Dear District 76 Families,
I hope this message finds you and your families healthy, safe and well. Today, Governor J.B. Pritzker issued an Executive Order mandating all public and private schools in the state of Illinois close for the remainder of this school year, which for D76 means Thursday, June 11, 2020.
Although in-person learning has been suspended for the remainder of the year, I assure you that the entire D76 staff remain committed to providing distance learning opportunities, connecting and engaging with all students, as well as continuing with our food distribution program.
The D76 priorities remain at the forefront of our decision-making:
- Priority One: Make sure children have access to food/needed resources
- Priority Two: Account for the extended safety, health and welfare of our students and staff
- Priority Three: Communicate clearly
- Priority Four: Provide Distance Learning Opportunities (DLO)
For now, we will continue with DLO Phase III until April 30, 2020 and more information will follow about the next phases and timeline for DLO for the remainder of the school year.
Like you, I am saddened by the reality that our school community will not be able to reconvene in person this school year due to this public health crisis. Today’s announcement will result in significant and multiple scheduling changes in our district. It will take us a few days to sort out the many details that are already on our calendars; for example, cleaning out lockers, spring concerts, parent-teacher conferences, 8th grade dance, promotion, etc. Please be patient as the district leadership team works together to get information to you in the upcoming weeks.
I know this is not the school year that any of us imagined, and I want to thank you for your patience, support and understanding as we have dealt with this unprecedented situation together.
Embrace, Empower, Excel: Each Child, Each Day
Bhavna Sharma-Lewis, Ph.D
Superintendent of Schools