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Alcona Schools still looking after students during pandemic

ALCONA, Mich. — All K–12 students have been out of class for a week since Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered public and private schools to be closed for three weeks, but that doesn’t mean support isn’t still being offered from school administrators.

In order to keep their kids in the learning mindset, they’re doing a number of things to keep them engaged. There is online material available that students can participate in and they will be handing out paper versions on Monday. “I think it’s just important to keep students in a routine, whether or not that involves specific times isolated during the day to learn,” said Alcona Superintendent Dan O’Connor. “That’s got to be up to each family and what they’re able to do and what their schedule looks like.”

The important thing to remember is that participation is not required. However, for students who are dual enrolled, Alpena Community College is still requiring course work to be completed. Also, at this point its unclear whether or not there will be a graduation. “I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to have a graduation but I think it’s just too soon to tell. We’re just going to have to ride out the next couple of weeks here and find out what things look like from there,” said O’Connor.

Aside from academics, Alcona Schools are also still feeding their students. Their grab and go program is distributing food to students via school buses. They held one on Friday and will also have two more next week on Monday and Thursday.