Detroit Schools Gear Up for Day One with New Initiatives
As the new school year approaches, Detroit is making strides to ensure students are ready and able to attend school from Day One. Classes for most students are set to begin on Monday, August 24, with a focus on tackling absenteeism and transportation hurdles that have long posed challenges for many families.
Enrollment and School Start Dates
Detroit’s educational leaders, including Mayor Mary Sheffield and DPSCD Superintendent Nikolai Vitti, have emphasized the importance of being “Day One Ready.” This involves enrolling students before classes commence, which for most occurs on August 24. However, some districts will start the following week on August 31. To assist families with enrollment, the city has launched a webpage that directs parents to the DPSCD enrollment portal and provides links to the city’s 57 charter districts. For more information, visit detroitmi.gov/departments/youth-and-education.
Transportation Initiatives
In a bid to reduce absenteeism, Detroit has permanently implemented the Rides to Rise program, which offers free transportation via DDOT buses to all K-12 students. This initiative, first introduced as a pilot, has now secured $1 million in state funding to continue through the 2026-27 school year. Mayor Sheffield noted, “Rides to Rise has been a tremendous success in removing a critical barrier for students that we believe will make a significant impact on absenteeism this school year.”
Additionally, the city is introducing Rides to Rise Ambassadors, a team of 50 trained individuals who will accompany students on buses to ensure safe and timely travel to and from school. Moreover, a new Ride Share pilot program will specifically assist students facing unique transportation challenges that contribute to chronic absenteeism.
Health and Wellness Support
Ensuring students’ health is another focus area. The Detroit Health Department offers vision and hearing screenings, back-to-school immunizations, and asthma support services. For vision and hearing screenings, appointments can be made for Fridays at 100 Mack or the Samaritan Building by calling (313) 876-0134. Immunizations and other health services will also be available at the Community Health Fest on September 12, and an Asthma Awareness event is scheduled for September 19 at Kemeny Recreation Center.
Dental Care Access
Starting October 1, Delta Dental will provide dental benefits to children under 21 covered by Medicaid in Michigan. Services include exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, extractions, root canals, and emergency pain treatment, all at no cost to families. More details can be found at deltadentalmi.com/members/find-a-dentist.
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