As we begin the scheduled Spring Break, I’d like to update everyone on the status of Bunker Hill CUSD #8’s remote learning plan moving forward.
First, there will be no assignments or activities posted online or expected next week (April 6-10). Please take a much well-deserved break! Upon return, the district staff will be utilizing a Remote Learning Planning Day on Monday, April 13. Our goal is to have updated learning kits and more devices for students to participate in e-learning available for pickup on Tuesday, April 14. Additionally, we have heard the feedback regarding an “overload” of emails and messages so on Tuesday, we will unveil a new link on our website that you will be able to access and with a single click access all learning activities by grade level. We will also have more detailed guidance about attendance procedures. More information to follow.
Grading will be occurring in the form of feedback and follow-up from our teachers. We are adopting the “no educational harm” directive of ISBE and will grade only for the betterment during 4th Quarter. The only exception is that our high school is taking a 2-tier choice grading scale: 1) Choose to aim for an A or B for students driven to increase their GPA or 2) Choose to take “CR” or Credit to receive passing credit but no detriment (or help to) GPA’s. Even as late as the last day of school, students will be free to switch from this A-B path to the safer “CR” path. I believe our High School “hold harmless” policy is the best of both worlds, as we allow our academically driven students to pursue academic credit but also ensuring that no educational harm will be done to any student as a result of the closure. While not as simple as other grading practices during this closure, I am extremely proud of ours for offering a choice and true differentiation based on different students’ unique circumstances.
Next, as you may know, our status beyond April 30th’s current “stay at home” end date is in question. Logically, if extended, this has the potential to impact our upcoming Prom, field trips, and possibly even graduation ceremonies. However, please rest assured that our district is 100% committed to honoring these achievements at some point, regardless. While I cannot guarantee these events will occur in May as planned, I can guarantee we plan on honoring the Class of 2020.
In the meantime, please continue to stay home and stay healthy. Our playground at Wolf Ridge has been taped off due to reports of congregating despite the Governor’s stay-at-home order.
Finally, I cannot thank this community enough for their partnership and understanding as we work through this challenging time. While not perfect, I feel 100% proud of our school district and feel it is perfectly imperfect…an emergency response to an emergency. Our administrators, teachers and support staff are “chomping at the bit” to be reunited with our students, but in the meantime hope this remote learning plan will ensure that while our buildings are physically closed, OUR SCHOOLS ARE STILL OPEN!
Enjoy the break and Easter holiday with your families,
Todd