ALPENA — Alpena Public Schools on Monday released a list of free online resources for students and parents during the state-mandated school closure.

Students in grades K-12 now have access to numerous links to help students learn a range of subjects, from math and science to health and wellness.

The links offer reading lists, fine arts, virtual field trips, and more. They can be found under the “For Students” tab on the APS website, alpenaschools.com. The website also offers a link to COVID-19 closure information.

Meanwhile, APS officials are working on a Chromebook distribution program to give a computer to every student who may need one across the district and is exploring a plan to use school buses as portable Wi-Fi hotspots. Spectrum also is offering 60 days of free Wi-Fi to families with K-12 or college-aged students. Call 1-844-488-8395 to enroll.

Schools have been closed since March 16 as part of the state’s efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus that has gripped the globe. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s current order would keep schools closed until at least April 13, but she said last week it’s “very unlikely” students will return to class this school year.

As of Monday, there were no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Alpena, Presque Isle, Montmorency, or Alcona counties.

APS is not assigning or requiring the use of any of the online activities. The state has yet to provide guidance on how or if students will make up for the lost classroom time.

“These are resources for parents to use and to keep their kids learning that line up with our state’s standards and are an available option,” APS Superintendent John VanWagoner said.

APS staff verified the educational resources made available to families on Monday, VanWagoner said. The district chose sources that most aligned with the state’s standards and products from vendors the district has previously used, such as Imagine Math.

“At this point, it’s all about learning, that’s what we are,” VanWagoner said. “Whether there’s a system in place that counts it or not, it’s really good for our kids to have an opportunity to learn things that are definitely aligned with our curriculum, and things that will prepare them for the future and help them be successful.”

Math teacher Julie Kieliszewski said her students have asked for more material, so she has loaded videos and class work into the school’s software for sharing assignments, called Brightspace.

She uses other programs, like Goosechase, a custom video and photo scavenger hunt-type app, that allows students to participate at home. She has also hosted online games through a website called Quizizz, and uses Flipgrid to post topics where students can respond through video.

English teacher Emilyn Dec said that, besides reaching out to students via Google Classroom, many students have turned in missing work and emailed questions about late assignments.

“This is a surreal time we’re working in, but it’s very heartening that students are still invested in their studies and care about their education,” Dec said.

Meakalia Previch-Liu can be reached at 989-358-5680 or mprevich-liu@thealpenanews.com.