In the first step toward getting all Detroit students back in classrooms for in-person learning, the district announced that its learning centers would reopen on Wednesday.
At the learning centers, students struggling with online learning are invited to spend a full day of in-person learning. They'll also receive breakfast and lunch, and in some cases even get sent home with dinner.
Sakina Bolden, principal at Detroit International Academy for Young Women, said the district hopes to resume full in-person learning in mid-March.
"All of our students don't learn the same say obviously and so we're able to offer an advantage that touches all of our learning styles for all of our kids. We are excited about it, and they are excited about coming back, too," Bolden said.
She added that safety is the top priority as students ease back into classrooms.
Students will get their temperature checked at the door and signs throughout the building will remind them of what COVID symptoms feel like.
"We're just happy to have our kids back learning. They're here, they need it. It's a family so we're just happy to be back, " Bolden said.
Superintendent Nikolai Vitti announced three weeks ago the learning centers would reopen in Detroit, which shuttered classrooms in January due to spiking coronavirus cases. "Through our home visits and outreach to families and students, we know too many families and students are struggling with schools closed," Vitti said in a statement. "The challenges range from childcare for working families, access to food and the need for direct support with learning."
Vitti said the decision to return to full in-person learning will be driven by COVID-19 case data.
"The district is committed to resuming in-person learning with teachers once the city's positive infection rate is solidly below 5%," Vitti said.
Teachers who teach in-person are eligible for $750 in hazard pay, per quarter.
Per freep.com, Detroit has decided teachers must be tested for COVID-19 before returning to classrooms, but the district is not mandating vaccine. Vitti said about 60% of district employees have indicated they plan to be vaccinated when they can get it.
