Guest Editorial: Return to school plans require utmost caution and detailed planning

By Jaleelah Ahmed
Superintendent, Hamtramck Public Schools
Recently, Governor Whitmer encouraged school districts across Michigan to begin offering in-person learning options. Since her announcement, many members of the HPS community have reached out with questions about what is next for our schools.
While we all are eager to return to our classrooms, it is critical that the health and safety of the HPS community remain our highest priority. We are doing all we can to return to in-person learning but are exercising the utmost caution in our plans.
Our decision to return to face-to-face learning will be driven by community health data, recommendations from the Michigan Department of Education and the Wayne County Health Department.
After reviewing COVID-19 numbers for our community, examining vaccine availability and holding conversations with our stakeholders, we have recommended that all HPS students continue with virtual learning through the month of February.
The HPS Board of Education has approved this recommendation.
We are deeply grateful for the commitment the community has shown amid this year of great uncertainty, and for all of the ways we have united to support our students, teachers and staff. We continue to be impressed with the engagement level of students and teachers — there has been so much innovative learning taking place in our classes, and we know that will continue in the new marking period.
If you are a parent or caretaker please utilize the HPS resources available to you as you continue to support your student’s learning, including our Parent Engagement Team and building administrators. They can connect you with the tools you and your student need to stay engaged and focused.
We will continue to update you as plans are created and look forward to working with you to ensure that all are comfortable with the safety measures and teaching protocols that we will have been using this school year.
Your feedback and input are also important. If you are interested in assisting with return to school plans, please join our Reconfirmation Committee. Those interested may contact Carol Paul at: cpaul@hamtramckschools.org for more information.
We will continue to update you with information as return to school plans are finalized.
Thank you for your continued patience and flexibility; the Hamtramck Public Schools staff and administration are grateful for your continued commitment to each students’ learning.
Posted Jan. 22, 2021