HANCOCK — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office on June 17 announced that Michigan schools may resume in-person learning in phase 4 of the MI Safe Start plan, with strict safety measures in place.

The statement from Whitmer’s office said that the Return to School plan will align closely with the MI Safe Start Plan. She will consider the six phases of the MI Safe Start Plan, and the Michigan Economic Recover Council’s eight regions of the state, to determine when, where, and how face-to-face instruction can resume.

Districts, students, staff, and families must be nimble and be prepared to move backwards if there is evidence of community spread of the virus, the statement cautioned.

Whitmer also announced that on June 30, she will release an executive order and a robust document called “Michigan’s Return to School Roadmap” that will provide details on what will be required, as well as what will be recommended for schools. She also highlighted the need for support and flexibility from the federal government to help ensure resources for students and educators.

Superintendent Steve Patchin said through the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the Hancock Public Schools’ educational team has found ways to satisfy the needs of the community, parents and students, along with staying within state and CDC guidelines.

“As you know, this can be a complex task,” said Patchin. “We have developed unique events like our high school graduation parade and ceremony, kindergarten parade and graduation, 5th grade procession to the middle school, complete with ice cream and rocket launch, while also keeping our library open to provide books and Chromebooks to support student learning.”

Patchin said last Friday that Whitmer has stated she is open to considering the circumstances of each region. Currently, the governor’s Return to Learning Advisory Council is working on recommendations for what reopening will look like for K-12 schools, said Patchin. They have been asked to submit their report to the Governor by June 30.

“I mention all this because there are a lot of models being thrown around about what fall face-to-face learning could look like in our schools,” Patchin said. “Some are very extreme and have caused increased anxiety for a lot of folks.”

Patchin advised caution when hearing the ideas.

“There is a lot of time between now and September.” he said. “We gain more information each day about the virus, it’s impact on our children, and progress continues worldwide to find a cure or therapy.”

State Representative Greg Markkanen, (R) Hancock, on Tuesday, announced details of the Michigan Legislature’s plan to ensure the safety of Michigan students as learning resumes in the fall, most of which sounds much like was already released by Whitmer’s office.

The Return to Learn plan, unveiled Tuesday morning during a Capitol press conference, Markkanen’s office said in a release, requires local school districts and health departments to work together to develop health and safety standards best for their individual communities.

Markkanen’s office stated in its Tuesday release that it is important for the state’s schools to be given the flexibility to make the best choices for the education of their students.

“As we move forward, what’s safe for kids in Detroit is not necessarily going to be what’s best for students in the Upper Peninsula,” Markkanen stated.

Markkanen stated that under the Legislature’s plan, schools would have the flexibility to begin instruction as quickly and safely as possible. Also under the plan, school districts could start “whenever is best for them” without obtaining a waiver to bypass Michigan’s Labor Day start requirement.