Joe Anderson: randerso@livoniapublicschools.org

Western Wayne Skill Center Principal Patrick Mies: pmies@livoniapublicschools.org

Jackson Center Early Childhood Center 

Principal Carol Carignan: ccarigna@livoniapublicschools.org

As we continue to gather more information and have additional answers to these and other questions, we will update this FAQ and send it out to all LPS families and staff.  Thank you for your continued patience and partnership as we navigate this journey together. 

Social Emotional Support Hotline

During these unprecedented times, we understand that some of our students may be experiencing anxiety, depression and other mental health issues over the extended school closure.  We want to support you. If your student is struggling with mental health issues, and would like a contact from a mental health provider from LPS, please use our Social Emotional Support Hotline. If your student is experiencing significant difficulties and has expressed suicidal ideation, please call 911.

Livonia Public Schools Social Emotional Support (SES) Hotline

Parents, Guardians & Students can contact:

• Call (734) 744-2737  or (734) 744-2SES
• Email ses@livoniapublicschools.org

Governor Gretchen Whitmer's executive order to close all K-12 schools for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year can be accessed via the following link: 

https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/MIEOG/2020/04/02/file_attachments/1417518/EO%202020-35.pdf

Good Afternoon LPS Community,

I wanted to touch base with you following the Governor's announcement today of her executive order, closing schools through the remainder of the school year.  

Please be assured that we will be getting out additional communication to you in the next few days, once we have had an opportunity to thoroughly review the comprehensive executive order.  Tomorrow, you will receive an update from the district and on Monday, we will send out an initial Frequently Asked Questions, to begin addressing the many questions that we anticipate you may have. While we may not be able to answer them all, we will certainly be able to answer many for you. Of course, we will continue to update the FAQ as we move forward.  Remember, the district posts all communications and resources on the special webpage on our site: www.livoniapublicschools.org/covid19.

I want to acknowledge the sense of loss that I know this causes, as you think about the school year being cut short. We think about the Class of 2020 and all that they had planned to do and celebrate. Our teachers, staff and administrators certainly share in that sense of loss. But, we will keep caring and keep connecting as we move through this next phase of this public health crisis.

Take care, stay positive and keep yourself healthy!

Andrea L. Oquist
Superintendent, Livonia Public Schools

Good Afternoon LPS Community,

As we continue to share information with you, during this unprecedented time, we realize that many are hearing early reports out of Lansing that the remainder of the school year may be in question. Please know that we are closely monitoring the updates from our state officials and we are preparing to communicate directly with you, in the event that an announcement is made by the governor in the coming days.

In the meantime, we thought we would share a Facebook post from the district yesterday evening, just so those who are not on social media may also see our message.

"Good evening LPS Community. We hope you all are doing well, staying home and keeping safe.

We wanted to acknowledge the potential announcement from the governor that is expected later this week, regarding the remainder of the school year. We are awaiting word, just like you, and we plan to communicate with you, following the governor's message.

We are in this together and we appreciate that, side by side, we will navigate this unprecedented time as a strong LPS family. In the meantime, let's each do our part to stay safe and take this one step at a time.

Thinking of and missing you all!"

Communicating with our families, students and staff remains a priority throughout this health crisis and we have appreciated all of the positive feedback from you. Our staff and administration are continuing to reach out to connect with our students & families and we will continue to do our very best in this regard. We know you will have many wonderings in the days ahead, and are committed to being as communicative as possible regarding those questions. We are in this together. 

Wishing each and every family in our LPS family the very best during this difficult time. Let's continue to do our part to keep one another safe, by staying home and taking all of the recommended precautions. We are a strong community and we will get through this, together!

Please continue to watch your email inbox for further updates from the district.

Take care and stay well.

Andrea Oquist 

Frequently Asked Questions

              COVID-19 State-Mandated K-12 Closure

Updated March 26, 2020

Updated March 23, 2020

With the governor’s “stay at home” executive order, will the LPS Curbside Meal Program continue?

Yes, at this time, the district plans to continue this important service for families. Following the guidance of Wayne RESA, via the governor’s office, the food program will continue and all safety precautions will be taken. If this changes, we will notify families via email and social media.  For Curbside Meal Pick-Up information, please click on FLYER HERE. 

When will students return to school?

Based on the Governor’s update today (3/23), she announced that schools would be closed until April 13, 2020.  This coincides with the return from our scheduled spring break recess.  If we receive any further updates, we will of course share them with our families. 

Will standardized tests such as the M-STEP and PSAT/SAT tests be held as originally scheduled?

No. The Michigan Department of Education has cancelled all standardized testing that was to occur this spring.

My child is enrolled in AP courses in high school. What will happen with the previously scheduled AP exams?

The College Board has recently communicated to districts on this issue.  Your child’s AP teacher will be contacting students directly with an update and further information. 

My child is enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Program at Franklin.  Will he/she still be taking the IB exams?

We received an update from the IB Director General on March 22, 2020.  Mrs. Weber and Mr. Pesci will be communicating directly with our IB students.  

My child has enjoyed working with the academic enrichment resources provided by the district, but are there any plans to move forward with something that is more structured?

Yes. Your student’s teacher(s) will be reaching out this week to “check in”, as well as to update them on information that will be coming to them each week, with additional academic guidance. 

While there is no way to replace the meaningful teaching and learning that goes on in person between students and teachers, we are hopeful that the information you will be receiving each week from your child’s teacher(s) will help provide some additional structure and guidance to their days.  The lessons and activities for our students that you will receive are intended to be reinforcement of prior learning and a deepening of understanding of content that has been covered this year.  Please look for this to come from your child’s school and/or teacher(s) later this week.   

Additionally, the parent letter which was emailed on March 23 explained this next phase of academic support in more detail. 

Prior FAQ below are from March 13, 2020 Please note, some information has changed and is addressed above.

What is the exact time frame for the state-mandated closure?

Governor Whitmer ordered all schools close starting Monday, March 16 through Sunday, April 5. Reopening on Monday, April 6. 

LPS spring break is scheduled for April 6-10, will the district close during that week as well? 

This is a question that is still being addressed. The governor urged districts to move their spring breaks to fit within the mandated closure window, and we are gathering more clarification on this. We realize that many parents, students and staff have made significant financial investments in their spring break travel plans. We also understand the state has requirements of our schools, thus we want to seek a clear understanding before finalizing the return date to school.  We will update you as soon as possible. 

Will we have an extended school year, due to the closure? 

We are not anticipating this, however, that could change with many factors being out of the district’s control during this unprecedented time. 

Are all school buildings closed for all activities and events?

Yes. This includes off-site sports practices, outside facility rentals and all school-based activities and events. No exceptions. The MHSAA has outlined clear guidelines for all student athletic activities.   

What about the larger events such as prom and graduation that are planned for later this spring? 

We know that these are very special events for our students.  Therefore, we do not want to make a premature cancellation without more definitive information.  We will have to wait and see how long the mandated closure will last and then go from there.   

What if my child needs to pick up personal items from the school? 

We realize that the closure did not allow our students and staff the opportunity to gather their personal belongings. We will have one open time frame during which students and parents may briefly stop by the schools to collect items they may need. This includes student medications (to be picked up only by parents/guardians).  

The open hours will be from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Monday, March 16. Please use the front vestibule entrance only.  After that time, we will not be allowing entrance into the schools, due to the ongoing deep cleaning that will be taking place.  We are seeking to keep the schools as disinfected and sanitized as possible for student and staff return.   If there is a hardship in accessing needed medications, please notify your student’s principal via email. If you have duplicate medications at home, please consider leaving the medications at the school for use upon student return.  

Will my child be expected to do online learning or classroom homework during the closure? 

In keeping with federal equal access laws, the district will not be requiring online academic instruction. The Michigan Department of Education has been clear in their guidelines related to equal access for all students, and it is our intention to follow these guidelines carefully.

We will, however, provide families with a number of resource and enrichment resources that students may access and utilize during the closure, in order to stay engaged and active.  Please look for this information to come to you on Monday, as we are finalizing the information for each grade level band.  See below for computer access.  

Optional printed resources for students accessing the Essential Elements curriculum are available at the schools. These are enrichment resources and are optional. The resources will be organized by grade level bands and content areas. 

What if my child does not have a computer at home? 

If your child is in need of a device to utilize at home, Chromebooks will be available for check-out on Monday, March 16 during the item pick-up hours of 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. at your child’s school.  Please be aware that the Chromebooks will not function as video game devices and student log-in credentials will be required, just as they are during normal school days.   We will ask them to check out the Chromebook and power cord, then return upon arrival to school.  

How can I keep my child on track, academically, during this closure? 

Read. Read. Read. Additionally, we are assembling a list of optional educational resources for parents and students to access reading and enrichment materials from various online sources. We encourage our students to read books that they may have on hand at home and utilize the online sources to keep their reading skills sharp while we are away from school. Encourage your students to journal or write short stories -- these can be fun ways to pass the afternoons. Research STEM activities to explore and be sure to log into the sites we will provide for you.  Watch for a list of resources early next week. 

I know that many LPS families depend on school meals being provided for their children during the school day.  Is there a plan for providing food during the closure? 

Yes, this is an important resource we want to provide to our families and are currently working hard to coordinate this process.  We are working on a plan to be able to provide food for families who currently receive free or reduced-price meals and will send further communication once the details are firm.  Please look for this early next week.  

I have my children enrolled in School Aged Child Care (SACC) for before and after school care. Now, I am now facing additional childcare expenses during the closure. Is the district considering offering relief for families who have pre-paid their SACC tuition? 

Yes. We are cognizant that childcare costs could be a factor for many of our families. SACC parents will be updated on the specific plans in the near future, but be assured that you will not be charged SACC fees during the closure. We want to do what we can to alleviate this burden for our families.  

Aren’t we supposed to receive our elementary student report cards soon?

Yes. However, they will be a bit delayed and will be available for view on Parent Connect on Wednesday, March 25. We will not be printing and mailing the reports for this marking period. We realize this is a change for elementary parents. You should have your Parent Connect log-in information saved from the beginning of the school year when you checked your students’ classroom teacher assignments. 

I’m not certain how to access Parent Connect. 

There is a Parent Connect link on every school website, under Quick Links, and also under the Parents tab. We have attached a PC tip sheet to this email. 

What if we are expecting special education progress reports? 

Reports will be emailed to parents the morning of March 25 by the case provider. 

We want to help.  What can my child or I do for our school community during the closure? 

Remain engaged by frequently checking your email inbox. Check out the various donation opportunities that are posted on Facebook. Some great ideas are starting to come together to assist families in need during this crisis. We have noticed babysitting provider lists of high school students who are willing to help working parents; food drop-off information; resources and more. Throughout the day today we were touched by the kindness of so many in our community looking to assist others...our community is truly amazing!

Not surprisingly, my child seems anxious about all that is happening. What can I do to help alleviate the fears? 

This is a great question. We have attached a list of resources for parents. Please take a moment to review the information. Additional resources for general assistance can be found here Community Resources.  We have also set up a social-emotional hotline for our students and families.  Please see the email sent to parents with the phone number and email address.  

During these coming weeks, we hope you and your family remain healthy and safe.  We look forward to the return of our LPS students and staff and will keep you updated in the days ahead.  

March 23, 2020

Good Afternoon LPS Families,

It is a priority for us to keep in contact with you on essential information during this mandated school closure.  Thankfully, we have a number of venues to do this, with our e-mail “blasts” being the most common.  Please also regularly check our social media, both Twitter @LivoniaDistrict and Facebook “Livonia Public Schools”.  Your child’s school is also a very important source of information, so be sure to look for their regular updates as well.  

First, we want you to know that our focus and decisions continue to be on how to best serve our students, staff and school community while we are not in session.  The well being of all of our LPS family is paramount, and we are so grateful for each and every staff and community member who has joined us in the effort to take care of one another! 

Academic Support for Students

Today, we are pleased to share with you information about the next phase of academic support for our LPS learners.  As you know, one week ago we shared with you a specially designed resource site for LPS families that included information for our learners at every level, Pre K through post secondary.  We continue to add to those sites so that they are a rich resource for our students during this time of mandated school closure.  https://www.livoniapublicschools.org/domain/3007

Now, we are moving into the next phase of academic learning support.  First, you will be receiving a contact from your child’s teacher and/or additional providers, with an initial “check in” with them.  Positive relationships are foundational to the work that we do each day in our classrooms, and we are seeking ways to continue to stay connected as a school community.  

Next, while there is no way to replace the meaningful teaching and learning that goes on in person between students and teachers, we are hopeful that the information you will be receiving each week from your child’s teacher(s) will help provide some additional structure and guidance to their days.  The lessons and activities for our students that you will receive are intended to be reinforcement of prior learning and a deepening of understanding of content that has been covered this year.  Please look for this to come from your child’s school and/or teacher(s) later this week.   

Social-Emotional Support for Students

During these unprecedented times, we understand that some of our students may be experiencing anxiety, depression and other mental health issues over the extended school closure.  We want to support you. If your student is struggling with mental health issues, and would like a contact from a mental health provider from LPS, please use our Social Emotional Support Hotline. If your student is experiencing significant difficulties and has expressed suicidal ideation, please call 911.

Livonia Public Schools Social Emotional Support (SES) Hotline.  Parents, Guardians & Students can contact:

• Call (734) 744-2737  or (734) 744-2SES
• Email ses@livoniapublicschools.org

Meal Support for Students

Our next food distribution will be tomorrow, March 24th, at each of our high schools from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.  This distribution will include 5 breakfast and 5 lunch meals per student, along with milk.  The locations are:  Churchill HS, Franklin HS and Stevenson HS.  Please see our website and social media for address information.  

Other Important Information

We have updated the FAQ that was sent to you previously, based on current guidance from the MDE, the Secretary of Education and the Governor’s office.  This should be a helpful resource in answering some of the questions you may have.  You will find it attached.  

Thank you for all of the ways you continue to partner with us, LPS families!

With our best regards,

Andrea Oquist 

Superintendent

March 16, 2020

Good Afternoon LPS Community,

Our goal is to keep you informed and updated throughout this time.  Our LPS family is a strong one, and we know that there is nothing we cannot tackle together!  Today, the focus of our communication is to provide helpful information related to supports available for your child/ren and family, as well as important calendar updates. Many thanks to each and every LPS staff member who has contributed to pulling together these resources for our families!

We know that our families are anxious to receive answers to several outstanding questions. We are trying our very best to provide answers, but there are a few questions that we cannot answer definitively at this time, due to the ever-changing nature of this situation. However, we do have a good deal to share with you today.  

Specifically, we are highlighting the following:

• Food service support for our families via Curbside Meal Delivery at each of our high schools  

• An LPS Social Emotional Support hotline that families can access if their child(ren) or family are in need of social/emotional support 

• LPS Academic Support Resources & Enrichment site for at-home use

• Calendar Updates

Thank you for your review of this important information. 

LPS Curbside Food Program

We are happy to announce that we will hold a Curbside Food Program, beginning this Wednesday, March 18. We will provide five breakfasts and five lunches per student, weekly. The program will run on Wednesday, March 18, then on every subsequent Tuesday during the closure. There are no income requirements and the program is completely free to all students ages 18 and under, as well as our students ages 18-26 who are serviced with an IEP. Please see attached flyer for all of the details. We look forward to supporting our families with this resource.

Enrichment Learning Resources

Our Curriculum Department, guided by our Chief Academic Officer and the directors of Student Services, Elementary Programs and Secondary Programs, along with teaching staff from across the district, have compiled a grade level list of educational enrichment online resources to keep our students’ minds engaged and their bodies healthy throughout the school closure. 

Importantly, we know that every child’s situation for at-home learning will look different, and their needs vary across a continuum. These resources are not intended to serve as curriculum instruction or replace the learning that can take place in a classroom with one of our dedicated staff members. They are, instead, well-vetted resources that can be utilized to support learners and keep them academically engaged.   

We have created a webpage dedicated to all of the COVID-19 information and communications from the district and we will post the learning resources there as well as to the latter portion of this communication. 

Please visit www.livoniapublicschools.org and click on the COVID-19 Updates page to access the list of resources.

Social Emotional Support Hotline

During these unprecedented times, we understand that some of our students may be experiencing anxiety, depression and other mental health issues over the extended school closure.  We want to support you. If your student is struggling with mental health issues, and would like a contact from a mental health provider from LPS, please use our Social Emotional Support Hotline. If your student is experiencing significant difficulties and has expressed suicidal ideation, please call 911.

Livonia Public Schools Social Emotional Support (SES) Hotline

Parents, Guardians & Students can contact:

• Call (734) 744-2737  or (734) 744-2SES
• Email ses@livoniapublicschools.org

Opportunity to Donate

We have received many requests from parents, staff and community members who would like to help families who may be struggling, financially, during this time. Please know that the district is able to provide the resources committed to our families; however, this is an option for families who have asked for a way to help their fellow LPS families.  

Therefore, in response to that request, we have set up a donation link on PaySchools for those who wish to contribute funds. The funds will be used to supplement the food resources that the district is already providing to students. 

To donate, click on the PaySchools LINK HERE.   

Thanks to everyone who is actively seeking ways to help our LPS families. We know that we truly are Better Together!

Calendar Items: Events/Activities/Registration Dates

We know that our students are eagerly awaiting decisions related to special events in their lives such as prom, school concerts and performances, athletic and extra-curricular activities, field trips, etc.  First and foremost, we absolutely understand this and empathize with our students ~ especially our seniors ~ who have been looking forward to many of these events for weeks, if not years.  Please know that we do not want to make premature cancellations of anything beyond the mandated closure timeline.  These decisions are high on our radar, and will be made as responsibly as possible, while we follow the developments of state and federal mandates.  

Changes to school-based and program-based events and registration deadlines will be communicated by the school and/or program coordinators. All registration dates (ie: Young 5’s, SACC, etc…) that fall within the window of March 16 - April 13 are cancelled, and will be rescheduled once school is reopened. Please watch your email for updates regarding specific events, activities and registration dates.

Governor Whitmer has mandated school closure from March 16, 2020 - April 5, 2020.  Our spring break will take place as scheduled from April 6 - April 10, 2020, with our students and staff returning on April 13, 2020.  

Online Resource Links 

The following resources are also posted on the LPS website, under the special section called COVID-19 Update.

Preschool and Young 5's

Elementary

Upper Elementary

Middle School 

High School 

Post Secondary 

Sending the very best to our LPS students, staff and families, be well!

Andrea Oquist

Superintendent