March 21, 2020
Dear Non-public School Administrators,

Yesterday the Michigan Association of Non-public Schools issued a press release in response to the memorandum issued by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) regarding instructional hours. You may find a copy of the press release on our website by clicking here. The MANS staff is continuing to collect and share resources on our website and through social media. We are currently working remotely and are available by email or phone if you have any questions. Our contact information can be found here. Please stay safe and well.

Sincerely,
Brian Broderick
Executive Director
Michigan Nonpublic Schools Proceeding with Virtual Learning During the Unprecedented COVID 19 Health Crisis
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) memorandum issued March 20, 2020 indicating online instruction will not count toward instructional hours for public schools is only applicable to Michigan public schools. The great majority of members of the Michigan Association of Nonpublic Schools are utilizing virtual learning and counting it toward instructional time for their students. 
 
Administrators and teachers across the state in MANS member schools have been working diligently and tirelessly this week to prepare and implement distance learning plans for students. MANS Board member and Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Detroit Kevin Kijewski stated, “We believe that it is in our students' best interest to continue learning and developing skills remotely, even though they are unable to attend school in person.”
 
Lutheran school superintendent and MANS Board member Travis Grulke added, “it has been a blessing to see our schools deliver their curriculum through a variety of means these past few days. We have many dedicated educators that have adapted in tremendous ways to make sure high quality content is delivered to their students on a daily basis as learning does not stop because we are kept from meeting together in our school buildings. All the work and effort by our teachers and students will definitely count toward their instructional hours.”

MANS represents over 400 faith-based schools across the State of Michigan, including Catholic schools within the seven dioceses of Michigan, the Michigan District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod Schools, Michigan Region of Christian Schools International, and the Association of Christian Schools International. 
[517.372.9315]  [ mans@m-a-n-s.org ]  [ www.m-a-n-s.org ]