Woodlawn families, we are in uncharted territory. In my 50 years of educational experience as a student, teacher or administrator, this situation is new to me. This week, we all worked diligently to keep up with rapidly changing information from District 96 and the State of Illinois to keep our students safe. As a Woodlawn staff, we will be communicating and working with your student via schoology or email during our remote learning days. Currently, remote learning assignments will begin on March 31st and go through April 3rd. I will be communicating with you as needed through this blog throughout our time away from the building, so it may not be the consistent Friday blog like you have seen in the past. As always, thank you for your support and feel free to contact either Michelle Garlick <[email protected]> and/or myself <[email protected]> with questions.
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Please see the message from Superintendent Schmidt. This was the same message sent out to families on March 12th.
District 96 Community,
To safeguard the health and wellness of all students and staff, and after consultation with Area 125 superintendents and considering the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding limiting the gathering of large groups, we have decided to close District 96 schools to students beginning Monday, March 16th, in an abundance of caution and as a precautionary measure to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) illness in our community.
IMPORTANT: Any students who believe they need materials they must have in order to complete academic tasks (i.e., graphing calculators) may retrieve these items on Mon., Mar. 16, between 1 and 3 p.m.
Last fall, District 96 did have a remote learning plan approved. Last school year, we implemented the plan for an extreme weather day. We have been working diligently to update that plan to account for a potentially more extended closing. Early next week you will be receiving remote learning plans. These will be sent to your parent email addresses on file.
The dates identified below outline how days will be categorized. Spring Break days do not require a plan, as they were already built into our calendar as non-attendance days. In addition, Tuesday, March 17th, was already identified as a Teacher Institute day (non-attendance). We also have five Emergency Days built in to our calendar and those will be used first. These days are now built into our calendar and mean that the last day of student attendance will now likely be Friday, June 5.
Emergency Days that are already built into our calendar, extending the school year until Friday, June 5th:
Monday, March 16
Wednesday, March 18
Thursday, March 19
Friday, March 20
Monday, March 30
Identified non-attendance day (Institute / Election Day), no make-up
Tuesday, March 17
Spring Break non-attendance days, no make-up
Monday, March 23
Tuesday, March 24
Wednesday, March 25
Thursday, March 26
Friday, March 27
Remote Learning Days
Tuesday, March 31
Wednesday, April 1
Thursday, April 2
Friday, April 3
Anticipated re-open if conditions allow
Monday, April 6
The identified start date for remote learning is Tuesday, March 31. As you will be receiving remote plans early next week, students can certainly begin their remote learning plan. You or your student (depending on grade level) will receive a communication from the teacher(s) once per day on the four identified remote learning days. Work from remote learning will be due 5 days after school resumes in order for students to get additional teacher support if needed.
While we know this is an unprecedented decision, these are unprecedented times. We are committed to following CDC recommendations and to do our part in taking preventative measures to mitigate the impact of this pandemic. While we have not been notified of any staff or students being diagnosed with COVID-19 at this time, we believe the evidence that makes it increasingly clear that it is better for schools to close sooner rather than later to slow the spread of the disease. Although it seems that the coronavirus has primarily impacted people 60 and older, the reality is that even if our students are less likely to be adversely affected, they still could be carriers of the disease. Closing the school reduces the incubation effect that occurs when hundreds of students and adults gather in the school on a daily basis.
The decision to close school is not one we are making lightly. We are fully aware of the complications that this will cause in the lives of our students and their families — and for our faculty and staff, as well. Whatever the downsides of closing school may be, we believe that as a public school we have a shared responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff, and the larger District 96 community.
If conditions change as we approach April 6, official communication emails will be sent from the District level through our normal communication avenues.
Sincerely,
Julie A. Schmidt, Superintendent of District 96 Schools
Forgot Something?
Building Open on Monday, March 16th from 1-3PM For Students/Parents to Retrieve Materials/Medications- PLEASE READ!
Any students or parents who believe they need materials they must have in order to complete academic tasks (i.e., graphing calculators) may retrieve these items on Monday, March 16th, between 1 and 3 PM. Parents can also retrieve medication from the Nurse’s Office during this time.
Students and parents must report to the Main Office at Twin Groves. Designated staff members will retrieve materials for the students or parents.
Remote Learning Plans
Please be on the lookout for Remote Learning Plans from staff. Clear communication and directions will be sent out via email.
Building Communication
Building Principals will communicate with information via School Messenger in a timely manner.
During the week of Spring Break (March 23rd to March 27th), Principals will not be sending communication via School Messenger
8th Grade Graduation
As of right now, there are no additional days in the calendar for 8th grade students.
As conditions continue to evolve, we will communicate with you regarding 8th Grade Graduation.
Coronavirus Information and Guidance
SEE Coronavirus information and guidance linked from the homepage of our District website.
Summer School 2020
Opportunities for Summer School 2020 include Academic Literacy for KCSD96 returning students currently in Kdg-Grade 7 and Jump Start Kindergarten for incoming kindergartners enrolled for the 2020-21 school year. Register by May 1st, to be assured of your student's space in Summer School 2020.
Questions? Call 847.459.4260, ext. 8123.
8th Grade Parents- Illinois Youth Survey
On March 20th, the 8th Graders will be participating in the Illinois Youth Survey.
Please see THIS LETTER for more information regarding the survey.
Finally, Wednesday was a long day with a lot of moments that raised my level of concern. My tipping point was right after President Trump addressed the nation. I went upstairs and told my wife that I was heading to the store. I didn't go crazy, but I purchased an extra week's worth of supplies. When I returned home, the quote from my wife was, “Three jars of peanut butter and ONE bottle of wine? I am not sure you understand how a quarantine works.” To me, that says it all. Keep smiling people!