Majority Of Northbrook D28 Parents Opt For In-Person Learning

NORTHBROOK, IL — An overwhelming majority of Northbrook District 28 students will be starting the 2020-2021 school year with in-person learning. According to Superintendent Dr. Larry Hewitt, 77 percent of students will attend school in-person, 22 percent will enroll in the Remote Learning Academy and 1 percent have un-enrolled.

Each school's capacity to socially distance students and follow public health guidelines was evaluated as the district developed its reopening plan, according to a statement from District 28. The fully remote option is available to any family who decided full-time in-person learning was not the right choice for their family.

Northbrook School District 28 consists of Greenbriar School (K-5), Meadowbrook School (K-5), Westmoor School (Early childhood and Grades K-5) and Northbrook Junior High School.

Hewitt said the district developed its plan for full-time in-person or full-time remote learning by following the guidelines published June 23 by the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Public health guidelines, "Starting the 2020-21 School Year," which states the following:

• Schools and districts are encouraged to provide completely in-person instruction for all students in Phase 4, provided that the school is able to comply with the capacity limits and implement social distancing measures.
• ISBE strongly encourages schools and districts to provide in-person instruction for all students, especially those under the age of 13, to avoid the need for child care and exposure to additional individuals.
• ISBE strongly encourages in-person instruction for students to the greatest extent possible while keeping health and safety as the number one priority.

Administration and staff continue to make progress on all the tasks associated with reopening schools, according to the district. Three task forces composed of teachers, administrators, support staff and school nurses are working on many details relating to health and safety, teaching and learning and Young Explorers. Also, several teacher teams and departments are meeting to plan and prepare while many teachers are also participating in professional development on curriculum, technology and social-emotional learning.

Due to the increased demands on the school nursing offices, the board approved creating three health aide positions, one for each elementary school. The junior high already has a health aide in addition to the nurse.