Covid forces school district to extend at-home learning this week

By Charles Sercombe
Hamtramck Public School District students get one more week learning from home.
Last Thursday, Interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi released a statement to the district’s students and families saying that due to the ongoing surge of Covid cases, at-home learning will continue the week of Jan. 17-21.
“At HPS, we understand that face-to-face instruction is the strongest way for our scholars to learn. It is our hope that we can return to in-person learning soon,” Nagi said.
“However, with the continued rise of positive COVID-19 cases in our community and across Wayne County, we must make informed decisions to prioritize the well-being and health of our school community.”
For some students this week, there will be a mandatory half day of virtual learning.
On Jan. 19, it will be a half day for Hamtramck High School students.
On Jan. 20, it’s a half day for HHS and Kosciuszko Middle School students.
And then on Jan. 21, it’s another half day for HHS students.
Schools are closed today, Jan. 17, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
For those who receive free meals at school, you will still be able to get them. Distribution of food bags (four days of breakfast, four days of lunch and seven days of snacks) for the entire week will be on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at the following locations:
• HHS main entrance
• Kosciuszko, side entrance on Fleming St.
• Dickinson East Elementary School, main entrance
• Early Childhood, entrance off parking lot at Charest St.
• Holbrook elementary School, entrance off Alice St.
• Tau Beta, main entrance
This is now the third week students have been told to remain at home for virtual learning.
It is unknown when regular school will resume as the decision to remain closed is made on a week-by-week basis.
In the meantime, Nagi urges students and their families to continue taking precautions against Covid, such as wearing masks in public, practicing social distancing and get tested for Covid if you feel ill.
“Everyone plays a part in the health of our community, and ultimately, the function of our schools,” Nagi said.
Posted Jan. 17, 2022

Updated at 9 a.m. for clarity.