Oak Lawn School District 218 Begins Remote Learning April 1

Press release from Community High School District 218:

Remote learning will begin in District 218 on Wednesday, April 1.

Dear CHSD 218 Community:

I hope this letter finds you and your family safe and healthy. I wanted to give you an update on our current school situation.

As directed by the State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Carmen Ayala, all Illinois schools must implement Remote Learning Days, until in-person instruction can resume. (Remote Learning is essentially e-learning over an extended period of time). While this move will present some challenges, I also want to stress that this is something that CHSD 218 has been preparing for since we implemented our e-learning plan last year. Our district has a 1-to-1 program, equipping all of our students with iPads, allowing us to communicate with them electronically. We are very lucky that we have the tools and staff expertise to continue engaging students in learning remotely. Yes, there will be obstacles as we pivot to extended remote learning, but with patience and understanding (and some hard work) we should be able to solve problems as they arise.

It is important to note that these school days will not have to be made up at the end of the year.

Today, Monday, March 30, is the last “Act of God” day imposed by the governor. Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 31, will be a teacher planning day in CHSD 218, where our staff will continue making preparations for extended remote learning. There will be no student work assigned on Tuesday.

Wednesday, April 1st, will be the first day of Remote Learning.

Please note, in alignment with the state’s directions on Remote Learning Days, that students will be held accountable for their assignments. Teachers will grade student work. And, while students cannot fail a class during this time period, if they do not engage and do the assigned work they will receive an incomplete on their report cards.

Please look on the CHSD 218 website later today or tomorrow for more specific information regarding our Remote Learning Guidelines and student expectations. We will continue to share pertinent information via our website, email blasts, and all calls to our households as necessary.

I realize that these are difficult times. I also realize that you may continue to have lots of questions as we move forward. Please know that the 218 staff is working tirelessly to iron out any kinks moving forward and to get answers to those many questions you might have.

In closing, I want to remind you that Governor Pritzker’s office has closed all schools through at least Tuesday, April 7. I am anticipating that this date will be extended soon. We will continue to take guidance from the state on when it is safe to reopen our schools. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation (and patience!) as we work through this crisis.

Please stay healthy and safe!

Sincerely,
Ty Harting

Superintendent of Schools

Community High School District 218

This press release was produced by Community High School District 218. The views expressed here are the author’s own.