COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

What do I do if I or a family member is sick?

According to the CDC, you need to call your doctor: If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider immediately. Follow the steps in this link: If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow the steps below to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html

For additional questions on monitoring your health, contact your local public health officials (Michigan: 1-517-335-9030)

*Updated 3/13/2020

Are there any restrictions on personal travel?

CDC is releasing new information daily. As of 3/13/2020, the CDC has indicated travelers returning from (SEE BELOW) specified countries must stay home for 14 days after returning from travel, monitor their health, and practice social distancing. It is recommended staff and students utilize the free virtual COVID-19 screening through your healthcare provider, if you have any concerns you may need to self-quarantine. Please see the CDC travel health notices for an updated list of travel restrictions and guidelines.

*Updated 3/13/2020

Continued Learning & Meals

Is there a way my child can continue learning?

Yes, it is the expectation is that all schools work to encourage students to continue their students’ learning at home during the School Closure Order Period. Every Choice school is offering parents and students the opportunity to continue the learning process at home. Please visit your school's website or Facebook page for more information. Your child's teacher will be directly in touch with you.

*Updated 3/13/2020

Where do I find information about food for my child?

Every school that provides lunch regularly will be providing breakfast and lunch to your students via a pick-up or delivery process. Your school will have their information listed on their Facebook page and website, as well as contact parents via email, School Messager, Class Dojo, or phone. If you have questions, please send your school leader an email or send your school's Facebook page a message.

*Updated 3/19/2020

Will anyone be at the school building in case I need to drop off enrollment paperwork or pick up something from my student’s locker?

Choice Schools Staff

Since my school building is closed and I am required to stay home, will I get paid?

All employees are expected to participate in the approved Continuity of Learning Plan and may be asked by the school leader to work in a role different than what was in their original offer of at-will employment for the 2019-2020 school year. School leaders will take each employee's strengths and growth plans into consideration when making these assignments and will communicate them clearly in writing to each hourly employee assigned to a different role than what was stated in their offer of at-will employment.

Employees assigned to the Academy in the board-approved budget will be paid as outlined in their signed offer of at-will employment for the 2019-2020 school year. The offers of at-will employment for the 2019-2020 school year have not been amended due to circumstances surrounding COVID-19. If the school's spring break falls during the closure, hourly staff will be paid and will not have to use Paid Time Off (PTO). Teachers are required to provide their students with learning opportunities as outlined in the approved Continuity of Learning Plan and in accordance with the expectations of the school leader.

At a minimum, hourly staff will be paid based on the average number of hours worked during a normal week. The average hours of a normal week will not include overtime. If the school leader asks an hourly employee in writing and in advance to work beyond the average number of hours of a normal week, the hourly employee will be paid for those leader approved hours. Hourly employees will be asked by the school leader to help with tasks to assist with the continuity of learning plans.

*Updated as of 4.8.2020

Do I still need to go into the building?

What if I want to come in to grab some things and get some work done?

What if I’m still planning to travel for spring break?

Any staff member choosing to carry out their spring break plans must follow the CDC guidelines. Depending on your recent travel history, you will be asked to stay home for a period of 14 days from the time you left an area with widespread or ongoing community spread. Anyone going on a cruise will automatically be required to stay home for a period of 14 days from the time you left the cruise ship.

*Updated 3/13/2020

What if we know a student’s family is traveling for spring break and they ask us about returning to school?

Are there any restrictions on personal travel?

The CDC has indicated travelers returning from (SEE BELOW) specified countries must stay home for 14 days after returning from travel, monitor their health, and practice social distancing. It is recommended staff and students utilize the free virtual COVID-19 screening through your healthcare provider, if you have any concerns you may need to self-quarantine. Please see the CDC travel health notices for an updated list of travel restrictions and guidelines.
Austria
Belgium
China
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Iran
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland

*Updated 3/13/2020

Monaco
San Marino
Vatican City

What will happen to my benefits in the event my accruals, paid leave, and/or FMLA leave run out before I am able to return to work?

It is unlikely that paid salary continuation/sick/short-term disability leave benefits would run out due to illness from the COVID-19 virus. If teachers and staff are unable to return to work due to illness and have exhausted their sick leave or salary continuation, and FMLA leave (if applicable) they may request to be placed on an unpaid leave of absence. Faculty and staff may continue benefit coverage during an unpaid leave of absence by making premium payments.

*Updated 3/13/2020

How can my students contact me?

You can set up a Google Hangout for parents and students. Set up a scheduled Hangout and then you can contact them from there. You can make calls from Hangouts to most places, but there is no return number for people to call you back on.

To receive phone calls, text messages, and voicemails in Hangouts, you need to set up Google Voice phone number (which you would have to pay for).

*Updated 3/13/2020

Can I work with students in small groups at the school? Example: Less than 5 students with a teacher?

Is preschool (GSRP and tuition-based) closed, too?

Where do I go if I need more help about the disease?

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced the launch of a statewide hotline to respond to health-related questions about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) starting tomorrow, March 14, at 9 a.m.

Public health and other experts will answer health-related questions about COVID-19. The team can also direct residents, providers and more to the right resources in their local communities and in other state government departments.

The hotline will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1-888-535-6136.

School Operations

What about M-STEP testing during the closure period?

According to the Michigan Council of Charter School Authorizers, The Michigan Department of Education (“MDE”) is working with its vendors to plan for a variety of scenarios (see MDE’s March 13 memorandum for more information). It is our understanding that additional information will be provided by MDE regarding whether testing windows will be extended or changed.

The United States Department of Education (“USDOE”) issued a fact sheet on March 12 that included this topic and we are waiting for MDE to provide additional state-specific guidance.

What happens to attendance accounting during the closure period?

According to the Michigan Council of Charter School Authorizers, at this time, we have no additional information from MDE on whether the hour, instruction day and percentage of students in daily attendance requirements will be amended or whether an extended school year schedule will be required. Some of this may depend on whether schools resume operations on April 6th. Some of this may also depend on Legislative action. As we receive additional information from MDE, we will be certain to update it here.

Will my school continue to receive state aid during the closure period?

Do schools accept enrollment applications during the closure period?

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