This update contains important information regarding:
- Our approved Hybrid Learning Plan and agreement with the Oak Park Teachers’ Association (OPTA)
- Calendar changes, including two Remote Learning Planning Days on Jan. 25 and 26 (no school for students) and rescheduled family conferences
- Final hybrid learning schedules, which feature slight adjustments to school hours
- Metrics, Mitigation Strategies and Testing
Hybrid Learning Plan and OPTA Agreement
During a special meeting Wednesday afternoon, the District 97 Board of Education approved a resolution affirming our Return to School Plan for the 2020-21 school year. The board also approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Oak Park Teachers’ Association for hybrid learning. The MOU, which can be accessed here, outlines a number of terms, including:
- Two Remote Learning Planning Days prior to the start of Hybrid Learning, which will be held Monday, Jan. 25, and Tuesday, Jan. 26. There will be no student learning on these dates. Staff will use these state-provided days to review school safety plans, prepare their classrooms/learning plans, and acclimate to live streaming.
- Teachers will be permitted to leave their buildings following school duties. This means that teachers have the option to complete the school/work day at home during afternoon remote learning, if their schedules permit.
We are currently updating our original Framework for Reopening Schools to reflect the approved changes to our hybrid plan. We will share the final document with the community as soon as possible.
IMPORTANT - Calendar Changes: No School on Jan. 25 and 26; Conferences Rescheduled
As stated above, the district will hold Remote Learning Planning Days on Monday, Jan. 25, and Tuesday, Jan. 26, to prepare for the transition to hybrid learning. There will be no student learning on these dates.
Additionally, in order to better support our students, families and staff, District 97 has rescheduled family conferences from Feb. 4 and 5 to Feb. 25 and 26. Conference days will be half-days for students, and Feb. 4 and 5 will be full school days.
Final Hybrid Learning Schedules
Click here to view final hybrid learning schedules for Trimester 2.
In order to accommodate transportation for elementary and middle schools in the afternoon, we did make slight adjustments to the times for both schedules.
- Elementary students will attend from 8 a.m. to noon every day. Remote learning will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. every day except Wednesday (early dismissal, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. remote learning).
- Middle school students will attend from 9 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. Monday through Thursday, on a three-week rotation by grade level. Remote learning will take place from 1:40 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Metrics, Mitigation Strategies and Testing
As we shared last week, District 97 is committed to seeking the most up-to-date COVID-19 information and expertise as we make decisions about re-opening our schools. During the special meeting Wednesday, the district’s safety and security manager, Jim Hackett, provided an update on COVID-19 metrics, the district’s mitigation strategies, and surveillance testing. Click here to view his presentation.
We are still finalizing updates to our COVID-19 safety plans based on this information, but are planning to share additional details in our weekly newsletter Friday.
Thank you very much for your patience and attention to this lengthy update.