Evanston-Skokie Community Consolidated School District 65 issued the following announcement on April 17.
Dear District 65 Community -
This afternoon Governor Pritzker announced that all Illinois schools will remain closed through the end of the school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us expected this news and yet the feelings of sadness and disappointment still remain. Our staff, students, and parents/caregivers have all shared stories about how our school communities are like families. We miss our friends, our colleagues, our students, our teachers and support staff. It is truly heartbreaking that we cannot physically be together, especially to close out our school year. And at the end of the day, we know this was a difficult yet necessary decision that continues to prioritize the health and safety of our community and those who are most vulnerable to this devastating virus.
While our school buildings remain physically closed, it is more important than ever that we remain connected to our students and can sustain learning for all children. The good news is that we anticipated this announcement and proactively put our remote learning plan into place. We recognize that the plan will never be completely perfect. However, it is based on guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education and provides our educators and families with much needed flexibility during these challenging times. Please remember that we are all experiencing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic very differently. Some may be doing well, have stability in their homes, and are looking for deeper levels of engagement where others are experiencing real hardship and just trying to get by. Our plan must address these varying needs in order to best meet our educators and families where they are. We ask for continued support and encouragement for our amazing educators who are working hard everyday to deliver instruction in a new way.
We will continue to be responsive, accommodating, and providing support in whatever ways we can. Today, our team distributed even more Chromebooks and hot spots to families in need. In addition, free meals will continue to be provided and may be picked up on Mondays from 1-4pm at community meal sites.
To further support awareness and understanding, we have developed a Remote Learning Guidance document for families in both English and Spanish. In addition, we will continue to update our COVID-19 Response and Remote Learning website (district65.net/covid-19). On this website you can find community resources, mental health support, technology tutorials and how-to guides, supplemental learning information, and more.
We understand how difficult this situation is and the impact on our community. Please know that our team is still working through all of the implications for our district and to think creatively on how we might be able to safely celebrate anticipated end-of-year activities and milestones. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to someone from our team if you have suggestions, questions or need anything. We deeply appreciate all of you and thank you for your continued support.
With health in mind,
Dr. Phil Ehrhardt and Dr. Heidi Wennstrom
Interim Superintendents of Schools
Original source can be found here.
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