Huntley 158 families,
We’ve made it through the first week on our e-Learning journey! We know that there have been a number of challenges as the education industry, our technology providers, teachers, and other staff members have all rapidly adjusted to the circumstances of this unique time. The changes have come at us fast and furiously, with information coming from many sources, and not always in completely consistent ways.
But let me say unequivocally, we are proud of what our amazing students, staff members, and families have come together to accomplish this past week.
It appears that we are passing just the first of many mile markers on this journey together, but I am immensely grateful for the preparation and previous work our staff had completed that positioned us so well to be able to deal successfully with this kind of unexpected challenge.
Based on the feedback we received from you in our brief survey, the vast majority of our families had positive experiences with our first foray into e-Learning. We thank everyone who provided positive feedback, and we also are grateful for those who have shared specific difficulties they encountered.
It will be some time, if ever, that we perfect this shift in our instructional practices. But we take to heart each piece of feedback and will do our best to collaborate around solutions. If you have additional feedback or individual circumstances that the District may be able to assist you with, please fill out the form. Most of our administrative team will be working most of the break period to follow up on issues and concerns.
Link to survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYL6kIiicCIue5GhA-vTwJC_yFeX2tBccklrr0ApxQ34bXwA/viewform
A few notes to remember while we head into Spring Break:
- Our food services operations will continue throughout next week. Any family in our community is welcome at our pickup location between 9:00 a.m. and noon, Monday through Friday, at Marlowe Middle School, to pick up a breakfast and lunch pack for each child. This service is free to all families.
- The District has received its order of additional hot spots. These will be available for families without home internet access. Please contact your building administrator to inquire about this option. There are also a number of free internet options being offered by providers. Information can be found on the Illinois State Board of Education website, under the header of “Free Internet Access Resources” (https://www.isbe.net/keeplearning)
- Please keep in mind that we will continue with e-Learning Day on Monday, March 30, the day we “return” from Spring Break. As of this afternoon, we heard from the Governor that mandated school closures will remain in place at least through April 8. Unless otherwise communicated to you, please plan for e-Learning to continue until at least that date.
- Spring Break is TIME OFF! We all have earned some days off to relax and recharge. Please encourage your student to take time for enjoyment and self-care to the extent possible under our current conditions. We may well be in for the long haul, and an investment now in restoring health, mental balance, and wellbeing will pay off in droves as we continue this journey.
- We will communicate during the Spring Break week if and when important information becomes available. Likely, we will not be communicating on a daily basis, but please check in on occasion with your email, the District website, and our social media channels.
Thank you again for all you have done to support your and OUR students, and enjoy your break.
Sincerely,
Scott Rowe, Ed.D.
Superintendent
