This morning, April 15, Jeanice Swift, superintendent of the Ann Arbor Public Schools District, sent out an email saying that the hybrid return to learn for grades 4-12 has been postponed to May 3 due to the rapid and significant rise of COVID-19 cases. 

Right now there are 426.6 new cases per million in Washtenaw County, and we are in the highest risk category. 

“We will continue the spring reopening of school buildings with the caution this situation demands, implementing adjustments in the return to in-school hybrid learning timeline,” Swift said in her communication.

As of now, middle school students that chose the hybrid learning option are going to return to the building the week of May 3. Optional PSAT testing will be available for eighth graders in the week of April 26, and more information is to be given regarding testing plans. 

AAPS is offering free COVID testing for students and their families from 12 – 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 18 at Pioneer High School. 

“We will continue to hold the health and safety of our students and staff, families and community as our top priority in all the decisions we make, as we have worked to do throughout this COVID pandemic,” Swift said. “This priority of health and safety will not change.” 

The Cougar Star will continue to report on the return to learn plan as more information is released. Last updated on April 15 at 12:25 p.m.