Update on 2020-2021 School Opening July 30, 2020

July 30, 2020

Dear Parents, Guardians and Staff,

During the Special Meeting of the District 126 Board of Education on Wednesday, July 29th, the Board voted to begin the 2020-2021 school year in a full remote-learning format, and postpone the option for hybrid learning temporarily. The Board of Education will regularly reevaluate the learning options for students based upon the status of the pandemic. The target date for reevaluating the full remote learning plan is scheduled for October 5th. At that time, the School Board will determine whether students will continue in a full remote learning model or transition into a hybrid/remote learning option. As always, our utmost concern is the health and safety of District 126 students, staff, and community. We understand that no decision or plan is perfect, and this decision was a very difficult decision.

Thank you for participating in the surveys and providing so many great questions. The information provided is very important and we have taken your thoughts under consideration.

Remote learning this fall will be more robust and very different from the emergency remote learning students participated in last spring. As much as possible, our goal is to mirror our regular classroom instruction, including in-person learning with teachers teaching remotely throughout the regular school day from their classrooms. More specific information including daily schedules, student material distribution and an update to our FAQ document will continue to be updated in the coming weeks.

The District 126 School Board also approved an amended 2020-2021 school calendar. Students’ first day of school is Monday, August 31st. Students will begin their remote instruction on this day. The amended calendar is to allow additional time during the week of August 24th for teacher and staff preparation for remote learning. As we prepare for the start of the new school year, please remember to register your child(ren) for the 2020-2021 school year.

Attached to this email are the public questions and answers that were submitted prior to last night’s Special Board Meeting.

If you have any questions, please continue to reach out to our District 126 Administrative Team. We thank all our stakeholders for your support, ideas, and patience during this unprecedented time.

Sincerely,