Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources

Why can't I still get technology for my student?

As was communicated to parents/guardians, we have limited technology available for distribution. Last week was the designated week for pick up of technology. Due to overwhelming demand last week, we extended technology distribution to included four days this week to fulfill the orders we received by the deadline of 4:30pm last Friday.

We are not taking new technology orders at this time. We are going to take the next few days to assess what, if any, additional technology we may be able to distribute. We are taking the names and contact information of individuals still needing technology and will follow up in the coming days with a response.

We encourage families to please contact their teacher and inform them if you do not have technology. The teacher will then make accommodations for packets and/or workbooks to be mailed home for class work.

I tried to call last week and couldn't get through, can I still get technology?

We appreciate you following the process and working to schedule your technology pick up during the week we designated for scheduling technology loans.

We are not taking new technology orders at this time. We are going to take the next few days to assess what, if any, additional technology we may be able to distribute. We are taking the names and contact information of individuals still needing technology and will follow up in the coming days with a response.

We encourage families to please contact their teacher and inform them if you do not have technology. The teacher will then make accommodations for packets and/or workbooks to be mailed home for class work.

Mobile Device Guidelines

I never got a letter and just heard about this last Friday but couldn't get through, can I still get technology?

As was communicated to parents/guardians, we have limited technology available for distribution. Last week was the designated week for pick up of technology. Due to overwhelming demand last week, we extended technology distribution to included four days this week to fulfill the orders we received by the deadline of 4:30pm last Friday.

We are not taking new technology orders at this time. We are going to take the next few days to assess what, if any, additional technology we may be able to distribute. We are taking the names and contact information of individuals still needing technology and will follow up in the coming days with a response.

We encourage families to please contact their teacher and inform them if you do not have technology. The teacher will then make accommodations for packets and/or workbooks to be mailed home for class work.

Mobile Device Guidelines

If it's required by law that my student participate in learning during the closure, but I don't have technology, what do I do?

What does my student do while you're evaluating whether or not you're going to give out more technology?

We encourage families to please contact their teacher and inform them if you do not have technology. The teacher will then make accommodations for packets and/or workbooks to be mailed home for class work.

Parents/guardians are also encourage to visit our Online Learning Resource page at www.GRPS.org.

Is the Distance Learning Plan mandatory for seniors?

We will use the Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) requirements to verify your status. Based on the MMC requirements, the Class of 2020 will be designated as follows:

On-Track: Students who receive an on-track designation will be considered a graduate by meeting the MMC credit requirements. On-track seniors will receive a letter stating that they have met the necessary MMC requirements and will be required to return to school on Monday, April 27. Their last official day will be Friday, May 8.

Off-Track: Students who receive an off-track designation have not yet met the MMC credit requirements. Off-track seniors will be required to complete the necessary MMC credits through our Distance Learning Plan. School will restart on April 27, 2020. These students will have until May 29 to complete their requirements. Additionally, summer school will be offered for students who do not meet graduation requirements by May 29.

In accordance with section 5 of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order, the district will be awarding credit and grades for courses taken based on coursework through March 11, 2020. So those seniors who were on track with required credits and grades will be issued a diploma.

Students who were failing a course as of March 11 and were not on track to graduate will be provided opportunities through the Distance Learning Plan to demonstrate learning in the subject matter of the course and receive credit for the course.

Notifications will begin to be mailed out on Wednesday, April 22nd to all seniors.

Is the Distance Learning Plan mandatory in general?

Yes. The Governor’s executive order does not suspend the law in Michigan governing compulsory attendance that requires a parent, legal guardian, or other person having control or charge of a child age six to eighteen to send the child to school during the entire school year. This applies to the Distance Learning Plan for the remainder of the school year.

However, no student will be penalized for their inability to fully participate in distance learning due to the extenuating circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students and families should contact their teacher if they may require special accommodations to help ensure a student is able to fully participate in distance learning.

For families who have more than one student, how many devices can each family get?

Unfortunately, the district does not have enough technology available for a one-to-one device for every student. Based on the grade level of students in the household, there would be a 2:1 ratio of Chromebooks and/or iPads per eligible student (one device for every 2 children in the household based on grade level). For example, if you have 4 students in grades 2 through 12, you are eligible to receive 2 Chromebooks.

We will work with families on a case by case basis if there are extenuating circumstances that may require additional devices.

Mobile Device Guidelines

What is the end date for the Distance Learning Plan?

Will students receive their last report card? Will families receive one at the end of the Distance Learning Plan?

Will the Distance Learning Plan be graded?

Grades K-8

We anticipate all K-8 students will be promoted to the next grade level. Students will receive Credit or No Credit for assignments completed during the distance learning period. Progress reports for students with IEPs will continue.

Grades 9-12

Students will receive Credit or No Credit for assignments completed during the distance learning period. Credit or No Credit will be awarded for courses in which students are enrolled second semester. There will be no final exams. Progress reports for students with IEPs will continue.

High school students who are currently failing a subject, will they need to make this up next year? Or can they make this up this year with the DLP?

Will teachers contact families directly before the Distance Learning Plan? How are they handling this?

Teachers are expected to begin making contact with families on April 23 and/or 24 as part of the “soft launch” of our Distance Learning Plan. The purpose is to check in with students and families to see if they have the right technology, internet accessibility, to get acclimated with the new learning management system and video conferencing, and to answer preliminary questions.

For families who have moved, how are we mailing the letter for technology if it has already been sent out? What about homeless students?

Parents and guardians are required to provide schools with updated contact information. Mailings are based on the most current contact information provided by parents/guardians. In the event that there is returned mail or no response, teachers and/or other staff will use the emergency contact information to reach parents/guardians. The same is true for homeless students.

Parents/guardians that have not received communications from the district or school should contact 616 301-1111 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Do staff have access to student username and passwords in synergy?

What if families damage technology? Do they have to pay for them? How are we communicating this? Technology agreement?

Grand Rapids Public Schools purchased a warranty with each mobile device that covers repair/replacement of the device for damage caused by a manufacturer defect or device failure due to normal use. Repeated incidents of repair/replacement by students will result in disciplinary measures and possible denial of the use of the device.

Fees for damages to the device and accessories will be assessed by school or district personnel. Replacement or repair fees will be charged for equipment intentionally damaged, or damaged due to irregular or prohibited use.

The custodial parent, guardian, or adult student will be responsible for compensating the school district for any losses, costs, or damages which are not covered by the warranty, possibly including the device's full replacement cost.

Student Device Guidelines will be included during the distribution of technology and published on the district website at www.grps.org/coronavirus.

What if families miss the pick up window for technology? What is the plan?

We will handle these on a case-by-case basis. Families should contact 616-301-1111 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will make arrangements to accommodate their technology needs.

Encourage students to ready every day.

K-1 – 20 min
2-3 – 30 min
4-5 – 40 min
6-8 – 45 min to an hour

Go to www.GRPS.org and click the online learning resources.

How are we supporting students with an active IEP? What support services are in place? What about renewal of an expiring IEP?

Students with IEPs are being planned for the same as all other students. Their teachers, support staff, and related service providers will be developing (lesson) plans and schedules and working to set up time to deliver instruction in both the curriculum, and on their individual goals to the extent possible using our district learning platforms. We understand that students with IEPs who have more complex needs will take more creativity and planning; but rest assured, all students will be provided instruction under our district learning plan. Additionally, because of the unique needs of students with IEPs, we understand our obligation is not just for instruction right now; but when school resumes in the fall, we will look at our data to see if there was an educational loss due to gaps in instruction, and determine the need for compensatory education.

Students whose IEPs and 3 Year Reevaluations are due or past due will continue to receive services under their current IEP and eligibility until reviewed. We have provided resources for staff to conduct IEPs and 3 Year Reevaluations remotely. To the extent possible, these are being completed remotely. If a parent is not comfortable moving forward with a remote IEP or 3 year reevaluation, we will provide Notice and will reschedule this activity for when school resumes.

Once School Begins for our District on 4/20, all time lines resume by laws, rule, and regulation. When do “school days” start?

“School Days” began 4/20/2020 with the onset of professional development for staff. This comes from the Governor's Executive Order-35 where up to 5 professional development days were allocated for staff to count as “school days”. This means all school day timelines for students resumed 4/20/2020.

When will Hearings be scheduled; and will the person providing educational services continue with services?

Student Services resumed the Hearing Process for students on 4/27/2020. They are in the process of making contacts to schedule all the pending hearings. Most removals will be reviewed and determined time served, allowing students to resume instruction. The exception to this will be those students whose discipline was considered a Public Act. Those will be moving forward as typical. If educational services are required, and a staff member was providing them prior to the closure, services will continue. Each case will be reviewed to ensure due service was provided.

If a student was supposed to begin transition to center programming after spring break, what will that transition look like?

The decision of the team remains in effect. However, because of the Governor's Executive Order, we are continuing instruction with those who have the greatest knowledge of, and relationship with the student. This means the transition will take place at a slower more customized pace, that focuses on meeting student needs.

Most likely, it will be difficult to meet all minutes for student IEPs. Will IEPs need to be amended to reflect changes in instruction due to the Governor's Executive Order?

No. Guidance from both state and federal sources have used the language of implementation of IEPs to the extent practicable. Both have indicated amendments are not necessary. There is an expectation to document the services that are provided. This data will be considered when school resumes in the fall in determining future services for students.

Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order says that students will not be penalized for not participating in the Continuity of Learning Plan. How does this work with special education laws and guidelines?

The Governor’s Executive Order was addressing course completion for passing grades, as well as matriculation to the next grade level. Therefore, it works the same for all students, as students with disabilities may not be discriminated against based on a disabling condition. They have protections that allow them to be educated with peers. Therefore, they will be moving forward with their general education peers.

Are we expected to meet the service minutes that are in the IEP?

No. It is expected that IEPs will be implemented to the extent practicable. This takes into consideration that the change in “environment” for the student (the “E” in LRE), may result in a change of need. Therefore, teachers will reach out to families and students, determine what is practicable given their needs and learning environment, and implement their IEP based on this information.

Do we have the same service provider expectations for students younger than kindergarten age/grade?

What support services are in place for ELL and migrant students?

Any updates on graduation?

What updates do we have on summer school?

Any updates on theme school selections?

Yes, the second round of theme school selections will be going out soon.

The application for third round selections will open on May 1. Individuals who are still interested in applying may go to apply.grps.org. All applications will be processed in a timely manner. Seats are limited as most of our theme schools have waiting lists. We encourage parents/guardians to still fill out the theme school application as soon as possible.

For students who are already failing, will they still pass to the next grade? What support is there if they are automatically moved?

We understand students are at different levels during this period of time. Teachers will be working with students individually on areas they need support. Due to the COVID-19 circumstances, we anticipate students will pass to the next grade and supports will be provided in the fall.

What updates can we provide for the SWCC high school? Where will the 9th grade students go next year if the building is not ready?

In accordance with Governor Whitmer’s executive order, all construction has been halted pending further direction from the state. This may impact our ability to open the new SWCC Middle-High this fall. We are working closely with the construction management firm to assess our plans. We are also working on an alternative in the event that it will not be completed before school starts in August. We will let parents, guardians, and staff know as soon as we have new information to share.

Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Program communications for GRPS students? How and when are we communicating this piece?

On April 9, Governor Whitmer announced the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Program is available to Michigan families with students ages 5-18 who are enrolled in the Michigan Department of Education program that provides free and reduced-price school meals, according to a press release from the state.

The benefits will be distributed via an Electronic Benefits Transaction (EBT) card that will be loaded with $193.80 per eligible student per month for the months of March and April. The card will then be loaded with $182.40 per student to cover May and June.

However, families that do not currently have an EBT card will have to wait for the card to arrive in the mail. Officials say you should receive a letter in the mail with instructions on how to use the card. The cards are expected to arrive at your home by the first week of May.

For those who currently receive EBT benefits, the funds will be added to your card automatically in the next week or so, the state announced. The payments will be staggered over the course of 10 days.

Because GRPS is a universal meals district, all GRPS students are eligible for the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer Program

Does GRPS offer online adult education opportunities?

How is GRPS handling records requests?

GRPS will continue to accept requests for records and fulfill them electronically, if possible. However, requests for records that require in-person efforts, such as an in-person search, inspection, examination, verification, preparation, or production, GRPS will defer that portion or the entire request until the expiration of the Executive Order by the Governor.

How do I get a work permit, transcript, DHHS forms, or student verification?