Dear District 97 Families,
Earlier this spring, District 97 made the decision to host our summer programming (the Summer Launch Program, Newcomer English Learner Program, Middle School Summer Math Enrichment Program, Summer Music Camp and Extended School Year) remotely. This decision was necessary given the mandatory school closures, extended stay-at-home orders and exceptional circumstances in light of COVID-19 that caused school districts to change how educational supports and services are provided to students. Many of you may have heard that the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) released guidance June 4 updating the Phase 3 allowable activities in school, including summer school and ESY. Although we are encouraged by the progress our state has made toward reopening and easing restrictions, District 97 has decided to move forward with our plans to run all summer programming remotely.
Our top priority is protecting the health and safety of our students and school staff. We currently have limited spaces that will allow us to maintain the social distancing requirements outlined in the state’s guidance, as summer construction projects have already started at many of our schools. We have also done a significant amount of work over the past several weeks to plan and prepare for high-quality virtual programming, which begins in just 10 days. With that being said, District 97 is continuing to prepare for Fall 2020, and we are committed to doing everything we can to safely return to on-site learning to the extent that is possible under the state’s guidance. We will continue to provide updates to families regarding our planning throughout the summer.
We appreciate your continued support and collaboration during this unprecedented and difficult time. We hope you all have a safe and restful summer!
Sincerely,
District 97 Teaching and Learning Department
Dr. Eboney Lofton, Chief Academic and Accountability Officer ([email protected])
Dr. Tawanda Lawrence, Senior Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment ([email protected])
Donna Middleton, Senior Director of Student Services ([email protected])
Faith Cole, Director of MTSS ([email protected])