(STURGIS) – The State of Michigan has provided all schools and districts with a Safe Return To Schools Roadmap.

Sturgis Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Art Ebert says that Roadmap includes required, strongly recommended and recommended items for safety protocols, mental and social-emotional well being, instruction and operations. The recommendations are customized based on the Michigan Safe Start Phase that we are in.

Ebert says the Sturgis School's Back To School Team, made up of staff, parents as well as Health Department guidance, is currently putting together plans that will address how the District will implement the requirements and recommendations in the over 200 areas of the Roadmap.

The plan comprehensively tackles all areas and will allow for flexibility. Ebert says for example, they know that families have varying comfort levels with sending their children to in person learning under current conditions. To account for this, Sturgis Schools will have in person learning when allowable, distance learning, and home school options for families to select from.

Ebert says the District apologizes that they are unable to share the details right now. He wants the community to know that their teams and sub-teams are hard at work. He says it's their hope to have the Sturgis Schools Back To School Plan to the public on or around July 20.