BHAS Online Learning Plan Approved, Plans Being Made For Virtual Graduation

bentonharborhighschool-70
bentonharborhighschool-70

Leaders at Benton Harbor Area Schools have a plan if the next academic year is canceled due to COVID-19. During a Tuesday meeting of the board of education, Superintendent Andrae Townsel said the district’s online learning plan has been approved by Berrien RESA and the Michigan Department of Education.

“In the event that we don’t start school traditionally, in person education in the fall, we do have a contingency plan,” Townsel said. “We’re ready to roll which ever way the pendulum swings.”

Townsel said the district website now has a hub for online learned based on grade level. Parents and their students can go there to find virtual lessons. Townsel also said this year’s high school graduation will be online.

“If people are not gathering at baseball stadiums, I don’t want to risk our football stadium or basketball stadium bringing a lot of people in. We want to ensure that we’re following the leadership of our governor and being not only compliant but responsible. But the team is working on putting together a phenomenal online experience.”

Townsel said he’d love to have a normal graduation ceremony, but he doesn’t see how that will be feasible given the current circumstances.