November 16, 2020
Dear Dimmick Families,
In recent weeks, the number of positive cases in our community, counties and region continue to grow at alarming rates and are showing no signs of slowing. With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, experts predict the numbers will only worsen. Positivity rates in LaSalle County reached 22% and in Bureau County 25%.
At this time, we believe it is best to implement DISTRICT-WIDE REMOTE LEARNING starting Monday, November 23 through Friday, December 4. We hope to resume in-person learning on Monday, December 7.
We ask that all families do their part and abide by the recommendations of the IDPH and remain home if possible, in the next few weeks to slow the spread of COVID in our community.
We are making the announcement today to provide time for our families to implement their contingency plans. All necessary instructional materials will be sent home on Friday, November 20. While we realize there is no substitute for in-person learning, our training and preparation since the start of the school year was designed to ensure a high-quality remote learning experience in preparation for these circumstances.
In the meantime, we will continue to monitor the data and communicate with the local health department to determine our next steps. Please make note of the following schedule.
Friday, November 20:
Normal dismissal 1:45PM.
Students will bring home materials and resources for remote learning.
Monday, November 23 & Tuesday, November 24:
District-wide remote learning days following the normal schedule 8:30AM-1:45PM
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held virtually as planned. If you have not scheduled a conference yet, please be sure to do so as soon as possible as we want to ensure 100% participation.
Wednesday, November 24 – Sunday, November 29:
Thanksgiving Break
Monday, November 30 – Friday, December 4:
District-wide remote learning days following the normal schedule 8:30AM-1:45PM
Monday, December 7:
Tentative plans to resume in-person learning.
REMOTE LEARNING LANGUAGE FROM THE 2ND TRIMESTER LEARNING PLAN
Remote Learning: Students will be required to participate in learning sessions that meet ISBE requirements. Sessions will include a blend of live, recorded, and digital lessons. Parental guidance and assistance may be required to support younger learners participating in remote learning.
In accordance with ISBE requirements, students will need to complete 5 hours of learning each day to count toward a full school day and toward attendance.
Scheduled sessions will be incorporated into the weekly schedule to ensure all students remain on track with their in-person learning peers.
Parents electing for remote learning are expected to ensure that their child is an active participant each day that school is in session. Active participation means:
Students will remote in and follow the regular school day schedule each day that school is in session.
Students will have a location in the home that is quiet, distraction free and conducive to learning.
Parents will ensure that students are engaged in the learning activities developed by the teachers.
Parents will ensure that their children are adhering to all school rules, dress codes, etc. while participating in remote learning.
Students are expected to complete all assigned work or activities on time.
If the student is experiencing technological issues parents should contact the school.
When remote learning, anything within view of the device’s camera must be appropriate for school.
All district expectations remain in effect during the interruption of in-person learning. Students are subject to discipline for disrupting the remote learning environment to the same extent that discipline would be imposed for disruption of the traditional classroom
All courses will be graded according to the student handbook.
Assignments will be linked via Google Classroom (3-8) or SeeSaw (K-2). Technology tutorial links for all parents can be found by clicking on the link: Student/Parent Tutorials After clicking on the link, select the “Google Apps” tab in the top left corner and select “Classroom” for grades 3-8 or select the “Other Apps” and select “SeeSaw”. These will be the two platforms used.
Special education, 504 and RtI support will be provided.
Classroom lessons shared by the teacher are assigned to students and are for supporting student learning. No session may be recorded, shared, reproduced, or published in any manner without the teacher’s permission.
Devices will be provided for those who need them.
If parents cannot afford internet service, there are options available. Please contact the school and we will provide a list of providers/options.
Students who do not participate through in-person or remote learning without a valid excuse will result in an unexcused absence. Unexcused absences more than 10% will result in a referral to the truancy officer.
NOTE: All parents electing to go with Remote Learning will be required to attend a mandatory parent meeting to review the expectations of remote learning and the technology that will be used.
While the district will strive to provide a high-quality remote learning experience, please note that there is no substitute for in-person learning.
School-wide transition to remote learning: Should conditions, change and remote learning be required of all students, the District may schedule a remote planning day to allow the teachers the opportunity to prepare for the transition. Instruction will be conducted from the school if it is permissible and remote learning will continue to follow the regular school day schedule from 8:30AM to 1:45PM.
Contingency Plan for Parents and Students: Please note, District-wide remote learning may be required for a period under certain conditions. Given the uncertainty and ever-changing nature of the pandemic, we strongly advise parents to develop a contingency plan should the District need to shift to remote learning. If District-wide remote learning is implemented, the regular daily schedule (8:30AM-1:45PM) will be followed. Additional support may also be scheduled from 1:45PM-3:30PM Monday through Thursday and 1:45PM-3:15 on Friday when appropriate.
Our top priority remains the health and safety of our students, staff, and community. We will continue to work hard to ensure that we provide high quality learning for all our students as we navigate through these challenging times. Thank you for your understanding and continued support our students, staff, school, and community. Sincerely, Mr. Ryan Linnig
Superintendent Dimmick C.C.S.D. #175
Comments