Good Afternoon D157 and D2 Families,
I am writing today to briefly update the community on our plans to return to school. Another letter will follow late next week with dates, timelines and details once they have been finalized. However, it is vitally important to let all our families know as soon as possible that we will be returning to a hybrid learning program in the coming weeks. In addition, both districts will also continue to offer the current full remote learning program for families who would like to have their student continue learning from home. We believe that offering families choice on the type of instructional delivery they want for their student is critical during this time period.
District 157 and District 2 have always maintained the goal of returning to in person learning. However, ensuring that students and staff are safe when they return remains our number one priority. Currently, all the needed mitigation strategies, protocols, and policies are in place to ensure the highest level of safety as we move into a hybrid learning environment. Along with these mitigation strategies, the county metrics we follow for COVID-19 are at a level that will allow both Districts to return under a hybrid learning program. New enhanced metrics focused on school-aged children have been developed over the last several weeks through consultation with the other county school districts and the medical professionals at the McHenry County Health Department. These metrics are being finalized and will be released to the public in the near future and prior to any return to school. This will provide transparency and very clear guidance regarding when a school must be in remote learning, hybrid learning, or can go back to full in person learning.
Another question we are receiving is in regard to when will all fall sports be able to compete again? It is important to know any decision to reinstate all athletic teams for fall competition is in the hands of the IHSA and Governor JB Pritizker. We will continue to follow any mandate that either the IHSA or Governor issues in relation to athletic participation.
As we finalize our plans to begin a phased-in approach to bringing students back in person under the hybrid learning program, it is important to understand remote learning will remain part of this plan. On days your child is not in school, they will continue to participate remotely.
Finally, I can not thank the families of D157 and D2 enough for the support everyone continues to give our schools during this very difficult time. This partnership has been key to ensuring we provide the highest quality of education for your student in a remote setting. We ask for your continued patience and remind everyone the road back to school comes from avoiding large social gatherings where social distancing can not take place, wearing a mask when appropriate, and making sure to wash your hands often.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tom Lind, Superintendent of Schools