LEELANAU COUNTY, Mich. , (WPBN/WGTU) -- A Leelanau County school is turning to all online learning to start off the new school year. A letter outlining the Return to Learn Plan for Leland Public School was sent out to parents on Tuesday. It comes a week after a student-athlete tested positive for the coronavirus. Caption: WPBN. The decision comes in an effort to protect students, staff and the community.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN (WPBN/WGTU) -- Northern Michigan schools will be keeping an eye on those numbers as we inch closer to the start of classes. And now, questions as to what districts will do when and if students test positive for COVID-19. This week, Public Schools of Petoskey Superintendent Chris Parker sent a letter to families, announcing the first known COVID-19 positive case in the district. "The first time you send it out you're like ‘oh okay, it's actually happening,’” Parker said.

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan schools that deem it safe to provide in-person classes during the coronavirus pandemic would have to prioritize the option for K-5 students under legislation approved by the state Senate. The bills passed Saturday would also largely base districts’ state funding on last year’s pupil count to account for enrollment uncertainty. They reflect a deal announced Friday by legislative leaders and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich. , (WBPN/WGTU) -- Standing beside a shiny yellow Kingsley School Bus, Superintendent Dr. Keith Smith easily explains why getting these busses moving is so important. "If we can't get kids to school that is a major not just inconvenience, it’s an obstacle to kids getting educated," stresses Smith. While the wheels on the bus aren't going round and round just yet, they soon they will be. And it’s been a focus of school leaders around Northern Michigan “Oh Heavens yes.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN, (WPBN/WGTU) -- With the first day of school drawing closer every day for students across the region, districts are releasing there back to school plans to prepare families for the upcoming semester. In-person, virtual learning or a combination of the two are all options for districts as they welcome back students and staff. Stay up to date with your district’s plan by checking out the links below: Alanson Public Schools. Alba Public School. Alcona Community Schools.

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich. , (WPBN/WGTU) -- The Traverse City Area Public Schools Board of Education approved a plan to begin the school year virtually on September 8, and continue online for the first two weeks of school. According to TCAPS, the hope is that the initial two weeks of online schooling will allow students to learn classroom procedures and practice using online learning tools in case a classroom, school or the entire district is required to move to a fully virtual format.

EMMET COUNTY, Mich. , (WPBN/WGTU) -- Getting students excited about their future careers early. That's the goal of a new program coming to Pellston High School this upcoming school year. North Central Michigan College and Char-Em ISD are introducing public safety courses into high school curriculums. Students interested in becoming firefighters, police officers, paramedics or pursuing other public safety careers are encouraged to sign up. Caption: WPBN.

MICHIGAN (WPBN/WGTU) -- As of right now, any Michigan school within phase four of the Mi Safe Start Plan can welcome kids back to school in the fall. There are some safety measures in place, such as social distancing and masks required for kids and staff, but the state board of education and other community leaders want more. Former Flint Mayor Karen Weaver is one of the speakers who shared her concerns about Michigan schools reopening too quickly.