Joliet Public School District 86 Outlines New Hybrid Learning Plan

Press release from Joliet Public Schools District 86:

March 11, 2021

Dear District 86 Families:

Last night during the Board of School Inspectors meeting, I outlined our current hybrid plan that brings back small groups of students at all schools. In January and February, special needs students began in-person instruction a few days a week. Additional students are being added, as space allows, including children who may be struggling with internet connectivity and/or engagement issues.

When students are in school, masks must be worn and students log into class on their Chromebooks like they do when they are at home. Teachers are teaching online for the students that are in the classroom, as well as the students that are remote. In addition, English Language Learner (ELL) students have been invited to school for the state-mandated ACCESS tests and all students in grades 3-8 will be asked to take the mandated IAR state assessments at school in April and May.

Thank you for the email messages that were submitted during the school board meeting. We appreciate everyone’s comments and realize some people want students back in school full time, five days a week, while others prefer to keep children at home in remote learning. We will continue to follow the CDC, Illinois Department of Public Health, and Illinois State Board of Education guidance for face coverings, social distancing, contact tracing, and cleaning protocols.

The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.

As the guidelines continue to be updated and more people are vaccinated, our hope is to have all students back to school full time in August. Please contact your child’s principal if you need additional support or send a message via Let’s Talk at www.joliet86.org/district-info/lets-talk/. While this year has been challenging, we are doing our very best to provide a safe learning environment. As always, we appreciate your support.

Sincerely,

Dr. Theresa Rouse

Ed.D. Superintendent

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This press release was produced by Joliet Public Schools District 86. The views expressed here are the author’s own.