D140 To Offer Hybrid Learning, Not Popular Among Working Parents

TINLEY PARK, IL — Kirby School District 140 shared second-quarter student learning options with parents Sept. 25, detailing the district's plans moving forward. Many parents are not happy.

The district is offering two learning methods for students in the second quarter. These include a combination model of daily in-person instruction and remote classes, or a completely remote option, according to the district.

The combination model would include an A/B schedule, meaning students would be divided into two groups. Group A would attend in-person in the morning for 2.5 hours and learn remotely at home in the afternoon for 2.5 hours. Group B would learn remotely at home in the morning for 2.5 hours and attend in-person in the afternoon for 2.5 hours, according to the district.

The district said both groups of students would eat lunch at home. This schedule would run five days a week, and the district "strongly encourages" parents to provide transportation for students if they select this model.

Remote courses offered will include P.E. Enrichment and specials, according to the district.

Elementary school schedules would have students with last names A-K attend in-person from 7:45-10:15 a.m., then switch to last names L-Z from 12:15-2:45 p.m., according to the district.

Middle school schedules would have students A-K in-person from 8:45-11:15 a.m., then switch to last names L-Z 1:15-3:45 p.m., according to the district.

Bus capacity will be limited to 50 students, and each student will be assigned a seat. All students are expected to wear their masks on the bus and at bus stops. Optional bus riders cannot be accommodated, according to the district.

Students are expected to commit to one of the second-quarter options by Thursday, Oct. 1, according to the district.

"Every effort will be made to maintain current classrooms and schedules. However, changes may be necessary based on staffing and family commitment forms," Superintendent Dr. Shawn M. Olson told parents said in a district statement. "Thank you for your patience and continued support as we work together to ensure a safe and effective learning experience for your children."

Parents took to social media to express their concerns about the new schedule options. Many say they would rather keep their kids home due to work and other activities that would make them unavailable to pick-up and drop-off their children in the middle of the day.

"Both options are horrendous for working parents! The hybrid option proposed earlier this year that fell through at least gave parents the opportunity to work a few days a week while children were in school all day. Now, 2.5 hours in school & 2.5 hours at home 5 days a week!?!" one Facebook user wrote in a private group.

"This whole thing is awful. I know they are trying to do the best they can to keep the kids and staff safe," another user wrote.

Others supported the newest schedule, saying it provides more support for students in the safest way possible.

"I understand this schedule is not feasible for working parents, but I totally understand the thinking here. Students will be in the classroom, for 5 days each week, with their teacher for core content learning—Math, English, Science and Social Studies," a user wrote. "The kids that have been struggling with remote learning will now have more support in those areas. By splitting the day, only half of the students would be there at a time, which is safer."

For additional information on the newest option being presented, specifics on your child's needs and where to fill out the district commitment form, visit the district 140 website.