Governor Pritzker has extended the statewide stay-at-home order (including the mandatory school closures) until the end of April. Remote learning days are to be utilized for the duration of this closure. During this time, our focus will be on 5 areas:
- Communication
- Connection
- Care
- Compassion
- Comfort
Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) released its guidance late Friday evening, and I’m happy to report that our district is for the most part aligned with their recommendations. Today (Tuesday, 3/31) began the official “remote learning” days, so some of you may ask how is this different that the past two weeks?
- We are now asking for parents’ help in monitoring absences and flu-like symptoms. If your child is ill, for the sake of keeping student attendance data, please continue to call in their absences to either Wolf Ridge or BHHS. Although the buildings are closed, these calls will be routed to the building secretaries who are working from home at this time.
- Our district has been allocated a preliminary amount of funding from the CARES Act with which to provide connectivity help and devices in order to connect our students without access. Expect more information on this soon, but if you haven’t now would be an excellent time to complete our “Technology Access” Survey at this link: https://bit.ly/2ws5IF2
- This week, our focus will be on connecting with students that we have not heard from. Also, we hope to connect with the families, too…not just the students. If there are needs during this time related to accessing learning materials, please let us know now.
- Next week (April 6-10) is our pre-scheduled Spring Break. After much consideration, we have decided that everyone needs a good, relaxing break although travel is not an option. Please enjoy this week with your family staying home and not worrying about schoolwork
- Meals will continue this week, and resume the week following Spring Break in the exact same format. The sign up sheet will be posted online and sent via text the Sunday before the week
- As per ISBE guidance, we are allowed 5 days to plan and prepare for remote learning. One of these will be Monday, April 13 and by Tuesday, April 14 we hope to have new printed learning kits ready for primary students and un-connected students to pick up during meal pick up and drop off. If transportation is an issue, we can certainly attempt home delivery.
- Grading will be conducted with a “hold harmless” policy that we are currently still developing. We understand that this is a very trying time for our students and their families, and do not want students to have the extra stress of slipping grades or losing High School credits.
- Please know that this plan is fluid. It will organically evolve to best meet the needs of Bunker Hill families and students.
- Once the remote learning days begin in full upon Spring Break, expect this format:
Monday - Motivational & light work, checking in with students & families
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday - Instruction to all students. Staff will be available to answer questions or help via email hours 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Emails can be sent at any time, but may only be answered during those hours.
Friday - Fun & Focused on Social-Emotional Learning. We care about students' mental health, and this day will be focused on providing feedback and making phone calls
Please know that our administrators, teachers and support staff miss our kids immensely. But our #1 goal right now is ensuring that our students are safe and healthy. We encourage parents to reach out to teachers if you would like additional resources with which to academically challenge your child.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. Likewise, if you have a need during this health crisis, or know of someone else in town, please reach out to me. We will get through this together!
Take care, and stay healthy,
Todd