March 25, 2020: Update from CCSD 89
CCSD 89 families:
First and foremost: thank you. Thank you for taking over as emergency teaching assistants. I know it's not easy to balance this with the many other obligations you have right now. I'm grateful to be part of a community that values education even during times of stress.
One of the most frequent questions our staff members have received is: How do I know if I am giving my kids enough instruction?
During a normal school setting, there is great variety in each student's stamina and learning style. Their age and unique learning personalities means no two students will complete the assignments in the same way or in the same amount of time. When teachers and staff are in the building together, they are constantly adjusting assignments for each student. During remote learning, students are given activities and/or assignments to keep students meaningfully engaged in learning.
Focus more on the engagement than the number of minutes. Be forgiving of yourself. Most of you are not teachers. That is OK! You are not expected to be. Help where you can and keep in touch with your student's teacher.
If your student is keeping up with their daily work, they should not be spending more time on remote learning than they would in a typical school day. We all know that each household is unique, and learning may occur at different times and in different ways.
When students and teachers are together, teachers use all sorts of mini-assessments and visual clues to determine student engagement and understanding. Of course, many of those are not available to teachers through a computer or over email. So check in with your student for signs of being overwhelmed. Reach out to your student's teacher if you need help.
Thank you for your patience and your commitment to learning during this unusual time. We are all learning as we go, and we're honored to have you standing alongside us as we deliver a new kind of education.
Emily K. Tammaru
CCSD 89 Superintendent
Food
Any CCSD 89 families that want food can pick up a meal and a snack at Glen Crest Middle School or Briar Glen Elementary School between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is no cost. Families can drive up to either school and receive meals while still in their car. Info: http://bit.ly/3a0uASP
Food will continue to be available over spring break. The district will share more information about how and when to pick up food during break on Friday.
Remote learning after spring break
There will be no remote learning during spring break. Remote learning will resume on Monday, April 6. At this time, the district will be closed through at least April 7, in following the governor's stay-at-home order.
School closures could extend beyond April 7. We will communicate that information as soon as there is a decision. At this time, the district expects remote learning will continue for as long as schools are closed.
Delays in some student emails
CCSD 89 is one of many districts experiencing delays in emails that are being sent from teachers to student accounts, and from students to teachers. The system that the district uses to filter and monitor student emails is experiencing an overload and that is causing some emails to be delayed.
The district has been in contact with the company. They are aware of the issue and working to resolve it. Thank you for your patience.
School playgrounds closed
Per the state order, all school playgrounds are closed to the public until further notice. The open areas near playgrounds can be used during daylight hours, but we strongly recommend that you practice social distancing and follow all local, state, and federal mandates in order to prevent the spread of any illness.
Additionally, many park district facilities are closed at this time. Please check with your local park district's website or Facebook page to determine which facilities are open.
More information
If you have further questions or need support, please reach out to our staff. We are available to help you and your students. Although teachers will not be available during spring break, district staff can respond to questions during that time.
Latest remote learning and COVID-19 news: www.ccsd89.org/COVID
General questions: info@ccsd89.org (630) 545-3581
Food: lparker@ccsd89.org (630) 545-3507
Technology: support@ccsd89.org (630) 545-3591
Counseling: kmalmstedt@ccsd89.org (630) 545-3517
Special-education: golsen@ccsd89.org (630) 545-3515
Posted: March 25, 2020