Glenbrook 225 Transitions To Remote Learning Amid COVID-19 Spread

GLENVIEW, IL — Citing rising COVID-19 cases amid the current omicron surge, Glenbrook High School District 225 has opted to transition to a full adaptive pause with remote e-learning beginning Thursday. The district, consisting of Glenbrook North and Glenbrook South, is anticipating a full in-person return on Jan. 18, the first day of second semester.

"While the decision to pause in-person instruction is difficult, we believe that it will create a safer environment for all and help put us in position to return to full in-person learning, appropriately staffed, at the start of second semester," Superintendent Dr. Charles Johns said in a message to the District 225 community.

The district said that despite adding positions, hiring additional staff, recruiting additional substitute teachers, and the "valiant efforts of our Human Resources Department, Instructional Supervisors, and department assistants," it is not able to provide adequate classroom and school supervision to maintain "reasonable operations."

"While we were firmly committed to in-person instruction, we were simply unable to staff it," Johns said.

Final exams will continue to be scheduled in-person for January 10 - 14, but will be "no-harm." This initiative, according to the district, means the exam will not hurt a student’s current grade. It will only increase the overall grade if applicable. Final exams will be optional and will be held in-person.

Athletics will continue to operate in-person based on staff availability and guidance from the Cook County Department of Public Health. Extracurricular club meetings will be held via Zoom for the next two days. The status of Fine Arts rehearsals and tryouts will be communicated separately.

Johns is requesting members of the District 225 community refrain from large congregate gatherings, regardless of vaccination status. He's also asking students between now and Jan. 18 to get a COVID-19 test. Testing is scheduled to resume Monday.

Glenbrook North:

• January 11: 2 to 4 p.m. in the Little Theater
• January 13: 2 to 5 p.m. in the Little Theater

Glenbrook South:

• January 11: 2 to 4 p.m. Room 2132
• January 13: 2 to 5:30 p.m. Room 2132

District Office:

• January 10, 12 and 14: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Door D (left side of building)
• January 11 and 13: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Door D (left side of building)