March 31, 2020
Brownstown Parents/Guardians:
Earlier today, Governor Pritzker issued an order extending the mandated school closure until April 30, 2020. The Governor further reiterated that schools will continue to educate students through their Remote Learning Day Plans. To view our Remote Learning Day
In conjunction with Governor Pritzker and ISBE guidance, Brownstown Schools will utilize Tuesday, March 31 and Wednesday April 1 as Remote Learning Planning Days (RLPD). Distribution of student packets and materials take place Thursday April 2 and Friday April 3 during 3 different time slots for our convenience: from 7:00-9:00 am, 11:00am to 1:00 pm, and 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm. Remote Learning, under the new parameters, will begin Monday, April 6th. And will continue for the duration of the mandated school closure.
This past weekend the District sent out a survey to all students and families to determine technology needs across the District. If you have not provided feedback please refer to the text message notification you received or go to www.bcusd201.com, under the news section and use the link to provide feedback.
As we move forward with Remote Learning more communication to students and parents will be coming from your respective teachers more often. Furthermore, you will be provided windows of time in which teachers can be contacted by you for questions.
The overarching goal for Remote Learning is to adjust the teaching model to deliver instruction to minimize the negative educational impact of this unprecedented closure of schools. Emphasis for schoolwork assigned, reviewed, and completed during the remote learning period will be based upon learning, not on compliance. There will be no educational harm to any child and no negative impact on students. All teachers in the District will use a Pass/Incomplete system – no letter grades will be used but feedback on work will be provided. If an incomplete is given then work can be made up when the Remote Learning period ends.
Individual buildings are working to complete their plans and the District is looking at work being available every two weeks after this initial roll-out. Teachers and administrators are working on a plan to collect the work students do. A plan for collection of paper packets will come at a later time. Digital work will be submitted as your teacher requires it.
All students are encouraged to access information digitally when possible. If digital access is not available paper packets will be provided.
Platforms to be used:
Google Classroom and Zoom, Email, TeacherEase, Remind, District Web Page and phone calls.
The District is providing 24/7 public access internet on campus so any parent/student that needs access can come on campus, without entering the buildings, and do online work or download/upload electronic documents. The District is also allowing students to check out iPads and/or Chromebooks to use for digital work. If you wish to check out a district device for use at home you will need to contact your building Principal to arrange for check out and pick up of the device.
Your teachers have been hard at work setting realistic recommendations for students’ work based upon the following considerations:
· Family access, connectivity and reliability;
· Multiple students in one house with parents working from home;
· The stress placed on families during this time, and
· The fluidity of COVID-19 issues on society in general as well as the unprecedented rules placed on us.
At this time, we are not allowing the public in the school buildings. If your student needs an item from his/her room or locker please contact your building Principal in their respective office Monday-Friday between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm. Principals will arrange for your items to be brought to the office for you to pick up there.
The health and wellness of all Brownstown students and staff is a fundamental priority. Health and safety concerns are paramount in all work that must be done in person or in a specific place. With remote learning and work schedules causing many adjustments to our families, health is an even more important foundation for both children and adults. We ask that everyone continue to follow the directives of the Governor, IDPH, and local health departments. Working and supporting each other will help us all get through this unprecedented time. Thank you.
At this moment, we all need to model resilience, thoughtful responsiveness, and empathy to ensure that students continue to grow personally and academically.
You can access all of this information in the News Section of the district website.
Thank You and please be safe.
Sincerely,
Mike Shackelford
Superintendent