March 31, 2020
Dear Thornton Fractional 215 Families:
In an effort to keep the communication lines open and our families abreast of our mandated school closure, please continue reading. On today, March 31, 2020, Governor Pritzker announced that remote learning in Illinois would be extended through April 30, 2020, in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Although our district is currently closed for spring break, our team of campus administrators and Cabinet members are working to ensure we have a comprehensive plan in place by the time our students return to remote learning (previously referred to as e-learning). Our students were scheduled to return to on-site learning on Wednesday, April 8th; however, the most current Executive Order from Governor Pritzker has extended this return date to Friday, May 1, 2020. During this time, on-site learning will remain suspended, but we remain committed to teaching and learning. Therefore, we are reimagining what learning can look like and will continue to provide the highest quality of instruction imaginable for our more than 3,300 student scholars.
We ask all students to log-in (as they did prior to spring break) on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, by 9:00 am as we will use Monday, April 6, 2020, as a remote learning planning day for staff. While this is not ideal, we want to assure you that our teachers and staff are fully prepared to take on this new challenge and push forward with remote learning, engaging with students, and continuing with our food distribution programs. We will post our updated remote learning plan to our district website by Friday, April 3, 2020. Our revised plan will outline student expectations and grading procedures as we finish the school year.
I know this is not the school year that any of us imagined, but I want to thank you for your patience and understanding as we have dealt with this unprecedented situation together.
Here are the three priorities we are focused on moving forward:
Priority 1: Provide meals to our student scholars while considering the social and emotional needs of everyone, including our staff and community at large.
Priority 2: Communicate clearly and frequently.
Priority 3: Provide for the continuity of learning in our schools.
Remember, if you have questions, you can email [email protected]. We also share updated information on our district website and social media accounts. You are encouraged to keep up with all District 215 news and updates by visiting www.tfd215.org, liking District 215 on Facebook, and/or following @tfd215 on Twitter. Parents/families, staff, and community members can also download the District 215 mobile app for instant notifications.
As always, we appreciate your support of our district!
Sincerely,
Teresa A. Lance, Ed.D.
Superintendent
March 31 message from District 215 Superintendent Teresa Lance
