Dist. 218 High Schools To Remain On Remote Learning Indefinitely

OAK LAWN, IL —CHSD 218 announced Tuesday that its remote learning plan will continue indefinitely postponing a tentative plan to move into Phase 2 and bring students back to the building next month. In a letter to families, Supt. Ty Harting said the decision was based on an uptick in COVID-19 cases and positivity rates in the district’s partner communities.

“This appears to be a trend over the last several weeks, with some ebb and flow, but with general increases overall,” Harting stated in an email to D218 families.

Cases over the past 14 days reported to the Cook County Department of Public Health in communities served by CHSD 218 include:

Alsip - 32
Blue Island - 46
Calumet Park - 10
Chicago Ridge - 48
Crestwood - 16
Merrionette Park - 1-4
Oak Lawn - 170
Palos Heights - 29
Robbins - 14
Worth - 18

Students at Eisenhower, Richards and Shepard high schools, along with the Delta/Summit Learning Centers and the adult transition program will continue with remote learning until district decision-makers feel conditions are safe enough to allow large numbers of students to return to the buildings.

“Rather than setting a target date, we would prefer to simply stay remote indefinitely — until further notice — instead of setting return dates that we may or may not be able to achieve. We will, of course, continue to monitor conditions on a weekly basis,” Harting said. “Any return date to in person school will be announced at least 10 days to 2 weeks before as previously promised.

While we understand that this announcement may disappoint many of you, this seems the most prudent approach given current conditions.”

The superintendent also announced a significant change to the district’s remote learning program that had been requested by parents and teachers. Students will no longer be on an A/B schedule, attending class remotely every other day. Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8, students will be in their Zoom classes four days of week instead of two.

Read Supt. Ty Harting’s letter in its entirety