Dear Parents and Guardians,
This morning the Illinois State Board of Education provided a bit more guidance regarding the transition from our current Act of God days to our Remote Learning (E-Learning) days, which are set to begin on Tuesday, March 31. Having heard from parents and staff members all weekend, I promise you I understand the uncertainty and anxiety that surrounds E-Learning and the very real possibility of keeping our students out of school well beyond the current closure date of April 8. Hopefully this note answers some of your questions and allows you to rest a little bit easier.
The two biggest changes that families and students will see immediately surround Grading and Student Attendance. Up until now, the first several days of our E-Learning Plan have been optional for students and parents to complete.
The state has told us that, beginning Tuesday, March 31, we should expect our students to attempt to complete the work that is being posted electronically or in the hard copy curriculum packets that have been available through the District Office. As far as grading student work is concerned, we are taking the State's recommended stance of “First do no harm." What that means is that student assignments will receive a grade of "Pass" if they are completed, or a grade of "Incomplete" if they are not.
There are other methods that the state has suggested we use, as well, in incorporating a student's grade, such as daily participation in the curriculum and regular communication with the student's teacher. We will not use letter grade or points in a punitive way. There will be no zeros and no failing grades. Work that is not completed will be considered in progress. The District's plan for students who have not completed their grade level curriculum if and when our schools reopen will be to create an individualized program specifically for those students; students would need to complete these assignments in order to be promoted to the next grade.
Regarding student attendance, students are expected to log in daily using their Clever badge at the elementary level or login through Google classroom in Grades 5-8. There is no set time for students to login or to complete the day's assignments. We recognize that students may have other responsibilities at home to support siblings and family members during this closure. If a student cannot begin to work on his or her assignments until the afternoon or evening, that’s fine. If a student doesn’t complete all the work on a given day, that’s fine as well. The goal for the state, and subsequently for us, is that our students stay engaged and connected to their teachers, peers, and school each day in whatever fashion possible and feasible for them.
The program directors and I will be meeting with the principals tomorrow morning. Parents will receive more detailed information about what the next few days of E-Learning will look like tomorrow afternoon. The state has provided each district with five additional professional development days that will be incorporated into our E-Learning Plan and will not not need to be added to the school calendar. Spring Break is still scheduled for the Week of April 10-17. I am hoping to be able to provide breakfast and lunch to students who need it during our Spring Break.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert Machak |