Lake County Gazette

Community High School District 117 issued the following announcement on March 13.

Earlier this morning, CHSD117 representatives participated in a regularly scheduled meeting of Lake County Superintendents.  An official from the Lake County Health Department was in attendance and offered additional information and guidance to the group regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

Taking all facts, science, data, and consultation into careful consideration, CHSD117 has decided to take further action by shutting down on-site school through April 5, 2020, consistent with most area school districts.  We confidently take this measure to support and ensure the health, wellness, and safety of our collective students, staff, and community.  As of right now, school is scheduled to resume normal programming on April 6, 2020; that said, with the highly fluid nature of this crisis, additional response MAY be necessary.

Please note the following, very critical details to this temporary cancelation of on-site programming:

-Effective at the conclusion of the school day (March 13, 2020), CHSD 117 will conclude on-site classes.

-On Monday and Tuesday (March 16 - 17, 2020), CHSD 117 will invoke two of its Emergency Days, both scheduled to be made up at the conclusion of the school year (May 26 - 27, 2020).

-Beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020, CHSD 117 will begin the practice of eLearning education.

-eLearning will be in place for March 18, 19, 20, 30, 31, as well as, April 1, 2, 3.

-CHSD 117 will observe the previously scheduled Spring Break, March 23 - 27, 2020.

-Families that have medications on-site in our nurses offices are encouraged to pick them up by 3:30 PM, Monday afternoon.

-Forthcoming, communication will be sent regarding eLearning plans, expectations, and resources…included will be communications specific to Teachers, Students Services personnel, Students, and Families.

We have some of the best Educators in America. We are confident that they will deliver outstanding instruction to our students online using our e-Learning strategies.

We are asking students to leave school today with all of their belongings and learning materials, including Chromebooks and chargers.

CHSD 117 knows the potential impact of this decision on all of its stakeholders.  While we are confident that this measure is in the best interest of our communities, we are fully aware of the impact it has on families.  To that end, we stand ready to support and proactively provide as much assistance as possible during this trying time.  Additionally, we plan to work in coordination and conjunction with our Villages to best support and assist our families during the coming weeks.  More information will be shared regarding resources for families on Free/Reduced Lunch, internet connectivity, and other necessary resources.

This situation has continued to evolve rapidly and we greatly appreciate your trust, partnership, and understanding as we have navigated these decisions.  As information is learned and new developments occur, CHSD 117 is committed to clear, transparent, and timely communication.

If you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to reach out to a member of our leadership team.

Regards,

Dr. Jim McKay, Superintendent

Original source can be found here.

Source: Community High School District 117