Weekly Update
May 8, 2020
MANS Services Survey
If you have not already responded, please take a moment to help MANS understand your current and future needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic and into the future.

Faith Filled Schools
This week is Teacher Appreciation Week and students at St. Augustine Cathedral School in Kalamazoo wanted to show their teacher just how much she means to them! Take a look how these students celebrated their teacher at a safe distance.

COVID-19 Updates
Frequently Asked Questions
MANS is compiling questions and answers on COVID-19 inquiries. The FAQ page will be continually updated as guidance is received.

U.S. Department of Education released Providing Equitable Services to Students and Teachers in Non-Public Schools under the CARES Act Programs
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) established the Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) providing funding to schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are two funding sources relevant to non-public schools: the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) fund and the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund. Both require equitable services to non-public schools. The Office of Non-public Education released a Frequently Asked Questions document, answering questions on how funding will be provided to non-public schools. Funding will be allocated to nonpublic schools on a proportionate basis meaning that nonpublic schools will be able to access funding based on the percentage of nonpublic school students in a particular school district.

There are twelve allowable uses for the ESSER funding. Your request must fall within one of the twelve eligible uses.  Click here to review the allowable expenses and click here to view your LEA's allocation. Consultations with your LEA regarding your needs should begin now.

The May Council for American Private Education (CAPE) Outlook provides a good summary of the CARES Act guidance for equitable service to non-public schools.

Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund – Formula Grant Application and Information
Last week, MDE announced the local school district allocations for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund. Eligible districts will be able to apply for these funds starting today. School district authorized officials will initiate and submit the application in the Michigan Electronic Grants System Plus (MEGS+).

Distribution of Educational Materials 
MDE, MDHHS and the Michigan Association of School Nurses jointly developed the document, Distributing Paper-based Packets and Other Materials During the COVID-19 Health Crisis.

Distance Learning Support and Professional Learning
MANS Virtual Law Seminar - June 25, 2020 - 9:00 a.m.
Save-the-date for the Michigan Association of Non-public Schools (MANS) first ever Virtual School Law Seminar. This live, online seminar will provide a legal overview on important COVID-19 topics impacting non-public schools including:
  • COVID 19 Employment Issues 
  • Remote Learning Issues
  • School policies in response to COVID 19 

The $40 registration fee includes three SCECHs for those interested. The seminar will also be recorded and sent to registrants following the event.
Distance Learning State Continuing Education Clock Hours
State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) are still available for administrators and educators to earn up to 25 SCECHs in recognition of the time educators needed to prepare for distance learning. This is a one-time opportunity and is limited to activities conducted as the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated physical school closings. Please send Shelley Long the needed paperwork no later than June 30, 2020.

National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) Virtual Budget and Finance Workshop
May 20-22, 2020
Join NCEA for three sessions tailor-made to help you fully assess your school’s current financial reality, envision targets for vision/mission/strategy over the next 12 months, and prepare a budget to address your school’s operational vitality. Each session will provide opportunities for problem-solving, expert guidance on critical financial planning issues, and solid support to school leaders to increase confidence during this uncertain time.

Michigan Virtual Mental Health and SEL Resources
Michigan Virtual is providing students, teachers and families with FREE access to their Michigan Cares Portal. This online platform houses hundreds of lessons designed to help children develop the skills required for social, emotional, and mental well-being.

NWEA COVID-19 Closures and Learning Loss Webinar
NWEA recently hosted a webinar to discuss the COVID-19 school closure and what summer learning loss research may be able to give insight on what missing months of school may mean for student achievement.

FACTS Education Solutions Webcasts
FACTS Education Solutions has hosted a number of webinars regarding distance learning. They have recorded them and can be found at the link below.

MANS and MESC Updates
Learning Forward Cohort and Standards Assessment Inventory
The Michigan Equitable Service Collaborative (MESC) is excited to partner with Learning Forward to offer Michigan non-public schools the opportunity to participate in both the Standards Assessments Inventory and the Learning Leaders Cohort. These two opportunities will allow leaders to have an in-depth look at the professional learning occurring in their buildings and how they align with the Learning Forward Professional Learning Standards.

One Michigan One Mission Conference - October 15-16, 2020
Come October, we will be ready to come together as Christian educators and church workers to celebrate the work of the Lord. Make sure to mark your calendars for October 15-16, 2020 for the One Michigan One Mission Conference in Lansing, Michigan. Visit the MANS website for more information regarding lodging and Keynote Presenters.

Non-public School Partner Update
Christian School Management: Philanthropy Retreat
August 11-14, 2020 - Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids Christian invites Development Director/Principal/Fund-raising Professional/Board Volunteer for a Christian Schools Management philanthropy retreat in Grand Rapids.

MASSP Teacher+
The Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) has launched the Teacher+ program which is available to all Michigan teachers through Michigan Virtual. The modules build upon the educators’ core knowledge in key areas, including classroom environment and culture, student engagement, lesson design, assessment, culturally responsive teaching and professional collaboration and evidence-based decision making.

Student Engagement Opportunities
The Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools (MANS) and Michigan District-LCMS are proud to sponsor ArtPraise: A Faith-Based Student Art Competition taking place October 15-16, 2020 at the ONE Michigan ONE Mission Conference. Students who are ages Pre-K – Grade 12 currently attending a MANS member school are invited to create an original piece of art in any medium reflecting this year’s theme “One community in Christ.” Conference participants will vote for their favorite art submission Thursday and prizes for the top three winners will be awarded Friday.

This Newsletter Is Brought To You By:
[517.372.9315]  [ mans@m-a-n-s.org ]  [ www.m-a-n-s.org ]