e-Learning: Update for June 13, 2020
Published by on Jun 15, 2020

Dear Highlands Families and Staff, 

Have you ever wondered what happens in a school district during the summer months? Well, if you have answered planning, you are correct! This summer is no different. We are planning, just in a different manner than we have ever done before. We are preparing for three options to reopen in the fall, an opening with all students present, an opening we are calling a hybrid opening, and for remote learning. 

Did you know that how we return to school depends on what phase of reopening Illinois is in? When Illinois was in Phase 2-Flattening, and Phase 3 Recovery schools are closed, and remote learning is required. 

In phase 4 Revitalization, schools can open, with the Illinois Department of Public Health Guidance and the Illinois State Board of Education guidance. In phase 5 Restored, everything is back to operational. 

We received summer guidance on June 4 from the Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Public Health, and the fall guidance is anticipated as early as Monday. 

With our planning this summer, we have 31 staff members assisting the administrative team on our re-entry task force. We have five sub-committees that are planning for 

  • the health and safety components of our students, staff, and community;  
  • the social-emotional needs of our students, staff, and community
  • the instructional delivery which addresses the use of Schoology, See-Saw, Zoom and other platforms;
  • the instructional day- the what and when during the day ECE-8th grade and
  • parent resources

Please know our teams are working diligently to provide the best plan for the students and staff to return to school in the fall. Information is still changing and evolving, and we are eager to learn from the guidance we receive to make plans for the fall. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding. 

I hope you have an opportunity to enjoy this fantastic weather we are experiencing!

 

Dr. Warke