December 23, 2020
Dear Elementary School Families,
The Shorewood School Board determined at its meeting on Tuesday, December 22nd that an in-person instructional option will be offered for the elementary schools when a two-week community burden level is consistently below 800 cases. The earliest this transition will happen is starting Monday, January 25th, 2021. Remote learning will also be an option for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year.
The purpose of this communication is to provide families with a clear description of in-person and remote learning. After reviewing the information, we ask that you complete the appropriate declaration form(s) linked below no later than Tuesday, January 5th at 11:59 PM. Families who do not respond by this date will be enrolled into the in-person hybrid instructional model.
Timeline for Hybrid Learning & Communication
Between Wednesday, January 6th and Monday, January 11th, our elementary staff will be creating balanced cohorts and class lists. Families will receive cohort assignments, teacher assignments and AM/PM section assignments, by the end of the day on Monday, January 11th. Teacher Preparation and Professional Development will be offered from Tuesday, January 19 through Thursday, January 21. Learning will be asynchronous for these days An in-person orientation day for students will be held on Friday, January 22nd.
We will make every effort to ensure students keep their current class assignments. We recognize and value the relationships already built and formed over multiple years. We will do everything possible to preserve these relationships; however, we are unable to guarantee this will happen in every circumstance. Teachers will be collaborating in teams to create a cohorting structure that maintains as many established relationships as possible and provides the highest quality, equitable instruction for all students.
Families choosing the all-remote option for their student(s) will remain in that learning model until the end of 2nd Trimester (March 4th, 2021). A separate survey will be sent again at the end of the 2nd Trimester and a change can be made at that time for the start of the 3rd Trimester (March 8th, 2021).
Students who choose to be in person may opt to change to remote at any point during the trimester. However, once families opt for either learning model, students may not change back to another model until the start of the 3rd trimester, March 8th.
To better inform your family’s decision about hybrid learning we are providing several documents, resources, and information that will answer many of your questions. Please carefully read through these descriptions to ensure you have chosen the best option for your child. We are excited to continue to collaborate with families, teachers and our Medical Advisory Group to continue to ensure a safe and equitable educational experience.
Tammy Rasco & Nate Schultz
Lake Bluff Elementary Principal & Atwater Elementary Principal
Atwater Hybrid AM/PM Model Details