Dear Parents/Guardians:
We would like to take the opportunity to remind our families that we are planning for all schools in Manhattan School District 114 to implement full remote learning for the three weeks after Thanksgiving, from November 30th through December 18th. After Winter break, we will remain full remote as recommended to the Board of Education, in the two weeks after winter break, from January 4th through January 18th. We will return to the current in-person model with the option of full remote learning beginning on Tuesday, January 19th.
District Wide Remote Learning Plan
In an effort to support students and staff in the transition to full remote learning we have reviewed our District Wide Remote Learning Plan and have made some minor revisions. The only remote learning frameworks that have been adjusted pertain to PFA/EC and MJHS. Students in grades K-5 will follow the same framework that was implemented for the first six weeks of this school year. Of course, specific teachers may need to make slight changes to the general framework to best meet the needs of all learners. Please take some time to review the District Wide Remote Learning Plan (click here) and any additional communication that you receive from your school administrator or classroom teacher(s).
Students will be expected to take part in lessons conducted via Zoom on a daily basis. The specific information provided by your child’s teacher(s) will indicate when live lessons will occur. It is imperative that students maintain a consistent schedule and develop a routine that supports their social emotional well-being and academic growth. We will monitor student participation and attendance during live lessons closely.
All special education students with an IEP will revert to their individualized remote learning plan for the duration of the district wide remote learning period from November 30th through January 18th.
Tracking Positive COVID-19 Cases
Although students will not be on the premises, we will continue tracking positive COVID-19 cases for all staff and students during the remote learning period. We ask that any staff or student notify the school nurse or building administrator in the instance of a positive COVID-19 case during this time period. The reason for this continued practice, is that according to IDPH and rhe CDC, for those who have had prior diagnoses of COVID-19 confirmed by viral testing within 3 months, isolation and quarantine may not be needed (if identified as a close contact of a current positive case).
WC: Leann Snider lsnider@manhattan114.org 815-531-3307
AM: Jaime McCleverty jmccleverty@manhattan114.org 815-531-3107
MJHS: Anna Newtoff anewtoff@manhattan114.org 815-531-3207
District Provided Lunches
All students age 18 or under are eligible to receive school lunches at no cost throughout the remainder of the school year. Remote Learning lunches will resume November 30th - January 18th, excluding the two weeks of winter break. If your family would like to receive school lunches for each school-aged child living in your household, we would like to have you contact the district office to make arrangements. The contact person for the school lunch program is Sarah Bancsy. You may contact Sarah Bancsy at: sbancsy@manhattan114.org. When contacting Sarah, please provide your name, the names of your students, and the days that you would like to receive the lunches. Details will be provided to you regarding the dates and times for pick up. Wilson Creek Elementary will be the pick-up site for all lunches. If you have already been in contact with Sarah, then you do not need to email her again.
Manhattan Park District Camp Coyote 2.0
The Manhattan Park District will reopen Camp Coyote 2.0 for the duration of remote learning to meet the needs of working parents. Registration opened on Monday, November 16th. Visit www.manhattanparks.org for full details and online registration.
Once again, we thank you for your ongoing support and flexibility. We understand the challenges that you have been facing and that you continue to confront during this unprecedented time. Please continue to maintain open lines of communication with your child’s teacher(s), building administrator, or the district administration so that we may work together to support our learners.
At a Glance Updated Learning Schedule:
November 30, 2020 through December 18, 2020 Full Remote Learning
December 19, 2020 through January 4, 2021 Winter Break for Students
January 5, 2021 through January 15, 2021 Full Remote Learning
January 18, 2021 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (No School)
January 19, 2021 Return to Current In-Person/Remote Option Learning
Sincerely,
Rusty Ragon, Superintendent of Schools
Kristen Morphew, Director of Curriculum and Instruction