Remote Learning Update September 11, 2020

September 11, 2020

As we have previously communicated, we continue to monitor our Remote Learning program and safety conditions both in our schools and communities. Last night at its regular meeting, the School Board discussed our remote learning plan and how we will proceed to the next phase of hybrid/remote learning. Recently, our 3 communities (Alsip, Oak Lawn and Worth) have seen an uptick in both COVID-19 cases and positivity rates. This appears to be a trend, with some ebb and flow, but with general increases overall. In short, the numbers seem to indicate that we will continue with our full remote learning plan for the time being.

We use a positivity rate for Alsip, Oak Lawn and Worth as a metric for guiding our decisions for remote, hybrid or in-person learning. With the longitudinal data now available for September and based on the Illinois Department of Health data as of today, the rate was 11.2% for Alsip, 9.5% for Oak Lawn and 8.6% for Worth, (click here and enter zip code). The State of Illinois considers an overall positivity rate under 8% to be acceptable. We will continue with remote learning until we feel conditions are safe enough to allow students into our buildings again.

We will of course continue to monitor conditions on a weekly basis. The School Board has moved up the regularly scheduled October meeting to October 1st in order to review and discuss our plans moving forward. Hopefully we will see the metrics move in a positive direction so we can begin to move to our next phases. Any start date to hybrid/remote learning will be announced at least 10 days to 2 weeks prior to beginning hybrid/remote. While we understand that this announcement may disappoint many of you, this seems the most prudent approach given current conditions.

Thank you for your continued support in these difficult times. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Regards,

Craig Gwaltney

District 126 Superintendent