Jackson Public Schools Closes All K-12 Buildings in Response to Governor’s Order

(April 2, 2020 5:21 PM) Jackson Public Schools in accordance with Executive Order 2020-35 from Governor Whitmer has closed all JPS Buildings for the remainder of the 2019/2020 school year. As per the order, JPS will continue to pay its scheduled employees through the end of the school year.

“This is a necessary step to protect our kids, our families, and our overall public health,” said Governor Whitmer. “I am working with partners across state government to ensure educators, parents, and students have the support they need during this time, and to ensure our children who rely on school for meals have access to food. I know this will be a tough time, but we’re doing this to keep the most people we can safe. I urge everyone to make smart choices during this time and to do everything they can to protect themselves and their families.”

JPS Superintendent, Jeff Beal informed its family and staff of the state-mandated closure early this afternoon via its Blackboard Mass Communication System which includes phone, text, email, JPS App, Facebook and JPS Website.

The Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators and the Michigan Council of Charter School Authorizers are currently developing a Continuity of Learning Plan template application for schools to utilize in order to create their localized plan. The application will be made available by April 3. District plans will need to detail how districts will provide opportunities for students to learn remotely and how schools will manage and monitor their progress.

“My team and I along with the other districts in Jackson and the ISD will be working on our plan to serve students with a few different forms of distance learning. The deadline for this plan is 4/28/20 although we hope to have something sooner than that. We realize that there are many questions and concerns for both parents and staff on how and what this plan will look like. I want to reassure our community that Jackson Public Schools will make distance education possible for ALL students and families.” said Jeff Beal, JPS Superintendent.

At this time JPS is encouraging families, students and staff to be patient and STAY HOME and STAY SAFE.