ESCANABA — The Escanaba Area School District has laid out plans for how schools will operate over the next three weeks.

On Sunday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued an order that requires remote instruction for students in grades 9-12 from Wednesday, November 18 through Tuesday, December 8. The same order also cancelled all athletics, extracurriculars, and activities for grades BK-12 during this time.

The Escanaba School Board met Monday and had a lengthy discussion about what instruction should look like in other grade levels, as well, according to Escanaba Superintendent Dr. Coby Fletcher. The board received information regarding staff perceptions and also heard several people make public comment on how the district should proceed.

The board decided:

– Grades 6-12 will be fully remote starting Wednesday, November 18 through Tuesday, December 08. Students will stream into their classes following their regular daily schedules. Friday will follow the abbreviated schedule announced earlier.

– Grades BK-5 will continue with face to face instruction with the following exceptions:

– November 23 and 24 will be fully remote for all students in grades BK-12.

– Following the suggestion of the Public health Delta and Menominee Counties, the week of November 30 through December 4 will be fully remote for all students in grades BK-12.

The Escanaba School Board will meet again on Monday, December 7 to consider current circumstances and make additional determinations on how instruction should proceed, according to Fletcher.

“As a district, we recognize this is a challenging time for students, parents, and staff. As we work through the difficulties we face, I want our community to be aware that the district is ready to support students and families in any way we can. Even when we’re remote, our teachers, counseling staff, social workers, and behavioral interventionists are present and ready to provide services and assistance to anyone who needs them. While we may experience periods without face to face instruction, we’re fortunate not to be under a stay at home order. We’ll be as proactive as we can in reaching out, but if you or anyone you know needs help, please tell us. We have people ready to assist in person, by telephone, or online,” Fletcher stated in a message to parents.

Schools will also continue to prepare and distribute meals.