Good evening 126 Staff and Families,
I hope this email finds you well and that you are staying healthy and safe. The events of the last few weeks have been unprecedented. We have met this challenge head on and I would like to personally thank you all for pulling together for one another. The District has worked with staff and community members to ensure those in need continue to receive meals during this time. So far we have served almost 2500 meals. While our buildings have been closed, I am so proud of the work of our staff and students via e-learning.
The State of Illinois has not given school districts any additional information as to when students will return. As of tonight at 6:00p.m., the closure is scheduled to go through April 7 with students returning April 8. While we all hope we can reopen our schools April 8, our students’ health and safety is our top priority, and the District is preparing for a possible/probable extended closure.
On Friday night the State of Illinois issued new guidance for remote learning moving forward. We were one of the first Districts with an approved e-learning plan. These remote learning days will not need to be made up at the end of the school year as of now. With this new guidance, over break, we finalized a change to our plan. As many of you know we will be distributing student iPads to our K-2 students this week. Each school will arrange the time this week.
Starting the week of March 30th, Wednesdays will be scheduled as “Independent Student Learning Days”. This will enable teachers to plan, meet with administration and departments, grade student work, and record lessons.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday will continue to be full school days with teachers accessible from 8:30-3:00. Lessons for Wednesday’s Independent Learning Days will be posted for students on Tuesday. They will have clear instructions for self-directed learning. Teachers will not be available for student inquiries on these days but principals will continue to be available. Each school will be sending out more information as well.
Finally, I want to thank all of you that are working on the frontlines. Thank you to our first responders, doctors, nurses and all the medical professionals. Thank you to all of you working in our grocery stores and pharmacies. Thank you to all of our truck drivers and delivery services as well. We appreciate everything you are doing for our community! Please stay safe and stay healthy!
I would like to again thank you for your partnership during this difficult time. We are all in this together and I could not be more proud to lead District 126. Please stay safe and take care of one another.
Sincerely,
Craig Gwaltney
Superintendent of Schools
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