Dear District 58 Staff and Families,
Unfortunately, the Chicagoland area is experiencing heavy snow. The heavy snow is expected to fall throughout the evening and into the morning. This snowstorm will greatly impact the morning commute and the ability for students and staff to arrive at school in a safe manner. Therefore, Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021, will be a remote learning day in District 58.
Students will follow the same schedule that is currently in place, with instructional time that would have been onsite instead delivered synchronously via Zoom. Middle school students should access their classes via Google Classroom. Elementary families will receive an email from their child’s school and/or teacher to access class via Zoom. Conducting a full remote day and following the same schedule allows for the continuity of instruction. This day will not have to be made up at the end of the year as the instructional requirements set forth by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) will be completely met.
As we meet those instructional requirements, we also recognize that an emergency remote learning day such as this impacts learning with minimal warning. Some instructional activities planned for onsite instruction on Tuesday may be modified or replaced in favor of identifying remote experiences in which students can successfully participate given the short notice.
We have practiced and prepared for this scenario; we also approach this instructional day as one that requires grace and understanding for families, students and staff. The decision to close school for in-person instruction is one that is not taken lightly. The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. The District appreciates your flexibility during this emergency situation. District 58 will resume hybrid instruction with a full remote option on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021.
Additionally, due to safety concerns, District transportation will not run for any District 58 student attending an out-of-district placement. We are aware that most, if not all, cooperative and therapeutic day schools have also closed; however, in an effort to support the safety of all District 58 students, transportation will not run if by chance a school does remain open.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kevin B. Russell
Superintendent of Schools