The federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (CAA) was signed into law on December 27, 2020. The CAA provides appropriations for the federal government and includes COVID-19 relief funding to governors, state and local educational agencies, and institutions of higher education to address COVID-19-related expenses, via the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSA Act).

The Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS) Program was included in the CRRSA. Under the EANS Program, established as part of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER II), the U.S. Department of Education awards grants to Governors to provide services or assistance to eligible non-public schools to address the impact that the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had, and continues to have, on non-public school students and teachers in the State. Michigan’s allocation is $86,776,84.00.

MANS will monitor how the EANS program is rolled out and share the eligibility requirements when they are known.

Nonpublic schools are eligible to participate in this program that provides weekly antigen testing to teachers and school staff in order to detect the presence of the COVID virus in people who are otherwise asymptomatic. The MHSAA continues to successfully run this program for member schools participating in athletics for the past several weeks.

We have been made aware that several schools have expressed interest in this program. We want to make sure that all MANS members are aware of this program and if they are interested in participating they should review this website and the webinars that are embedded in it. 

One of the requirements to participate in the program is obtaining a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waiver. The waivers allow simple laboratory examinations and procedures that have an insignificant risk of an erroneous result to be conducted in a non-lab or medical facility. In this case, schools. These waivers cost $180.  MANS can obtain a waiver for all of its schools from LARA for just one $180 fee. MANS would submit the application including the names of schools and their address to Michigan’s Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) for expedited approval.  

The antigen testing is for school staff only due to current limitations in the number of tests available. As more and more teachers become vaccinated a school could possibly begin using the tests for students.

As we move forward MANS will work out the logistics of the test deliveries (likely at ISDs) to help streamline access to the tests for all of its schools.

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are looking forward to partnering with schools to provide vital pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits to Michigan students and help reduce food insecurities in our communities (see PDF flyer for more information).

New guidance has been issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) for schools. The state’s goal in issuing this guidance is to have all Michigan school districts both traditional public and public school academies offer an in-person learning option for students no later than March 1, and earlier if possible. This guidance will help get teachers, students, and other staff members safely back in school and engaged in learning that has been disrupted during the past ten months.

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has partnered with the College Board to present a series of webinars for districts to investigate the use of the Advanced Placement (AP) potential tool.

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is consolidating systems and logins/passwords beginning in February and throughout the calendar year 2021. The Cash Management System (CMS) and Michigan Electronics Grants System Plus (MEGS+) will be integrated into NexSys. MDE will be providing technical support to assist with this change.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development invite students to participate in either the Earth Day poster contest or the Environmental Service Award. The deadline for both contests to submit entries is February 28, 2021.

Join your colleagues virtually on March 8, 2021, from noon - 2:00 p.m. for the latest information on educational policy issues impacting non-public schools. The MANS staff will be setting up virtual appointments with your legislators on March 9-10, 2021, and will send meeting information a week prior.

This virtual workshop provides an immersive experience where teachers learn science by doing science. Participants will conduct science investigations utilizing the Van Andel Institute’s Instructional Model for Inquiry-Based Science, which integrates a process of scientific inquiry, a rich learning environment, and scientific habits of mind.

This complimentary program is brought to you by the Michigan Equitable Service Collaborative (MESC).

Michigan College Access Network (MCAN): College Readiness Curriculum with FranklinCovey Education

This webinar will discuss key skills and characteristics business leaders and universities expect of today's young adults. The FranklinCovey Education and Leader in Me curriculum is available to close the skill gap and assist students in becoming high achievers after high school. All attendees will receive a complimentary copy of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" by Sean Covey. State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) will be available.

Click Here to Register

This series of webinars will provide a financial aid overview from Michigan's postsecondary institutions and address recent changes to financial aid policies and practices. Participating colleges and universities will provide a 30-minute presentation packed with insider tips and participants will have 30 minutes to ask questions. State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) will be available.

As an educator, you know how challenging it is to attract—let alone retain—skilled teachers as you work to build and sustain a thriving school environment. It’s been proven that teachers (particularly inexperienced instructors) who work closely with instructional coaches are more likely to remain with their schools. Catapult’s high-impact coaching solutions provide educators with the tools they need to grow their skills and build capacity while applying research-based best practices to create positive outcomes in the classroom.

At a time when children’s mental health is paramount, schools now have an opportunity to utilize expanded online services and functionality building upon a free statewide social-emotional learning (SEL) program launched earlier this year. The new grant is made possible by Evolution Labs in partnership with Michigan Virtual.

It’s The Meemic Foundation’s monthly opportunity to quickly “click-in” to be considered for a valuable resource or tool that will enhance your school or classroom learning for your students! For the month of January, enter to win a VariDesk Pro Plus 30.