Huntley 158 families,
We’ve made it through the first half of this most challenging year. While so many of our staff members, students, and families are exhausted from the constant challenges that have been thrown at us, many within the District are also feeling energized with a renewed hope for positive developments on the horizon.
K-5 Learning Model Developments
We have completed the opt-in process for our K-5 families to select remote or in-person/hybrid learning for when we are able to return in the second half of the year. Our administrative team will be working throughout the break period to analyze these numbers and develop the best model for in-person learning to be implemented when public health considerations allow.
Part of this work will be to create remote-only sections at the K-5 level. However, please note that changes to the current class rosters and teacher assignments will not take place until the time comes for the new model to be implemented. There will be a two-week notice given prior to the implementation of an in-person/hybrid model that would result in these changes.
Second Semester Outlook
While we do not yet have a target date for a return at our elementary or secondary levels, we have seen positive developments on that front. The public health metrics in our area have been steadily decreasing, and we appear to have avoided a feared spike in cases after Thanksgiving.
In addition, the public health community’s assessment of risk levels in regard to opening schools has evolved as data from throughout the country has become available. These factors all lend hope to a potential return. However, our community still plays a key role in this fight, and the best way to speed a return to in-person learning will remain for each of us to follow public health recommendations and reduce transmission of the virus in our community.
Food Services Curbside Service Available Over Holiday Break
Thanks to our dedicated Food Services staff members, we will be able to continue our curbside pickup service for breakfast and lunch over the Winter Break, as follows: December 21-23 and December 28-30, 9:00 a.m.-noon each day at Marlowe Middle School. Those interested will also be able to pick up additional quantities for days when services are not available.
January Student COVID Symptom-Free Self-Certification
All families, please complete the January 2021 self-certification form for each of your students.
Reminder: No School January 4, 2021
This is a reminder that January 4, 2021 has been designated as a Remote/Hybrid Learning planning day. No instruction will be provided on this day as our staff undertake professional development activities in preparation for a possible return to in-person learning. Instruction will resume on January 5.
Weekly Inspiration
I have been overwhelmed with inspiration on a daily basis as I scroll through the social media channels of our schools and staff members. So much great work has been happening both within our school community and the larger community, from special holiday performances and celebrations to charity drives and creative displays of learning.
There you’ll learn about such wonders as the Chesak kindergartener who’s been busy making ornaments to raise thousands of dollars for Ronald McDonald House Charities, the members of the HHS Science Olympiad, who’ve continued competing and succeeding in a modified format throughout the pandemic period, and the unified community effort forming with families from both of our middle schools to provide much-warranted celebration of all of our 8th graders this year.
I encourage you to check out this rich source of information and inspiration. Please also stay tuned to your email for any additional updates regarding our operations in the coming weeks.
Happy holidays, and good health to you and yours!
Sincerely,
Scott Rowe, Ed.D.
Superintendent
